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Top 10: Bikes That Ruled Malaysian Roads

There is no denying the fact that motorcycles are a big part of our lives. We are surrounded by bikes. We feel that it is safe to say that almost every Malaysian has been on a motorcycle at least once in their lives.

Although two-wheelers have been around Malaysia since independence, their popularity grew massively only after the Honda Cub took over the world. Since the first ever Honda Cub, hundreds of bikes landed on our shores, but only a handful went on to become icons, thanks to either good design or downright reliability.

That said, below is our list of the top 10 iconic bikes that basically ruled our roads. In fact, some of them are still going strong today.

1) Honda Cub (Also known as the Honda ‘Bulat’)

Unveiled in 1958, the Honda Cub did not only rule Malaysian roads, but the whole world. It is in fact, the bike that was responsible for changing the image of bikes on a global scale. Just like how Air Asia made flying accessible to the masses, the Honda Cub was the first motorcycle to reach homes. First introduced as the C70, the Cub has gone through many generations, and is still going strong. We won’t be surprised if this bike, which is also dubbed as the greatest bike ever built by many, outlives many of us.

2) Honda EX5

The EX5, which is the Honda Cub’s “grandchild”, is without a doubt, the most popular bike to be on our streets. Unveiled in 1986, the EX5 was the first motorcycle for many Malaysians. Initially powered by a 97cc made in Japan, the EX5 was updated with a 110cc engine. Known for its durability and reliability, the EX5’s legacy is still going strong, and doesn’t seem like it will be slowing down any time soon.

3) Yamaha Sport 100

Photo courtesy of malaysianbikers.com.my

Also unveiled during the same era as the EX-5, the Yamaha Sport 100, which is also more commonly known as the “100 sports” by Malaysians, was the next most popular thing after the EX-5. Still being used by many riders, both young and old, the Sport 100, which is infamously known for emitting white smoke(it is a two-stroker), is still being widely used nationwide, 30 years after its debut.

4) Suzuki RGV 120

In the 1990s, the Malaysian ‘Kapchai’ market saw a new buying trend – the demand for two-strokers was on the rise. Younger riders were more interested in “radical” models, that came with a clutch, and could easily go past the speed limit, and looked more modern than bikes like the EX-5 and the Yamaha Sport 100. This was when the Suzuki RGV 120 came into the picture and took over the streets. Sought mostly by the youth back in the days, the first thing that will come to our mind when we see the RGV 120 is definitely the infamous modified screaming exhaust pipes. How can we forget that?

5) Yamaha RX 115

Photo courtesy of Yamaha RX 115 Fan Club Facebook

The Yamaha RX 115 was a naked 115 cc bare-boned motorcycle which made its debut in 1981. Besides Malaysia, the RX 115 is also very popular in Thailand, Pakistan, Turkey, Uruguay, Singapore and Colombia. Today, the RX 115 will surely be present at any and every retro motorcycle show or gathering held in Malaysia.

6) Yamaha RXZ

If there was one bike that was guaranteed to get you attention from the ladies back in the 1990s, it was definitely the Yamaha RXZ. Powered by a potent two-stroke 135cc engine with insane amount of torque, the RXZ was not only good looking, but packed quite a punch in terms of performance as well. Truth be told, it was arguably the best looking bike of its time.

7) Kawasaki KR-150 Series (KIPS)

First unleashed in 1990 by Kawasaki, the Kawasaki KR-150, which is also known as the KIPS, was one of the favourites among speed-demons of the 90s. Looking like a mini GPZ 600, the KR150 was among the most powerful and reliable tw0-strokers to rule our streets. Even though the glory days of two-stroke engines are long gone, we can still see a few running around our roads till today.

8) Yamaha TZM 150

A legendary bike based on the TZR 250 that could kick out an impressive 35hp at 10,500RPM. Thanks to the powerful liquid-cooled, two-stroke engine with 59.0mm x 54.0mm bore and stroke setup, the TZM could rev to insane rpm. Complemented by 30mm Mikuni carbs, the engine was capable of propelling this bike up to 208km/h. How is that for performance?

9) Suzuki TXR 150 Panther

If there was one bike that could match, or outdo Yamaha’s RXZ in terms of styling and performance, it was none other than the Suzuki TXR 150 Panther. Some say that it could even outperform the TZM. First launched in 1982, the Panther’s production ended in 1991. Although the official production of the Panther didn’t go on for as long as some of its rivals, the bike has a massive cult following and still remains popular among retro bike enthusiasts.

