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

Ducati Asia Pacific Training Centre Opens

Ducati opened a state-of-the-art training facility at its factory in Rayong, Thailand.
Called the Ducati Asia Pacific Training Centre, it will host a great number of training programs.
The programs will further enhance customer experience and immerse them in Ducati’s World.

Ducati opened its newest and state-of-the-art training centre at the Ducati factory in Rayong, Thaiand.

The Italian manufacturer aspires to enhance the level of customer experience in every aspect in their dealerships in the Asia Pacific region. all brand trainings, Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) certifications and technical trainings will be conducted at this Ducati Asia Pacific Training Centre henceforth.

Dominique Cheraki (Ducati Asia Markets Director) commented, “The best training program in the world is worthless without the will to execute it properly, consistently, and with intensity. With our new Training center we have now state-of-the-art facilities that will enable us to deliver strong brand andtechnical trainings to all personnel from the whole Asia-Pacific Ducati network.”

Ducati APAC started deploying the Genius Program last year as part of this goal since 2016. The program consists of a series of courses and trainings that not only certifies the knowledge and skills of Ducati’s technicians, but also draws a career path for them based on different level of expertise and certifications achieved.

The Ducati APAC Training Centre will also host brand training to further enhance customer experience in Ducati products, in addition to the Ducati world which is composed of the factory’s current and heritage in racing, online and offline communities, lifestyle and brand immersion.

Alberto Strada (Ducati Motor Thailand Managing Director) also commented, “With this brand new facility, Ducati Motor Thailand becomes even further the Ducati hub for the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 2010 as a production plant for the ASEAN community, the Thai facility has been hosting the Sales, Marketing and After Sales departments since 2011 and now we have the pleasure to add the Ducati Asia Pacific Training Center, as additional milestone to develop and reinforce the Ducati brand throughout the entire region”

The Ducati APAC Training Center, which was awarded Board of Investment privileges, covers more than 200sqm and, thanks to its modular layout, can host multiple training sessions simultaneously. In addition, thanks to the availability of augmented reality technology, training-engines and training-workshops, in 2019 more than 230 technicians and 100 dealers’ employees will be enabled to provide Ducati customers with a 360-degree experience all over the region.

“Ducati keeps raising the bar in terms of sophistication on its products and it is fundamental for us to ensure that our network is always technically prepared and updated to provide the best service possible to our customers. On the other hand, we can’t forget about our collectors’ motorcycles and that is why we also have 14 training engines that we use to train our network on every Ducati model produced since 1980 until now ” stated Luca Stasi, Ducati APAC After Sales Director.

Operations have already started and groups of Ducati personnel from Thailand, India, China, Korea etc. are scheduled to be experiencing this state-state-of-the-art facility in the next weeks.

Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Custom – “Custom-ary”

Moto Guzzi Malaysia built the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Custom to demonstrate the customizable “spirit” of the bike.
The built didn’t sacrifice the rideability and soul of the V9 Roamer.
Instead, it enhanced the bike’s character and charm.

In the world of biking, factory custom-jobs on existing bikes are always a hit or miss venture. You see the thing about ‘custom bikes’ is that they’re very personal in terms of styling, seeing as how all bikers have their own desired tastes and ideas as to how their bike should look if they’re going to customise it. As such, a ‘factory custom’ bike is a risky affair to undertake, but that didn’t stop the creation of this Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Custom.

Painted an absolutely amazing shade of “Gister colour-concept”, which is blue and orange akin to GULF Oil Racing colours, the V9 Custom is a sight to behold. Based on the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer, the Custom sports the same 853cc V-Twin that churns out 55bhp and 62Nm of torque, however visually for starters, the Custom benefits from chromed engine rocker-covers.

Other notable differences from the regular V9 include a petrol tank from a V7, shorter front & rear fenders, a custom double-seat on a shorted frame wrapped in dark aged brown leather, a custom “Sunny” exhaust system with bracket, custom mirrors & headlight, custom scrambler type handlebars and a rear loop-seat handle.

