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2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 US Prices Revealed

Triumph has revealed the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 prices.
However, the prices are for the US market, at the moment.
They are considerably cheap, considering that they have more technology than their peers.

There was lots of excitement accompanying the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 launch in October. This was the Scrambler that will destroy the scrambler wars. However, Triumph withheld the prices during the time.

It finally has, courtesy of a motojournalist who was attending the media ride in Portugal.

The 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 features two “terrain-centric” variants. The Scrambler 1200 XC is more road-oriented but still off-road capable. On the other hand, the Scrambler 1200 XE (“E” for extreme) is more off-road oriented but still road-capable.

Both models share the same 1200cc Hi-Power engine, new LCD display, LED lighting, backlit switches, torque-assist clutch, cruise control and optional GoPro control.

The XE, however, features longer-travel suspension, IMU-optimised Cornering ABS and Cornering Traction Control, extra Off-Road Pro engine map, Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers and a couple more wonderful things.

Okay, okay, how much? Triumph in America recommends US$ 14,000 for the Scrambler 1200 XC, and US$ 15,400 for the Scrambler 1200 XE. But bear in mind that these are retail prices in the States. Still, the prices are super competitive among its peers. They are considerably cheap even, given the amount of technology it carries!

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Recalls Yamaha YZF-R25

A parts replacement programme has been initiated for the Yamaha YZF-R25.
The parts are a radiator hose and gearshift shaft torsion spring.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor will contact owners of the affected units from mid-January 2019.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) issued a statement regarding the Yamaha YZF-R25. The Malaysian Yamaha distributor calls it a “Parts Replacement Programme.”

When Yamaha initiated a recall campaign for the Yamaha YZF-R3 in America, we did not publish the news as the R3 is not available here. We were uncertain if the YZF-R25 used the same parts as the R3.

Well, it does look like it is so now. HLYM will send the notice to the affected customers from mid-January 2019 onwards.

There are two parts to be replaced. The first is the radiator hose. Yamaha found that the supplier has improperly vulcanized (process of hardening rubber) the hose and it may leak cooling fluid.

Units affected by this are YZF-R25 frame numbers beginning with PMYRG1510E, PMYRG1510F, PMYRG1510G. Also, units 0000000 to 0012240 for frame number beginning with PMYRG1510H.

The second part covered in the programme is the gearshift shaft torsion spring. Yamaha found that the supplier shot-peened it improperly. Shot-peening is a process to strengthen metal parts. The spring could potentially break causing the shifter to become loose, consequently affecting gear shifting.

Affected units are all units with frame numbers beginning PMYRG1510E, PMYRG1510F, and PMYRG1510G from 0000000 to 0006758.

Model

Frame Number

Component

YZF-R25

All units with Frame number beginning with

PMYRG1510E

PMYRG1510F

PMYRG1510G

And units within the following frame numbers

PMYRG1510H– 0000000 to 0012240

Radiator Hose

All units with Frame number beginning with

PMYRG1510E

PMYRG1510F

All units within the following frame numbers

PMYRG1510G- 0000000 to 0006758

Torsion Spring

Owners are advised to contact HLYM immediately upon receiving the notice. Contact numbers are: 03-61577011 and 03-61577002.

Source: Hong Leong Yamaha Motor

Reports of Suzuki Hayabusa Death Greatly Exaggerated?

The internet went crazy when with the news of the “death” of the Suzuki Hayabusa.
The manufacturer is only stopping production of the Euro4-compliant ‘Busa.
It did not mean there is no more of the model in the future.

The internet went crazy last week with the “death” of the Suzuki Hayabusa. We decided to sit out the storm and see what actually happened.

Well, Suzuki Motor of America has issued a press release in the matter. “The news of my death has been greatly exaggerated,” said Mark Twain.

This was what they said:

“Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) has confirmed that U.S. market production of the Hayabusa sport motorcycle continues uninterrupted,”

“Production of the European-specification Hayabusa ceases due to Euro4 emission regulations. This situation, and resulting media reports, may have caused confusion and misunderstand among U.S. consumers, media, and dealers.”

It all started when Suzuki Japan’s website announced that they will cease production of the bike. Certain publications jumped on it, by assuming the worse. The “obituary” had circulated the globe about a kabizillion times before considering the backdrop.

The manufacturer is merely stopping production of the Euro4-compliant Hayabusa meant for the European market.

It’s not bad news at all, since they will definitely debut a Euro5-complaint ‘Busa for 2020. Some say it will feature turbocharging, 1440cc engine, IMU, active suspension, etc. and more rumours.