10) Yamaha 125Z

The Yamaha Y125Z or better known as Yamaha Z (in Europe) is a 125 cc two-stroke underbone bike which made its debut in 1998 as a successor of the Y 110 SS. It is said that the 125Z was the first 2-stroke underbone motorcycle to come with a catalytic converter. Beside being sold in most Southeast Asian countries especially in Malaysia and Singapore, it was also sold in Greece.

Top 10 Kawasaki Motorcycles of All Time (Part 1)

Kawasaki consistently produced motorcycles that stir up the market.
The Big Green Machine’s approach has always been about raw power and speed.
This was why they have many “World’s Fastest Production Motorcycle” accolades in their history.

Pushed on through rivalry with the other Japanese manufacturers, Kawasaki consistently produced motorcycles that stir up the market. The Big Green Machine’s approach has always been about more power and speed. They’ve succeeded on many counts and thereby hold the honour of “World’s Fastest Production Motorcycle” with a number of models.

So, let’s take a look at some of them. Again, there are just too many to list here, so we’ll list in chronological order.

10. H1 Mach III (1969)

The H1 Mach III was a 499cc, three-cylinder, two-stroke. Its sole purpose was to win traffic GPs, specifically in the US. And it sure was fast. It would blast through 400m (1/4 mile) in 12.4 seconds and hit nearly 190 km/h in just over 13 seconds. To do so, Kawasaki lightened the bike to 174 kg by removing as much material as possible, resulting in a bike with skinny frame, forks, rear shocks, and swingarm. Forget about curves, much less corners. And it had skinny tyres and drum brakes. But heck, it was faster than the “first superbike”: The Honda CB750.

9. H2 Mach IV (1972)

As if the H1 Mach III’s madness wasn’t enough, here came the H2 Mach IV. It’s still a triple, it’s still a two-stroke, but now with a bigger 748cc capacity. Power went up from the H1’s 60 hp to 74 hp. However, it was a bit tamer in its power delivery, yet achieving the same performance as the H1 Mach III.

8. Z1 (1972)

The Z1 overshadowed the H2 Mach IV and everything else when it was launched. Meant to recapture the crown from the CB750, it went on to become a legend. Its 900cc, inline-Four, four-stroke engine made 82 hp and took the bike to 210 km/h. It also shattered my speed records along the way.

7. KZ1000 (1977)

Also known as the Z1000, it was the beginning of the “Z” bikes. Its racing version dominated road racing in a number of countries including Britain, America, Australia and the European continent. It’s the KZ1000 that gave rise to future GP stars such as Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson and Wayne Gardner.

6. GPz900 Ninja (1984)

A screen grab from Top Gun (1986) featuring Tom Cruise

When Van Diesel’s character in The Fast & Furious said, “You owe me a 10-second car” (10 seconds for the ¼-mile run), we actually laughed out loud in the theater. The reason was this bike. The GPz900 Ninja was the first production bike to feature a 16-valve DOHC engine and it produced 115 hp. That power pushed the bike to a 243 km/h top speed. But, better yet, it hurled the bike down the ¼-mile (400 m) in 10.55 seconds. Stock bike. Not modified. In 1984. It even had a centre stand. Unlike that Supra in the movie. The GPz900 was the fastest production motorcycle of the time and it earned its place in Hollywood as the bike ridden by Tom Cruise in Top Gun.

Top 10 Reasons to follow the FIM Asia Supermoto Championship

The 2017 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship starts on 2^nd September 2017.
2016 Champion Gabit Saleh from Malaysia is set to defend his title.
2015 Champion Trakarn Thangthong from Thailand returns.

The 2017 season of the FIM Asia Supermoto Championship kicks off on 2^nd September 2017 at the Thailand Circuit Motorsports Complex, Nakhon Chai Si, near Bangkok, Thailand.

Promoted by the Asia Supersports Group (ASG), E-Plus Global and Bikenation, the championship has come a long way from its humble beginnings, consisting of a series of races cobbled together, to what is now a series which has attracted participation and attention the world over.

But why is supermoto popular? Here are the Top 10 reasons:

10. THE ATMOSPHERE

Yes, it’s true that there’s a carnival-like atmosphere at any race, but you could find all sorts of stuff from the very affordable to the most expensive stuff at supermoto races. There’s also the authentic street food at each of the countries supermoto visits, compared to having to spend RM15 for a diarrhea-inducing burger at the track.

