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

WHO: Malaysia is Third in Road Deaths in ASEAN and Asia

According to the WHO, Malaysia has the third highest rate of road accident deaths in ASEAN and Asia.
Malaysia recorded a 23.6/100,000 road accident fatality rate which equals 7,152 cases.
More than 60% were motorcyclists and pillions.

We published a report months ago about Thailand being the deadliest in terms of road accidents in ASEAN and Asia, but a new report shows that Malaysia is in third place. The report was based on the WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety (2018).

But here’s another look, especially since Malaysia is the “third deadliest.”

Rate vs. number

There’s been concern about reports highlighting accidents as rates i.e. XX/100,000, compared to pure numbers.

For example, India has the most deaths due to road accidents in the world. The rate was a relatively low 22.6/100,000 (lower than even Malaysia’s 23.6/100,000) due to the sub-continent’s massive population of more than 1.3 billion. In actual fact, 150,785 were killed in 2016.

Another instance was Indonesia who recorded 31,282 road accident fatalities in 2016. However, it became one of the “safest” as the rate was an incredibly low 12.2/100,000 due to her 261 million population.

However, rates serve as a method of looking at the number of people among the population who is likely to be involved in a fatal road accident.

More Malaysian data

A report in The Star Online today has shed some light with some raw data.

Again, the WHO report in December 2018 includes data from 2016.

In 2016, there are:

A total of 27,613,120 vehicles in Malaysia.
13,123,638 were cars and four-wheeled light vehicles.
12,677,041 were motorized two- and three-wheelers.
1,191,310 heavy trucks.
59,977 buses.
561,154 other types of vehicles.

The writer also highlighted that a total of 91% of motorcyclists wear helmets, while 87% of their passengers did. There was still no concrete number of deaths involving motorcyclists, but it is a well-known fact that it constitutes to approximately 60% or higher.

But more alarmingly, the writer stated that only 75% of the motorcyclists killed wore helmets. We think that there may be some discrepancy in this number, but it could be that the victims involved must have lost their helmets due to improper fastening or wearing old and/or non-regulated helmets.

Motorcyclists bear the brunt

It’s no surprise that we motorcyclists bear the brunt of road accidents, regardless of the party at fault. But the motorcycle is the only form of transportation some of us could afford. The WHO acknowledges this by saying, “It is also a social equity issue with vulnerable road users bearing a disproportionate share of risk, injury and fatality.”

What needs to be done

The BikesRepublic.com team have been harping on the need to revamp our driver training methodology and syllabus for many years, even before the start of this magazine. This call has fallen on deaf ears.

Road users be they car drivers, motorcyclists, truck/bus drivers are taught on the procedures needed to pass their licensing tests and little more else. Yes, there’s the addition of theory lessons to the traditional highway code but how many actually remember even 10% of that? Every student is only looking forward to obtaining his license.

Thus, the best way to teach driving etiquette and skills is at the practical level. Which is unfortunately missing. This is what really should be done instead of setting everyone loose on the roads and them figure everything out by themselves. Worse, everyone blames everyone else.

Isn’t it better than subjecting the people to punitive measures while saying that you wish for accident rates to come down? It won’t happen automatically.

The authorities should look into this if they are really serious about lowering accident and fatality rates.

Source: World Health Organization and The Star Online

Silverstone to Undergo Resurfacing, Confirmed Through 2021

Silverstone Circuit will undergo full resurfacing for 2019 British MotoGP round.
Their contract was also extended to 2021.
Work will begin in June 2019.

The Silverstone circuit will undergo full resurfacing for the 2019 MotoGP round. At the same time, their contract was extended to 2021.

The move follows last year’s British MotoGP fracas. Fans waited for hours in the stands before the round was cancelled due to rain and standing water. Apart from that, the tarmac was previously smoothened to accommodate Formula 1 cars and their underbody skid plates.

The FIM demanded the resurfacing of the track in order to meet safety and homologation standards. In response, the circuit announced that full resurfacing will commence in June ahead of Formula 1 in July and MotoGP in August, this year.

Track work will be carried out by construction company Tarmac and overseen by consultant Jarno Zaffelli, who has overseen successful resurfacing jobs at Sepang and Termas de Rio Hondo, which have gathered praise since the last MotoGP races at the respective circuits.

Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle, who was the central figure in last year’s controversy, is delighted with both the resurfacing confirmation and the British MotoGP contract extension.

