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

Honda MSX125 (Grom) Looks Great with Sidecar

A company called Industrial Moto created this Grom Utility Sidecar kit for the Honda MSX125 (Grom).
The sidecar expands the MSX125’s cargo carrying capabilities.
It’s not cheap but some enterprising Malaysian will definitely build one!

The Honda MSX125 or Grom in certain countries promises lots of fun. The diminutive bike just does everything you want and can go just about anywhere. While we don’t see much of it on Malaysian roads, it is certainly very popular in Thailand and even the United States.

The engine is a winner from the get-start hence it functions as the platform for two other Honda motorcycles – the C125 Super Cub and another playbike, the Monkey.

Photo credit – Asphalt & Rubber, RideApart

There may be those who think that the MSX125 is nothing but a plaything, but a US company called Industrial Moto thinks otherwise. They designed the Grom Utility Sidecar kit which bolts on directly to the bike and is easily removable, too.

Suddenly, you won’t have to limit yourself to three packets of food from bazar Ramadhan, when you could shop for the entire family. Or have your kid sit in it and send him or her to school (with a helmet on, of course). Or shopping for durians!

The kit isn’t cheap at USD 1,600 but these pictures should spurn our country’s resourceful talents in creating their own sidecars.

Source: Asphalt & Rubber, RideApart

Honda Patents Variable Riding Position for a Two-in-One Motorcycle

Honda submitted a patent for a variable riding position system.
It turns a sportbike into a sport-tourer and vice-versa.
Such an innovation ought to a good welcome.

Honda has submitted a whole slew of patents recently, but this one is probably the best of the lot. These pictures show a bike with variable riding position – a two-in-one motorcycle in essence.

While riding a sport-tourer, we wished for a sportbike when the road turns into a beautiful ribbon of asphalt or the track beckons. Conversely, we wished for a sport-tourer when we ride a sportbike to a faraway destination or into the neighbouring countries. Sure, a sport-tourer caters to both extremely well but there are times when the knees develop an itch that can only be scratched through sliders on the track.

Among the diagrams is one for the height-adjustable clip-on handlebars. They ought to be raised via a button.

Apart from the handlebars, there are also diagrams for an electrically-adjustable windscreen. The technology is not new, of course, but it adjusts to provide wind protection in sportbike and sport-touring guise. The scissor-type pivots push the windscreen into more upright positions, rather than just up or down.

Cars drivers have the luxury of adjustable seats and steering wheel for decades. We will have such amenity too, if Honda puts this patent into production.

2019 BMW F 850 GS Adventure Launched in India (approx. RM 91,318.15)

The new 2019 BMW G 850 GS Adventure was launched in India at a price of INR 15.40 Lakh, equivalent to RM 91,318.15
The GSA features more adventure options such as a larger fuel tank, among others.
It should be launched in Malaysia soon.

The new 2019 BMW F 850 GS Adventure was launched in India yesterday at a price of INR 15.40 Lakh, equivalent to RM 91,318.15.

BMW had built the new F 850 GS series with more refinements in terms of styling, engine performance, comfort, chassis dynamics and electronics over its F 800 GS predecessor. The same updates are brought over to the Adventure version, called the F 850 GS Adventure or just F 850 GSA.

Setting it apart from the F 850 GS, the F 850 GS Adventure (or just GSA) carries features for more serious adventure and off-road riding. First and foremost is the “extended” fuel tank which has a 23-liter capacity compared to the 15-liter tank on the GS. Other features are crash protection bars, aluminium engine bash plate and Comfort Seat as standard. The GSA also features the new TFT screen of the GS.

The additions add 15 kg to the GS’s weight to a total of 244 kg.

The engine is the same 853cc, parallel-Twin with 270^ocrankshaft, which produces 95 hp at 8,250 RPM and 92 Nm of torque at 6,250 The 270^ocrank mimics the firing order of a 90^oV-Twin for a better spread of power and torque throughout the rev range. It has lesser vibration that the previous 360o-crank engine in the F 800 GS, too.

The 2019 BMW F 850 GS Adventure ought to arrive in Malaysia soon, so stay tuned.

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.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

A company called Industrial Moto created this Grom Utility Sidecar kit for the Honda MSX125 (Grom).

The sidecar expands the MSX125’s cargo carrying capabilities.

It’s not cheap but some enterprising Malaysian will definitely build one!

Honda submitted a patent for a variable riding position system.

It turns a sportbike into a sport-tourer and vice-versa.

Such an innovation ought to a good welcome.

The new 2019 BMW G 850 GS Adventure was launched in India at a price of INR 15.40 Lakh, equivalent to RM 91,318.15

The GSA features more adventure options such as a larger fuel tank, among others.

It should be launched in Malaysia soon.

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?

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