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KTM Malaysia Launches 2018 KTM 200 Duke at KTM Orange Carnival

The KTM 200 Duke introduced the bantam-weight and affordable streetfighter motorcycle to Malaysia.
It also opened the eyes of enthusiasts to KTM’s “Ready to Race” philosophy.
The 2018 KTM 200 Duke features updated graphics and looks.

KTM Malaysia has launched the new 2018 KTM 200 Duke at the KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival in Johor over the weekend.

Enthusiasts could fondly recall that it was the 200 Duke which single-handedly popularized the 200cc naked sportbike market back in 2013. In fact, it was the motorcycle which brought the affordable streetfighter to not only in Malaysia but the world. Being light and agile, it’s friendly to beginners yet entertaining enough for veteran riders during rush hour commute and over narrow mountain roads.

Additionally, it was the KTM motorcycle which introduced the company’s “Ready to Race” philosophy to Malaysian bikers.

The KTM Duke 200 was then supplanted by the Duke 390 and Duke 250 later on, apart from the full-fairing and race ready RC200, RC390 and RC250 in that order, but its spirit of a lightweight fun bike has never been phased out.

There are still thousands of them on our local roads and you could always count on meeting on during your daily commute or weekend rides.

It is due to these facts that KTM Malaysia has launched the 2018 Duke 200.

While mechanically the same (why change something when it’s not broken), the bike has been refreshed with new looks. The customary KTM orange paintjob has additional streaks, while a new white colour scheme has been added. Both colour schemes feature orange anodized wheels.

The 2018 KTM Duke 200 is priced at RM 11,888 (basic selling price with 0% GST).

Stay tuned for the next KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival to view the bike or please follow KTM Malaysia’s official Facebook page for more information.

2018 KTM 200 DUKE
ENGINE
ENGINE TYPE	Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT	199.5 cc
BORE x STROKE	72 mm x 49 mm
POWER	26 hp (19kW) @ 10,000 RPM
TORQUE	19.5 Nm @ 8,000 RPM
COMPRESSION RATIO	11.5:1
TRANSMISSION	6 gears
CLUTCH	Multiple-plate wet clutch, cable-operated
FUEL SYSTEM	Bosch EMS
CHASSIS
FRAME	Powdercoated steel trellis
FRONT SUSPENSION	WP upside down ø 43 mm forks
REAR SUSPENSION	WP Monoshock
SUSPENSION TRAVEL FRONT/REAR	150mm / 150 mm
FRONT BRAKE	Single radially-mounted 4-piston caliper, ø 300 mm disc
REAR BRAKE	Single-piston floating caliper, ø 230 mm brake disc
ABS	N/A
TIRES FRONT/REAR	110/70 ZR-17; 150/60 ZR-17
STEERING HEAD ANGLE	25^o
TRAIL	95 mm
WHEEL BASE	1,367 mm
SEAT HEIGHT	810 mm
FUEL TANK CAPACITY	11 litres
DRY WEIGHT	134 kg

2018 Yamaha YZF-R15 now available in Malaysia – RM11,988

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has officially launched the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R15.
The 155cc sports bike is able to produce 19hp and 14.7Nm of maximum torque.
The third-generation Yamaha R15 will be available at RM11,988 (basic price with 0% GST).

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) is known for introducing some of Yamaha’s very special machines here into the Malaysian market. Their latest offering which might be the most interesting one yet comes in the form of the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R15 and it is indeed a stunner. (more…)

TechTOC with Foreman Oh: Squealing Disc Brakes

No one likes squealing and squeaking brakes.
We’ve had a follower sending this good question.
Here Foreman Oh gives his answer on what causes it and how to remedy it.

The question for TechTOC with Foreman Oh Kah Beng today is about squealing disc brakes, something that none of us like. What could be the cause and what would be the solution? TOC Automotive College Motorsports Consultant and Most Fun Gym Principal Instructor, Foreman Oh Kah Beng answers.

QUESTION:

My brakes are always squealing when I apply them. I have tried cleaning them but it still happens.

— TAN SUAN HOR, Melaka, Kawasaki ER-6n

ANSWER:

May I assume that you clean your brakes (disc brakes?) with commercially available brake cleaner solutions? You may try to do so if you are not already. Spray onto the discs directly and wipe off the residue. Be careful to not spray onto painted areas such as the rims and leave it on!

Cleaning brake discs – Courtesy of rideapart.com

However, if you have already done so and they still squeak, the discs are most probably “glazed.” Sand and dirt picked up during rain storms will get trapped between the brake pads and discs. Then as you brake, enough heat is generated to embed the sand and dirt into the discs. This is glazing. As such, you need to either “skim” the discs if they are within their wear tolerance or replace them altogether if they are not. There are workshops who provide this service.

