Why said anything about Honda being boring? Boon Siew Honda didn’t only have a dazzling booth space at this year’s Malaysian MotoGP, but they also took the opportunity to launch their latest clothing line.
And it is not just any motorcycle clothing line, Boon Siew Honda’s latest clothing line is in collaboration with Malaysian streetwear powerhouse Pestle & Mortar.
For those now in the know, Pestle & Mortar, or more affectionately known among some as PMC, was founded in 2010 with a powerful motto – “The Pride of South East Asia”, and a mission to tell the stories of Southeast Asia and Malaysia.
The name Pestle & Mortar is inspired by a common cooking tool found in almost every Malaysian household, and that represents the different skills of the founders and the mix of local culture.
The company has collaborated with such international entities as XLarge, Space Jam 2, Ghostbusters, The Shining and even local icons like KFC Malaysia, Royal Selangor, AirAsia and the Olympics Council Malaysia.
As for their collaboration with Boon Siew Honda, it marks an exciting new chapter for the Japanese brand which has a colourful history in Malaysia dating back to 1957.
Boon Siew Honda has mobilised Malaysians for decades and this new collaboration signifies a new, youthful direction for the company.
Does this mean we will see an exciting new chapter for Boon Siew Honda? One that includes new models that will appeal to a younger audience? We certainly hope so.
Boon Siew Honda Sdn. Bhd. (BSH) launched the Honda RS-X Winner in the iconic Honda Tricolor to the public during its inaugural Honda Thanks Day. The unveiling was carried out Honda MotoGP riders in the prestigious event. The striking livery pays homage to Honda’s proud motorsport heritage, embodying the true spirit of speed and competition.
To enhance the ownership experience, the RS-X Winner Tricolor Edition is not merely resplendent in special colours, but it also features premium RCB accessories, and is limited to only 800 units of production:
RCB Brake Caliper S-26 Series (30th Anniversary Edition).
RCB Handle Grip Nagamaki.
RCB Lever Guard.
In addition to its bold new look and premium accessories, the RS-X Winner Tricolor Edition offers even greater value with a 2-year or 20,000km manufacturer’s warranty (whichever comes first). Owners can also opt for the recently launched extended 1-year unlimited mileage coverage at no additional cost under the Honda X-tend campaign. This promotion is available until 31st December 2025.
The RS-X Winner Tricolor Edition expected to be available at all IMPIAN X and authorized Honda dealers nationwide from 1st December 2025, priced at RM 10,298.00 (Recommended Retail Price, excluding road tax, insurance, and registration).
For those who prefer a more distinctive touch, the Yellow special color remains available,
offering a vibrant color accent that exudes power and confidence, its priced at RM10,298.00.
Meanwhile, for riders who appreciate a more classic appearance, the standard color options
Green, Matte Gray, and Blue, and continue to be available at RM9,998.00.
About Honda RS-X Winner
The RS-X Winner is powered by a 150cc DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that delivers 11.8 kW at 9,000 rpm and 13.6 Nm at 7,000 rpm.
The engine is coupled with a 6-speed transmission.
Certified as an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV), it combines strong performance with excellent fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
The Assist & Slipper Clutch provides a lighter clutch pull while on the move, and also prevents rear tire slippage especially during aggressive downshifting.
The rear monoshock suspension ensures a smooth, stable ride.
Safety is enhanced by a front-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
The Smart Key System with Anti-theft Alarm and Answer Back features combine convenience and safety.
Riders can also stay connected with a waterproof USB charging port.
The All-LED Lighting System offers brighter, longer-lasting illumination for improved visibility in all conditions.
Adding to its dynamic appeal, the Aggressive Sports Styling—highlighted by a sporty muffler and newly designed cast wheels creates a bold, aerodynamic look.
The Separate Handle Switch Design allows easy access to controls.
Sealed O-ring chain improves durability and reduces maintenance.
Certified with a 5-Star Rating under the MyMAP Program, the RS-X Winner delivers a perfect balance of power, style, and confidence on every ride.
For more information, you may visit the official Impian X website at https://boonsiewhonda.com.my/product/rs-x-winner/ or visit the nearest Honda Impian X. Customers may also reach BSH via their toll-free number at 1-800-88-3993.
Virtually all European brands have made low-cost models, i.e. BMW, KTM, Triumph and see brisk sales, but not Ducati, despite the mounting pressure of current riders – both new and veterans – switching to these smaller bikes.
In an interview with MCN, Ducati’s Head of Product Communications, Giulio Fabbri, said that his company had made the decision “many years ago.”
However, the decision was not driven by keeping the brand’s “premium” reputation. Instead, it was due to the drive to equip their motorcycles with the best technologies, components, hence pricing.
For the record, Ducati did make 400cc models in the past.
One was the Monster 400 from 1997 to 1998. It was first intended for Japan, Singapore, and Italy but was subsequently exported Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines where there high taxes for bigger motorcycles. However, Ducati was under the Cagiva Group during this time.
