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Yamaha Gen Blu Carnival 2019 to Set New Record

The Yamaha Gen Blu Carnival 2019 will set the record as the biggest ever congregation of Yamaha motorcycles in Malaysia.
The carnival is fun-filled day for Yamaha bikers.
It will take place on 4^thAugust 2019 at MAEPS Serdang.

The upcoming Yamaha Gen Blu Carnival 2019 will set a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest ever congregation of Yamaha motorcycles and owners in Malaysia. The groundbreaking event will happen on 4^thAugust 2019, at the MAEPS, Serdang.

One lucky attendee stands a chance to ride home with a brand-new Yamaha MT-09 through the lucky draw. Attendees need to spend only RM 80 in a single receipt at the Yamaha Gen Blu Carnival to qualify for the lucky draw.

Yamaha fans will also be able to purchase official Yamaha merchandize and goodies at the event, with discounts of up to 50 percent.

The event will consist of activities for riders as well as the whole family. The attractions include:

Fun fair games.
Yamaha test ride sessions.
Tornado Box.
Tug-of-War Competition.
Rock Climbing.
Simulator games.
Stunt shows by male and female riders.

That is not all! There will be a custom Yamaha competition. The best bike will win RM 1,000 cash and a special Kushitani jacket. 40 motorcycles are expected to take part in retro, street, kapchai, and automatic scooter categories.

As for entertainment, Malaysian rock singer Faizal Tahir will be present.

So, mark your calendar and make your way to MAEPS Serdang on 4^thAugust 2019 for the Yamaha Gen Blu Carnival 2019.

Cardo Packtalk Bold Test & Review, “To Boldly Entertain”

A Bluetooth communicator is indispensable when riding.
The top of the lot is the Cardo Packtalk Bold.
It is full of great features, especially the JBL speakers.

We’ll start off this Cardo Packtalk Bold review by saying why a Bluetooth communicator is indispensable in motorcycling.

The Cardo Packtalk Bold is the latest and best product from the company, hence it offers lots of stuff that other manufacturers could only emulate but not surpass. We’ll touch on this later.

1. Streaming music/radio

Streaming music or radio broadcasts turns your long rides into a more entertaining affair, especially if your drone along our many highways. Certain stretches are just too mind-numbing, offering nothing but the same features over and over again.

Having your favourite songs or radio programmes piped into the helmet keeps the mundane away.

2. Ease of navigation

If you’ve got a phone or GPS in front of you, the voice prompts are sent to the communicator’s speakers. It means you don’t have to keep looking at your device in finding your route.

3. Make/receive phone calls

Got that important phone call that you can’t afford to miss while you’re riding? Having a communicator is the best way. We’ve found out about this a long time ago when we were separated from a convoy!

4. Rider to rider communication

This is important in a convoy, especially if you are one of the marshals; or the lead marshal having a communicator at the very least. The sweeper (last rider) or runner can easily call up the lead marshal or vice versa regarding the dynamics of the convoy.

5. Rider to passenger communication

This is another indispensable aspect of having a Bluetooth communicator (unless your other half and you are fighting). In one way, both of you can communicate clearly along a ride i.e. in urgent need of a toilet break. In another way, talking to your passenger can keep both of you awake during the long, dreary rides.

So how does the Cardo Packtalk Bold fit in?

1. JBL speakers(!)

Listening to music is one thing, but it becomes irritating when the speakers produce tinny sounds i.e. no bass, no clarity.

The Cardo Packtalk Bold (the “Bold” really does stand for something) is equipped with the largest speakers in the industry at 40mm. Not just that, they are by JBL, who are a part of the Harman Kardon group. You can find JBL and Harman Kardon speakers in luxury cars such as Mecedes-Benz, BMW, et al.

Hence, audio reproduction is top notch. All audio frequencies sound natural and you can hear them clearly. The speakers are loud too, so do listen to music at a volume that doesn’t impede on your senses while riding.

Additionally, the voice command feature of the Cardo Packtalk Bold allows handsfree operation while you’re riding. For example, say “Hey Cardo, music on.” A female voice seconds your command and starts the music. Say, “Hey Cardo, volume up” and the unit turns it up.

2. Receive/make phone calls

Phone conversation is uncannily clear with the unit. All you need is to say “Answer” when there’s an incoming call and the Cardo will patch you through.

But get this, I’ve asked the callers how the call sounded. They replied, “Nothing unusual.” They were surprised when I told them that am currently riding my bike at 120 km/h and talking to them.

You see, Cardo pioneered the Bluetooth phone communicator before Sony and Motorola’s became popular. But Cardo brought the technology to a higher level with their noise cancelling algorithm. Not only that the person couldn’t hear wind noises on their phones, but you too, in the helmet. The speakers emit cross frequencies to kill wind noise during your calls!