Other conditions that can cause brake squeal are worn pads, broken securing clip (which holds the pads in place at the back of caliper), pads with insufficient insulation or insulation shims, and no surface cut (which is common on motorcycle brake discs).

Hence, you may also try different brake pad compounds. Those with high metallic content (usually those marked “FOR RACING”) will scour the discs and squeal. Keep an ear out when a racing superbike comes to a stop in the pits.

Keep sending in your questions to me at TechTOC with Foreman Oh to stand the chance of receiving a complimentary session at Most Fun Gym.

You may follow us at Most Fun Gym – MFG through our Facebook page.

Please visit the TOC Automotive College Facebook page or their campus (map below) or call call (+603) 7960 8833 for more information. Likewise, you can find more information about the TOC Bina Bakat Program here, or email info@toc.edu.my. Please click on this link for further information on the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) Round 2 – Clean Sweep for Azlan Shah and Chia Motor PJ

Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and Chia Motor PJ closed a perfect weekend.
The team scored the Pole Position and wins in both Race 1 and Race 2 of the Superbike class.
They now lead the Superbike class in the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK).

Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) saw a continuing dominance from the partnership of Azlan Shah Kamarulzaman with Chia Motor PJ. Azlan Shah had qualified for the premier Superbike class on Pole on Friday and converted it to win both Race 1 and Race 2, for a clean sweep through the weekend.

The partnership looks to be perfect as Azlan Shah brings a treasure trove of racing experience to team. Likewise, Keith Chia, the principal of Chia Motor PJ himself was a racer as recent as a couple of years ago in the AAM Malaysian Supermoto Championship.

For Azlan Shah, it seems that the only thing he knows how to do was to go fast. But it was further than the truth as he knows when to put the hammer down and when to back off to conserve the bike and tyres. Such calculated coolness results in pressuring his opponents to ride harder and sometimes over their limits.

As for Keith Chia, one only has to take a look at the racebikes he meticulously prepared for Azlan. They looked great, sounded great and most certainly went great. He was also receptive to the rider’s input regarding the issues faced after the latter has gone on track.

Azlan made the perfect start in Race 2, pulling a couple of bike lengths from Rajini Krishnan by the time they arrived at Turn One. From then on, the lanky rider maintained a steady pace which was 1.3 seconds ahead of the 2^nd-placed man.

Rajini stayed close to Azlan for a number of laps before making a mistake, running off Turn Nine. The loss of dropped him down to 5^th. He would eventually fight back up the order but overshot the same turn again to finish 3^rd.

Azlan Shah and Chia Motor PJ were elated with the dominating results, of course, and they now lead the championship.

You may visit Chia Motor PJ’s Facebook page for more information or visit them at the location below.

PICTURE GALLERY

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship Round 2 – An Encouraging Start for the TOC Desmo Cup

The inaugural round of the TOC Desmo Cup was held during Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship.
This new series was the result of the cooperation between TOC Automotive College and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia.
The competitors’ bikes were worked on by facilitators of the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

The TOC Automotive College and Desmo Club Malaysia had signed a partnership recently to work hand-in-hand to create a new series called the TOC Desmo Cup exclusively for Ducati owners, beginning Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship.

There was a total of six competitors in this series, making for a humble beginning. More riders had wanted to join initially but couldn’t prepare enough in time.

But while any Ducati makes for a great track weapon, all six were on the Ducati 898, 1098 and 1198 variants. The 1098 made its debut in 2007, the 848 in 2008, and 1198 in 2009. It meant they could be considered “outdated” in the pantheon of superbikes. (Carlos Checa won the 2011 WSBK rider and manufacturer title on a satellite 1098, nonetheless.)

Carlos Checa in 2011 – Courtesy of Sport Rider

Such a scenario created a unique challenge for any team to keep the bikes competitive, but thankfully, the TOC Desmo Cup has help from the TOC Automotive College in the form of TOC Superbike Technician Course lecturers to work on those Ducatis.

On the other hand, TOC also benefits as their facilitators and students obtain the experience of working in a hectic environment.

It was visible that both parties worked well together and not one bike suffered any mechanical failure throughout the weekend.

Again, it demonstrates the importance of having certified technicians working on your bike.

As for the TOC Desmo Cup series, it was well-organized among the ranks, hence everything went on without a hitch. The riders are riding buddies and friends, which provided an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and ribbing each other.

Zulkiply Yahya won the inaugural race ahead of Sarul Fahmi Mohd. Zaini and Syamsul Bakthiar Esa.

Watch out for the next round as more competitors come onbard.

Besides supplying the manpower, the TOC Automotive College upped the ante in projecting their branding from this round, by putting up boards of their Bina Bakat program and also the Superbike Technician Course in the paddocks.

