The Zontes 703F adventure bike which we recently tested is set to enter the UK market in April.
To refresh, it was first revealed at EICMA 2024, followed quickly by the factory getting it into production. The 703F variant uses a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. It is powered by a 699cc, DOHC, three cylinder engine which produces 93.9hp at 10,000 RPM. This engine is shared across the 703 platform which also consists of the 703T adventure-tourer and 703RR sportbike.
Its frame is revolutionary, cast as one piece for both halves, then joined without welds. The subframe is also cast aluminium. The suspension is fully adjustable on both ends.
Other specs include an 8-inch TFT screen, 22-litre fuel tank, under engine bash plate, 830mm seat height, J.Juan brakes, Bosch ABS, Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres, LED lights, etc.
According to MCN the bike will be initially offered at £6,999 (RM38,312.11 at the time of publication). UK buyers need to add £999 (RM5,467.12) for the crash bars, 3-piece aluminium luggage, and spotlights. The price is cheaper than the Suzuki V-Strom 650 in the UK.
Zontes has been selling their motorcycles in the UK and European Union for several years now.
BMW announced the revamped 2025 BMW R 18, including styling updates to the R 18 and R 18 Classic, and fresh paint for the R 18 B, R 18 Transcontinental, and R 18 Roctane.
The 1802cc air/oil-cooled Boxer is shared across the board without different tuning corresponding to different models. It has received a 5.4Nm bump in torque, taking the total to 163Nm at 3,000 RPM. 149Nm is already available between 2,000 to 4,000 RPM. Maximum horsepower remains at 90hp at 4,750 RPM. The engine is now Euro 5+ compliant.
2025 BMW R 18
The base R 18 receives the most substantial changes. The most significant update is an 18-inch rear wheel replacing the previous 16-inch as the standard option. You can still get a 16-inch rear, but only as part of the Option 719 Olivine package. The front wheel remains at 19 inches.
The rear suspension receives new spring and damping rates tuned for the 18-inch rear wheel and new 180/55B18 tire. The front suspension is mechanically unchanged, though the R 18 loses the fork covers.
The fishtail exhausts from the previous model are gone, replaced with cylindrical exhausts to match the rest of the lineup. The side cover and front and rear fenders were likewise reshaped, getting more modern, squared-off shapes than the previous design.
BMW also redesigned the solo seat, using a thicker and softer foam and adding a new release button under the seat cover. Combined with the larger rear wheel, the seat is now 720mm from the ground, compared to the 690mm seat height found on the previous R 18.
Rounding out the updates to the standard R 18 is a new USB-C charging socket.
The 2025 BMW R 18 is available in Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain. A blacked out engine and dark chrome exhaust is available as a styling package. More premium paint options include a two-tone Brooklyn Gray Metallic, and Mineral Gray Metallic Matte, both with dark chrome exhausts and optional black powertrain finishes. Additionally, BMW offers an Option 719 Olivine version in Velvet Green Metallic with a 16-inch rear wheel.
2025 BMW R 18 Classic
For 2025, the R 18 Classic gets a 19-inch front, 16-inch rear wheel combination, replacing the previous 16 and 16 combo. With the larger front wheel, the seat height has increased to 730mm from the previous 710mm.
The front fender is significantly larger than the previous design, giving it more of a retro look. For that same reason, the R 18 Classic retains the fork covers that are now missing from the standard model. Like the R 18, the Classic receives reshaped side covers and a USB-C charging port.
The 2025 BMW R 18 Classic is available in Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhausts and wire-spoke wheels. The Classic will also be available in Mineral Gray Metallic Matte with a chrome exhaust and an optional silver-colored powertrain, or in Brooklyn Gray Metallic with blacked-out finishes, dark chrome exhausts and 18-inch rear/19-inch front cast alloy wheels. There’s also an Option 719 Blue Planet Metallic version with a number of accessories including chrome fender trim.
2025 BMW R 18 B
Apart from the updated engine and updated colors, the only change to the R 18 B (“B” for bagger) is a new FAVOURITES button on the right hand switchgear. Replacing the previous central locking system button, the FAVOURITES button allows quick access to specific functions, such as activating heated grips.
The standard colour for 2025 BMW R 18 B is Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhausts. Paint options include Mineral Gray Metallic, and Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic. BMW will also offer an Option 719 Black Pearl version.