The best thing about the Moto Guzzi V9 Custom though, is that unlike some custom-bike jobs, this bike is an absolute delight to ride. It possesses the same phenomenal low-end torque as its V9 regular sibling, with the added benefit of aural pleasure as well. Those custom exhaust pipes emit an incredible exhaust-note that you have to hear ‘live’ to believe.

The V9 Custom also provides a comfortable riding position thanks to those custom handlebars, and while the seat could use a bit more padding and support – under hard acceleration you might slide all the way to the back – the position is relatively upright. At higher speeds the characteristic engine ‘sway’ from that transverse V-twin engine is all but eliminated, as the counter-balancers work best at speeds above 100kmh.

That being said, performance-figures mean very little when it comes to the Moto Guzzi V9 Custom by Goh Brothers @ Gasket Alley, nobody buys a custom bike like this to look at a spec sheet (but just in case, it’s appended below), no, this bike will sell on looks alone. Period. Nobody needs it, but everybody wants it. That’s the hallmark and definite success story for a custom bike. And this one really does tick all the right boxes.

Moto Guzzi V9 Custom Modifications

Custom double seater shorted frame

Dark aged brown leather material for upholstery

Custom Sunny exhaust system with bracket

Custom scrambler type handlebars

Rear loop seat handle

Custom rear fender slim & short

Custom front fender slim

Moto Guzzi V7 Tank

Chroming rocker engine cover

Paintjob “Gister” color concept (one of a kind)

Base model V9 Roamer Specifications:

Base Model: Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer

Year: 2018

Category: Classic

Engine and transmission

Displacement: 853.00 ccm (52.05 cubic inches)

Engine type: V2, four-stroke

Power: 55.00 HP (40.1 kW)) @ 6250 RPM

Torque: 62.00 Nm (6.3 kgf-m or 45.7 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM

Compression: 10.5:1

Fuel system: Injection. Weber-Marelli

Cooling system: Air

Gearbox: 6-speed

Transmission type, final drive: Shaft drive (cardan)

Clutch: 170 mm diameter single disc with integrated flexible couplings

Emission details: Catalytic converters, Euro 4.

Exhaust system: Stainless steel, 2-in-2 type, three-way catalytic converter with double lambda oxygen probe

Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels

Frame type: ALS steel twin tube cradle frame

Rake (fork angle): 26.4°

Trail: 125 mm (4.9 inches)

Front suspension: Hydraulic telescopic fork

Front wheel travel: 130 mm (5.1 inches)

Rear suspension: Dual shocks

Rear wheel travel: 97 mm (3.8 inches)

Front tyre: 100/90-19

Rear tyre: 150/80-16

Front brakes: Single disc. ABS. Brembo opposed four-piston callipers.

Front brakes diameter: 320 mm (12.6 inches)

Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS

Rear brakes diameter: 260 mm (10.2 inches)

Seat: Duale seat

Physical measures and capacities

Weight incl. oil, gas, etc: 199.0 kg (438.7 pounds)

Seat height: 785 mm (30.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.

Overall height: 1,165 mm (45.9 inches)

Overall length: 2,240 mm (88.2 inches)

Overall width: 865 mm (34.1 inches)

Wheelbase: 1,478 mm (58.2 inches)

Fuel capacity: 15.00 litres (3.96 gallons)

Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres (1.06 gallons)

Other specifications

Color options: White, yellow

Starter: Electric

Reviewed by Chris Wee, Piston.my

Zontes Malaysia Launches Zontes ZT310-T, Zontes ZT310-R, Zontes ZT310-X and Zontes ZT310-X GP: Ten Quick Facts

Zontes Malaysia launched the Zontes ZT310-T, Zontes ZT310-R, Zontes ZT310-X and Zontes ZT310-X GP.
They are priced from RM
The manufacturer offers motorcycle high in innovation, latest technologies and top-notch performance at affordable prices.

After weeks of waiting, Zontes Malaysia lauched the new Zontes ZT310-T, Zontes ZT310-R, Zontes ZT310-X and Zontes ZT310-X GP.