9. THE PITS

The pits and paddock areas are not enclosed in concrete booths. You could see the bikes up close and how the teams work on them. Call out to the riders and they are more than happy to go over for selfies and autograph your gear. Same with some of the umbrella girls.

8. THE UNITED NATIONS

The championship may be titled “FIM Asia Supermoto,” but the field consists of riders from as far away as Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, France, United Kingdom and the United States in addition to those from Asia. It’s truly an international championship.

7. THE BIKES

The motorcycles that compete in supermoto usually originate from motocross bikes (enduro bikes in some cases), with the wheels swapped out for 16-, 16.5- or 17-inch ones and shod with sticky rubber. The suspension is also reworked to have less travel and stiffer for the high-speed stresses of the road course. These aren’t purpose-built racing prototypes like in MotoGP, but bikes that you and I could purchase from the shop down the block and modify for road riding or racing.

6. THE PERSONALITIES
Since supermoto isn’t much like other motorsports, there are plenty of colourful characters in the paddock and on track.

2016 FIM Asia Supermoto Champ, Gabit Saleh from Malaysia rides aggressively almost like a high-speed bulldozer that smashes through all the different sections. Being a part-time stunt rider, he’s especially entertaining when he flies through the air. His signature is his head twitch, a sign that he’s switched on his personal “Race Mode.”

Gaban Saleh, Gabit’s older brother could be described as the road warrior when he races. He’s probably the hardest rider to pass as he puts up a huge fight rather than ceding a position easily. His riding style is also very aggressive and a thrill to watch.

Lewis Cornish from the UK is quiet and unassuming but he is just superfast and never gives up. He’s unafraid to charge through the smallest of gaps to grab the win – as Trakarn found out in the final round in 2015.

10-time British Supermoto Champ, Chris Hodgson is always jovial and happy-go-lucky but takes no prisoners on track. He can spot an opportunity to pass when no one does. His signature are his long, long high-speed drifts.

5. THE VIEW

Whereas other forms of motorsports cordon off the spectators far away from the action on track, you could view supermoto from almost up next to the riders as they flash by. You could hear the rear tyres howl when the riders drift into corners, smell the exhaust and rubber, feel the rumble in your chest and even see the expressions of the riders.

4. THE COMBO

Supermoto combines roadracing, motocross and flat track disciplines into one race. That means instead of having to visit three different races, you could watch all three in one race. There are two sections to each track: A tarmac section and a motocross section consisting of mountain-like jumps.

The riders have to perform well in all disciplines; being good at just any two, what more if just one of the three, would mean getting left behind.

3. THE WEATHER

As in the show goes on regardless of weather.

For example, the second round of the 2016 season was held in Malang, Indonesia. The weather had been hot all week, then rain came down with a vengeance during the weekend. The torrential rain was so heavy that puddles around certain parts of the track were ankle-deep. Yet, that didn’t stop the riders from battling tooth and nail against each other as if it was a jetski race.

2. THE SLIDES

Apart from the inclusion of both tarmac and offroad sections, drifting and powersliding are the hallmarks of supermoto racing.

The rider would blast down the straight into the braking zone, snap the rear wheel outwards and howl into the corner, and finally powerslide out, laying down a dark line on the track.

Seeing them do so lap after lap, laying down their bikes almost on their sides as they slide through corners is one of the most spectacular sights in motorcycle racing. As was in Indonesia, they’d even do it in the rain!

1. THE RACING

Well, what is racing without the action, right? But supermoto racing is elbow-to-elbow in the literal sense.

Supermoto race starts are always heart attack inducing as 30-odd riders pile into one tight corner, similar to motocross starts. You could see the riders having both elbows out, pushing other riders inside and outside away from him, while his opponents do the same to push him out of the way in return.

And while most motorsports see the greatest excitement at the start and a couple of laps after, supermoto features dogfights throughout the field, throughout the race. Lesser humans would be on their heads in no time.

So there you go. Do start following supermoto if you haven’t already, you could find many great videos on YouTube and the internet. Make sure you follow the latest reports on the 2017 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship at their official Facebook page and here at Bikes Republic.

Top 10 Classic Rock Songs for Riding

It’s the weekend, the weather looks great. You’ve washed your motorcycle and it shines like it was new. Only thing left to do is ride.