2025 BMW R 18 Transcontinental
The Transcontinenal is the full-dress touring version of the bagger. and it also receives a quick-access FAVOURITES button.
The standard colour option is the same Black Storm Metallic with a silver-colored powertrain and chrome exhaust. Pictured above is the new Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic which comes with a blacked-out powertrain and dark chrome pushrod tubes and airbox cover. An Option 719 Tanzanite version comes with Blue Planet Metallic/Asian Blue Metallic with a number of accessories including machined alloy wheels.
2025 BMW R 18 Roctane
The Roctane is the most recent addition to the R 18 family, so it’s no surprise it receives the fewest of updates. Apart from new paint and the revised engine, the only change is a new optional body-colored panel to fill the gap between the side cases and rear fender.
As with the other variants, the standard colour for the 2025 BMW R 18 Roctane is Black Storm Metallic. You also have a choice of Mineral Gray Metallic Matte, or Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic.
Giving free tolls during the festive season will not reduce traffic woes, said Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said what is important is for road users to change their attitudes and plan their journeys when the festive season arrives.
“The amount of compensation in the form of compensation by the government to the toll concessionaire exceeds RM35 million per day.
“Although it does not involve direct cash compensation, the concession has had to be extended and this does not solve the problem of congestion on tolled highways,” he said when asked to comment on the government’s decision to stop giving free tolls in conjunction with the festive season.
He said the decision to stop giving free tolls was a decision by the Cabinet following a recommendation from Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Motosikal & Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd. (“MODENAS”) has launched the 2025 Modenas Kriss 125 Fi. It was officially unveiled during the company’s annual Modenas Dealer Dinner and Awards Presentation for 2024.
The introduction of the Modenas Kriss 125 Fi signifies a major milestone for MODENAS as the Company enters a brand-new motorcycle segment for the first time in its 30-year history. This move underscores MODENAS’ continuous efforts to innovate and expand its product lineup to cater to a broader market.
The Kriss 125 Fi is priced at RM5,620 (without insurance and roadtax) and now available at all MODENAS authorised dealer showrooms nationwide. Customers can choose between two vibrant colours: Glacier Emerald Green and Graphite Grey, making it both stylish and practical for Malaysian riders.
Key highlights:
Single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC, 4- stroke, 2-valve engine that complies with Euro 4 standards.
It displaces 124cc with a compression ratio of 9.3:1, delivering a maximum power output of 8.4hp (6.3kW) at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 8.5 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
4-speed transmission with automatic centrifugal clutch.
Lubrication is via a pressure and splash system, with an engine oil capacity of 1.0L.
4.2L fuel tank and utilizes a reliable fuel injection system for efficient performance.
Single 220mm brake disc, gripped by a 2-piston caliper up front.
Rear brake is drum.
Underseat storage space.
USB charging port.
Kerb weight of 98kg.
“The Kriss 125 Fi is more than just a new model—it represents MODENAS’ ambition to deliver reliable, affordable, and efficient mobility solutions tailored to Malaysian riders and roads. Entering this segment symbolizes our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction,” said Roslan Roskan, CEO of MODENAS.
This launch solidifies MODENAS’ position as a dynamic player in Malaysia’s motorcycle industry, while the Company remains dedicated to enhancing its product offerings to meet the demands of riders both locally and internationally.
Visit your nearest MODENAS authorised demmmaler showroom today to experience the all-new Kriss 125 Fi. To stay updated on the latest news, visit the official MODENAS website.
For inquiries, you may contact the Toll-Free Line at 1-800-880-008 or reach out via WhatsApp Careline at +6019-570 8135.
When it comes to Malaysian made motorcycles, most people will probably only be acquainted with the Modenas brand. That comes as no surprise since Modenas has been around since the 90s and has established itself as a serious player in the local two-wheel segment.
But the reality is a lot different. Over the years, many Malaysian-made motorcycles have come and gone. Some have made an impact on the local market, while some have even disappeared overnight.
If there is one thing that motorcycle buyers can learn here is to always buy from a reputable company instead of going for the cheapest model.
The latest motorcycle brand to hit the local market is Moda and it is brand spanking new, having been launched just this month. Its first salvo at the local market is a 250cc super scooter called the Sporter S.
