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  • The GoPro Hero 7 line-up has been launched.

  • The range consists of Black, Silver and White with distinctively different available functions.

  • The Hero 7 ought to arrive in Malaysia in the next two weeks, according to Funsportz Sdn. Bhd.

For GoPro fans, we have news for you. GoPro, the world’s most prolific action camera maker has launched the Hero 7 line-up which consists of the Black, Silver and White editions.

We got in touch with Funsportz Sdn. Bhd., the sole distributor of GoPro cameras in Malaysia and they the Hero 7 line-up may arrive within the next two weeks. No prices have been set, though.

GoPro is so famous for their action cams that almost everyone calls any action camera a “GoPro” irrespective of manufacturer.

But as GoPro’s stocks took a hard dip together with a total of four layoffs last year, the San Mateo, California based company is streamlining its bloated line-up by eliminating certain products, while consolidating on what they do best.

The three versions of the Hero 7 are the result of that strategy.

Let’s see some of the stuff the top-of-the-line Hero 7 Black does first:

GoPro Hero 7 Black
  • The GoPro Hero 7 uses the GP1 processor chip which is homegrown. As CEO of GoPro, Nick Woodman says, using their own chip solves the problem of using a third-party chip which is available for all other competitors’s products.
  • The most important feature of the Hero 7 Black is the new “HyperSmooth” image stabilization function. Judging from the videos posted on GoPro’s website and reviews by users, the footages shot looked uncannily similar to being shot using professional-level gimbal-stabilizers. So much so, that there is not a need to purchase the Karma handheld stabilizer anymore.
  • As a direct benefit of HyperSmooth is the TimeWarp video function.
  • In the previous GoPro Heros, the function records photos at regular intervals then combine them into a video. The problem was the photos were shot at different angles resulting from moving the camera around and results in super jerky videos when combined.
  • The Hero Black 7’s TimeWarp, on the other hand, shoots actual videos while utilizing HyperSmooth’s algorithms to create a super-smooth time lapse video. Cool!
  • Another new function is SuperPhoto. No, it does not turn your old, beat up bike into a Panigale V4. SuperPhoto works by “looking” at the scenes you are shooting and judges to provide the best picture quality by using Auto Low Light and HDR (High Dynamic Range) to boost colour and tone ranges. Maximum resolution is 12MP and you may shoot in RAW, too.
  • Besides that, shooting in 4K resolution can now be done in 60, 30 and 24 fps at wide FOV (field of view). Shooting in SuperView FOV will result in the frame rate dropping to 30 and 24 fps.
  • 1080p videos can now be shot at up to 240 fps.
  • Your videos can also be live streamed either through Wi-Fi connection to your smartphone or directly via a Wi-Fi network.
  • GoPro has also sought to improve sound quality by using a 3-mic processing Advanced Wind Noise Reduction technology. There is also a 3.5mm mic adapter for external mics, too.
  • The Hero 7 Black is waterproof to 10 metres right out of the box without the needs for a waterproof casing.
  • The rechargeable 1220 mAh lithium-ion battery is removable for charging, which means you could swap it for another fully-charged one.
  • Last but not least, voice command and touchscreen functions are retained, although the latter’s UI (user interface) has been much improved.
  • The GoPro Hero 7 Black retails for US$ 399.99.

As for the mid-level Hero 7 Silver, the features are a little lower than the Black’s, of course, but not by much.

GoPro Hero 7 Silver
  • For starters, it does not utilize the GP1 chip.
  • It does not feature HyperSmooth, instead it inherits the already not bad video stabilization found in the previous Hero 6 Black.
  • There is also no TimeWarp and SuperPhoto and shoots photos at a maximum of 10MP.
  • It does have 4K video shooting ability albeit at a maximum of 30 fps, apart from the basic 24 fps. 4K only allows for Wide FOV.
  • The battery is built-in hence cannot be removed for charging.
  • As with the Hero 7 Black, the Silver edition is also waterproof to 10m, and voice and touch control are enabled.
  • The GoPro Hero 7 Silver retails for US$ 299.99.

Lastly, the entry-level Hero 7 White.

