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2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 (R25) Price Announced (From RM 19,998)

HLYM announced the price for the 2019 YZF-R25 today.
The 2019 R25 retains the engine of its predecessor.
But there are many new features.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has announced the pricing for the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 (R25) today, after the preview back in January this year.

The price from RM 19,998 (basic selling price, not on-the-road) remains unchanged from its predecessor’s.

But while the 2019 model retains the same 250cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-Twin engine, there are a number of new enhanced features:

Upside-down forks for better handling and road feedback.
New aerodynamic bodywork inclusive of YZR-M1 style air intake.
New fuel tank design for better seating position.
New handlebar and ergonomics for the roads and track.
LED lighting and new LCD instrument cluster.

The 2019 R25 is offered in two colours, Blue and Red and will be available from the 3^rdweek of March. Buyers will receive exclusive stainless steel Yamaha Disc Lock complete with “reminder” cable.

2019 BMW S 1000 RR Price Revealed in USA

2019 BMW S 1000 RR price was finally revealed in the USA.
Starting at USD 16,999, owners could opt for different packages according to their needs.
The pricing looks like great value compared to other European supersport motorcycles.

Finally, we get an idea of how much the much-awaited 2019 BMW S 1000 RR will cost.

BMW Motorrad revealed the price at USD 16,999. However, that’s for the base model. As with all BMW motorcycles, there are different levels of “packages” to fit every rider’s fancy.

“Select” Package

For an extra USD 1,400, the package includes BMW’s DDC (Dynamic Damping Control) semi-active electronic suspension, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system and heated grips.

The bike now costs approximately USD 18,400.

“Race” Package

Top up another USD 1,600 (to the Select Package) and you get the “Race” package. It adds the “Ride Modes Pro” electronic suite which includes launch control, wheelie control, race modes, dynamic traction control, slide control, etc. etc. You will also receive a lithium-ion battery and forged aluminium wheels.

The bike now costs approximately USD 20,000.

“M” Package

For the ultimate built, get the “M” package and will receive carbon fibre wheels with everything else in place.

And finally, the price is now approximately USD 22,100.

We would like to add that you do get lots of goodies at USD 22,100, compared to other current European supersport models.

Of course, the pricing will be different when it arrives in Malaysia, but at least we have an inkling of how much we need to save for. Wished we started saving from when we were six-years-old…

Tips for Riding in the Haze

Just as we thought we’re riding out the heat, here comes the haze!
Here are a number of tips for riding in the haze.
Reduce your exposure as must much as you possibly can.

There seems to be no respite for us Malaysian motorcyclists when it comes to the weather, is there? First it was the superheated days and now the haze is back with a vengeance. What’s next?

But here are a few tips to ease our daily battles with the environment.

Wear a balaclava. Wearing a balaclava covers your nose and mouth and filters out particulates. As a bonus, it keeps dust out and protects your neck, too. While not as effective as a surgical mask in filtering out smoke, a balaclava is made to fit inside a helmet.

Riding mask/Surgical mask. This is the best option. There are many types of masks, including activated charcoal-infused ones and, the N95 type for the ultimate filtration. Try and see which is best for you. The drawback is that the mask becomes displaced when you pull on your helmet.

Hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best in this case with the haze. Being inert means you can wash your face with it, too. On what liquids are the best for bikers, please refer to our earlier article.

Eye drops. Get a bottle and keep it in your pocket. It truly helps to keep your eyes from getting irritated, cutting down the chance of squinting while riding.

5. Quit smoking. We know, this is a long shot of a request. The haze presents the best chance of cutting back or even quitting altogether.

Relax, 2019 Kawasaki Z900 ABS Recall for US Market Only

The recall for the 2019 Kawasaki Z900 line-up for a potential ABS issue applies to the US only.
There is no notice issued for Malaysian owners yet.
The issue arose after improper machining of the ABS pump.

The factory recall for the 2019 Kawasaki Z900 line-up over potential ABS issues is for the American market, only.

BikesRepublic.com has sought the confirmation from Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (KMMSB) over the matter. According to KMMSB, Kawasaki Heavy Industries have not issued a notice on the recall in Malaysia.

The current notice is issued by Kawasaki together with the American National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA). Therefore, it applies to Z900 line-up owners in the United States, at the moment.

The recall was made after the discovery of improperly machined ABS pump. The machining process has the potential of leaving aluminium debris inside. If this happens, the ABS pump could malfunction and cause the wheel or wheels to lock up.

Kawasaki USA confirmed that 497 units are involved in the recall and will notify the owners. If you are reading this from the United States, you may contact Kawasaki customer service line there 1-866-802-9381 (regarding recall number MC19-01). Please have your VIN ready. You may get in touch with the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 and quote campaign number 19V083000.

Custom Parts? 3-D Print Them Like This Honda Monkey

You can probably 3-D print your own parts one day.
French design firm VIBA 3-D printed the components on this Honda Monkey.
The components are aluminium, not plastic.

Remember Bugatti showing off the world’s first brake calipers using 3-D print? Yes, 3-D printing is starting to take root these days. Take this custom Honda Monkey, for example.

The parts are aluminium, not plastic. The 3-D printing process is called Selective Laser Imaging. In this bike’s case, it’s the fancy name of using lasers to superheat aluminium alloy powder to create specific shapes. 3-D printing can also be used for polymers and other materials, resulting in solid projects. (Check out the video below.)

Anyhow, a French design firm called VIBA 3-D bolt-on parts for a Honda Monkey.

These aren’t just bunch of aluminium knock-off parts, mind you. For example, the fuel tank has an internal honeycomb structure to avoid fuel from sloshing around. The headlight’s frame is one piece with the fender and includes a luggage rack. That necessitated the change of the headlamp.

The brake and clutch levers are hollow to allow the wiring to run to the turnsignals at the end.

VIBA will only build 23 of these kits but did not specify if you could obtain the components individually. They look cool, though.

Prototype KTM 1290 Super Adventure Spied

A prototype KTM 1290 Super Adventure was spied undergoing road tests.
It appears to carry the fuel low and forward like the 790 Adventure.
Carrying the fuel low and forward results in lower centre of gravity.

A prototype KTM 1290 Super Adventure was spied undergoing road tests over the weekend. According to Australian Motorcycle News, the mule was being tested alongside the new BMW R 1250 GS.

(Please click on this link to view the photos.)

The first we spotted in the pictures were the large bulges down below, ahead of the rider’s shins. They indicated the Austrian manufacturer’s recent initiative in moving the bulk of the bike’s fuel to a more forward and low position. The idea was first implemented in the 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R that we tested in Morocco, recently.

Moving the mass forward and low gives the bike a lower centre of gravity, consequently promoting stability and easy handling. It’s perhaps one of the most important revisions to the 1290 Super Adventure because of its tall height due to the 75^oV-Twin engine.

Additionally, the radiators are split into two units, with the front cylinder head poking through. That could mean that KTM has shortened the fuel tank on top hence the frame, since the fuel’s moved to another location. Doing this allows the rider to move his weight further in front for an easier reach to the handlebars, but more importantly, better balance when standing up when riding off-road. Again, this design concept made was applied to the 790 Adventure.

Also apparent were the sidepanels enclosing the subframe beneath the rider. KTM used to leave this section exposed but has again taken the cue from the 790 Adventure to cover them up. Doing so adds storage space inside those panels. The 790 Adventure’s tool kit is carried in the left side.

Although unspecified and unseen in the photos, the new 1301cc LC8 engine will probably boast a power boost, too.