As journalists operating across the automotive industry, we are always careful to throw our weight behind a brand through our reviews for if a brand were to wrap up and exit the market overnight (something which has happened before), it would be detrimental to our reputation.
But Moda is something different. It is built and distributed by a company called AMI, which is short for AFY Mobility Industries Sdn Bhd. You may not be familiar with the company, but it has been operating for a while and is also the sole and exclusive distributor of Suzuki motorcycles in Malaysia.
Besides that, the people helming AMI have also previously been in charge of assembling and distributing Kawasaki motorcycles for the Malaysian market. So, they know what they are doing and have been in the game for longer than you can imagine.
So, yes, the Moda brand is backed up by some powerful figures in the industry and they are not the type that would disappear overnight, leaving you with a product that you can’t service or find parts for anymore.
First, a little backgrounder.
AMI calls the Sporter S a super-scooter, which is odd since that terminology has usually been used for scooters with a displacement of 350cc and above, but we will roll with it.
What we really like about the Sporter S is that it is not a Chinese kit motorcycle with a local twist. If you are not familiar with that terminology, it is something that happens quite often.
A number of new, “local” brands are guilty of buying kit motorcycles from China, taking them apart and reassembling them here to get past local laws and taxes. This means these motorcycles are now “semi-knocked down”, or SKD, and are ridiculously cheap.
There is nothing about them that is Malaysian made but they are definitely reassembled by Malaysian hands. One local company has only embossed the Made in Malaysia wording onto the clutch cover to make it seem like a Malaysian model.
You too can start such a business if you have some money laying around. A quick check on Alibaba revealed a 50cc dirt bike that is priced at just under RM500. There is a minimum order of five motorcycles, and we are sure that you too could add a Made in Malaysia wording somewhere if you traveled to China to negotiate with the factory and put in a substantial order of say 100 units.
To get past local laws and duties, you can simply rent a factory somewhere and hire a bunch of people to reassemble the bikes. It really is that easy, provided you have the money.
But that is not what AMI did with the Sporter S. Yes, there are parts from China, but rather than go to one single factory to buy a kit bike, AMI sourced parts from some of the best companies in China.
For example, the tyres of the Sporter S are from TimSun while the suspension system is from Yu-An. The radiator fan is from Panasonic while the drive belt is from Mitsuboshi (not a typo). The ECU, fuel injector and EFI system are from Bosch while the adhesives around the bike are from 3M. The spark plugs on the other hand are from NGK.
The Sporter S is a truly global motorcycle with parts sourced from all over the world. And just to nail that fact, the design of the bike is by a French design studio called Yacouba.
So, you can tell that the Sporter S is not your regular kit bike, AMI wanted to produce something special, and they have nailed it from the get-go.
Let’s get the important stuff out of the way.
Powering the Sporter S is a 244cc, single-cylinder engine putting out 24.8hp and 22.5Nm of torque. In typical scooter fashion, the transmission is a belt driven CVT unit, and almost all of its power is delivered at the upper end of the rev band, between 6000 to 8500rpm.
We saw a top speed of 148km/h while some other publications saw 155km/h. The engines were still new so we will re-explore that topic once the engines are properly worn in.
Suspension duties are managed by inverted telescopic forks with 80mm of travel up front and double adjustable shocks with 66mm of travel at the rear.
Brakes consist of twin 260mm discs up front and a single 240mm disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is standard as well and it can be switched off via a dedicated button on the dash.
So how does it ride?
Just as you would expect a scooter to ride. It is smooth, power delivery is good, and it is easy to manoeuvre in traffic.
But there are a couple of things that need to be mentioned here. First things first, at 186kg, it is quite a heavy scooter. So getting on or off the double stand takes some work especially if you on the shorter or weaker side of the spectrum.
Then there is the meter panel, the good thing is that it can adjust from dark to bright automatically depending on the time of the day, but essential readings such as the fuel gauge, trip meter and such is tad small. So, if you use reading glasses, this might be a challenge.
We do appreciate the fact that it comes with a tyre pressure monitoring system though, that makes it one of the few scooters that comes with it.
The other thing that needs to be said is that the suspension travel is quite short, and that means that the scooter can bottom out quite easily. So rather than absorbing bumps, it can sometimes crash into them, throwing you off the seat.
