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Benda yang menyakitkan tentang ingin menguji motosikal sebelum membelinya ialah kita perlu melawat beberapa kedai sebelum menemui moto yang kita suka. (more…)

It is difficult to imagine a world without motorcycles. Not only do they save time and money but they are also awesomely fun.

But according to reports out of the UK, there are some employers who are discriminating against their motorcycle riding employees for riding their bike on world-related journeys.

Well, believe it or not, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) is sounding the alarm on exactly that.

According to Alex Parsons-Hulse from the BMF, they’ve caught wind of ‘several’ companies putting the brakes on employees using motorcycles for work-related trips. We’re talking about legitimate stuff here – visiting suppliers, meeting clients, or attending a conference. And to add fuel to the fire, there are instances where employers are saying, “Sorry, leave your bike at home,” when it comes to the daily commute. Smells a bit like discrimination based on transportation choices, doesn’t it?

The BMF isn’t sitting idly by; they want the scoop. They’re urging people to come forward and spill the beans on these situations. So if you are reading this from the UK and your boss has ever pumped the brakes on your bike for work trips or made you ditch it for the daily grind, the BMF wants to hear your tale.

It is difficult to imagine such a thing happening here in Malaysia, in fact there is no chance of it ever happening here. So our hearts go out to our motorcycle riding brethren in the UK.

Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Moto Guzzi, is making waves in the industry with the recent global launch of its V100 Mandello.

  • Moto Guzzi hinted the revival of the iconic Stelvio back in 2022. 
  • The next-gen adventure bike to feature the same 1042cc engien taken from the V100 Mandello. 

 

Known for their distinctive charm and retro designs, Moto Guzzi has taken a step towards modernity with the technologically advanced V100 Mandello, equipped with high-tech components and a powerful 1,042cc engine.

Building on this success, Moto Guzzi has hinted at the revival of their beloved Stelvio adventure bike at the EICMA 2022 event. The company showcased a teaser display featuring the word “Stelvio” alongside an eagle flying across the iconic Stelvio Pass. Originally discontinued due to lackluster sales, Moto Guzzi’s decision to resurrect the Stelvio reflects the growing demand for liter-class adventure bikes.

 

Spy shots shared on Facebook offer a glimpse of the upcoming Stelvio, revealing its close resemblance to the V100 Mandello. The revamped Stelvio incorporates several modifications to enhance its off-road capabilities, including wire-spoke wheels with dual-purpose tires, long-travel suspension, an adjustable windscreen, and hand guards.

Notably, the new Stelvio is poised to be Moto Guzzi’s most technologically advanced model to date. Sources suggest it may feature radar-powered cruise control, IMU-powered traction control, ABS, multiple ride modes, and potentially even electronically adjustable suspension.

While Moto Guzzi remains tight-lipped about specific details, insiders speculate that the Stelvio will make its highly anticipated debut at EICMA 2023. Adventure motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly await further updates from the iconic Italian brand.

Caofen, a new emerging electric brand, has announced its entry into the UK market with the launch of two electric motorbikes – the F80 Adventure and F80 Off-Road.

  • The road-ready F80 Adventure will retail at GBP5,995 (RM33k), while the F80 Off-Road will cost GBP5,495 (RM30.3k).
  • Caofen is a newly developed electric motorcycle company from China owned by Chongqing Huanghe Motorcycle Company. 

The Caofen F80 bikes are equipped with patented battery technology, a single-piece frame, and an enhanced motor. They are designed to improve performance and longevity, enabling riders to enjoy their ride, go faster, and cover more distance on a single charge.

The Caofen F80 bikes have been developed to compete with other electric motorbikes already available in the UK market. The launch of these bikes is expected to bring more competition to the market and increase the availability of affordable electric motorbikes.

The company has launched its newly designed website where interested buyers can find more information about the specifications of the F80 Adventure and F80 Off-Road. The website also provides information about other upcoming models from Caofen.

The launch of the Caofen F80 bikes is a significant development in the electric motorbike market in the UK. With more consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint, the demand for electric bikes is expected to rise in the coming years. The Caofen F80 bikes offer an affordable option for those looking to transition to electric motorbikes.

British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph is set to expand its range of motorcycles, with recent trademark applications suggesting the company has even more ambitious projects in the works.

  • Triumph is working on several new models as confirmed by latest trademark applications. 
  • The Hurricane nameplate is well known back in the 70s. 

According to reports by Cycle World, Triumph has filed trademark applications for “Hurricane,” “Adventurer,” and “Street Tracker” in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

The name “Hurricane” is well-known to Triumph enthusiasts, as it was used on the iconic X-75 Hurricane motorcycle in the 1970s. It is likely that Triumph will use the name for a new model with similar styling and mechanical layout to the X-75. 

Triumph also applied for the name “Adventurer,” which has been used in the past on a twin-cylinder scrambler and a cruiser. However, the company is likely to use the name for an adventure bike given its current range of adventure models.

