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Taking Flight with BMW Motorrad Malaysia Night Fuel Kuala Lumpur

The sixth BMW Motorrad Malaysia Night Fuel Kuala Lumpur lifestyle event was a rousing success
Held at the Sungai Besi Royal Malaysia Air Force base, it saw the congregation of hundreds of BMW motorcycle owners and fans.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia also launched the F 850 GS Adventure, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure.

The sixth BMW Motorrad Malaysia Night Fuel Kuala Lumpur lifestyle event was a rousing success.

It was held in Kuala Lumpur this time after touring the country throughout the year. Held at the Sungai Besi Royal Malaysia Air Force base, it saw the congregation of hundreds of BMW motorcycle owners and fans.

Night Fuel celebrates the bonding of BMW owners under one roof, over BMW motorcycles, food and great music.

As per tradition, BMW Motorrad Malaysia introduced three new models in Malaysia. There were the much-awaited F 850 GS Adventure, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure. The R 1250 GS and its Adventure brethren are the most important models of the night as the form the backbone of BMW Motorrad sales. But it wasn’t a case of “another GS” as the R 1250 features a new, bigger engine that’s equipped with variable valve timing technology called “ShiftCam.”

On the entertainment front, Malaysian rock legend, Amy Search got the crowd on their feet along with the band who went through an entire playlist of classic rock songs.

Another tradition was the lucky draw. A lucky attendee went home with a new BMW G 310 GS tonight.

2019 BMW R 1250 GS, BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, BMW F 850 GS Adventure Launched

The 2019 BMW R 1250 GS, BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, BMW F 850 GS Adventure were launched tonight.
They were launch at the BMW Motorrad Night Fuel Kuala Lumpur lifestyle event.
The R 1250 GS line-up features the new 1254cc Boxer with ShiftCam Technology.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia launched the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS, BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, BMW F 850 GS Adventure here tonight at the BMW Motorrad Malaysia Night Fuel Kuala Lumpur lifestyle event.

All three models are eagerly awaited by BMW and adventure fans, more so since they have been upgraded for more performance from the engine and chassis.

2019 BMW F 850 GS Adventure (GSA) – From 88,500

The F 850 GS Adventure (GSA) expands the F 850 GS’s already impressive touring and adventure capabilities. Owners can expect greater range and off-road riding capability.

Highlights:

853cc, 8-valve, DOHC, parallel-Twin.
The crankshaft is revised to feature a 90^ospacing to mimic a 90^oV-Twin, instead of the 360^ocrank in the F 800 GS.
The new 270^o/450^oignition timing provides smoother torque and less vibration.
The new engine delivers 95 hp @ 8,250 RPM and 92 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM.
Power is transferred to the transmission through a slipper clutch.
The instrument cluster consists of a 6.5-inch TFT screen.
There are two power/ride modes: ROAD and RAIN.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) are standard.
Front forks are upsided-down with 230 mm travel.
Rear shock is adjustable for preload and rebound and has 215 mm travel.
Front wheel is 21-inches, rear is 17-inches.
Engine guard is standard.
As with BMW’s Adventure variants, fuel is expanded to 23 litres.
With an optimum fuel consumption of 4.1 litres/100km, the bike has a 500-km touring range.

2019 BMW R 1250 GS – From RM 116,500

Development of the BMW R 1250 GS was eagerly followed the world over, especially when it was revealed that it will feature a new, larger engine with variable valve timing. Indeed, the ShiftCam Technology boosts the new engine’s performance while retaining fuel economy and the classic BMW Boxer character.

Highlights:

1254cc, 8-valve, DOHC, horizontally-opposed-Twin (Boxer) with BMW ShiftCam Technology.
The new engine produces 136 hp at 7,750 RPM and 143 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM.
There are now two knock sensors allowing use of fuel less than RON 95.
The instrument cluster consists of a 6.5-inch TFT screen.
There are two power/ride modes: ROAD and RAIN.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) are standard.
Also, standard is Hill Start Control.
Suspension is via Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” with fully-automatic load compensation.
Optional Riding Modes Pro includes Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), ABS Pro, Hill Start Control Pro, and Dynamic Brake Assistant (DBC).

2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure – From RM 125,500

In addition to the R 1250 GS’s specifications, the R 1250 GS Adventure includes model specific features for longer range and adventure riding.

Highlights:

Longer travel suspension – 210 mm front and 220 mm rear vs. 190 mm/200 mm on the GS.
30-litre usable fuel capacity vs. 20 litres on the GS.
268 kg ready to ride weight vs. the GS’s 249 kg.
Priced from RM 125,500 and from RM 127,500 for the Style HP colour scheme.

Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor Begin Shooting “Long Way Up” Soon

Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor will begin shooting Long Way Up soon.
The duo will ride from South America to California.
What bikes will they ride this time around?

It’s confirmed: Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor will begin shooting Long Way Up soon.

If there is one, well okay, two TV programmes that brought motorcycle adventure touring into the limelight are Long Way Round and its sequel Long Way Down.

Some overland riders even quoted the programs as inspiration to them taking up touring. There’s also a claim that the sales of the BMW R 1100 GS and subsequent BMW R 1200 GS shot up after the show.

According to ADV Pulse, Boorman confirmed the shoot during an interview in the Bike Shed Show in London. “I’m doing the Long Way Up for sure, with Ewan,” he said. “We are going from South America to Los Angeles. So South America, Central America, Mexico and then Los Angeles and we are going to start that in a few months’ time.” Specific route plans have yet to be confirmed, however.

Another question is on what bikes the duo will be riding this time. Boorman is the ambassador for Triumph, while McGregor was recently named the ambassador for the Moto Guzzi V85TT. That said, could the former ride the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx/XCa? Or the Tiger 1200? (This writer personally hopes for the Tiger 800 XCx/XCa.)

2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx Test and Review

Harley-Davidson Partners with Qianjiang to Build Smaller Capacity Models

Harley-Davidson confirmed that they have partnered with Qianjiang Motorcycle Company to produce smaller displacement models for Asia.
The new model will a 338cc engine.
Qianjiang is the brand custodian of Benelli motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson confirmed that they have partnered with Qianjiang Motorcycle Company to produce smaller displacement models.

It was speculated earlier that Harley-Davidson will partner an Indian manufacturer for the purpose, but it had turned out to be a Chinese maker, after all. The bikes be distributed in China and throughout the Asian region.

The two partners also revealed that the first model will have a 338cc. It will first be released in China, followed by the rest of Asia.

The bike will be labelled as “Designed by Harley-Davidson” and built by Qianjiang in China. They will also build the engine.

But who the heck is Qianjiang Motorcycle Company, you ask? They are the custodians of the Benelli brand which has quite a following here in Malaysia and Europe.

The move is due to the Motor Company’s belief that China will spearhead the brand’s growth in the Asian region. Harley’s CEO Matt Levatich hopes to see 50% growth in the overseas market by 2027.

Harley also showed off the rendered image of the bike which closely resembles the XR1200.

2019 Yamaha 135 LC – More Attractive Updates

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has announced attractive updates for the 2019 Yamaha 135 LC.
Production continues for the bike as there is a steady demand.
Recommended selling price is RM 6,868.00 (not on-the-road).

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has announced attractive updates for the 2019 Yamaha 135 LC.

The Yamaha 135 LC was a gamechanger in the underbone i.e. kapchai segment when it was first introduced in 2005. It was the first to include many new features at the time but the most significant was its liquid-cooled engine, hence the “LC” denomination.

The first generation 135 LC still holds a legendary reputation as being the fastest kapchai ever built, until the advent of 150cc competitors.

But the model is beating after more than a decade later. It’s still a model which fills the gap between the 110 to 125cc smaller kapchais to its bigger Yamaha Y15ZR brethren. One can still see many old and new 135 LCs around, especially among the Food Panda and GrabFood boys and gals (bless ‘em).

Hence, these and more provide reasons to continue production with upgrades and updates along the way.

For 2019, the engine remains untouched i.e. 135cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder mated to a 4-speed transmission with auto clutch. The changes are aesthetics to “freshen” up the bike.

The cosmetic changes are:

Additional horn cover.
Air scoops on both sides of the bodywork.
Additional under cowl panel.
New speedometer panel.

It’s offered in three colours, namely Comet Grey, Fiery Red and Storm Blue.

HLYM recommends the selling price at RM 6,868 (excluding registration and insurance). Buyers will receive an exclusive stainless steel Yamaha brake disc lock.

2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Ducati Multistrada 950 S, Ducati Hypermotard 950 S, Ducati Diavel 1260 S Launched

Ducati Malaysia launched the 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Ducati Multistrada 950 S, Ducati Hypermotard 950 S, Ducati Diavel 1260 S tonight.
All bikes cater to different segments for riders seeking different types of rides.
The crown jewel is the Panigale V4 R superbike.

Ducati Malaysia launched nine new motorcycles for 2019 tonight. They included the Ducati Panigale V4 R, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Ducati Multistrada 950 S, Ducati Hypermotard 950 S, Ducati Diavel 1260 S and four Scrambler variants (please click here for the launch report).

All models have been highly anticipated since their launch late last year, more so the Panigale V4 R.