GoPro Hero 7 White
  • As with the Silver, the Hero 7 White does not utilize the GP1 chip, nor the HyperSmooth video stabilization function, TimeWarp and SuperPhoto.
  • Its video stabilization is inherited from the Hero 6.
  • Maximum video resolution is 1080p in either 60 or 30 fps in Wide FOV only.
  • The battery is also built-in, meaning you have to put the camera out of action in order to charge it.
  • It is also waterproof to 10m, and has voice command and touchscreen features, but no GPS tagging.

The GoPro Hero 7 White retails for US$ 199.99.

GoPro Hero 7 Black’s new touchscreen UI
  • The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride covers modern retros such as Moto Guzzi motorcycles.

  • The Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon and V7 III Rough were launched just in time for the event.

  • Riders may also find the best clothing from Tiga Supply Co. and Stronghold Cycles for DGR.

As the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) 2018 is just around the corner (30th September 2018), Moto Guzzi Malaysia dresses up for the event.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is an annual worldwide initiative which brings awareness to medical afflictions that inflict men, besides enlightening the general public that the majority of motorcyclists consist of gentlemen (and gentle ladies). Participants are encouraged to donate to a fund which carries out research on those afflictions.

Register NOW for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2018!

Hence as part of its central theme, participants of the ride dress up dapper, as in riding in suits and formal wear. That is not all, however, participants are also encouraged to don in period and classic fashions.

All types of motorcycles are welcome although DGR is better known for an event which encompasses vintage, classic, modern retro, café racer, and custom motorcycles, besides any home-created motorized two-wheeler.

This is where Moto Guzzi fits in, as the Italian manufacturer which hails from Mandello, near the idyllic Lake Como, Italy is the heritage and classic line of the Piaggio Group.

Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone and Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Test & Review

To commemorate the upcoming DGR 2018, the Managing Director of Asia Pacific 2Wheeler, Piaggio Asia Pacific, Simone Niccolai dressed the part along with the management personnel of DIDI Resources Sdn. Bhd., Tiga Supply Co. and Stronghold Cycles, during the launch of the Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough.

In fact, both the Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough and V7 III Carbon were launched in time for the distinguished event. The V7 III is the entry-level range for the Italian manufacturer and is meant to be customized. Riders may choose from an extensive catalog for their needs.

(Please click on this link for more information on the V7 III Carbon and this link for the V7 III Rough.)

Tiga Supply Co. er… supplies the best selection of clothing for vintage, classic, modern retro, café racer, and custom motorcycles; everything from head to toe, besides dealing in vintage and retro bikes.

Stronghold Cycles on the other hand is the official dealer for Moto Guzzi at The Gasket Alley besides dealing in vintage and retro motorcycles, in addition to vintage rider wear.

Last but not least, DIDI Resources is the official importer and distributor of Moto Guzzi motorcycles in Malaysia.

So, please visit Moto Guzzi Malaysia, Tiga Supply Co. and Stronghold Cycles at The Gasket Alley in Petaling Jaya for prepare for your Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2018!

  • Motorcycle taxi e-hailing service Dego Ride has been warned to cease action.

  • The government will not allow the service due to safety concerns.

  • It was reported that Dego Ride restarted service last week after being told to stop by the previous government.

The Ministry of Transport sounded off another round of warnings to motorcycle taxi service Dego Ride to cease operations immediately or the government will not hesitate to take action.

Transport Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook iterated at a press conference that the government maintains its stance against motorcycle ride-hailing services mainly due to safety reasons.

Minister of Transport Anthony Loke – Courtesy of mole.my

“We will never legalise Dego Ride in Malaysia because we disagree with any type of ride-sharing services that involve motorcycles,” said the Minister after a Cabinet meeting at his ministry.

The government is baulking with the idea as there are already too many accidents involving motorcycles in Malaysia and believes that a motorcycle taxi service will only add to the statistics, what more involving passengers.

Loke also added that, “We will send enforcement officers to go after Dego Ride.”

The previous Barisan Nasional-led government had already disallowed the service in February 2018, citing the reason of Malaysia already having an extensive public transportation system.

Loke has since told the Dewan Rakyat in July this year that the government will not allow the service, due to the same concern regarding safety and the high number of motorcycle accidents and casualties.

