Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world

Honda Customs 2025, the Honda CB350RS Takes the Limelight

The Honda Customs 2025 competition in Europe is back for its sixth annual instalment and this time, it is the Honda CB350RS (called the GB350S in Europe) that was chosen as the template.

The winner will be determined by the number of votes received. You can vote via the https://www.hondacustoms.com/en website. Last year’s winner was Bunker Garage from Turkey with their CL500-based café racer.

The CB350RS is canvas that begs to be customised and that is what Honda turned to this year. Great choice!

Here is a look at the eleven entries:

1. RE: CRAFTED OKIRA – Freaky Debbie (designer), Ruleshaker (builder) – (France)

Look closer and you can see that this iteration features more leather than plastics for its panels. It blends fashion and motorcycling through creative sustainability. Using unsold apparel and gear from past racing events, Freaky Debbie and Ruleshaker built a unique custom bike with a matching outfit—where every detail tells a story of reinvention and smart design.

2. MIRANDA – Honda Motorsport Las Rozas (Spain)

Named after the daughter of the project leader, Miranda is a stylish tribute to the rebellious spirit of vintage motorcycles. Built by an all-female team, it features a sleek headlight cowl with integrated screen, a revised seat, and a standout white and candy pink color scheme. Upgrades like an Arrow free-flow exhaust and YSS rear shocks enhance both sound and performance.

3. THE ROCKET LION – Honda Motorsport Las Rozas (Spain)

The Rocket Lion is a love letter to classic café racers, combining Honda’s heritage with bold custom work. A modified RC181 fairing and custom rear cowling shape its unique silhouette, while the GP-inspired seat refines the riding position. Finished in an official Honda color with a patina-style logo, it features Michelin Road Classic tyres, titanium hardware, and a perfect balance of performance and vintage character.

4. CLUBMAN TT – Mallorca Motos (Spain)

Mallorca Motos channels the spirit of 70s street racing with the Clubman TT. Half handlebars and a shortened seat with integrated hump create a lowered silhouette, while a blacked-out shotgun exhaust adds visual punch and sound. The paintwork cycles through blue and green tones, inspired by the Isle of Man’s sea and forests, and the contrasting front and rear wheels complete this striking build.

5. HACHIMAAN – MAAN Motocicli Audaci (Italy)

MAAN Motocicli Audaci returns with Hachimaan, a Japanese-Bobber named after the Shinto God of War. A custom hardtail rear, minimalist peanut tank, and lever-free bars create a stripped-down, elegant form. Glistening blue paint with ghosted flames, a shifter with foot clutch, and a custom exhaust add depth and artistry to this bold, spiritual machine.

6. SILVER BULLET – Farnham Honda (UK)

Silver Bullet is a classic take on British café racer style. From the nose-cone fairing to the brushed aluminium tank and sleek single seat, it exudes purpose. Low clip-ons and rear sets on machined hangers add aggression, while braided lines and a wave disc hint at strong braking. Racing slicks complete the performance look.

7. MIA – TubaisMoto (Portugal)

Mia brings 60s motorsport flair to life, with a bold frontal fairing, retro screen, and a black chassis contrasting a red-white-blue HRC-inspired paint scheme. A stripe running nose to tail fades subtly over the cowl, adding motion to the look. Black spoked wheels, a low-slung exhaust, and a compact LED tail light blend vintage form with modern function.

8. SWISS WING – Pellicari Design (Switzerland)

The Swiss Wing is a unique creation born from the collaboration between Honda Moto SWitzerland and Pellicari Design, inspired by aeronautics. The modifications include unique full wheels, louvers, rivets, hoses, and screws borrowed from aviation. Additionally, there is a new seat, a reimagined exhaust line, and a redesigned handlebar. The design incorporates retro whitewall tires, black rear suspensions for a sporty look, and a candy red that evokes our Swiss flag—transforming this motorcycle into a bold work ready to soar to new heights.

