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GIVI Malaysia MotoGP Convoy 2018 – The Tradition Continues

The GIVI Malaysia MotoGP Convoy 2018 continues with GIVI Asia’s annual tradition.
The National Museum was chosen as the starting point this year.
Participants received many great gifts including a ticket and special parking.

The GIVI Malaysia MotoGP Convoy 2018 continues on GIVI’s tradition of organizing a convoy to the Malaysia MotoGP every year.

GIVI Asia picks a prominent setting as the rendezvous (RV) point for the convoy each year. The National Museum got the pick for 2018. The museum’s mall area provided ample space for the bikes and registration desk.

Each participant had registered himself online when the convoy was announced last month. He then received a confirmation through his email. Lastly, he would show the confirmation to the registration desk at the start of the convoy to confirm his attendance.

He received upon confirmation:

A GIVI goodie bag;
A Castrol goodie bag;
One PA1 motorcycle parking sticker; and
One grandstand ticket.

Registration began at 7.30am. A light breakfast was provided at the museum’s cafeteria. Soon it was time to head out as the races have been moved earlier by two hours to avoid the forecasted rain later in the afternoon.

But first, GIVI’s representative welcomed everyone to the convoy. The Traffic Police officer in charge of the escorts gave his safety briefing afterwards.

The convoy departed from the museum, escorted all the way by the Royal Malaysian Police all the way. The convoy participants were thankful for the escort as they bypassed the notorious bottlenecks as they got nearer to the Sepang International Circuit.

A special parking lot had been allocated for the participants, avoiding the difficulty of locating spaces for themselves. The motorcycles are guarded throughout the entire event by GIVI’s staff.

The participants then proceeded to GIVI’s massive pavilion at SIC’s mall area. There, there were given their tickets and more gifts.

A tribune was also provided, right opposite the Team LCR Honda pits.

Make sure you join GIVI’s MotoGP convoy next year. It truly beats all the trouble of having to ride there yourself.

2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R Debuts at World Ducati Première 2019

Ducati introduced the 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R at the World Ducati Première 2019.
The 998cc engine produces 217 bhp, but the race exhaust brings it up to 231 bhp.
The new bodywork has winglets.
It weighs only 193 kg, fully fueled and ready to ride.

We expected the unveiling of the 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R during the Ducati World Première 2019 and it didn’t disappoint.

The Panigale V4 R is the homologation model for World Superbike and other production-based superbike racing series. Production racing calls for the race bikes to have certain similarities to the road bike. Therefore, manufacturers build a specific number of “homologation” models, based on their production figures. The Panigale V4 R fills these requirements.

Its engine capacity is limited to 1000cc as per the rules for V-Four and inline-Four powered bikes, as a result. However, the Panigale V4 R’s 998cc engine punches out 217 bhp and 112 Nm of torque. In the interest of superior power-to-weight ratio, it weighs only 193 kg, fully fueled and ready to ride.

Wait, hang on. 217 bhp not enough for you, sir? Well, you can always add on the Ducati Performance exhaust made by Akrapovic to pump it up to a vicious 231 bhp. That’s the same power output as the Kawasaki Ninja H2 – without the benefit of a supercharger.

The 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine in the Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S produces 212 bhp and 120 Nm of torque, by comparison.

2018 Ducati Panigale V4S Test & Review

The Panigale V4 R’s weight reduction is also the result of using lighter engine internals components. Ducati used forged pistons, titanium valves, titanium conrods, new camshaft and larger throttle body. The lighter components allow the Desmosedici Stradale R engine to rev higher to a maximum of 16,500 RPM. Peak power output is at 15,520 RPM, 2,250 RPM higher than the 1103cc engine.

A “manual” suspension system also reduces weight compared to the electronic system found on the Panigale V4 S.

The updated electronics system includes a pitlane speed limiter, GPS-lap timer, besides the present IMU (Inertial Measurement System) based Cornering ABS and lean angle sensitive traction control, wheelie control, launch control, engine brake control and rear-wheel slide control.

The biggest news however, should be the winglets and new bodywork on the V4 R. The winglets represent Ducati’s intensive research and development in that area. The new bodywork also features large “gills” on both sides to aid airflow through the radiator.

Its price should be released at the EICMA show later this week.

