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It was recently announced that John McGuinness is out of this year’s Isle of Man TT races.

Mugen announced that the King of the Mountain re-fractured his right leg after 14 months of recovery.

Their Mugen Shinden Nana electric race bike will be piloted by Michael Rutter and Lee Johnston.

It’s not easy for an accomplished rider such as John McGuinness to sit on the sidelines watching other racers ride their race bikes. Having broken his right leg last year, the King of the Mountain took over 14 months just to get healthy enough to be declared fit to race BUT the gods of racing have ruled him out of contention once again. (more…)

Shark Helmets has introduced the Shark Race-R Pro Replica Lorenzo Austrian GP MAT aka “El Diablo”.

Only 1,500 units will be made available around the world.

Interested buyers can head to the Spartan Concept Store located in Bandar Sunway, Selangor.

Remember last year’s MotoGP round in Austria? It was the 11th round of the season where Jorge Lorenzo performed brilliantly throughout the race leading the first 11 laps before crossing the chequered flag in fourth. All eyes were on him and his Ducati Desmosedici GP17 which looked brilliant with his devil-inspired Shark Race-R Pro. (more…)

  • The Triumph Tiger 800 XRx is more of a sport-tourer compared to the Tiger 800 XCx.

  • Both the XR and XC ranges were launched just over a month ago (click here for the report).

  • Prices for the XR range begins from RM 56,900 (basic selling price with 6% GST) but hurry, offer lasts until July 2018 only!

Humans are resistant to change by nature. Despite some of us propounding to accept change, we tend to fall back to what we’re familiar with. We go on doing the same thing day in day out but when something unfamiliar comes along to disrupt that equilibrium, we resist, we fight, we rant on Facebook. Like Linus in Peanuts, we keep running back to our security blanket.

One of them was me, especially when it concerned motorcycles.

I loved sportbikes. No, I didn’t mind stretching my arms out, plopping my gut on the tank and offering my bum to the sky gods. To me they offered something familiar: Front tyre feedback, gruesome cornering angles and the exhilaration of blowing everything on the road away.

Then, one day, a few motojournalists and I joined the Ratpack on a ride to Khao Sok National Park in Thailand. The centrepiece of that ride was the then new 2015 Triumph Tiger 800 XRx and Tiger 800 XCx.

 They may have won accolades the world over, but I was a little sceptical if I would like it. Because, truth be told, it wasn’t my security blanket. But I sucked my thumb and kept quiet.

You may have remembered the 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XR lineup’s launch hand-in-hand with its brethren the XC range, along with the Bobber Black and Speedmaster in Bukit Tinggi. (Please click here for our report of the event.)

To recap quickly, the XR line-up consists of the base XR, XRx, XRx LRH (Low Ride Height) and range-topping XRt. The XC range consists of the XCx and flagship XCa.

We’ve tested the 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx (please click here for the full review) and fell in love with it, and we tested the 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XRx later as it’s more road-oriented than the XCx. As such, the XRx has cast wheels instead of laced spokes. The front is a 19-incher, compared to 21 on the XCx. Suspension is duly shorter with 180 mm front and 170 mm rear travel compared to 220 mm and 215 mm respectively, hence the XRx has a 810 – 830 mm seat height compared to 840 – 860 mm on the XCx.

Other than the rolling stock, both bikes are virtually the same except for the shorter “beak” on the XRx.

It had been some time since I last rode the Tiger 800 XCx and I sighed a relief when I got on the XRx. I was Linus and this was my security blanket. The seating position felt the same although the handlebar felt a little more forward due to the smaller front wheel. Additionally, both my feet could reach the ground comfortably.

A short press on the starter button awoke the bike with a deep vroom. Just a little throttle and I was on my way.

The XRx flicked around lightly on its contact patches like Muhammad Ali (Allah bless his soul). It didn’t take much time to grow acquainted to the bike and I was cutting through traffic effortlessly.

The throttle, clutch, engine, transmission combination worked so smooth even butter has lumps. All I had to do was focus on getting through traffic and let my hands and feet work subconsciously, because the Tiger 800 XRx (and XCx) took the load off me. Besides that, the twin headlamps were large and bright and they had the psychological effect of presenting a much more authoritative presence to other road users.