9. GRAND (B)RIX – Sporty Bike (Germany)

The GRAND (B)RIX is a low-key powerhouse with road racer influence and café racer style. A revised fork angle drops the front for a more aggressive rake, paired with new handlebars, bar-end mirrors, and custom grips. Gold accents contrast the blacked-out exhaust with heat wrap, and the custom stitched seat rounds off its dark, purposeful character.

10. MBX350 – Servihonda Málaga (Spain)

The MBX350 dives into the 80s with a nostalgic nod to the legendary MBX80. Sharp, squared-off styling and a faithful paint scheme recreate the era with precision. Adapted historical parts and silver-finished wheels, forks and trailing arm elevate its authenticity. Period-correct mirrors and a stubby Tavi exhaust tie together this high-fidelity retro racer.

11. FTR350 – Vertu Honda (UK)

The FTR350 draws from Flat Track DNA, fusing minimalism with raw attitude. A sculpted upswept seat continues the tank’s curvature, and a front number board replaces the headlight for that true racer vibe. Finished in custom red with bold graphics, the build includes wire wheels, braided brake lines, and a high-mounted custom exhaust with CR Racefit muffler for aggressive performance and sound.

Police Use Drone to Nab Motorcyclists not Using Motorcycle Lane

Police used a drone to detect motorcyclists not using the motorcycle lanes on Federal Highway.

This follows numerous accidents involving motorcycles due to riders not using designated motorcycle lanes, as well as complaints from other road users. However, some riders remain stubborn and continue using the main thoroughfare.

Petaling Jaya OCPD, Assistant Commissioner Shahrulnizam Ja’afar, said the objective of yesterday’s operation at KM28.4 of the highway was to reduce motorcycle-related accidents.

“We collaborated with the Police Air Unit (UUP) in this drone-assisted operation. Motorcyclists detected by the drones were issued summonses immediately.”

“For some riders who may have escaped, we have recorded their motorcycle registration numbers, and summonses will be sent to their homes,” he told reporters during the operation yesterday.

He also urged motorcyclists to use the designated motorcycle lanes to avoid accidents and other dangers.

“I understand that riders do not prefer using motorcycle lanes as they can be dark at night. When it rains, these areas may also flood.”

“Therefore, our operations are conducted during peak hours in the daytime, especially in the morning,” he said after 47 summonses were issued for various offenses.

“A total of 16 offenses were detected using drones, and within 30 minutes, 32 summonses were issued during the operation,” he explained.

“Most summonses were issued to riders not using the designated motorcycle lanes under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987,” added Asst Comm Shahrulnizam.

The operation was not solely focused on enforcement, as his team also aimed to raise awareness among road users, particularly motorcyclists, about the importance of adhering to traffic regulations.

*”We are focusing on motorcyclists because 70% of fatal accidents in the district involve them. We will continue conducting such drone-assisted operations from time to time,”* he said.

Asst Comm Shahrulnizam noted that traffic accidents in the district have increased by 53 cases so far this year.

A total of 204 cases were recorded between January and May, compared to 151 cases during the same period last year—an increase of 35.1%.

In terms of fatalities, motorcyclists accounted for the highest number, with 52 deaths recorded last year.

“As of May, 34 motorcyclist fatalities have been recorded, with accidents typically occurring between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. daily,” he said.

“Among the main causes of accidents are tailgating, losing control of the vehicle leading to skidding, as well as fatigue and drowsiness. We advise all road users to always drive safely to reduce the number of accidents,” he added.

2025 BMW R 1300 RT Arrives in Malaysia, from RM167K

The 2025 BMW R 1300 RT has arrived in Malaysia, and (estimated) prices range from RM167,000 to RM180,000 depending on the “editions” and trim.

Do note that this is an entirely new model from the contact patches up i.e. new engine, chassis, frame, design, electronics suite, etc. It surely pushes the already very capable RT to a whole new level.

Highlights of the 2025 BMW R 1300 RT:

Two-cylinder boxer engine with the displacement of 1300cc, using the bore and stroke dimensions of 106.5 x 73mm.
The BMW Shift Cam-equipped engine produces 143 hp at 7,750 RPM and 149.2 Nm at 6,500 RPM. It is the most powerful production BMW Boxer yet.