2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory Gets 214 BHP

The 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory sees its engine capacity increased to 1078cc.
The increase brings maximum power to 214 bhp and torque to 122 Nm, while weighing 199 kg wet.
The new bike will also feature winglets on its fairing.

It looks like manufacturers are upping the horsepower game since the introduction of the Ducati’s Panigale V4. The latest on the list is the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory.

The new RSV4 1100 Factory’s engine will produce 214 bhp, upstaging the Panigale V4’s by 1 bhp. That makes the Aprilia the most powerful naturally-aspirated sportbike.

Following in the footsteps of their Italian superbike rival, Aprilia will be producing 2 RSV4 variants of different engine capacities. The RSV4 Factory sees its 65^o V-Twin capacity increased to 1078cc. On the other hand, the 1000cc RSV4 RR is the homologation model for superbike racing.

It isn’t just about a power increase, however. Torque has also been increased to 122 Nm. Additionally, Aprilia has lowered the weight of the RSV4 1100 Factory to just 199 kg, fully fueled. The Bosch lithium-ion battery and titanium Akrapovic exhaust system contributes to the weight reduction.

By the numbers, the 2019 RSV4 1100 Factory is 5 kg lighter, produces 16 more horsepower and 6.8 Nm more torque than the previous model.

Another obvious change are the winglets that are evolved from the 2018 Aprilia RSV4 RF LE.

Brembo’s latest Stylema front brake calipers perform braking duties for the front. They are lighter yet more rigid than the outgoing Brembo M50 Monobloc. Gripping the discs are more aggressive brake pads. Look closely and you will notice air ducts for the front calipers.

Front forks are Öhlins NIX with 125 mm travel (5 mm more) for better cornering. An Öhlins TTX shock suspends the rear end.

There are new steering bushings that steepen the rake angle. There is a 2 mm reduction of the steering yoke for less trail.

The steering changes results in a 4 mm shorter wheelbase. The swingarm has also been stiffened.

Last but not least, Aprilia have also upgraded the APRC electronics suite.

Shell Advance Ride-Thru: Best Way to Enjoy MotoGP

Visit the Shell Advance Ride-Thru at the Shell MotoGP 2018 for an unbeatable experience.
You will receive the best of the best with a minimal spending of just RM30.
The Shell Advance Ride-Thru is located at the P1 parking area.

Here’s a great way to experience the Shell Malaysia MotoGP 2018. Why not try out the Shell Advance Ride-Thru?

Oh, we know how it’s like at MotoGP. You ride there all hyped up about the atmosphere and race ahead of you. You’re thinking about the glitzy new bikes on display, opportunities to selfie with hot models, win some exclusive prizes, see your heroes in action.

But the road starts to get hectic by the time you near Sepang International Circuit. On top of that, you have to find a place to park your bike. That’ll be RM20, please. And there’ve been rumors circulating around that parts of the bikes go missing. Oh dear.The solution is? Shell Advance Ride-Thru.

It couldn’t get any simpler:

Ride right up to the counter;
Select the Shell Advance Package you prefer;
Leave your bike with the trained mechanics;
Shell provides a new oil filter for your bike – FOC! (No kidding!);
Go relax at the lounge or head into SIC’s mall area;
Your motorcycle will be parked in a secure area right next to the booth after it is serviced.

All for a minimum of just RM30.

However, if you also opt for the Add-On Package, you will receive:

Topping off your tank with Shell V-Power petrol;
A motorcycle cover;
A hill stand ticket.

For just another RM30.

So, not only could you enjoy the race in peace, but your motorcycle would’ve been taken care of in the best possible manner when you return. It’s almost better than selfies with hot MotoGP models.

NOTE: Servicing is only open to motorcycles 250cc and below. Please refer to the picture below.

RON95 Petrol Subsidy for Motorcycles Below 125cc

The Finance Ministry has proposed a RON95 petrol subsidy plan.
It covers motorcycles below 125cc and cars below 1500cc.
Eligible motorcycle owners get 40 litres and car owners 100 litres of subsidized fuel, respectively.

The government through the Finance Ministry has proposed a new petrol subsidy system. The plan applies to RON95 petrol only for motorcycles below 125cc and cars below 1500cc.

The Finance Minister, YB Lim Guan Eng made the announcement when he tabled the 2019 Budget in Parliament earlier today.