However, the motorcycle taxi e-hailing service restarted their services in a small scale around the Klang Valley last week, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.

Founder of Dego Ride, Nabil Faisal Bamadhaj was reported to have met with Transport Ministry officials and was confident that Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad would allow the service to be revived.

  • We had taken the first look at the 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough earlier.

  • DIDI Resources has now officially launched it.

  • Priced from RM 69,900 for introductory units and RM 75,000 thereafter (prices are basic selling prices with SST, but no on-the-road).

DIDI Resources, the official custodians of the Moto Guzzi Malaysia, has officially launched 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough. We had the first look of the bike earlier.

First Look Review: 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough

The V7 III Rough is the latest addition to the V7 III’s extensive model line-up which includes the recently launched Carbon, Anniversario, Racer, Stone, Special, besides the Limited and Milano that are not available in Malaysia, as yet.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia introduces limited edition V7 III Carbon – Priced at RM74,900

The V7 III line-up not only represents the Moto Guzzi’s entry-level motorcycles, but also the most customizable, which is why there are so many interpretations within the manufacturer itself.

Coming back to the Rough iteration, the bike rolls on knobby tyres mounted on spoked rims, for a version that screams “urban jungle basher.” That should mean the bike is made for conquering rough city roads, as well as shooting through an unpaved shortcut. It also should be fine for light off-road paths, say to camping sites like those at Janda Baik or Mat Daling, to name a few.

In the V7 III signature minimalistic style, the front and rear fenders are polished aluminium while the fuel tank is finished in matt silver. The headlamp nacelle, handlebars, engine and single-sided swingarm are powercoated in black. The fork stanchions are enclosed in classic dust gaiters. A black leather seat with classy red stitching adds the finishing touch.

Moto Guzzi also offers an extensive array of accessories for the rider to turn his V7 III Rough into a bike which better reflects his personality.

Powering the V7 III Rough is the same 750cc, air-cooled, pushrod-activated 2-valve-per-cylinder, transversely-mounted, 90o V-Twin lump which made its debut in 1967. It produces 52bhp at 6,200 RPM and 60 Nm of torque at 4,900 RPM. The engine is tuned to provide linear torque throughout its rev range.

The engine and longitudinal gearbox are then mounted to a dismountable double-cradle frame with the same weight distribution as the legendary V7 of 46% rear and 54% front. Dual Kayaba shocks suspend the swingarm (which contains the driveshaft on one side) from the frame. This configuration provides the bike with a low and accessible seat height of just 770 mm.

While Moto Guzzi is considered the “heritage” brand under the Piaggio Group, the motorcycles are anything but, as despite being the entry-level range, the V7 III line-up features a two-level Moto Guzzi Traction Control (MGCT) and a two-channel ABS system made by Continental.

Further on electronics, the single speedometer gauge may look basic, but it displays all pertinent data such as gear position, odometer and daily trip odometer, trip time, average speed, real-time and average fuel consumption, average speed and MGCT level. The minimum and maximum engine revs can also be preset.

The instrument display may also be updated with the optional Moto Guzzi Multimedia Platform which connects a smartphone via an app to present even more data to the rider.

In launching the Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough, it also pays tribute to the upcoming Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) 2018 (happening on 30th September 2018), Mr. Simone Niccolai, the Managing Director of Asia Pacific 2Wheeler, Piaggio Asia Pacific, dressed the part for the occasion with attired supplied by Tiga Supply Co. together with the management personnel of DIDI Resources and Stronghold Cycles.

The 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough is priced at RM 69,900 for introductory units and RM 75,000 thereafter (prices are basic selling prices with SST, but no on-the-road).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2018 MOTO GUZZI V7III ROUGH