KTM CEO: Bajaj to Build New KTM 500cc Two-Cylinder Model

KTM CEO Stefan Pierer confirmed that a new 500cc two-cylinder model is coming.
He also said that Bajaj will build the new bike.
The Austrian firm wants to compete with the Japanese in this growing segment.

Rumors of a KTM 500cc two-cylinder road model circulated some time back, but it begot nothing thereafter. KTM CEO Stefan Pierer confirmed Bajaj will build the new KTM 500cc two-cylinder model during the recent interview with Speedweek. He had also expressed his interest in Ducati during the same interview.

Having Bajaj build the bike means it will be priced competitively. Pierer says it’s because KTM wants to compete with the Japanese in this perpetually growing segment around the world.

It should bode well with riders who want a KTM but finds the 390 Duke/RC too small while the 790 Duke/Adventure too big or expensive. a 500cc platform will most probably include both Duke and Adventure variants, as with the 790.

The new 500 could well be called the 490, going by the Austrian manufacturer’s tradition. But what can we expect?

The new generation 390 Duke features a TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, ride modes, ABS, WP suspension, and such. The 790 Duke is also bedecked with those features. Consequently, we can safely assume that the new 500cc bike ought to include the same features.

As for the engine, KTM dabbled into a new direction for themselves with 790. Instead of being either a single or V-Twin, they went with a parallel-Twin called LC8c. Its 285^ocrankshaft timing mimics the 75^oV-Twin (360^o– 285^o– 75^o) in the manufacturer’s larger bikes.

Hence, we should be able to expect of the same in the 500cc model. The engine should be compact and lightweight such as the 790’s, although we don’t know if it’s sleeved-down from the bigger engine.

What happens to the 690 Duke then? KTM may just replace it with the new bike, since a two-cylinder 500cc engine should produce equivalent of more power than a 690cc single.

We’ll definitely bring you more so watch this space.

Special service campaign for Aprilia owners in Penang!

Aprilias are special machines and require special care.
Aprilia service centre in Penang is offering special discounts and gifts for owners.
Campaign to run from 24th of December till the 28th of December 2018.

Calling all Aprilia owners in Penang! The official Aprilia service centre in Penang is offering a special service campaign which runs from 24th of December 2018 till the 28th of December.

The Aprilia service centre in Penang (pictured above) is offering special door gifts for all Aprilia owners who service their bikes at the official centre. And besides that, Aprilia owners will also enjoy a 15% discount on spare parts, special price for oil service, as well as a special price on tyres.

So if your Aprilia is due for a service, or if you just want to enjoy the special privileges during this service campaign, then head on over to the Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn Bhd located at No 24, Japan Dato Keramat, Pulau Pinang, 10150, Georgetown. Or call 0194009339 for more information.

“This special service campaign was designed exclusively for Aprilia owners. As the official service centre for Aprilia, we want to be able to offer owners the complete Aprilia experience which includes fantastic aftersales service and all the right tools to service the bikes. Aprilia’s are among the best bikes in the world, and it is important to have the right knowledge and the right tool to have them performing at their best always,” said Kheoh Hock Seng, Managing Director of Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn Bhd (above).

By the way, just to further sweeten the deal, Aprilia of Penang will also throw in a special RM100 voucher which you can use to buy merchandise at the shop. Short of getting an Aprilia for free, good deals don’t get sweeter than that.

Showa and Brembo for Harley-Davidson LiveWire

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire will feature high-end Showa suspension and Brembo brakes.
The Motor Company is aware of what customers expect on a performance bike.
The bike should be available in 2019.

The upcoming production Harley-Davidson LiveWire should allay some fears of electric bikes being like golf carts. That’s because the Motor Company has announced that the LiveWire will feature high-end suspension and brakes.

“When we were looking at Project LiveWire, the feedback we received was clear: customers wanted a true motorcycle,” says Marc McAllister, Vice President of Product Planning and Portfolio at Harley-Davidson. “They weren’t willing to compromise the ride for an electric vehicle. We had to look at it as a motorcycle first. To deliver the kind of performance the bike allows, we chose Showa suspension, Brembo brakes and so on, to deliver the kind of ride people expect.”

Harley’s association with Showa and Brembo isn’t new. The manufacturer’s touring models utilize Show Dual Bending Valve forks, as well as Reflex ABS units.

On the other hand, Harley will equip the the LiveWire with Showa Separate Function Big Piston forks (SFF) and Showa Balanced Free Rear Cushion-lite monoshock out back. Braking duty is handlbed by Brembo Monobloc calipers. The suspension will be fully-adjustable.

In the electronics department, the bike will have four power modes, besides three user-adjustable ones.

Harley-Davidson also plans to nominate 250 electric motorcycle dealers next year.