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KTM Unveiling KTM 790 Adventure at EICMA

KTM will unveil the KTM 790 Adventure at EICMA 2017.
It shares the same parallel-Twin as the KTM 790 Duke.
We may see a road-going S-version and off-road R-version.

KTM has confirmed the unveiling of the all-new KTM 790 Adventure at EICMA 2017.

First spotted undergoing road tests in December 2016, KTM has confirmed that the 790 Adventure will be available from 2019. The KTM 790 Duke roadster, however, is slated to be available from 2018 (click here for the promo video of the prototype).

The 790 Adventure will use the same 800cc parallel-Twin of the 790 Duke. While there are no official specifications, the new engine is said to produce more than 100bhp.

Although the spy pictures provide a sketchy view, the 790 Adventure will most probably feature a fully-LCD instrument console, twin fuel tanks with their own fillers, LED headlamp, 21-inch spoke front wheel and 18-inch spoked rear wheel. If a road-going version is available, it should sport a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels.

The spyshots show the front end as similar to the 1050/1090 Adventure’s, and electronic semi-active suspension should be ruled out due to cost concerns. The rear monoshock can be clearly seen as almost horizontal and bolted directly to the swingarm, since more space has opened up from having a rear cylinder. Doing so forgoes the complexities of having linkages.

ABS is mandatory, thus we could safely expect it; same for electronic rider aids such as riding modes and traction control.

Introduction of the 790 Adventure will no doubt spice up the hotly-contested middleweight adveture-touring/dual-purpose market.

The 790 Adventure is seen as the direct replacement for the 640 Adventure, which distinguished itself in the Dakar Rally. However, the 790 Adventure is ineligible, as the current regulations allow capacities of only up to 450cc singles or twins. (Click here for the Dakar Rally’s regulations.)

We do hope that the KTM 790 Adventure is a true dual-purpose/adventure-tourer motorcycle that’s not only fully capable off-road but also for long distance touring.

Honda Asian Journey 2017 – The journey continues!

Boon Siew Honda has planned their second ever Honda Asian Journey 2017 which will start from 26 October 2017 to 29 October 2017.

In conjunction with this year’s MotoGP round at the Sepang International Circuit, over 600 riders from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and India will take part.

The Honda Asian Journey’s main purpose is to promote all of the Honda Big Bikes range from the dual-purpose 2017 Honda CRF250 all the way to the powerful CBR1000RR.

In conjunction with this year’s Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix which will be held at the infamous Sepang International Circuit from 27 October 2017 to 29 October 2017, Boon Siew Honda is planning their second ever Honda Asian Journey 2017 grand convoy. (more…)

Kelantan Police Chief Gives Advice About Travelling to Thailand

Kelantan police chief issued a travel advisory to Malaysians travelling to Thailand
Malaysians are not prohibited from riding into Thailand
Southern Thailand has been the scene of violence

Kelantan police has issued an advice to Malaysians travelling to southern Thailand to be more vigilant, following the fatal accidental of a Malaysian national in Tak Bai, Narathiwat Province, on 16th October.

It was learned that Wan Mohd. Zain W. Hussain, 46, from Kampung Ketil, Tumpat, Kelantan was visiting his relatives when he was hit by a stray bullet when a group of armed men fired upon the police at the Ban Taba checkpoint.

Later, the superintendent of Tak Bai police station, Police Colonel Patcharapol na Nakhon, was lucky to escape a bomb explosion near a petrol station as he led a team to the scene of the attack.

The blast brought down power lines and caused a local blackout. An inspection of the scene of the bombing revealed what bomb technicians believed to be an IED (improvised explosive device) weighing between 22 to 25kgs.

Daylight inspection revealed a food stall and an electricity pole riddled with bullet holes. Police collected spent bullet casings from M16 assault rifles.

Patcharapol believed the attacks were the work of Famee Mudo, who leads a militant group active in the district. He is a suspect in similar attacks on Oct 21, 2012.

The attacks were believed to be linked to the approaching 13th anniversary of the “Tak Bai incident” on Oct 25, when 85 Muslim men suffocated after being arrested and stacked on top of each other in the back of army trucks after soldiers violently broke up an anti-government protest.

Southern Thailand has been the scene of bombings and violence. On 9th October, a bomb planted on a roadside killed a Ranger and seriously wounding another. On 26th September, a bomb disposal team defused a roadside 20kg IED. On 29th September in Mae Lan district a motorcycle bomb exploded at a checkpoint. Another bomb killed one and wounded 18 in Yala when bomb disposal units went to investigate after two explosions.