We were now returning from Khao Sok. It was my turn on the Tiger 800 XRx (before the XCx). I was resistant at first. But 30 minutes into the ride, something changed. I smiled in my helmet. I started to wave and signal thumbs up to the Ratpack riders.

Just as what the XCx did, the XRx induced insomnia in me. Somehow, parts of me, not limited to the heart and brain, had just wanted to go riding. It’s like this little voice that kept going on and on like a bad track, “Let’s ride. Let’s ride. Let’s ride.” Earplugs didn’t work on this one (unlike for the wife’s nagging).

So again, I got up at 5am and went riding.

There’s something eerie about the Karak Highway before dawn. A light mist hangs a few metres above the road and everything seemed to be out from a scene in Insidious. (Man, I’ve to stop watching scary movies.) Anyhow, a tap on the PASS/HIGH BEAM button bathed everything ahead in righteous light. It was just a boon for the sweeping corners of Karak.

This was where I could find the true distinction between the two Tiger 800s. As soon as the bike tipped over into the corner it was rock solid without a bounce or wiggle. I had the choices of either braking deeper or charging in harder into the corners – the Tiger 800 XRx conformed to both tasks without complaint. It didn’t have a slipper clutch but it felt way smoother than actually having one!

However, as stable as it was in mid-corner, it didn’t hesitate when I had to alter my line or direction. If you’ve the chance to test both bikes, they’d feel so much smaller than they seem.

The Genting Highlands road alternated between total darkness to total whiteness during these hours. Still, I didn’t have to worry much since the bike just took over, leaving me to actually enjoy myself even without full vision. I had so much fun I kept grounding the footpeg feelers on both sides. Had someone followed behind they’d surely be reminded of the fireworks on New Year’s Eve (sorry, Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia).

Then the rain poured down on us. In SPORT mode, the throttle felt as if my hands were connected directly to the butterfly valves, so I didn’t switch to RAIN. I just kept riding and riding, invincible against the rain.

I soon came up to a fork in the road so I stopped since I didn’t know the direction. One of the riders who had been following me on his Speed Triple all this while pulled up beside me. He flipped up his visor and yelled, “You crazy ah?!! You were doing 160 km/h in the rain!!! In Thailand!!!”

I reached the First World Hotel, aimed for the Petron station and made a left turn onto a newly tarred road. It was very narrow and as sinewy as a clump of intestines. I stopped at the summit with the Triumph Tiger 800 XRx juxtaposed against the backs of mountains and hills in the distance, just as the horizon started to turn to orange.

And I did this four days in a row in the five that we had the bike.

My surroundings turned bright quickly from then on. I felt on top of the world everytime that happened because not only had I climbed the mountain in the dark and fog, but I had also done it on wet roads. The Tiger 800 XRx and XCx were never fazed by soggy roads.

A few more deep breaths of the fresh air and it was time to head back.

Taking it easy this time due to heavier traffic, I flicked through the LCD display. It was so easy to use with the new switchgear, joystick and menu system. Every bit of pertinent information was there, presented in easy to read format.

Back in the stifling traffic of KL, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx continued to perform sweetly. It had gone from a daily commuter to a sport-tourer to a canyon blaster and back to daily commuter in supreme comfort without even having to touch a single ride mode switch, although it would’ve been so easy to do so.

It must’ve been a match made in heaven because the Tiger 800 had gone beyond what I had expected of any bike. My paradigm had been shattered, shredded and scorched. But I didn’t resist. I couldn’t resist.

I had loved adventure-tourers from that point on, and it was the Triumph Tiger 800 that was responsible for the change.

I have a new problem now. It’s no secret that I love the Tiger 800 XCx, but I’ve fallen in love with the Triumph Tiger 800 XRx, too. Especially the “White Tiger” such as this one we tested. The XCx is a superbly capable bike on both road and offroad, while the XRx is superbly capable on the road and can do some light offroading.

Why not both?