Completely redesigned chassis which uses a new sheet steel frame (like the R 1300 R), plus a die-cast aluminium rear frame.
The main differences between the R 1300 RT and R 1300 RS is the front suspension: The former receives the new Telelever Evo from the R 1300 GS, which isolates the handlebars from the suspension to a greater degree than before.

At the rear is the Evo Paralever which offers a stiffer connection via the suspension in the frame and a quick-release axle on the swingarm.
New 17-inch aluminium cast wheels with hollow-spoke design, reducing 1.4 kg.

Braking system includes twin front disc brakes with radially-mounted four-piston calipers.
A 10.25-inch TFT colour screen that includes integrated map navigation and a newly-developed Connectivity Hub.

Electronic rider aids include the standard Road, Rain, Eco modes and Cornering ABS.
Adding the “Riding Modes Pro” optional system which comprises additional riding modes such as ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Dynamic Pro’.

Further upgrades include Riding Assistant which comes with Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Change Warning (SWW) and Front Collision Warning (FCW).
Colours are Alpine White 3 (RM167,000), Triple Black Limited Edition (RM177,000), Impulse Limited Edition (RM180,000). All are estimated recommended retail selling prices and not on-the-road.

Photo gallery

Security Guards have no Right to Request and Scanning MyKad – NRD

Security guards do not have the authority or right to request, hold, or scan the identification cards (MyKad) of the public, according to the National Registration Department (NRD).

We believe many of us have encountered security guards at condominiums or residential areas who ask for our identification cards or driving licenses. However, this is actually an offence under Malaysian law.

This issue has been raised several times in the past but has resurfaced.

In a statement to Bernama, JPN clarified that only five categories of officers are permitted to do so under Regulation 7(1) of the National Registration Regulations 1990:

JPN officers;
Policemen;
Customs officers;
Military personnel on duty;
and public officers authorized by the Director-General of National Registration Department.

Under Regulation 8A, if unauthorized personnel hold onto your IC, they are committing an offense. Anyone convicted of this offense may face imprisonment of up to 3 years and/or a fine of up to RM 20,000.

“Any action by security guards to request or retain identification cards is against the law and may be subject to penalties,” the statement read.

JPN also emphasized that the use of electronic devices to scan MyKad data is not permitted, as it falls under the provisions of the Personal Data Protection Act 2010.

“Any processing of personal data by private entities is subject to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, which sets guidelines and obligations to protect individuals’ personal information,” JPN stated.

Bernama contacted JPN for clarification on the issue following a viral social media post about a security guard at a premises allegedly using an electronic device to scan a MyKad.

The guard’s actions raised public concerns about its legality.

As a safety precaution, JPN advised the public not to surrender their identification cards to any unauthorised individuals and to immediately report any violations to the relevant authorities.

Hakim Danish Wins at Aragon

National rider Hakim Danish won Race 2 of the 2025 Red Bull Rookies Cup at the Aragon Circuit, Spain, yesterday.

Hakim overtook his closest championship rivals, Brian Uriarte and David Gonzalez, in the final corner to secure the top spot on the podium this time.

Speaking about his victory on the Red Bull Rookies Cup website, Hakim said: “Finally, we’re in P1. This race was fantastic and tough because our tyre performance dropped very sharply. I tried to manage the tyres as best as I could. Then, on the final lap, I accelerated early in the last corner, so I crossed the finish line in P1.”

“I had to fight hard for the win because on the second-to-last lap, I made a gear mistake in the final corner and lost the lead, dropping several positions. I pushed to recover, passing riders wherever I could. I don’t know how I did it, but I made it happen.”

Hakim had finished second five times in a row across the previous five races. He has also been the most consistent rider in the top group. With this win, he now leads the overall standings with 125 points, followed by Uriarte (95 points) and Benat Fernandez (63 points).

5 Simple Tyre Care Tips

The Universiti Putra Malaysia conducted a study recently and found out that many motorcyclists lack tyre safety knowledge. Tyre safety is not only about which compound is best, but also covers inflation pressure, condition of the tyre, age. That is why we decided to put together these 5 simple tyre care tips.