2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R – From RM 299,900

The Panigale V4 R is the homologation model for racing in the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK). The rules of the series require manufacturers to produce a certain number of specially-prepared variant that’s as close as possible to the race motorcycle and available to the public.

That’s where the Panigale V4 R fits in – being Ducati’s commitment to dominate WorldSBK that the factory once did. In other words, the Panigale V4 R is a pure race-ready road bike. Every part is designed for a purpose and none is superfluous.

Since its introduction in 2019 WorldSBK, Alvaro Bautista steered it to 9 race and 4 Superpole wins in six rounds. The Panigale V4 R’s stranglehold is so absolute that the organizers made Ducati cut the bike’s maximum rev limit.

Highlights (in addition to the V4 and V4 S):

MotoGP-inspired Desmosedici Stradale R 1000cc 90^oV4 engine.
56mm oval throttle bodies with variable height intake funnels.
The engine produces 221 hp (162 kW) at 15,250 RPM and 112 Nm of torque at 11,500 RPM, with a dry weight of only 172 kg.
STM EVO-SBK dry clutch system like its racing brethren.
Taller windscreen to flow air over rider’s helmet when in full tuck.
Aerobody with winglets adds 30kg of vertical load to the front wheel at 270km/h.
Extractors on fairing move 6% and 16% through the radiator and oil cooler, respectively.
Adjustable swingarm pivot (2mm) to change the bike’s chassis balance.
High-end Öhlins suspension.
Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Auto Tyre Calibration.
A Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides data to the ECU for traction and chassis control strategies.
High-resolution, 5-inch TFT display.
Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS) provides detailed lap analysis.
Pit lane speed limiter can be set to between 40 km/h to 80 km/h.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is available in any colour you like, as long as it’s red.

2019 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro – From RM 138,900

The Multistrada 1260 Enduro expands the Multistrada 1260’s performance envelope to include off-road adventure riding.

The Enduro especially benefits from the 1262cc Testastretta DVT engine. The Desmodromic Variable Timing valve actuation system provides an ultra-smooth power and torque delivery, resulting in total rider confidence when riding in the rough.

Highlights:

1262cc 90^oV-Twin Testastretta DVT engine.
It produces 158 hp (116 kW) at 9,500 RPM and 128 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM.
Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts.
Redesigned chassis reduces suspension travel and seat height to 860mm.
Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO (DSS) semi-active electronic suspension. It can be tuned to 400 configurations.
Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control.
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) with 8 levels.
Vehicle Hold Control allows the bike to move off a slope of up to 24.5 degrees.
Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) utilize LEDs to illuminate the inside of corners when the bike is leaned over.
The bike weighs 225kg, dry.

2019 Multistrada 950 S – From RM 95,900

The Multistrada 950 S offers great versatility, comfort, performance and fun at a much more accessible level.

The 2019 models is redesigned to follow the Multistrada 1260’s family resemblance and is full of many great features.

Highlights:

937cc, 90^oV-Twin Testastretta 11^oengine.
It produces 113 hp (83 kW) at 9,000 RPM and 96 Nm of torque at 7,750 RPM.
Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts (Multistrada 950 S only).
Hydraulically-actuated clutch for reduced lever effort.
Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO (DSS) semi-active electronic suspension. It can be tuned to 400 configurations.
Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control.
Vehicle Hold Control allows the bike to move off a slope.
Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) illuminates the inside of corners when the bike is leaned over.
Cruise control.
The bike weighs 204 kg, dry.

2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 – From RM 75,900

The hooligan is back! The Hypermotard 950 embodies the essence of fun on two wheels, letting nothing stand in your way. It’s a bike for being thrown around through traffic and into corners, then pulling a massive crossed-up wheelie on the way out.

Highlights:

937cc, 90^oV-Twin Testastretta 11^oengine, with higher 13.3:1 compression ratio (up from 12.6:1).
It produces 114 hp (84 kW) at 9,000 RPM and 96 Nm of torque at 7,250 RPM.
Clutch with self-servo and anti-hop (slipper) functions.
A Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides data to the ECU for traction and chassis control strategies.
Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO.
New 45mm, fully-adjustable Marzocchi forks.
The bike weighs a lithe 178 kg, dry.

2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 S – From RM 139,900

The leading muscle cruiser, bar none. It combines the looks and attitude of a cruiser with Ducati’s superbike to deliver high performance and imposing street cred.

Highlights:

1262cc 90^oV-Twin Testastretta DVT engine.
It produces 159 hp (117 kW) at 9,500 RPM and 129 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM.
Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts.
High-handlebar and central footpegs power cruiser ergonomics.
Fully-adjustable forks.
Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO and Ducati Power Launch (DPL) EVO.
The bike weighs 218 kg, dry.