Finally, the trademark application for “Street Tracker” suggests that Triumph is developing a bike in this style, although the use of “Street” in the name raises some questions. It is possible that Triumph will use the name for a model based on its Street Triple, or that it will be used for the new Bajaj-built, single-cylinder retro models that are due to be launched later this year.

While Triumph has a history of holding onto trademark rights for historic names, the recent changes to US trademark law mean that companies are only meant to register names they genuinely intend to use soon. 

Triumph’s expansion into new markets, including motocross and electric motorcycles, as well as its plans to develop a range of entry-level single-cylinder bikes in India, suggest that the company has big plans for the future.

(source: Cycle World)

Milestone has announced the launch of the fifth iteration of their motorcycle racing game, Ride 5, which is set to release on August 24th, 2023.

  • said to be more personal than previous iterations, focusing on both the simulation aspect and gaming elements.
  • In addition to the traditional motorcycle and rider customization, the game will feature AI rivals with specific backgrounds, a free-roaming mode, and a “race creator” with unlimited possibilities.

Milestone hopes that these new features will immerse players in a comprehensive world, creating their own rivalries and extending the enjoyment beyond the track.

In terms of new tracks, the game will feature Autopolis in Japan, Sonoma in the US, and a new fictional circuit, as well as returning tracks such as Suzuka, Cadwell Park, the North West 200, and Brands Hatch.

In addition, the game will feature endurance races such as the Bol d’Or and Suzuka 8 Hour. Although there is no license with the Endurance World Championship, the inclusion of these races confirms the presence of the Paul Ricard circuit in the game.

On the simulation side, Ride 5 will feature a new suspension model, a new tire model that simulates the physical and graphical deformation of the tire, and enhancements to the endurance mode thanks to improvements to the dynamic weather system that simulates clouds. Additionally, the game promises motorcycles with more realistic top speeds, and endurance races will be available in online modes.

Ride 5 will be available in two editions on new-generation consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S) and PC via the Epic Games and Steam stores.

The release of Ride 5 is eagerly anticipated by fans, who have appreciated the lifelike graphics, variety of bikes and tracks, and overall improvements in each edition of the series.

A fire broke out in front of Suria KLCC on April 13, destroying nine motorcycles and four electric scooters. 

The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department responded to the incident at 3.45pm, dispatching a team of 15 firefighters with three fire engines from Tun Razak and Keramat fire stations to the scene.

The firefighters found that nine motorcycles and four electric scooters were completely burned, while four other motorcycles suffered varying degrees of damage ranging from 3% to 20%. 

The fire was brought under control at 4.04pm without any reported casualties. 

The cause of the fire and the total losses are currently being investigated.

(source: BERNAMA)

Yamaha, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, has announced that it will be adopting a new recycled polypropylene material in its manufacturing processes for its powered two-wheelers. 

  • the new recycled materials have no risk of containing hazardous substances.
  • the material could also be used in other areas. 

According to Yamaha, the adoption of the new recycled polypropylene has been successful in its development process, offering even higher levels of strength and quality looks compared to conventional recycled materials.

While Yamaha has used recycled PP before, the new material has been developed from raw materials that have not yet reached customers and have no risk of containing environmentally hazardous substances. 

The newly-developed recycled PP will be used in the construction of the main exterior bodywork of its powered two-wheelers, specifically consumer motorcycle models marketed in ASEAN markets. 

However, Yamaha has stated that the new recycled PP material could also be used for areas requiring greater aesthetic appeal and that it plans to expand its use into other product areas.

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. has recently introduced three affordable motorcycles, namely SM Sport 110E, WMoto VE1-110E, and WMoto WM110, to the Malaysian market. 

  • SM Sport 110E, WMoto VE1-110E and WMoto 110E rolls into the Malaysian market. 
  • All three motorcycle is comes with manufacturer warranty of 20,000km or two-years (whichever comes first). 

The SM Sport 110E, priced at RM3,859, is perfect for daily use with a power output of 6.03Hp at 7,500rpm and a torque of 7.0Nm at 5,000rpm. It weighs only 100kg and has spacious storage capacity and a 4.0-litre petrol tank. The bike has a striking graphic design and is available in three colours – red, blue, and yellow.

Meanwhile, the WMoto VE1-110E, priced at RM3,748, has an engine displacement of 106.7cc, producing power up to 6.6Hp at 8,000rpm and a maximum torque of 6.9Nm at 6,000rpm. It has telescopic suspension on the front tires and dual-shock absorbers on the rear, ensuring perfect shock absorption. The bike is available in three colours – red, blue, and yellow.

The third option is the WMoto WM110 that is offered at a starting price of RM3,788, equipped with a 109cc engine capable of producing power up to 7.1Hp at 8,000rpm and 7.2Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. It has KYB suspension for higher handling performance, stability, and travel safety.

The bike uses disc brakes on the front wheel, making it safer to ride. It has a bright front light for night riding, and its 4-litre fuel tank is suitable for daily use. It is available in three colours – blue, red, and black.