Making phone calls is also easy. The best way is to set your favourite number for speed dial in the Cardo app. Then, all you have to do is say, “Hey Cardo, speed dial.”

The unit also awaits your command to Siri (iOS) and Google. With Siri enabled, you only say, “Hi Siri….” and follow up with your command.

But what if you want to avoid phone calls? Just say, “Ignore,” and Cardo will turn off the ringtone in the speakers and let the call end by itself.

3. Rider to rider communication

This is where Cardo stands head and shoulders above the rest. While the JBL speakers are exclusive to the Packtalk Bold, other Cardo products carry the feature called Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC).

DMC keeps up 15 riders connected via a network. Each control unit plays the role of receiver and signal enhancer.

Here’s a scenario: In a convoy, a rider or riders need to slow down and falls behind the coverage distance (1.6 kilometres). But doing so doesn’t disconnect the entire network, unlike if they are all hooked up via Bluetooth. That way, the network among the group of riders is still active and riders can still relay information to each other. The network will automatically reconnect the disconnected riders when they catch back up rather than having to go through the process of reconnecting via Bluetooth.

The lead rider can also set different groups of the DMC network. Say, one group for the marshals and another for other riders with DMC.

Cool, huh?

4. Rider to passenger communications

Remember we spoke about noise cancellation technology? Talking with your passenger is so easy with the crystal clear audio. You don’t have to slow down to hear what each of you is saying.

Other features

1. Natural voice command

Note that we said, “natural voice command” instead of “voice control.” While that sounds the same, it’s very different for Cardo because it obeys your commands in your natural voice and intonations. Which means you could have a heavily-accented English yet the unit recognizes your voice.

But the algorithm is also smart to filter out non-commands, so that you can sing to your hearts content and not prompting the unit to send your singing to others in the group.

2. IP67 water and dust proofing

This is especially important. We’ve ridden through the heaviest rains and the unit just kept on working.

3. Long lasting battery

A full charge lasts for at least two days of riding, provided that you switch it off when you stop for a break. You could also say, “Hey Cardo, battery status” and the friendly lady will announce the level to you.

Conclusion

There are many other features of the Cardo Packtalk Bold that we didn’t cover here, because it’ll probably be as long as a university dissertation if we did. Just check out the official videos on YouTube and see what the amazing things it could do to help you enjoy motorcycling even more.

If you want the best of the best, the Cardo Packtalk Bold has it all.

For us, we just couldn’t ride without it!

Triumph Rocket 3 R and Triumph Rocket 3 GT Unleashed!

The Triumph Rocket 3 R and Triumph Rocket 3 GT were unveiled after many teasers.
The pair has a new 2500cc engine which produces 165 bhp and 221 Nm of torque.
It will challenge for the power cruiser title.

First, they had our tongues hanging out for the Triumph Rocket 3 TFC, and now they’ve unleashed the Triumph Rocket 3 R and Triumph Rocket 3 GT!

The two new bikes show a great departure from the staid styling of the previous Rocket 3, as Triumph positions them to challenge for the power cruiser crown. You definitely can’t do so with the styling of the old bike, can you?

Anyway, the new Rocket 3 has a new 2500cc three-cylinder engine, up from 2300cc. That capacity increase cements Triumph’s hold on the “biggest production engine” record. But it isn’t an entry in the record books that the Hinckley-based manufacturer is seeking.

The new engine produces 165 bhp at 6,000 RPM and 221 Nm of torque at 4,000 RPM. These figures are impressive if not eye-popping. An engine which finds its maximum torque at just 4,000 RPM means it will accelerate like a jet plane. Currently, no other gasoline-powered production motorcycle matches the Rocket 3’s torque. Only the electric Lightning LS-218 produces the same figure!

As such, Triumph claims that the new Rocket 3 punches off the line from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.79 seconds. That’s superbike territory, yo!

The manufacturer didn’t just overbore the old lump but made many revisions. They reduced circulating mass by 18kg resulting in a higher redline.

The frame was likewise changed. It’s now aluminium with a central spine that bolts around the engine. That central spine is hollow and doubles up as the airbox.

Doing so saved another 22kg, thus added to the 18kg shaved from the engine results in a 40kg lighter bike.

Suspension consists of 47mm diameter Showa forks and fully-adjustable rear shock with piggyback reservoir. The front brakes utilize Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers like those on the Ducati Panigale V4 and Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory. The rear tyre goes up in size to 240mm.

Electronics are top-notch too, including the Inertial Measurement Unit from Continental which provides lean-angle sensitive ABS and traction control. There are four riding modes including Sport, Road, Rain and rider configurable fourth one.

But what’s the difference between the “R” and “GT”? The former is the sportier model, with a lower windscreen. The GT, on the other hand, has a bigger windscreen and passenger backrest.