“Getting to this point has involved a lot of work by the staff at Silverstone but throughout it all we have been completely focused on making sure we make the right decisions to guarantee the future of our most important events with Formula 1 and MotoGP,” Pringle said.

Tarmac’s managing director Paul Fleetham is confident in delivering a high-quality resurfacing.

“We are exceptionally proud to be working with the team at Silverstone to resurface the iconic British race circuit,” Fleetham said. “It demonstrates both the quality of our people and our first-class track record in delivering high-profile, nationally significant schemes.”

MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta added: “The extension to the contract at Silverstone is a mark of the confidence we have in the circuit to host a successful MotoGP event over the next three years.”

Source: Crash.net

How Do I Inspect a Scooter Drive Belt?

Knowing how to inspect your scooter’s drive belt gives you a heads up on its condition.
It can save you a from a long push or unscrupulous mechanics.
Take a look at the symptoms and memorize them.

While we’ve tested many bikes, we do root for the automatic scooter for its ultimate convenience. But we understand there’s always one main concern among scooter owners: The drive belt.

Drive belts are definitely cleaner and hassle-free compared to the link-chain. Chains have come a long way from being snap happy, but years ago, drive chains could turn into whips and mobile chainsaws. Still, chains need cleaning and lubricating every 300 km, and it needs to be performed correctly.

However, whereas you can inspect the chain everytime before you ride, it’s not so easy with a scooter’s drive belt. Here are some tips on how to inspect your scooter’s drive belt and what to look out for. It’ll save you from a long push to the nearest workshop.

Learning to identify the symptoms is also a great way against being “slaughtered” by unscrupulous so-called mechanics.

How long does my drive belt last?

It depends on the manufacturer and specific bike, so you have to refer to the service/owner’s manual. Both manuals contain a wealth of information, so do flip through from time to time.

Certain manufacturers recommend a change at 10,000 km, 20,000 km and so forth. For comparison sake, those are the mileage one will usually get from link-chains.

How do I inspect my belt?

*NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THESE STEPS YOURSELF UNLESS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE AND FULLY CONFIDENT. BUT PLEASE DO IDENTIFY AND REMEMBER THE SYMPTOMS.

There are symptoms, of course. Sluggish drive, lower top speed, abnormal noise, etc.

The best is when you are having your bike serviced. You can request for the mechanic to check it while the oil is draining, thus saving time.

What are the signs?

Check out the illustration below.

Rotate the pulleys and check the belt’s condition for abnormal wear, cracks, missing teeth, tears or holes. Tears on the sidewall, wear on the top surface, long cracks are signs of serious problems.

A snapped belt means you have to replace it, you smart alec.

Also remember to check the pulleys for broken teeth and wear. Lastly, don’t forget to check in the inside surfaces of the cover. Scuff marks mean the belt has lost its tension.

How do I replace the belt?

It is best done by trained professionals with the proper tools and equipment. The worst thing one could do is taking a shortcut on repairs. It could lead to an even bigger disaster.

Triumph Rocket 3 GT Prototype Spotted!

A seemingly production-ready Triumph Rocket 3 GT was spotted in Croatia.
Many asked if there will be a regular version of the Triumph Rocket 3 following the launch of the Rocket 3 TFC.
The regular model looks pretty good, too!

An MCN UK reader spotted a seemingly production ready new Rocket 3 in Croatia and sent this picture in. And oh my, does it look good!

The Triumph Rocket 3 launched last week was the limited-edition Rocket 3 TFC (Triumph Factory Custom). But many wondered if there will be a new “regular” Rocket 3.

“Regular” doesn’t necessarily mean bland. Not in this case anyway.

Apart from the Rocket 3 TFC, we also wondered if the styling will be updated for the new bike or if Triumph wanted to remain with the old, if not archaic, styling. Well, looks like the new design is really good!

The rear wheel looks awesome with the single-sided swingarm; those exhaust pipe tips alludes to a big bore engine that they serve; the seat unit has been redone along with the addition of a chrome strip underneath; the side covers are thoroughly modern. Even the fuel tank looks good with the knee recesses and beautiful paint treatment. The three exhaust headers coming out the side gives the illusion of the ribs on a beast. But look at that front fork and its massive stanchion! The monobloc brake caliper looks like a Brembo Stylema, used on the TFC variant and first on the Ducati Panigale V4.