Oh dear.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATONS

ENGINE
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, inline-Triple
Compression ratio 11.3 : 1
Bore X Stroke 74.0 mm X 61.9 mm
Displacement 800 cc
Fuel system Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Maximum power 94 bhp (70 kW) @ 9500 RPM
Maximum torque 79 Nm @ 8050 RPM
TRANSMISSION  
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 6-speed
CHASSIS
Front suspension Showa 43mm upside down forks, 180 mm travel
Rear suspension Showa monoshock with hydraulic preload adjustment, 170 mm travel
Front brakes Dual 305 mm Brembo floating discs, dual Brembo two-piston sliding calipers
Rear brake Single 255 mm disc, Nissin single-piston sliding caliper
ABS ABS standard, swtichable on/off
Front tyre 100/90-R19
Rear tyre 150/70-R17
FRAME & DIMENSIONS
Frame Tubular steel trellis frame
Swingarm Two-sided cast aluminium allow
Trail 86.6 mm
Rake 23.8o
Wheelbase 1350 mm
Seat height 810 – 830 mm
Dry weight 200 kg
Fuel capacity 19 litres

 

PICTURE GALLERY

The Motonation 2018 Roadshow Kickoff event has begun promoting the main event which is happening in October.

Held at Quill City Mall in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, participating vendors brought out their finest automobiles to draw in the crowd.

The Motonation 2018 main event will happen from 19 to 21 October 2018 at MECC, MATRADE.

The first of many Motonation 2018 roadshows have begun promoting the big main event which is set at the end of the year in October. Organised at Quill City Mall (next to Universiti Kuala Lumpur or UNIKL), attendees were greeted with some fine automobile examples showcased by one the vendors. 

From a fire-breathing Ferrari F12 Berlinetta to a drool-worthy Nissan Silvia S14, the Motonation 2019 Roadshow Kickoff event drew in the crowds. This is all thanks to the support provided by CHY Autoworld Sdn Bhd, Tom’s Stickers, and Rintis Malay Motors Sdn Bhd and their fine four-wheelers.

More roadshows are in the works from now until September 2018 where Motonation will also include a business matching program to help expand and gain exposure for all participating businesses and vendors. This is all organised towards Motonation’s objective of creating a prosperous automotive ecosystem.

These roadshows will be held in several places around the Klang Valley area. Their next stop in the coming week would be at Scott Garden in Old Klang Road. Other venues include Bangi, Semenyih, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, and a few more outside of the Klang Valley area.

To know more about the Motonation 2018 roadshows, check out their official Facebook page. The Motonation 2018 main event is happening from 19 to 21 October 2018 at MECC, MATRADE. Interested vendors should join as over 100,000 attendees are expected to attend the three-day extravaganza.

The folks from MV Agusta have revealed that there will be a brand new 2018 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 coming soon.

It has been said that the new Turismo Veloce 800 will feature an ‘innovative clutch system’.

Other expected updates include engine power, electronics, and riding aids.

MV Agusta has announced that there will be launching an updated version of the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 very, very soon. According to the latest report made by MCN, not a lot of details have been released by boss man Giovanni Castiglioni apart from a brand and mysterious clutch system. (more…)

  • It’s useful to know a few math formulas and conversions.

  • They could come in handy whenever the situation arises.

  • Math isn’t scary, they can be downright fun instead.

You may have pulled up at a petrol station to inflate your tyres and the measurement unit on the air pump left you scratching your head. Or you’ve travelled a certain distance in a given time but uncertain on how to calculate the average speed. Or how many c.c.’s (cubic centimetres) is that 114 cubic inch Harley engine?

Fret not, because we’re here to help. We work with these numbers on an almost daily basis.

1. Pound-per-square-inch (psi) to kilopascal (kPa)

We’re familiar with these two pressure measurements as tyre pressures. While kilopascal is more widely used, there are still many pumps that still measure in pounds-per-square-inch.

To convert, multiply by 6.9 kpa. For example, 32 psi X 6.9 = 220.8 kPa.

What about bar? You just need to multiply the number by 100 to obtain the kilopascal reading i.e. 2.5 bar X 100 = 250 kPa.