The current Ducati management produce the 400cc Scrambler Sixty62 from 2016 to 2022. And yes, its downfall was due to being priced higher than its peers.
“Our pillars are style, sophistication and performance,” Fabbri said. “If you put these three together, and if you want to make a small bike, you are absolutely priced out of the market. So, this is the reason why you will never see a small Ducati.”
He emphasised further that Ducati are taking a different approach to younger riders. Instead of cheap, low-capacity machines, the company is using lower-cc performance machines to draw fresh blood to the brand.
“This is also one of the reasons why we decided to enter motocross and introduce the 698 Mono, (as) we need to take care of younger riders.”
The Kuala Lumpur Police have reminded the public not to engage in any activities that disrupt routes, events, and public order throughout the 47th ASEAN Summit.
Kuala Lumpur Police Chief, Datuk Fadil Marsus, stated that these three matters must be adhered to, and if any party violates them, it could be considered a criminal offense where the police will take firm action.
According to him, any party planning to hold assemblies during the conference period must fully comply with security guidelines.
“I wish to remind any party intending to hold an assembly not to disrupt the related events.”
“There cannot be any activities that affect the event, routes, or public order. Such actions will be considered a criminal offense,” he said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Contingent Police Headquarters here today.
Fadil said public cooperation with enforcement agencies and government departments is crucial to ensure the success of the summit.
“This is an important event for Malaysia because the whole world will be watching how we manage ASEAN.”
“As the main enforcement agency together with other government agencies, we will ensure public order is always maintained throughout this summit period,” he said.
Furthermore, he urged the public to pay attention and avoid using the involved routes or the diversions set up for the ASEAN Summit.
“Alternative roads provided can be used to reduce traffic congestion in the capital city.”
“We anticipate traffic challenges throughout this major event, so we request public cooperation to avoid the mentioned routes and plan their journeys in advance,” he said.
He added, as previously informed, please arrange your activities properly during the summit dates and follow the instructions of traffic police personnel on duty at the locations.
“Commercial vehicles also need to adhere to the restricted travel times.”
“The public is encouraged to use public transport to help reduce congestion,” he said.
On October 18, Deputy Director of the Bukit Aman Department of Internal Security and Public Order (Operations), Datuk Fisol Salleh, stated that over 10,000 police officers and personnel from various units, including the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), Special Branch, and Special Actions Unit (UTK), have been mobilized under Op ASEAN 47 ahead of the summit.
The 47th ASEAN Summit is scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from October 26 to 28, with the participation of all 10 ASEAN member state leaders, as well as dialogue partners and guests including from the United States, China, Japan, and India.
Additionally, six highways and 25 main roads around the Klang Valley will be closed in stages.
The road closures will be implemented from October 23 to 28, involving access routes to and from key locations, particularly to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the National Palace, and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
2028 is already slated to be an important, if not watershed year for MotoGP as there will be many significant changes to the premier class bikes. However, it will not be the only class seeing these changes, as the feeder Moto3 class will be affected. Now a rumour has surfaced that Yamaha wants to be the exclusive engine supplier for Moto3, in 2028.
The current Moto3 formula allows for different manufactures to compete. As such, we have been seeing the likes of Honda and KTM vie for glory. In more recent years, other manufacturers have “rented” the 250cc, single-cylinder KTM RC250GP 250cc bike and slapping their names on it for branding.
To keep costs under control, the rules stipulate that teams can use up to six power units over the course of a full season, with a cost cap reported to be €60,000 (MYR295,302.00). Chassis are also limited to a cap of around €85,000 (roughly MYR418,344.50).
However, the development costs borne by Honda and KTM are undoubtedly high, as no one likes to lose. As such, there is talk of turning Moto3 into a single-make race like Moto2 – where one manufacturer supplies the engines, while teams rent or buy frames, chassis, and other components rather than renting the complete bike.
If the rumours are true, we may just see Moto3 bikes using the Yamaha R7’s 689cc, twin-cylinder engine. The engines will modified for racing, of course.
It was also said that other manufacturers are interested in supplying the engines: Honda, KTM, and CFMOTO.
2025 marks the 50th anniversary – the Golden Jubilee – of the Honda Gold Wing. 50 years is a long time for any motorcycle model production, and the Gold Wing has been through several significant moments in history.
In the pantheon of motorcycling icons, few machines command the respect and admiration of the Honda Gold Wing. It is the undisputed monarch of the long-distance touring realm, a two-wheeled institution synonymous with comfort, innovation, and continent-devouring capability. Yet, its journey to the throne was anything but predictable. The evolution of the Gold Wing is a fascinating tale of a motorcycle that repeatedly reinvented itself, evolving from a purist’s sport-tourer into a technological flagship that continues to define the luxury touring category.
The Genesis: A “Naked” Superbike (1975-1979)
The story begins not with the fairing-clad behemoth we know today, but with a revolutionary engineering exercise.