All these affordable motorcycles are available at any authorised MForce dealer throughout Malaysia, with a manufacturer’s warranty of two years or 20,000 km travel distance (whichever comes first). MForce also offers online genuine parts purchase service for its bikes.

With the introduction of these three affordable motorcycles, MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. aims to provide Malaysian riders with economical options without compromising on the latest specifications. These bikes are perfect for daily use and offer a comfortable and safe riding experience.

Malaysia has become home to the first-of-its-kind motorcycle subscription service called Flux. This innovative service allows customers to enjoy a range of benefits, including flexible contracts, concierge services, and the ability to swap between different bike models during the subscription period.

  • FLUX offers Malaysia’s first motorcycle subscription service. 
  • customers can select from a variety of motorcycles including EVs. 

The service is structured around a security deposit paid upfront and a subscription term that ranges between 24 to 60 months. At the end of the subscription period, customers have the option to purchase the motorcycle for a guaranteed future value, which is determined based on the selected plan.

The subscription fee covers various aspects such as insurance, road tax, servicing, and maintenance, replacement of selected wear and tear items. The customers only have to pay for brake pads/discs and tires. Additionally, the service offers several models of motorcycles and scooters, including the Yamaha Y15ZR and 135LC, the Honda RS150R and Wave 125i, and the Blueshark R1 and R1 Lite electric scooters, as well as the Vespa LVX150.

The process begins with the customer selecting one of three plans, which range between 24 to 60 months, and a mileage package that includes 2,000 km, 2,750 km, or unlimited. Flux will then set a guaranteed future value depending on the selected plan. The customer can then make a reservation online and pay the security deposit/downpayment, with the selected motorcycle or scooter delivered within seven days.

Flux’s motorcycle subscription service offers numerous benefits to customers, including a concierge service that renews road tax and insurance, with reminders for scheduled maintenance. This service provides a hassle-free experience for customers, who can focus on enjoying their motorcycle without worrying about any additional costs or paperwork.

Moreover, the service allows for not only swapping between different bike models but also between motorcycles and cars provided by Flux, adding another layer of convenience and flexibility for customers.

The Indonesian island of Bali has banned tourists from renting motorbikes in a new effort to curb antisocial behaviour. The move follows a string of traffic violations by foreigners, including drunk driving, speeding, and using fake license plates. 

  • Bali is banning tourists from renting motorbikes to curb antisocial behaviour and traffic offences by foreigners.
  • Visitors will be encouraged to rent cars instead of motorbikes, which are popular among tourists.
  • Tourism is a vital part of Bali’s economy, but locals are increasingly frustrated with tourist hooliganism and unruly behaviour.

The new rules aim to encourage visitors to rent cars instead of motorbikes, which are popular among tourists and easily navigable on the country’s winding roads. 

Governor I Wayan Koster said tourists should “act as tourists,” use vehicles provided by travel agents, and abide by traffic rules.

Tourism is a vital part of Bali’s economy, with the sector contributing about 60% of the island’s annual GDP. However, many locals have grown increasingly frustrated with tourist hooliganism and unruly behaviour, with some blaming tourists for the high number of road accidents that occurred in 2020, causing 405 fatalities.

Although travel has rebounded after international travel restrictions were lifted, Bali’s businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic.

The ban on renting motorbikes is expected to be implemented later this year, but the government has not yet revealed how it will be enforced. 

Not all locals and tourists are pleased with the new rules, with some arguing that specific violations should be targeted instead of imposing a blanket ban. 

One Twitter user said they would not be returning to Bali if motorbikes were banned. However, the government believes the move is necessary to tidy up the island and curb antisocial behaviour, which has been made more visible by the pandemic-induced lull in tourism.

Honda is reportedly working on a new motorcycle crash detection system that goes beyond just alerting riders when a crash has occurred.

  • Honda is developing a new motorcycle crash detection system that can determine if the rider is unconscious and decide whether or not to call for emergency services.
  • The system uses the motorcycle’s IMU and sensors to detect a crash.
  • The system can differentiate between minor incidents and serious accidents and has the potential to save lives by quickly alerting emergency services.

The new technology is said to be able to determine if the rider is unconscious or not and decide whether or not to call for emergency services.

The system uses the motorcycle’s IMU and an array of sensors to detect when a crash has occurred. It then links to the rider’s smartphone and helmet-mounted Bluetooth headset to determine if the rider is still conscious or not. Based on this diagnosis, the system will decide whether or not to make an emergency call.

Interestingly, the system is also said to be able to differentiate between a minor incident, such as dropping the bike on its side at a driveway, and a serious accident that requires immediate attention. If the incident is deemed minor, the system will not make an emergency call.

While this new technology sounds promising, questions remain about its accuracy and reliability. For example, if the rider is not wearing a Bluetooth headset, will the system still be able to accurately determine their state of consciousness? Additionally, it will be interesting to see how the system performs in real-world scenarios.

Despite these questions, Honda’s new motorcycle crash detection system is a promising development in motorcycle safety technology. It has the potential to save lives by quickly alerting emergency services when a serious accident has occurred. Honda has not yet announced when the technology will be available to the public.

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