Out on the highway, the early morning air is cool. Mist still hangs over the road and among the trees. Aahh… How nice it would be to be accompanied by some music, just like in the movies.

So here’s our Top 10 Songs for Riding. No Despacito here! (Songs are copyrights of the respective artists.)

*NOTE: We do not condone listening to music through earphones as you ride. Instead, it’s best that you do so through a Bluetooth headset installed on your helmet (example, Cardo, Sena) at a reasonable volume that does not perturb your awareness of your surroundings or your concentration on handling your motorcycle.

10. RIDE THE WIND
by Poison
While Poison didn’t explain the lyrics, it was clearly apparent that Ride The Wind was written when frontman Brett Michaels had been smitten by motorcycles. The song starts immediately with, “Hearts of fire, streets of stone, modern warriors, saddle iron horses of chrome.”

Poison had always been called glam rock’s pretty boys but the song is certainly a nice tune, regardless.

9. WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
by Bon Jovi
Likened to being a song on outlaws, or particularly the outlaw biker, who drifts riding from town to town, staying just a finger’s length ahead of the law. Conversely, Bon Jovi attributes the song to their touring experience.

But the song’s lyrics never fails to find a home in the psyche of bikers who sets out on long rides to discover himself. That’s also why it’s a favorite among movie makers.

“I’m a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride, I’m wanted dead or alive.”

8. SLOW RIDE
by Foghat
Truth is, Slow Ride talks about getting it on. Not on a bike, no. (We haven’t tried it either.)

But! Riding is sometimes like lovemaking, especially when you’ve got a sweet a ride and a never ending stretch of road. The powerful guitar riff and baseline does make you want to ride, anyway.

7. SWEET HOME ALABAMA
by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Some called it a redneck song, some called it racist, some says it’s against racism, but Sweet Home Alabama never fails to lift your spirit.

Riding under a heavy rainstorm? Just yell, “Boo! Boo! Boo!” or scream, “Sweet home Alabama!” in your helmet and the rest of the way may just as well be sunny.

6. SHARP DRESSED MAN
by ZZ Top
That gutsy blues guitar riff and rumbling bass line are unmistakable, as if they emanate from the internals of an American V-Twin. Is it a coincidence since Billy Gibbons owns a huge collection of classic hotrods and Harleys?

A simple song, it talks about how ladies find rich, sharp-dressed men irresistible. In an interview, bassist Dan Hill said, “Sharp-dressed depends on who you are. If you’re on a motorcycle, sharp leader is great.”

Doesn’t matter, ‘cos we’ll just kick our heels into the wind and ride everytime we hear this song.

5. TURBO LOVER
by Judas Priest
Turbo Lover may not be as famous as other Priet’s songs such as You Got Another Thing Comin’ or Breaking The Law, but it is a succinct reference to motoring. Halford wrote this song after his fascination for fast bikes and cars.

“Then we race together, we can ride forever, wrapped in horsepower,” sang Halford.

But it’s the musical arrangement of the song that evokes the image of crusing down the highway with the wind blowing against you that makes it a worthy inclusion.

4. RUSTY CAGE
by Soundgarden
First and foremost, RIP Chris Cornell.

This song is not, we repeat, is not about motorcycles.

However, it served as the intro to one of th baddest, bat poo craziest, most entertaining motorcycle racing game of all time called, Road Rash.

It’s not the racing game like MotoGP or WSBK, but in one which you need to win by wrecking your opponents by kicking, backfisting, whipping with a chain, knocking their noggins’ with a bat, while controlling your bike, and avoiding the cops, traffic and hazards. The opening video itself shows a bunch of hooligans performing all sorts of delinquent acts on motorcycles.

No, we don’t condone violence and hooliganism, especially on motorcycles, but the game will certainly entertain you when you’re trapped at home. Hey, that’s the meaning of the song, after all – feeling claustrophobic and trapped.

Just make sure your kids aren’t at home to learn a whole new vocabulary of colourful language.

3. BORN TO BE WILD
by Steppenwolf
No motorcycle-related song list is complete without this song.

Born To Be Wild is the song most associated with motorcycles ever since it was used as the opening song to the 1969 movie Easy Rider.