So please be careful when riding into Thailand.

2018 Yamaha MWT-9 three-wheeler finally ready for production?

Yamaha Motor Europe has released a teaser video entitled “Ride the Evolution” which may point towards the 2018 Yamaha MWT-9 three-wheeler.

Set on 25 October 2017, Yamaha will introduce a host of new bikes at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.

Rumours also pointed out that there will be a brand new Yamaha MT-09 which will receive a bunch of new upgrades for 2018.

Yamaha Motor Europe has just released a short teaser video entitled “Ride the Evolution”. Although the short clip doesn’t show much except for a few ninjas doing what ninjas do (I think), there’s a strong indicator that this might just be something that will make waves in the motorcycling industry. We are of course talking about the infamous Yamaha MWT-9 three-wheeled monster. (more…)

KTM Malaysia set to Rock Malaysian MotoGP 2017

KTM Malaysia is set to set the Malaysian MotoGP 2017 ablaze in READY TO RACE Orange.
KTM Malaysia is also offering the KTM MotoGP Fan Package.
Expect to see the latest KTM motorcycles plus Meet & Greet session with top KTM riders.

It’s the best time of the year for motorcycle racing fans in Malaysia and around the region. No, not Christmas, but it’s the Malaysian MotoGP.

The Malaysian MotoGP has without doubt grown over the last 3 years to capacity crowds and this year is no different. But what will make the difference is what KTM Malaysia has in store for fans and visitors.

KTM’s signature orange-coloured pavilion at the Malaysian MotoGP has always been one of the biggest crowd pullers. Not only do they display the latest road-going models, but also the dirtbikes and off-roaders that have conquered the world. Visitors are allowed to get up close to touch, feel and even smell these awesome machines, what more to selfie with them.

Additionally, KTM-branded riding gear and wear, called Powerwear, and KTM’s proprietary motorcycles accessories, called Powerparts will be displayed in all their grandeur.

Visitors could expect to see the latest 250 Duke, 390 Duke (click here for our first ride and here for our review), RC 250 and RC 390, 1290 Super Duke R, 1290 Super Adventure S, 1290 Super Adventure R, 1050 Adventure Travel Pack, 1290 Super Duke GT, 250 EX/C-F, 350 EX/C-F, 450 EX/C-F, 250 SX-F, 450 SX-F and many more. The latter two bikes are the same as those ridden by Gabit Saleh to multiple Malaysian motocross wins and the 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship.

Visitors will also be able to catch a glimpse of the RC Cup racebike and replica of the RC16 MotoGP racer, ridden by Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith.

As such, fans can expect meet-and-greet sessions with the FIM Supermoto Champion, RC Cup riders and, Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP riders (subject to the riders’ schedule and availability). KTM Malaysia is in the midst of working with SIC and Dorna for Gabit Saleh to perform a stunt show at the starting grid and front straight on race day, so stay posted!

KTM Malaysia has offered the Fan Package, which includes a ticket for the KTM Tribune in the Main Grandstand, limited edition T-shirt, cap, bag, raincoat and flag.

As many as 500 KTM fans will mass at the KTM Tribune and turn it into a sea of READY TO RACE Orange. There is nothing better than being in the company of people who share the same passion and cheering for the same riders. The KTM Tribune faces the starting grid and paddock, ensuring a great view of proceedings throughout the day, be it for the support classes, Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP.

KTM Malaysia will also host a myriad of activities at the Tribune. KTM fans can look forward to gifts and lucky draws.

You may also refer to KTM Malaysia’s official Facebook page for more information.

Castrol Bike Mechanic Contest 2017

Champions of the Castrol Bike Mechanic Contest 2017 to represent Malaysia in Asia-Pacific finals.
Only 3 winners were picked from 800 contestants.
The Asia-Pacific finals will be held in Pattaya, Thailand in November.

Kuala Lumpur, 10 October – The prestigious Castrol Bike Mechanic Contest 2017 came to a brilliant close after four months of intense competition, as Castrol Malaysia unveiled the best Castrol Bike Point Mechanic Team in Malaysia.