ENGINE
ENGINE TYPE 4-stroke, pushrod-activated 4-valve, air-cooled, transversely-mounter, 90o V-Twin
DISPLACEMENT 744 cc
BORE x STROKE 80 mm x 74 mm
POWER 52 bhp (38 kW) @ 6,200 RPM
TORQUE 60 Nm @ 4,900 RPM
TRANSMISSION 6-speed
FUEL SYSTEM Fuel injection with single throttle body
CHASSIS
FRAME Double cradle tubular frame in ALS steel with detachable elements
FRONT SUSPENSION ø Ø 40 mm hydraulic telescopic forks, 130 mm travel
REAR SUSPENSION Twin Kayaba shocks with adjustable spring preload, 93 mm travel
FRONT BRAKE 1 X Two-piston Brembo caliper, ø 320 mm floating disc
REAR BRAKE 1 X Two-piston floating caliper, ø 260 mm brake disc
FRONT TYRE 100/90-R18 (110/90-R18 optional),
REAR TYRE 130/80-R17
STEERING HEAD ANGLE 26.4o
TRAIL 106 mm
WHEEL BASE 1,445 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 770 mm
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 21 litres (with 4 litres as reserve)
KERB WEIGHT 209 kg (with 90% fuel and all fluids, ready to ride)
  • Suzuki Italia had teased with a carbon-clad GSX-R1000.

  • The bike is officially known as the Suzuki GSX-R1000 Ryuyo and only 20 will be built.

  • More information will be available at its official launch during EICMA 2018.

(All photos by Suzuki Italia)

We published a report of Suzuki Italia posting a teaser pictures of a carbon-fibre-clad GSX-R1000 earlier this month. They have now unveiled the bike, known as the Suzuki GSX-R1000 Ryuyo.

Suzuki Italy Teases with Special GSX-R1000 Model

It is definitely a race-ready special edition GSX-R1000, unfortunately it is not the official WSBK homologation special that we had hoped for. Still, the Ryuyo is one sexy machine!

The name “Ryuyo” is a tribute to Suzuki’s Ryuyo R&D centre which develops all of the manufacturer’s new models. Only 20 Ryuyo-spec GSX-R1000 will be built and sold at €29,990 (RM 144,935.88 as this went to press).

According to its spec sheet, the Gixxer Ryuyo makes 209bhp at 12,900 RPM and 119Nm of torque at 10,300 RPM, besides weighing only 168kg (dry), equating a 1.24 bhp per kg power-to-weight ratio.

The bike was developed with a number of high-end technical partners, including:

  • Yoshimura (exhaust system).

  • Öhlins (the rear shock is Öhlins TTX GP but the forks are Showa BFF with Öhlins NIX 30 internals).

  • Dunlop (KR108 and KR109 slicks).

  • Extreme Components (carbon airbox, carbon bodywork,GP screen, among others).

  • Bonamici Racing (rearset footpegs).

  • Brembo (brakes, of course).

  • K&N (air filter).

  • Motul (lubricants).

  • DID (chain and sprockets); among others.

The GSX-R1000 Ryuyo will officially debut at the EICMA 2018 show in Milan this November. More details will be available then.

  • Kawasaki found the Ninja H2 SX SE and Ninja H2 SX centrestands dropping on the ground.

  • As such they filed for a recall with the NHTSA in America.

  • Both bikes are not in Malaysia yet, but the issue should be resolved when they do make it over.

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE and Ninja H2 SX have not arrived at our shores yet but there is already a recall campaign for them starting in the United States.

Good news is, the problem should be rectified once the bikes reach Malaysia.

The recall was filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in America.

The issue concerns the bikes’ centrestand (what we Malaysians call “full stand”) which may drop and hit the ground unexpectedly. The recall affects all 350 units of the Ninja H2 SX SE sold in the United States of America. The campaign also calls upon the Ninja H2 SX as centre stands were also fitted to them as an aftermarket option.

It was found that the centrestand pin may have been improperly welded, causing it to shift or fall off altogether as a result. In turn, it causes the spring holding the centrestand to detach, and the centrestand drops onto the ground, ultimately.

Great if you are one who are crazy enough to use the centrestand as a spark/fire starter, but no, it is dangerous!

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and its higher-spec’d Ninja H2 SX SE are supercharged sport-tourers based on the manic Ninja H2 and Ninja H2R supercharged superbikes. The manufacturer claims 201 bho and over 137 Nm of torque. First unveiled at the 2017 EICMA show, the bikes started production this year.

Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. has announced earlier that the models will make their way to Malaysia in the May/second quarter of the year, but the plan has since been delayed.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX Malaysian debut in May – RM150,000?

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