How much? We have to wait for pricing when they arrive at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia.

Harley-Davidson Owners Group PJ and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia Camaraderie Ride

The Harley-Davidson Owners Group PJ (HOG PJ) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) Camaraderie Ride rode out for brunch and durian on 30^thJuly 2019.
It showed that the bond among bikers transcends motorcycle brands and types.
More than 100 bikers joined the ride.

The Harley-Davidson Owners Group PJ (HOG PJ) and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) Camaraderie Ride showed that the spirit of comradeship among bikers transcends they makes and types of motorcycles.

The two groups assembled at The Gasket Alley on 30^thJuly 2019 for a light breakfast, before riding to Tanah Aina Fareena in Kampung Temiang, Karak.

There, the now single group of riders were served brunch and durian from the nearby hills.

It was a short ride and visit as it was a public holiday and the group headed back to Kuala Lumpur just after lunch.

What’s more important is that there has always been a general (and wrong) perception that owners of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and likewise those on Ducati bikes do not ride with those of other brands. This ride puts those views to rest.

Cillia Lob, Ladies of Harley Officer said, “There is perception that Harley-Davidson and Ducati bikers don’t ride together given the different riding styles. But this is one of the first and many more camaraderie rides to foster greater brotherhood and sisterhood among bikers, like our HOG PJ tagline, Lets Ride or Stay Home.”

DOCM President AInul Hasri said, “It was a spectacular sight as almost 100 Harley-Davidson and Ducati bikes roared out of The Gasket Alley to Janda Baik for brunch.”

“Bikers from DOCM and HOG PJ bonded and enjoyed each other’s warm presence while admiring each Italian and American beauty. Our ride proved the strong relationship that all riders have innately know, which is respect and care towards all riders, irrespective of their machines. I hope that we can foster this relationship between DOCM and HOG PJ further by having more joint community engagements. This is true to DOCM’s motto of Our Ride, Our Pride.”

Do note that there were four riders on the new Moto Guzzi V85TT on this ride, too.

We hope to see more such cross-brand rides in the future, to put brand-centric misconceptions to the rest.

PICTURE GALLERY

Ducati 2020 World Premiere to Showcase 2020 Models in October

Ducati will unveil their 2020 models at the Ducati 2020 World Premiere on 23^rdOctober.
Models expected are the Streetfighter V4 and Multistrada V4.
The premiere date is ahead of EICMA.

As with the previous year, Ducati will unveil their 2020 models at the Ducati 2020 World Premiere on 23^rdOctober, ahead of the EICMA show.

Some manufacturers are moving away from unveiling their bikes at EICMA as all manufacturers will also reveal their new bikes, sometimes at exactly the same time and date, as other manufacturers. You can imagine the chaos that ensues.

The Ducati 2020 World Premiere will certainly include the new Streetfighter V4. The prototype was ridden by Carlin Dunne at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, but it’s going to be the production-ready bike this time.

We may also get to see the new Multistrada V4 which has already been spotted undergoing road tests.

You can look forward to a new Panigale 959, as well. It’ll still be powered by a V-Twin engine, of course.

But sources say that there may be an all-new Scrambler, too. The Scrambler line-up is now burgeoning with different models, so we wonder what type it will be next.

The Monster line-up also needs an update.

Apart from Ducati, we expect most, if not all, manufacturers to present new bikes later at EICMA this year. This is due to Euro5 regulations taking effect in 2020.

Ducati Multistrada V4 Test Mule Spotted

A Ducati Multistrada V4 test mule was spotted in Italy.
It looks similar to the current Multistrada 1260 but will definitely look different in final production form.
Ducati is slated to unveil 2020 models on 23^rdOctober.

The rumours of a Ducati Multistrada V4 is now confirmed with the spotting of a test mule in Italy.

Ducati is currently looking at equipping more models with the Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, after its introduction in the Panigale V4. Rumours of the Multistrada being next in line had started since the company’s CEO Claudio Domenicali announcement that there will be more models to utilize the engine.

Since then, we’ve seen the prototype of the Streetfighter V4 being raced at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

The video captured above shows a bike that’s very similar to the current Multistrada 1260, apart from the different exhaust. However, Ducati will surely give the V4 version a new look or a facelift, at the very least.

The V4 will definitely be detuned in the Multistrada from the 214bhp in the Panigale. The current Multistrada 1260 produces 158 bhp, so that’s a 56 bhp spread for Ducati to play with. It may be safe to say that the Multistrada V4 to hold close to 180 bhp, making it the most powerful naturally-aspirated sport-tourer.

The manufacturer has announced that they will unveil the 2020 models on 23^rdOctober 2019. You can count on the Multistrada V4 as being one of them.