No better line speaks about going out for a ride to nowhere, “Get your motor running, heading out on the highway, looking for adventure, in whatever comes our way.” “I like smoke and lightning, heavy metal thunder,” echoes the sound of a Harley. while, “Like a true nature’s child, we were born, born to be wild,” speaks to every biker who looks at motorcycles as means of non-conformism.

By the way, the term heavy metal started with this song.

2. HIGHWAY STAR
by Deep Purple
This song should probably come with a disclaimer, because you’d probably be going way much faster than you should when you ride to it.

The song describes a man’s love for his fast machinery, or more accurately, his lust for speed.

The intro of Highway Star sound likes when you’re blipping the throttle as you warm it up. Then as the crescendo rises, you hold open the throttle against the clutch before launching the beast into the horizon when the song’s first bar hits, and there’s no stopping you until you hit “the speed of sound.”

Masterfully written and performed, it’s also considered as the first speed metal song, opening the way for Motorhead and Metallica, et al.

1. HIGHWAY TO HELL
by AC/DC
Superficially, the title Highway to Hell describes a person’s journey into the afterlife in a tongue-in-cheek, if not in somewhat morbid manner. That’s exactly the reason why Hollywood love to feature this song in their horror movies (Final Destination, for example), in a demeaning light. To the religious, the song is satanic. Well, the late Bon Scott sang, “Livin’ easy, livin’ free, season ticket on a one-way ride,” in the intro, then going on to mention, “Hey Satan, paid my dues,” in another, after all.

Truth is, Highway to Hell takes on an entirely different meaning if you knew what Scott was trying convey when he wrote the song.

There’s a pub in the Australia where he and his friends would frequent for “a few drinks,” and outside this pub was a long stretch of road where there was “No stop signs, speed limit.” Drunk customers would blast up the road, “Nobody’s gonna slow me down,” and ended up crashing, more often than not fatally.

On the other hand, lead guitarist extraordinaire and people’s hero, Angus Young, dedicated Highway to Hell to their punishing US show schedule.

But no matter what conviction you may hold or what the song means to you, no riding/driving/road trip song list is complete without this eternal (pun unintended) classic.

Top 10 coolest classic Vespas ever

We list down the 10 coolest classic Vespas ever made in its 70-year history.

(more…)

Top 10: Middleweights for beginners

If you happen to be one of those who has just obtained your B-Full license; looking for a first big bike that has decent amount of power, offers practicality for daily usage, yet doesn’t blow a big hole in your bank account, you’ve come to the right place, as we have a list of middleweights compiled for your reference.

Although the definition of a middleweight motorcycle may vary from one person to another, we have decided to refer to what the Japanese Big Four (Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda) have agreed upon – that a middleweight bike should displace 500cc—800cc. However, not all bikes within this displacement range are suitable for beginners, as there are various models with different characteristics.

That said, here are 10 middleweight bikes in our market at the moment that are ideal for those looking for their first big bike.

1) Kawasaki ER-6N

You know that a bike is ideal for beginners when you see it being used by driving schools to teach B-Full license applicants the basics. Offered at a very competitive price, the Kawasaki ER-6N also deserves full credit for changing the big bike scene in Malaysia, becoming the first bike to make Malaysians believe that “now everyone can ride a big bike.”

Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin, DOHC 8-valve
Fuel system: Digital Fuel Injection
Displacement: 649cc
Max power: 71hp at 8,500rpm
Max torque: 64Nm at 7,000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17-litres
Price: RM32,000

2) Yamaha XJ6 Diversion F

Capable of handling anything from daily commuting, weekend blasts, as well as long distance touring, the XJ6 Diversion F is the latest variant of the XJ6. The bike runs on a reliable 600cc in-line 4 cylinder engine and the compact chassis is designed to deliver agile handling and confidence-inspiring road holding. This all-rounder XJ6 Diversion F is equipped with smooth action suspension systems to ensure top class riding comfort.

Specifications

Engine: Liquid cooled, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve
Displacement : 600 cc
Maximum Horsepower: 77hp at 10,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 59.7Nm at 8,500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 litres
Price: RM39,800

3) Honda CB500X

Ideal for both beginners and seasoned riders, the CB500X delivers plenty of performance, thanks to the thoroughly modern, torquey 471cc parallel-twin DOHC engine. Its upright handlebar, the shape and height of the seat, and the way the power is delivered accommodates a wide variety of riders, and gives riders a lot of freedom. The CB500X is an excellent choice for riders ready to move up a displacement class, or for anyone who appreciates a great middleweight motorcycle for practical in-town riding, or fun adventure-sport touring.

Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves, parallel-twin
Displacement : 471cc
Maximum Horsepower: 46.9 hp at 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 43 Nm at 7000 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.3 litres
Price: RM28,688

4) Kawasaki Versys 650

Kawasaki’s third-generation Versys 650 has grown into a serious entry-level sports tourer that is worth every sen it asks for. Despite all the upgrades that has been added, it is still perfect for the less experienced, as well as the veterans. However, due to the height of the bike, it is not suitable for small-sized individuals. On the brighter side, it is among the more powerful candidates in its class.

Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Fuelling: Fuel Injection
Max power: 68hp at 8,500rpm
Max torque: 64Nm at 7,000rpm
Fuel capacity: 21-litres
Price: RM38,369

5) Suzuki Gladius 650

Launched during last year’s Malaysian MotoGP round, the Suzuki Gladius is a naked bike that is ideal for both daily riding and some occasional canyon carving. Featuring the same 645cc V-Twin engine that is fitted on its sibling – the V-Strom 650, the bike features fuel injection technology and SDTV system among other technology.

Specifications

Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree V-Twin
Displacement: 645cc
Transmission 6-speed
Max power: 71 hp at 9000 rpm
Max torque: 63.1 Nm at 7600 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 14.5-litres
Price: RM39,900

6) Kawasaki Vulcan S

Honestly, it doesn’t get any better than this. Never have we had a good looking 650cc cruiser with an asking price below RM30,000. No, it has no V-twin, and it doesn’t sound like a Harley-Davidson but it serves its purpose very well, both in town and on the highway.

Specifications

Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Transmission: Six-speed
Max power: 61hp at 7,500rpm
Max torque: 63Nm at 6,600rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 14-litres
Price: RM29,989

7) Honda CB650F

Made for those who want more than the 500cc offered by the CB500 range, the CB650F, which is powered by Honda’s completely new inline four-cylinder engine produces generous amounts of low to mid-range torque, making it a formidable bike in the city and during quick runs. However, the comfortable upright sitting position, ergonomically placed levers and pegs make it an ideal bike for long distance riding as well. In all, the CB650F is catered towards those with a thirst for torque.

Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC Inline-4
Displacement: 649cc
Transmission: Six-speed
Max power: 87hp at 11,000rpm
Max torque: 63Nm at 8,000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17.3-litres
Price: RM39,999

8) Ducati Monster 795

If Japanese bikes are not your thing, and you want something more exotic, Ducati Malaysia is here to make your day with the Monster 795. Priced below RM60,000, the Monster is so user-friendly that even female riders are loving it. But that doesn’t mean that the bike is not powerful. Powered by a 795cc engine, the Monster 795 is just as exciting as any other Ducatis in the stable.

Specifications

Engine: L-Twin, 2 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, air cooled
Displacement: 803cc
Transmission: 6-speed
Max power: 87hp at 8,250rpm
Max torque: 78Nm at 6,250rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 15-litres
Price: RM59,900

9) Kawasaki Z800

Ever since it was launched in 2012, the Kawasaki Z800 has gained massive popularity, becoming arguably the most popular middleweight on our roads today. Among the factors that contributed towards the Z800’s success include its competitive price, fierce design, and of course, the generous dose of power.

Specifications

Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
Displacement: 806cc
Transmission: 6-speed
Max power: 113hp at 10,200rpm
Max torque: 83 Nm at 8000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 17-litres
Price: RM47,989

10) Triumph Bonneville

Different riders have different preferences. Some potential first bike owners might have a soft spot for modern classics. If you fall under this group, the Triumph Bonneville is here to make your day. As much as the Bonnie looks like a classic, it rides and feels just as modern as any other new bike out there. Ideal for both daily usage and long distance cruising, the Bonnie is among the best modern classics out there in the market, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Specifications

Engine: Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360º firing interval
Displacement: 865cc
Transmission: 5-speed
Max power: 68hp at 7500rpm
Max torque: 68Nm at 5800rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 16-litres
Price: RM53,900

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top 10

Top 10: Bikes That Ruled Malaysian Roads

Top 10 Kawasaki Motorcycles of All Time (Part 1)

Kawasaki consistently produced motorcycles that stir up the market.

The Big Green Machine’s approach has always been about raw power and speed.