2. Distance (km), speed (km/h) and time (hr.)

These three are interlinked. The easiest way to remember the formulas among them is to draw a triangle and place Distance (D) on top of Speed (S) and Time (T).

Say if you travelled at a steady 110 km/h for 3 hours and 15 minutes:

Distance = 110 km/h X 3.25 hours = 357.5 km

Conversely, to determine your average speed after covering a known distance in a certain amount of time, say from the Rawang R&R to the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration Checkpoint (441km) in 3 hours, 25 minutes:

Speed = 441 km ÷ {[(3 hrs. X 60 minute) + 25 minutes] ÷ 60 minutes} = 441 ÷ (205 ÷ 60) = 441 km ÷ 3.42 hours = 128.95 km/h

Finally, say you’re planning a convoy and need to estimate the amount of time you’d spend in covering a distance at a certain speed. Again, let’s assume the 441 km distance at an average of 110 km/h.

Time = 441 km ÷ 110 km/h = 4 hours

3. Engine Displacement / Capacity (cc)

The formula is: Displacement = Pi X radius2 X height = P X (½ X bore)2 X stroke

As an example, let’s use the Triumph Tiger 800 which we tested recently. The bore’s 74.0 mm and stroke’s 61.9 mm. However, since we seek the result in cubic centimetres (cc), we have to first convert milimetres to centimetres. Hence, the bore and stroke are 6.19 cm and 7.40 cm, respectively. Let’s plug in the numbers.

Pi X (½ X 7.40)2 X 6.19 = 3.14 X (3.70)2 X 6.19 = 3.14 X 13.69 X 6.19 = 266.08 cc

That’s the displacement of one cylinder. Since the Tiger 800 is an inline-Triple, we multiply 266.08 by 3. Therefore, the engine displacement of the Triumph Tiger 800 is 266.08 X 3 = 798.26 cc, which is rounded to 800 cc. 

4. Cubic Inches (c.i.) to Cubic Centimetres (cc)

As we mentioned earlier, Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycle engine capacities are published in cubic inches; such as the Milwaukee-Eight 114 and Thunder Stroke 111, respectively.

To convert, multiply cubic inch by 16.387. Therefore, 114 X 16.387 = 1868.12 cc, rounded to 1870 cc.

5. Kilowatt (kW) to mechanical horsepower (hp)

Certain manufacturers publish their products’ power output in kilowatt (kW), but we are more familiar with horsepower.

To convert, multiply kW by 1.34. Hence, 70 kW X 1.34 = 93.8 hp, or rounded to 94 hp.

6. Metric horsepower (PS) to mechanical horsepower (hp)

PS is known as metric horsepower, while HP is known as mechanical horsepower.

To convert, multiply ps by 0.986. Thus 35 PS X 0.986 = 34.5 hp

7. Foot-pound (ft. lb.) to Newton-Metre (Nm)

These two units concern torque, usually used to quote the engine’s “pulling power.”

To convert, multiply ft. lb. by 1.36. Hence, 90 ft. lb X 1.36 = 122.4 Nm

8. Miles-per-hour (mph) to kilometres-per-hour (km/h)

To convert, multiply mph by 1.61. Thus, 60 mph X 1.61 = 96.6 km/h

Similarly, 1 mile is equal to 1.61 kilometres.

9. Foot (ft.) to metre (m)

To convert, multiply by 0.30. Thus, 30 feet X 0.30 = 9.00 metres

10. Inch (in.) to milimetre (mm)

To convert, multiply by 25.4. Hence, 3.5 inches X 25.4 = 88.9 mm

11. Pound (lb.) to kilogram (kg)

To convert, multiply by 0.45. Thus, 410 lb. X 0.45 = 184.5 kg

12. Fahrenheit (F) to Celsius (C)

Do bear in mind that the Fahrenheit scale is 32o when the temperature is 0o Celsius. So, in order to determine the temperature in Celsius, you need to take the Fahrenheit reading, subtract 32 and multiply by 0.5556.

For example: 90o F = (90 – 32) X 0.5556 = 58 X 0.5556 = 32.2o C

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