As the names suggest, they are the latest entry into the country’s lightweight segment.

The maker knows that lightweight motorcycles are more accessible i.e. easier to ride and more affordable to a wider range of riders. However they also know that buyers demand motorcycles that are loaded with performance, innovation, technology, styling, quality, comfort, accessibility and practicality, but at competitive prices.

In all honesty, none of the pictures in the manufacturer’s website and those published here could reflect on the amazing high quality of the bikes. The welds on the frame, casting of the engine parts, paint quality and finishing, joints of the panels, material and finishing of every single component right down to the fasteners (bolts, nut, screws), the feel of the seat and handlebar, levers oozes the kind of quality to rival that of that European and Japanese manufacturers.

Really, no one could tell that the motorcycles are the “typical Chinese” motorcycle. Do make your way to Zontes Malaysia’s authorised dealers to check them out.

Anyway, here are here are ten quick facts about the Zontes:

1. What’s different about Zontes motorcycles?

The biggest difference is the amount of features loaded into the brand’s motorcycles. These features are usually only available on big bikes. Smaller motorcycles may have one or two of these features, but not all in one motorcycle.

2. So, what are these features?

The highlights are:

Futuristic, bold, unparalleled and unique styling.

Electrically adjustable windscreen (for the 310-T and 310-X).

Fully digital LCD display.

LED lighting for the running light, headlight, taillight and signal lights.
Smart lithium-ion battery ensure quick starting and reduces weight.
Dual-channel Bosch 9.1M ABS module (disengageable).

Two power modes: “E” for economy and “S” for Sport
Upside-down forks.

Nitrogen-filled monoshock rear suspension.
One-piece cast aluminium swingarm.

Lightweight aluminium allow wheels.
The high strength steel tube frame is utilized as the oil cooler.
Delphi fuel-injection management.
Dry sump engine lubrication.
Aluminium engine block for optimal cooling.

Fuel tank with galvanized liner to prohibit corrosion and blocked fuel system.
Anti-scald exhaust silencers. The silencers are not hot even after riding.

Electrically-controlled fuel filler cover.

Electrically-controlled seat lock.
USB charging port.
Keyless Control System for secure and ease of locking and unlocking the motorcycle.
Rear luggage rack.

3. Are all four models based on the same platform?

Yes, all four models are based on one engine, frame and chassis platform. Being so makes means parts should be easily available.

4. Tell us more about the Zontes ZT310-T

The ZT310-T is an adventure (ADV) motorcycle. It may look like a CTRL+C – CTRL+V job of the BMW R 1200 RT but look closer and you’ll spot many differences.

Distinguishing features include a large motorized windscreen, handguards, high-level mudguard and crash protection bars.

It is priced at RM 22,800 (basic selling price without road tax, insurance and number plates).

Zontes Malaysia is offering the first batch of ZT310-T with exclusive top box and panniers.

5. Tell us more about the Zontes ZT310-R

The ZT310-R is the naked sportbike in the ZT310 line-up.

Zontes knows that a naked sportbike needs to be have bold and extrovert styling. The most distinguishing features are the aggressive headlamp, taillamp and belly pan. The headlight combined with the radiator shroud give the impression of a robot out of the movie “Real Steel.” On the other hand, the taillamps are mounted flush in the tailsection, giving the bike a distinctive and aggressive appearance.

It is priced at RM 19,800 (basic selling price without road tax, insurance and number plates).

6. Tell us more about the Zontes ZT310-X

The ZT310-X is a sport-tourer. As such it needs a windscreen and fairing to shield the rider from the windblast and elements. A tall handlebar gives the rider a natural and comfortable riding position on those long rides.

It is priced at RM 20,800, while the ZT310-X GP is priced at RM 21,600 (basic selling prices without road tax, insurance and number plates),

7. Who and where is Zontes produced?

The Zontes is one of the brands produced by Guangdong Tayo Motorcycle Technology Co., Ltd. in China.

8. What is Zontes Malaysia’s mission

The official Malaysian distributor assured us that they will expand their dealer throughout the country, not only to sell the bikes but also to provide the best possible aftersales service.