Teamwork is key in excelling in the Practical Challenge

The Grand Prize was won by the team from the Southern Region. Eng Lean Hui, Sivanathan Letchumanan and Tee Kok Jing outperformed five other teams in the competition’s Grand Finale. Apart from winning the Champion’s trophy and a brand-new Yamaha 125cc scooter each, more importantly, the Grand Prize winners will also go on to represent Malaysia in Asia-Pacific Castrol Bike Mechanic Contest in Pattaya, Thailand, in November. There, Malaysia’s best Castrol Bike Point mechanics will compete with two-wheeler mechanics from other countries in the Asia-Pacific region including Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and India.

From left to right: Tee Kok Jing, Eng Lean Hui and Sivanathan Letchumanan, the champions of the Malaysian Castrol Bike Mechanic Contest 2017

1^st Runner Up was awarded to Goh Poh Joo, Tony Charles and Tan Tack Boon who represented the East Malaysian Region, while the 2^nd Runner Up position went to Lim Kok Seong, Lee Yong Chang and Fakrurazi Abdul Ghafar from the Central Region.

The Malaysian Castrol Bike Mechanic Contest 2017 kicked off in June, where close to 800 contestants across the country’s five regions participated in the preliminary rounds. Out of that, only 18 mechanics, grouped into six teams of three each, qualified to advance to the semi-finals. After a gruelling battle to test their theoretical knowledge, just three teams were shortlisted to proceed to the finals to compete in a Practical Knowledge Challenge for the chance to be crowned the best Castrol Bike Point Mechanic Team in Malaysia. The mechanics were judged by an independent four-member judging team comprising of highly experienced technical & R&D experts from the motorcycle industry.

The final six teams competing at the Grand Finale

“The Castrol Bike Mechanic Contest is one of Castrol Malaysia’s many efforts to recognise and reward high level of skill amongst Castrol Bike Point mechanics in Malaysia. Through the contest, we ensure that mechanics can hone their skills further. Castrol works to raise their technical knowledge and improve customer service. This year’s competition is particularly significant as the winners will go on to represent the nation in the Asia-Pacific competition. We are very proud to recognise the skills of our mechanics in Malaysia and will continue to support them as they prepare for the upcoming battle,” said Keow Mei-Shan, Marketing Director Malaysia & Singapore.

Keow Mei-Shan, Marketing Director Malaysia & Singapore, Castrol Malaysia

Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony, Eng Lean Hui said, “My teammates and I are very happy to have won this challenging competition, and are honoured to be representing Malaysia in the Asia Pacific Bike Mechanic contest end of this year. We learned a lot during this competition. As individuals we were not perfect, but together, we made a perfect team! We thank Castrol Malaysia for this opportunity. We will continue to train and update our knowledge in the run up to it, and hope that we can do ourselves, our families and ultimately the nation proud!”

Audience cheering on their favourite contestants

To find out more about Castrol and its products, visit www.castrol.com/my.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

KTM will unveil the KTM 790 Adventure at EICMA 2017.

It shares the same parallel-Twin as the KTM 790 Duke.

We may see a road-going S-version and off-road R-version.

Boon Siew Honda has planned their second ever Honda Asian Journey 2017 which will start from 26 October 2017 to 29 October 2017.

In conjunction with this year’s MotoGP round at the Sepang International Circuit, over 600 riders from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and India will take part.

The Honda Asian Journey’s main purpose is to promote all of the Honda Big Bikes range from the dual-purpose 2017 Honda CRF250 all the way to the powerful CBR1000RR.

Kelantan police chief issued a travel advisory to Malaysians travelling to Thailand

Malaysians are not prohibited from riding into Thailand

Southern Thailand has been the scene of violence

Yamaha Motor Europe has released a teaser video entitled “Ride the Evolution” which may point towards the 2018 Yamaha MWT-9 three-wheeler.

Set on 25 October 2017, Yamaha will introduce a host of new bikes at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.

Rumours also pointed out that there will be a brand new Yamaha MT-09 which will receive a bunch of new upgrades for 2018.

KTM Malaysia is set to set the Malaysian MotoGP 2017 ablaze in READY TO RACE Orange.

KTM Malaysia is also offering the KTM MotoGP Fan Package.

Expect to see the latest KTM motorcycles plus Meet & Greet session with top KTM riders.

Champions of the Castrol Bike Mechanic Contest 2017 to represent Malaysia in Asia-Pacific finals.

Only 3 winners were picked from 800 contestants.

The Asia-Pacific finals will be held in Pattaya, Thailand in November.

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