Please visit TOC Automotive College’s Facebook page or their campus (map below) or call call (+603) 7960 8833 for more information. Likewise, you can find more information about the TOC Bina Bakat Program here, or email info@toc.edu.my. Please click on this link for further information on the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

PICTURE GALLERY

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship Round 2 – TOC HKM Racing Team Makes a Comeback

Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship saw see-saw results for the TOC Automotive College-backed TOC-HKM Racing Team.
However, the team’s technicians did a great job to restore one heavily and another slightly damaged bikes.
Team rider Amirul Hafiq Azmi won the Superstock Race 2 and finished 2^nd in the Superbike Race 2 at the Sepang International Circuit.

In campaigning in the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship Round 2 at the Sepang International Circuit, TOC HKM Racing Team had started the event well initially; Amirul Hafiq Azmi fought his way up the field from his 11^th qualifying grid to finish 2^nd behind a hard-charging Azroy Hakeem, in Saturday’s Superstock Race 1.

The team’s BMW S 1000 RR was well-prepared has the speed and Amirul Hafiq has the skill but Azroy was already too far in front to chase down.

However, he crashed spectacularly in the subsequent Superbike Race 1 and destroying the bike in the process. He was holding on to 3^rd position at that moment.

His teammate Muhammad Jamalul Tarmizi, on the other hand, was caught in a see-saw battle with Thailand’s Michael Muesel, often swapping positions. However, just a handful of laps left to go, Muhammad Jamalul overshot a corner and low-sided in the gravel trap. He was able to pick the bike back up and crossed the line in 15^th. (Please click on the link below for a detailed report.)

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) Round 2 (Saturday)

Not a very good day to remember.

TOC HKM Racing Team’s crew worked through the early Sunday morning to repair Amirul Hafiq’s bike for Race 2 of the Superstock and Superbike categories.

In Superstock Race 2, Amirul Hafiq once again charged up the field and closed the gap to Azroy Hakeem and shadowed the latter from Lap 5. Amirul Hafiq made his move by outbraking Azroy into Turn 4 (a great feat by its own) and pulled away immediately to win the race.

Next was Superbike Race 2. While Azlan Shah Kamaruzan and Rajini Krishnan of India blasted off into the distance, Amirul battled with a number of riders into 4^th. Rajini then overshot Turn 9 and dropped to fifth. That meant the Swiss rider Jonathan Serrapica was in 2^nd. Amirul hunted down Serrapica mercilessly and passed the rider to take 2^nd spot which he held on until the finish.

Muhammad Jamalul also rode a smart race on the TOC HKM Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R to cross the line in 6^th.

Sunday’s comeback showed the experience and resilience of the team and they did an amazing job to go from a trashed bike into a race-winning machine. In fact, pundits in the paddock were adamant that it was the end of the TOC HKM Racing Team for this round following the previous day’s misfortunes.

But this demonstrates what we’ve been harping about in the last few articles: If Certified Technicians are important outside the racetrack, they are crucial (to the stage of performing miracles) during a race weekend. To cite what Dato’ Ahmad Razlan Razali said during our interview last week, the developments in racing activities creates a huge demand for certified and trained technicians. The results today showed what he said was correct.

The TOC Automotive College upped the ante in projecting their branding from this round, by putting up boards of their Bina Bakat program and also the Superbike Technician Course in the paddocks.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

The KTM 200 Duke introduced the bantam-weight and affordable streetfighter motorcycle to Malaysia.

It also opened the eyes of enthusiasts to KTM’s “Ready to Race” philosophy.

The 2018 KTM 200 Duke features updated graphics and looks.

2018 KTM 200 DUKE

ENGINE

CHASSIS

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has officially launched the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R15.

The 155cc sports bike is able to produce 19hp and 14.7Nm of maximum torque.

The third-generation Yamaha R15 will be available at RM11,988 (basic price with 0% GST).

No one likes squealing and squeaking brakes.

We’ve had a follower sending this good question.

Here Foreman Oh gives his answer on what causes it and how to remedy it.

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and Chia Motor PJ closed a perfect weekend.

The team scored the Pole Position and wins in both Race 1 and Race 2 of the Superbike class.

They now lead the Superbike class in the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK).

PICTURE GALLERY

The inaugural round of the TOC Desmo Cup was held during Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship.

This new series was the result of the cooperation between TOC Automotive College and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia.

The competitors’ bikes were worked on by facilitators of the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

PICTURE GALLERY

Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship saw see-saw results for the TOC Automotive College-backed TOC-HKM Racing Team.

However, the team’s technicians did a great job to restore one heavily and another slightly damaged bikes.

Team rider Amirul Hafiq Azmi won the Superstock Race 2 and finished 2nd in the Superbike Race 2 at the Sepang International Circuit.

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Team rider Amirul Hafiq Azmi won the Superstock Race 2 and finished 2^nd in the Superbike Race 2 at the Sepang International Circuit.