The Rocket 3 TFC’s 2458cc engine is rated at 167 hp and 221 Nm of torque. Will the Rocket 3 GT’s engine produce the same? Most probably.

Source and picture: Igor Skunca for MCN UK

High-heeled Boots Caused Rider’s Death

A British coroner concluded that high-heeled boots contributed to the death of a lady rider.
She appeared to have been distracted by her footwear.
We recommend boots with wide, flat soles.

British coroner determined that it was high-heeled boots that caused a lady rider’s death in an accident.

The Dorset Coroner’s Court heard a statement from Coroner Brendan Allan. According to him, the rider was distracted by her boots before losing control of her bike and crashing. He added that, “It is with the utmost importance that bikers wear appropriate clothing, no matter how short the journey and no matter how familiar the person is with it”

The debate of fashion vs. practical biker wear continues to rage in this case. Some motorcyclists refuse to wear boots because “they are hot,” especially in our climate. Some swear by boots, but they are divided into two schools of thought. One group says any type of boot is fine, as long as they are boots. The other says that there is a specific type that’s safe for riders.

So, who is correct?

Motorcycle boots should have flat heels and soles, even if they are thick (or tall). Flat soles allow for a wider area for feet placement on the footpegs. Besides that, the wider area contributes to safety when you put a foot down on the road, especially during emergy stops.

Stilettos make ladies look hot but it isn’t so when you’re struggling for balance.

Source: Daily Mail UK

Indian Motorcycle go VVT

Indian Motorcycle patented their variable valve timing (VVT) system.
It will equip a new Euro 5-compliant engine.
The technology is the best solution in delivering power with low fuel consumption and emission.

More and more manufacturers embrace variable valve timing technology as Euro 5 looms. Indian Motorcycle is next up.

As Euro 5 seeks to cut more emission, motorcycle manufacturers are forced into looking for other solutions. It was either that or downsizing the engine or reducing power production (god forbid!).

Right now, VVT offers the best answer. Variable valve timing and variable valve lift controls valve overlap at the correct engine loads and timing, yielding power while saving fuel and limiting emission at the same time. Please click the link below to learn more about variable valve timing/variable valve actuation.

2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 to Feature DVT

VVT usually finds place in motorcycles with “sportier” deposition such as the BMW S 1000 RR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, it’s made its way into other types of motorcycle engines. Ducati uses their proprietary Desmodromic Valve Timing (DVT) in the 1260cc V-Twins, while Yamaha employ the tech in their scooters. BMW has now equipped the new 1254cc Boxer (flat-twin) with their own “ShiftCam” technology.

Photo credit – United States Trademark and Patent Office, Motorcycle.com

A new Indian engine was spied months back, but patents revealed that the American manufacturer is pursing VVT technology as well.

Indian’s VVT looks different in because the engine employs overhead valves (OHV) and pushrods rather than overhead camshafts (OHC). Therefore, the VVT phaser is situated at the of the crankcase.

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Latest News

According to the WHO, Malaysia has the third highest rate of road accident deaths in ASEAN and Asia.

Malaysia recorded a 23.6/100,000 road accident fatality rate which equals 7,152 cases.

More than 60% were motorcyclists and pillions.

Rate vs. number

More Malaysian data

In 2016, there are:

Motorcyclists bear the brunt

What needs to be done

Silverstone Circuit will undergo full resurfacing for 2019 British MotoGP round.

Their contract was also extended to 2021.

Work will begin in June 2019.

Knowing how to inspect your scooter’s drive belt gives you a heads up on its condition.

It can save you a from a long push or unscrupulous mechanics.

Take a look at the symptoms and memorize them.

How long does my drive belt last?

How do I inspect my belt?

What are the signs?

How do I replace the belt?

A seemingly production-ready Triumph Rocket 3 GT was spotted in Croatia.

Many asked if there will be a regular version of the Triumph Rocket 3 following the launch of the Rocket 3 TFC.

The regular model looks pretty good, too!

A British coroner concluded that high-heeled boots contributed to the death of a lady rider.

She appeared to have been distracted by her footwear.

We recommend boots with wide, flat soles.

Indian Motorcycle patented their variable valve timing (VVT) system.

It will equip a new Euro 5-compliant engine.

The technology is the best solution in delivering power with low fuel consumption and emission.

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