9. Tell us more about the company

The company is a Sino-foreign joint venture and was founded in 2003 with a total investment of RM 1.6 billion (RMB 2.6 billion). Its facilities cover 400,000 square metres (40 hectres). Guangdong Tayo employs some 1,600 staff, with 60% of them holding college degrees and higher. The pillar of the manufacturer is innovation and quality. The company holds 256 patents for styling, 36 patents for innovation and 121 patents for utility models.

10. Are the motorcycles sold in other countries apart from China and Malaysia?

Yes, they are also sold in the UK and a number of European countries, South America, South Africa.

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW Motorrad Patents Bum Massager

BMW Motorrad just submitted patents for a bum massager for motorcycle seats.
The system ought to help motorcycle riders who ride long distances.
Hopefully, it will reduce the discomfort and distraction of numb bums.

Ever felt like your bum is going to split into four when you ride for long distances? Wish you were seated in your Ogawa at home? Well, BMW Motorrad just submitted the patents for a bum massager seat.

In the patent drawings published by Australian Motorcycle News, the system is elegant in its simplicity. Under the seat padding is an electric motor turns a shaft with lobes which looks uncannily like an engine camshaft.

Touring riders (us included) are most likely to welcome this option as we experience pain and numbness after riding for hours on end. Hopefully this will stop riders and us from standing up on the bike and massaging our backsides while riding on the highway.

Vehicle seats with massage option are not new. In fact, many car and even truck seats include the feature, including BMW cars. So, in true BMW fashion that brings many car functions to motorcycles, the manufacturer may just offer the option in their motorcycles.

Now, rather than riding a long distance for a massage, you can soon bring the massager with you. And oh, you can also leave your Ogawa and Gintell at home.

VIDEO: Ex-MotoGP Rider Nobuatsu Aoki Takes Suzuki Katana for a Spin

Ex-MotoGP Rider Nobuatsu Aoki takes the new Suzuki Katana for a spin in this video.
It’s the first full video of the bike since the teasers.
We’re still waiting for the news of when it will arrive and cost in Malaysia.

The new Suzuki Katana has aroused much excitement since it was unveiled at the 2018 Intermot show. And now, there’s a video of ex-MotoGP rider Nobuatsu Aoki taking it for spin.

In the video, Aoki is seen flogging the Katana through corners, blasting past fallen leaves to a beautiful autumn background.

Aoki then talks about the bike, engine, chassis, electronics. It is a Katana after all, so the “promotional talk” is forgiven.

“I couldn’t believe how much fun the bike is,” said Aoki in the video. “A proper engine in a proper chassis, and the riding position is fantastic. I was surprised how easy to ride it is.”

“The road surface is wet today and strewn with fallen leaves (one scene where he speeds through a huge drift of leaves on the road made me a little anxious), yet the traction control and ABS support the bike for easy riding with complete confidence.”

It’s a nice video to watch, since it’s the first full footage of the bike being ridden, as compared to the teasers. We get to listen to how it sounds like too. Wish the video was longer.

You can continue on to watch this video on the development of the bike, too.

On another note, Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia has confirmed that they will bring the bike to our shores. When and how much are other matters.

Aprilia and Gulf Team Up for MotoGP 2019

Aprilia and Gulf announced their partnership in MotoGP 2019.
Both brands welcome the new partnership.
The MotoGP 2019 season begins on 10^thMarch.

Aprilia and Gulf announced their partnership in MotoGP.

Aprilia has been making steady inroads towards the front in the premier motorcycle racing championship over the last two seasons; the riders were no longer confined to the rear or midfield. The Noale-based manufacturer made the jump into MotoGP after dominating the 125cc and 250cc world championships for many years. They also made forays into the 500cc world championship.

On the other hand, Gulf has had lots of presence in automotive racing. We’ve seen many top marques such as Porsche and Aston Martin sporting Gulf’s trademark light blue and orange livery for many decades.