He also revealed that the move will cost RM 2 billion, covering some 4 million car owners and 2.6 million motorcycle owners. The subsidy will allow for a maximum of 40 litres for eligible motorcycle owners, and 100 litres for car owners.

No mechanism has yet been revealed on how the plan will be implemented. However, we expect the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to contact those eligible. They will then be provided with a subsidy card.

We will leave it to your opinion whether the announcement is good news or otherwise. In our opinion, the proposed plan should benefit motorcycle owners who are not well-to-do. It means those who have the means will support the less fortunate. The current blanket subsidy system benefits everyone, by contrast. That explains why the government suggested motorcycles below 125cc, instead of for example, below 250cc.

The announcement is currently a proposal, as the budget needs to be approved by the majority in Parliament. Let us see how it turns out should the proposal make it through.

Shell Malaysia MotoGP 2018: Alex Rins and Suzuki Fastest on Friday

Alex Rins and Suzuki were the fastest after FP2 on Friday.
The great result came about despite Rins’s bike caught fire in the pitlane yesterday.
Both FP1 and FP2 were run in dry conditions.

Alex Rins’s Suzuki may have caught fire yesterday at the Shell Malaysia MotoGP 2018 but that was clearly not a hindrance.

Rins his bike to the fastest time after FP2 (Free Practice 2) by dipping under the 2:00.00 mark. He posted 1:59.608, a mere 0.089 second faster than Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati MotoGP Team and 0.093 second ahead of Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda Team.

The MotoGP field was lucky to escape a huge deluge in the latter part of the afternoon, allowing the riders to post good times in both FP1 and FP2. Indeed, Dovizioso has recorded his best lap in the first session.

The newly-crowned MotoGP World Champion Marquez had a mad day after saving his Honda many times from crashing.

Valentino Rossi rode his improved Yamaha YZR-M1 to fourth fastest, only 0.159 second from Rins. The Italian’s placing meant that there are four manufacturers in the top four spots. Rossi’s fastest 1’59.767 time was inherited from FP1 where he actually finished second fastest.

Behind Rossi, Jack Miller was the first rider to dip below the 2:00.00 mark. The Australian posted grabbed the fifth spot after putting in a 1’59.771 lap in FP2.

Finally, Rossi’s teammate, Maverick Vinalez improved on his FP1 time to set 1’59.802 for sixth.

The Top 6 covered by less than 1 second, as a result.

Hafizh Syahrin seemed to have a challenging day. He was in 17^th in FP1 and 20^th in FP2. The Malaysian is hoping to improve on his standings in the Rookie’s category.

FP3 tomorrow will provide the riders their last chance to improve on their times and the Top 10 will qualify automatically for Q2 (Qualifying 2). The remaining riders will start in Q1 and the top 2 from that session will be bumped up to Q2 to qualify for grid spots 1^st through 12^th.

So, yes, the Free Practice sessions are just important as final qualifying.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

The GIVI Malaysia MotoGP Convoy 2018 continues with GIVI Asia’s annual tradition.

The National Museum was chosen as the starting point this year.

Participants received many great gifts including a ticket and special parking.

Ducati introduced the 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R at the World Ducati Première 2019.

The 998cc engine produces 217 bhp, but the race exhaust brings it up to 231 bhp.

The new bodywork has winglets.

It weighs only 193 kg, fully fueled and ready to ride.

The 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory sees its engine capacity increased to 1078cc.

The increase brings maximum power to 214 bhp and torque to 122 Nm, while weighing 199 kg wet.

The new bike will also feature winglets on its fairing.

Visit the Shell Advance Ride-Thru at the Shell MotoGP 2018 for an unbeatable experience.

You will receive the best of the best with a minimal spending of just RM30.

The Shell Advance Ride-Thru is located at the P1 parking area.

NOTE: Servicing is only open to motorcycles 250cc and below. Please refer to the picture below.

The Finance Ministry has proposed a RON95 petrol subsidy plan.

It covers motorcycles below 125cc and cars below 1500cc.

Eligible motorcycle owners get 40 litres and car owners 100 litres of subsidized fuel, respectively.

Alex Rins and Suzuki were the fastest after FP2 on Friday.

The great result came about despite Rins’s bike caught fire in the pitlane yesterday.

Both FP1 and FP2 were run in dry conditions.

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