One thing that we felt needs to be looked into urgently by the team at Moda is the high-speed stability of the bike. At speeds of over 130km/h, the front of the bike does not feel planted which makes it feel a little nervous. You really should not be riding that fast but we did push it a little during a recent first impression ride. Perhaps that is just a matter of tuning, but it is surely something to watch out for.
But that is about all we have to complain about.
What do we like?
We like that the size of the scooter, it is not very big which means that it is easy to park in congested areas. We also like that it has a 10-litre under seat storage, which some have criticised for being too small. A full-face helmet may not fit, but a couple of bags of groceries surely will.
We also like the design of the bike. Eager eyes may have noticed the similarities with the Ducati Panigale, but the Moda pulls it off quite well, especially in red.
The body mounted rear view mirrors have also attracted some criticism since it limits customisation options. But we like it because it does not vibrate as much at higher speed, and they also fold neatly against the body, which means you can lane split through tight traffic without worry about scrapping the mirrors.
We also like the fact that the windscreen can be adjusted which means that the Sporter S is ideal for highway riding. The big rider and pillion seat also deserves special mention because they are not only great for all shapes and sizes, but also means that the Moda is well suited for long distance riding where you spend hours on the seat.
Should you buy one?
At RM17,888, the Sporter S is one of the most affordable “super-scooters” in the market. Sure, there might be cheaper ones but this takes us back to the opening of this article where we advise that it is better to buy a motorcycle from a known company rather than one that has not been around for very long.
The Sporter S does offer quite a bit for your money and it seems quite easy to live with on a day-to-day basis. We only spent 30 minutes riding it so perhaps a longer test ride will show us more about the bike later.
But from what we have experienced, the Sporter S has a lot to offer.
The 2025 MODA Sporter-S was launched on 2 January, with the distinction of being a locally-made 250cc sport scooter.
From the press release:
Mdua Motor Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of AFY Mobility Industries (AMI) today launched a new local motorcycle brand MODA, which focuses on marketing scooter products to the entire Malaysian market. Also launched at the event today was the MODA Sporter-S which is powered by a 250cc engine.
The introduction of this scooter model by MODA is in line with the rapid development of the scooter segment in Malaysia. There is no doubt that scooters are now becoming the main choice due to their diverse functions, affordability, and practicality in urban areas. In countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, scooters have already dominated the market by controlling more than 70% of total motorcycle sales.
In Malaysia, scooter sales and market are also increasing as it is driven by awareness of the need for fuel-efficient and more environmentally friendly vehicles. The scooter market is directly expected to generate a total revenue of US$0.51 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 3.98% to reach US$0.62 billion by 2029.
The introduction of the MODA Sporter-S has indirectly opened up a new segment with a design inspired by sportsbikes that features a more aerodynamic and bold design. As is well known, currently most scooters in the Malaysian market mostly feature sporty and unique designs like this, which will certainly attract the interest of motor sports enthusiasts in Malaysia.
The Sporter-S is also equipped with advanced safety features with the characteristics of a sportsbike. Among them are twin disc brakes at the front combined with a dual-channel ABS system (front and rear) equipped with 4-piston caliper brakes for more precise braking force. The Traction Control System (TCS) technology on the Sporter-S also ensures stability when cornering on challenging surfaces.
In addition, this scooter also has a fuel tank with a capacity of 13 liters, which is sustainable for long trips. In addition, the storage space under the seat can accommodate two full-size helmets, providing additional convenience for daily riders. Interestingly, it is also equipped with several interesting features such as an ultra-bright LED Matrix headlight, smart key, wireless connection between mobile devices and a large 6.2-inch TFT color screen that supports calls and full navigation while riding.
Overall, with the offering of a 250cc scooter that generates 24.8hp of power, it is enough to be categorized as one of the best and most powerful scooters in its class.
According to Micheal Yeoh, Assistant General Manager of Mdua Motor Sdn. Bhd., the MODA Sporter-S has been designed and developed with the principle of ‘By Bikers, For Bikers’ in mind. He added that the Sporter-S will be the ideal choice for bikers in Malaysia with its sporty, aerodynamic design, and features such as ABS braking system and Euro-4-spec engine that is fuel-efficient.
Offered in two attractive colours, Sporty Red and Meteor Grey, the Sporter-S is now available at MODA authorised dealers nationwide. For more information, visit the official website at www.modamotorcycles.com.