When Honda unveiled the GL1000 in 1975, the motorcycling world was stunned. At its heart lay a masterpiece: a liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. This “flat-four” configuration, reminiscent of a sports car’s powertrain, provided a incredibly low center of gravity and an exceptionally smooth, vibration-free power delivery. With nearly 1000cc and 80 horsepower, it outperformed many contemporary superbikes, including Honda’s own CB750, which was universally called “the world’s first superbike.”
Surprisingly, the original Gold Wing was a minimalist. It arrived without a fairing, sporting only a simple fuel tank (though the actual tank was hidden under the seat to lower weight) and a solitary, dual-purpose seat. It was a “high speed tourer” according to Honda, a sleek and potent machine that enthusiasts quickly recognized as an unparalleled platform for long-distance travel. Riders began to customize them, adding aftermarket fairings and saddlebags, signaling to Honda a latent demand they had not yet fully anticipated.
The Transformation: Becoming the Tourer (1980-1983)
Honda is a company that listens, and the 1980s marked the Gold Wing’s definitive shift in identity, and in doing so, differentiate itself from the performance-oriented CB range.
The GL1100, introduced in 1980, was offered from the factory with optional factory-fitted fairings and luggage.
The Shape of the Future: The Full-Dress Tourer Debuts (1984-1987)
The market responded overwhelmingly to the GL1100 and by 1984, the GL1200 series had cemented the Gold Wing’s new silhouette. The Interstate model provided the full-dress experience, while the Aspencade added luxury touches like a digital dashboard and a premium sound system.
GL1200 Gold Wing Interstate
This was no longer just a motorcycle; it was a rolling living room. Comfort became paramount. The engine grew in displacement and refinement, designed not for peak horsepower but for a broad, seamless wave of torque. The riding position became more relaxed, and the chassis was engineered to handle the increasing weight of the amenities. The Gold Wing had found its calling: to isolate its rider and passenger from the hardships of the road, transforming a cross-country journey into a serene, effortless event.
The Apex of Analog: The Mighty Six-Cylinder Era (1988-2000)
If the 1200cc model solidified the concept, the 1988 GL1500 perfected it. This was a monumental leap. Honda replaced the flat-four with a majestic, 1520cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. The increase in cylinders translated to an otherworldly level of smoothness and torque. The motorcycle’s profile became broader, more authoritative, and undeniably grand.
The GL1500 was a marvel of pre-digital analog engineering. It featured a complex, multi-speaker audio system, cruise control, reverse gear, and enough storage capacity to rival a small car. It was the ultimate expression of the “bigger is better” philosophy, a machine that prioritized supreme comfort and presence above all else. For over a decade, it reigned supreme, facing little competition and building a cult-like following among touring purists.
The 21st Century Flagship: The Technological Leap (2001-2017)
In 2001, Honda unveiled the GL1800, a machine that was as much a feat of structural engineering as it was a motorcycle. The new 1832cc flat-six engine was now a stressed member of the frame, which was a single-piece, die-cast aluminum unit. This resulted in a stiffer, lighter chassis that transformed the bike’s handling, making the colossal machine feel surprisingly agile.
The GL1800 became the new benchmark for two decades. It incorporated cutting-edge technology, including optional satellite navigation and, in a world-first for production motorcycles, an optional airbag. Its audio system was concert-hall quality, and its weather protection was absolute. It was the pinnacle of the fully integrated, all-in-one touring package, a technological fortress on two wheels.
The Modern Rebirth: The Agile Grand Tourer (2018-Present)
By the 2010s, the touring market was changing. Riders, including an aging core demographic, sought lighter, more manageable machines. Honda’s response in 2018 was a comprehensive and daring redesign. The new Gold Wing underwent a dramatic diet, shedding nearly 50 kg. The most radical change was at the front, where a double-wishbone suspension system replaced the traditional telescopic fork, improving handling and reducing front-end dive under braking.
Most significantly, the cockpit was catapulted into the modern age. A full-color TFT display became the command center, integrating with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multiple riding modes, hill start assist, and a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission option broadened its appeal. Honda had successfully re-engineered a legend, preserving its core luxury and comfort while gifting it with a newfound spirit of agility and modern connectivity.
And, finally, the 2025 Honda Gold Wing 50th Anniversary
The 2025 Honda Gold Wing 50th Anniversary is a rolling monument to a half-century of touring supremacy. To honour this legacy, Honda has adorned its flagship tourer with two stunning Eternal Gold and Bordeaux Red Metallic paint scheme, a direct and elegant homage to the iconic colours of the original 1975 GL1000. This visual tribute is complemented by exclusive 50th Anniversary badging on the saddlebags and fuel tank, along with gold-coloured alloy wheels and meticulously embroidered seats, ensuring that its celebratory status is recognised at every glance.
Conclusion
The Honda Gold Wing’s evolution is a masterclass in listening to riders and daring to lead. It has grown from a sophisticated engine in search of a purpose to the most complete and capable touring machine on the planet. It is a testament to Honda’s engineering philosophy, proving that even a legend can continue to evolve, ensuring that the king of the tourers remains as relevant tomorrow as it was half a century ago.