So since you have just mounted a set of super sticky tyres or bought a new motorcycle, the main task is maintain them so that they provide you with the best performance and confidence wherever you go.

Tyres do require some TLC, although not intensive and does not require automotive engineering level technical know-how. Remember, you may have the fastest bike on the planet, but it goes nowhere without those rubber donuts.

1. Break them in properly

Tyre care begins immediately after you install a new set. Remember this term: “Tyres have memory.” It means how you break them in determines how they perform later.

So, be gentle with them for the first 300 to 500 km. It means no super hard acceleration and braking, and maximum lean.

Pushing on a new tyre will bear disastrous results as some new tyres may be coated with mould release. This shiny, slippery surface needs to be scrubbed off before we can begin riding on them to the maximum.

Granted, there are tyres produced without using mould release, but breaking in the tyre gently and progressively lets the different components and compounds in the tyre to stabilise, regardless. Tyres are made from tens, if not hundreds, of different compounds and they need heat (generated from riding) to “cook” them.

Pushing on the tyres too early causes the compound hardening up even before it reaches its halfway point. This is the main reason why some riders complain about their tyres losing grip and elasticity when they start to wear. Yup, this is the “memory” we spoke about.

2. Check the pressure

Tyre inflation pressure is everything.

Under-inflation causes the tyre to overheat and wear out quickly. Additionally, it results in higher fuel consumption and sluggish handling due to increased rolling resistance.

On the other hand, over-inflation wears out the centre of the tyre quickly. Besides that, traction and comfort will suffer as the tyre could not conform and absorb irregularities on the road surface.

Granted, different tyres have different constructions, thus some are harder, while some are softer, which leads to the temptation to under-inflate or over-inflate them However, the recommended tyre pressures are what the motorcycle manufacturer deems as necessary to support the weight and performance envelope of the bike. You may of course increase the pressure should you carry heavy loads, but do so within sane amounts (increase or decrease by 10 kPa).

Another tip: Do not rely on the gauge at petrol stations because they are not calibrated over time. The best solution is by buying a good tyre pressure gauge so you can bring it with you on the bike. The correct habit is to check the pressure every time before you ride, but once every two to three days is fine too. Do check the pressure and inflate when the tyres are cold.

3. Inspect the tyres

This should ideally be done every time before you ride, at the same time when you are inflating them or cleaning your bike. Look for punctures, foreign objects, cracks or unusual wear patterns. They must be dealt with immediately.

4. Clean the tyres

It is not just about aesthetics, but cleaning the tyres allows you to spot deformities and damages, hence averting potential disasters. But do clean them with specific tyre cleaners. Do not use harsh solvents such as petrol, kerosene or diesel, as they will cause the rubber to harden. Consequently, your tyres will not grip like they should and crack quickly.

5. Puncture repair

The best fix for a punctured tubeless tyre is to replace the it altogether. This is because the object which poked through would have cut through the sections that give the tyre its shape, strength, performance and safety.

But we understand that most of us choose to repair that puncture, instead.

If you have tubeless tyres, it is best to visit a reputable workshop and have them remove the tyre and patch the tyre from the inside. Keep in mind that using a puncture repair kit (or “cacing” as it is commonly called) is a temporary measure to help you ride to the nearest workshop. It should not be left in place for the entire lifespan of the tyre.

BONUS

The tyre’s age plays a huge part in safety, too. The compound in old tyres can cause the tyre to be harder thus it may not provide the level of grip and comfort as new tyres. Tyres can generally last up to 5 years. You can check against the manufacturing code on your tyre.

In the picture above, “0117.” The first two digits mean the week of the year, while the last two digits correspond to the year. So, in this case, the tyre was made in the first week of 2017.

Conclusion

So, there you go, just five simple tips to ensure that your tyres last as long as their intended lifespans. Remember that keeping your tyres in good condition ensures your safety besides providing enjoyment and saves you money, but also ensures your safety.