The Gulf brand is already in Malaysia, and they are actually one of the world’s largest petroleum brands. They offer fuel retail (as in petrol stations) and lubricants to a wide range of automotive and industrial applications.

“The opportunity to move up into MotoGP, as a major partner of Aprilia Racing was a logical next step forward after World Superbikes,” explains Gulf Vice President International, Frank Rutten. “Aprilia is one of the most successful racing marques of all time while Gulf, of course, has a long history of success in motorsport. Making the move up to Grand Prix racing with a manufacturer that we know matches our ethos of quality, endurance and passion and our desire for progress.”

“We are delighted to be forging this new partnership with Gulf,” enthused Aprilia Racing CEO, Massimo Rivola. “It is an iconic brand with an impressive range of products and a great racing history. We look forward to writing the next chapter in this history over the coming years. I am very pleased to have Gulf working with Aprilia Racing in our upcoming MotoGP campaigns and it will be exciting to see these two great brands moving forward together.”

The Piaggio Group –for which Aprilia Racing is the technical flagship –is one of the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturers, with more than 550,000 motorbikes per year sold across its brands, which also include Vespa, Gilera and Moto Guzzi, as well as Piaggio itself.

Gulf Motorcycle lubricants cover everything from scooters and small capacity motorcycles, to its dedicated range of Superbike oils. Gulf has long used motorsport as a means to help develop and test new product. This step into MotoGP with Aprilia Racing heralds a further drive towards superior-technology motorcycle product from Gulf, as it seeks to conquer new, emerging markets as well as to strengthen its position in existing markets.

Aprilia is concentrating hard on MotoGP development for 2019, looking to be regularly in the mix at the sharp end of the MotoGP field. To this end, in January, Piaggio brought in former Ferrari Sporting Director, Massimo Rivola to head up Aprilia Racing. With two new crew chiefs and a talented rider line up of Italian, Andrea Iannone, Spaniard Aleix Espargaro and Briton, Bradley Smith, Aprilia is putting more resource than ever before into making strides forward in this intensely competitive series.

The MotoGP circus just concluded the final pre-season test for the 2019 season at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. The race season kicks off at the same circuit on 10^thMarch.

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Latest News

Ducati opened a state-of-the-art training facility at its factory in Rayong, Thailand.

Called the Ducati Asia Pacific Training Centre, it will host a great number of training programs.

The programs will further enhance customer experience and immerse them in Ducati’s World.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia built the Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Custom to demonstrate the customizable “spirit” of the bike.

The built didn’t sacrifice the rideability and soul of the V9 Roamer.

Instead, it enhanced the bike’s character and charm.

Zontes Malaysia launched the Zontes ZT310-T, Zontes ZT310-R, Zontes ZT310-X and Zontes ZT310-X GP.

They are priced from RM

The manufacturer offers motorcycle high in innovation, latest technologies and top-notch performance at affordable prices.

1. What’s different about Zontes motorcycles?

2. So, what are these features?

3. Are all four models based on the same platform?

4. Tell us more about the Zontes ZT310-T

Zontes Malaysia is offering the first batch of ZT310-T with exclusive top box and panniers.

5. Tell us more about the Zontes ZT310-R

6. Tell us more about the Zontes ZT310-X

7. Who and where is Zontes produced?

8. What is Zontes Malaysia’s mission

9. Tell us more about the company

10. Are the motorcycles sold in other countries apart from China and Malaysia?

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW Motorrad just submitted patents for a bum massager for motorcycle seats.

The system ought to help motorcycle riders who ride long distances.

Hopefully, it will reduce the discomfort and distraction of numb bums.

Ex-MotoGP Rider Nobuatsu Aoki takes the new Suzuki Katana for a spin in this video.

It’s the first full video of the bike since the teasers.

We’re still waiting for the news of when it will arrive and cost in Malaysia.

Aprilia and Gulf announced their partnership in MotoGP 2019.

Both brands welcome the new partnership.

The MotoGP 2019 season begins on 10th March.

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The MotoGP 2019 season begins on 10^thMarch.