Bikesrepublic

Latest News

Imagine entrusting your pride and joy to someone, only to find out (through social media) that the trustee had used the bike without your permission. That alleged unauthorised act has prompted an owner to sue his trustee.

The claim

It all began when the owner, Wee Yang, purchased the Ducati Panigale V4S for RM133,000 cash from a shop on 19 June. As he was overseas at the time, he could not complete the paperwork, thus he appointed a local contact to oversee the insurance process and store the bike.

According to Wee’s sharing on Facebook, he and the trustee had arranged to hold the bike until the former returned in July to collect it personally.

Alleged unauthorised use

However, Wee soon found out that the trustee began using the Panigale V4S without expressed permission or knowledge. In his Facebook posting, he claimed that the caretaker:

  • Posted promotional content on social media the day after taking delivery.
  • Riding videos were filmed for business pages on Instagram, Xiaohongshu, and Threads.
  • The bike was ridden to Desaru, Johor, for leisure trips.
  • A homemade license plate was used since the bike had no official registration.
  • The bike’s mileage increased from 26,827km to 27,007km.
Motorcycle towed to another location

Upon the discovery of the bike had been “illegally” used, Wee arranged for the motorcycle to be towed to another location.

In a post on 24 June, Wee also said that the trustee had passed only one key to the tow truck operator, only to hand over the other key when the tow truck driver insisted.

Inspection of the bike found that it was covered in dead insects and dust, which Wee insisted that the bike was used on the road and without proper care.

Settlement offer

Wee then offered two options to the trustee to settle the matter:

  1. Buy back the bike at the price he paid (RM133,000) and refund the insurance money (RM5,000).
  2. Public apology admitting wrongdoing, compensation for extra mileage, and payment for new license plates

Failure to accept the offer meant that Wee would pursue legal action.

Proceeding with legal action

Wee made another posting on 25 June, saying that the trustee had made an apology at 11.52pm, just two minutes after he (Wee) had called his lawyer to proceed with the case.

He stated that he is suing because:

  • His property (motorcycle) was used without authorisation for a business-related purpose, which also implicated the shop where the trustee works.
  • His property (motorcycle) was used without authorisation by an individual called “Evon Evon,” who is the caretaker’s girlfriend in riding videos and social media posts.

Wee’s lawyer had advised that the second individual could potentially be sued as an accomplice, although he acknowledged that “whether the case will succeed depends on the judge.”

However, Wee also stated that the door is still open for an out-of-court settlement.

Takeaways from this case

There have been several reported cases of workshops or shops staff were found to test or use customers’ vehicles without authorisation—such as using them for personal errands, sharing test-drive videos on social media without permission, or even installing fake license plates if registration was incomplete. In some of these instances, staff members drove customers’ vehicles and were involved in accidents.

Workshop owners can be held liable under Section 403 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust.

Based on the writer’s firsthand experience working in a workshop, some customers do insist on thorough test drives to ensure their vehicle issues are fully resolved. However, any test drive MUST be accompanied by:

  • Authorisation letter/form signed by the vehicle owner.
  • Pre- and post-test mileage records.
  • A detailed test report.

As a guideline for vehicle owners, before handing over your vehicle, you should sign a written agreement specifying:

  • Permitted use (e.g., “Test drive limited to 20 km”).
  • Prohibition on social media sharing.
  • List of authorized drivers.
  • Take photos of the odometer and vehicle condition.

MDua Motor Sdn. Bhd. has unveiled another model to their line-up, called the MODA Shifter 400X, the latest addition to its lineup of scooters for the masses. The Shifter 400X scooter is a new entry in the trail adventure and touring segment, built to conquer both urban landscapes and rugged terrains.

The Shifter 400X carries the brand’s latest identity and philosophy – “Because I Can” – empowering riders to define their own journeys, chart their own paths, and ride on their own terms of lifestyle.

Highlights
  • Powered by a 333cc, 4-valve, single-cylinder, SOHC engine, producing 26.8 hp @ 7,500 rpm 33.5 Nm @ 5,500 rpm.
  • Hydraulic telescopic forks up front, double gas shock absorbers at the back.

  • Single 276mm disc brake (front), single 240mm disc brake (rear).
  • ABS and TCS are standard features.

  • 14″ front and 13″ rear wheels fitted with “turtle back” profile for both highway cruising and light gravel routes.
  • Seat height of 775 mm.

  • 208 kg gross weight.
  • Two-step manually adjustable windshield.

  • Four ‘lenticels’ LED headlights featuring AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) for brighter, dynamic illumination in low-light or cornering conditions.
  • V-shaped LED tail light with ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) enhances safety by alerting others during sudden braking.

  • Intelligent keyless ignition system paired with a premium key fob.
  • The immobiliser key system features a built-in anti-theft protection and an electronic fence feature that alerts the rider if the scooter is moved beyond a preset range.

  • Illuminated, large under seat storage space.
  • A 7-inch full-colour TFT instrument panel provides clear real-time data, including real-time Tyre Pressure Monitoring Sensor (TPMS), and the automatic brightness based on ambient lighting.

  • Two charging ports — a standard 12V USB and a 12V cigarette lighter socket.
  • Phone connectivity through Apple and Android devices is available for navigation and call pairing.

  • Dual-lens front and rear camera system, which records your journey and allows footage to be downloaded via a dedicated mobile app.

The MODA Shifter 400X is now available in two exhilarating colours: Ninja Black and Ultra White, and priced at an MRSP of RM23,888.00, excluding road tax, registration, and insurance.

For more information, explore our social media channels or visit the MODA Motorcycles official website at http://www.modamotorcycles.com/models/shifter-400x.

Photo gallery

The iconic brand Dainese has been sold for a symbolic EUR1 (1 Euro), after accruing a mountain of debt of around EUR300 million.

The sale was orchestrated by London-based funds Arcmont Asset Management and HPS Investment Partners (recently acquired by BlackRock), who took over from the Carlyle invesment fund. Carlyle, on the other hand, had acquired Dainese from Ivestcorp for EUR630 million in 2022.

The shocking news was reported by the Sport E Finanza magazine. However, Dainese themselves have not posted such news, and neither did Arcmont and HPS.

The Dainese brand had been struggling with debt after posting three consecutive years of losses, culminating in a EUR120 million deficit last year. That lacklustre performance saw its debt soar to EUR300 million over an EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of EUR20 million, which translates to a debt:EBITDA ratio of 15:1.

The new owners have stated their intention clearly: to strengthen Dainese’s financial structure and improve its flexibility after facing market challenges. However, there is yet news on the employees, suppliers, and customers of Dainese.

Only time will tell what the future holds for Dainese.

Source: Sport E Finanza

One motorcyclist dies every two hours. That was the alarming statistic revealed by authorities, who also said that it should not be treated as a normalcy any longer.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) Human Factors and Road User Behavioural Centre director Ir Ts Azhar Hamzah said motorcyclists continue to dominate road fatality statistics, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of all deaths. His words and recommendations came just hours before a fatal accident occured on the Seremban-Kuala Lumpur Highway which saw three motorcyclists killed.

Just imagine 12 people die every day. Every two hours, one person dies riding a motorcycle,” said Azhar during the Allianz Malaysia Media Forum held at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral on Tuesday.

He said many of these deaths were preventable if the country took proactive steps in education, training and behaviour change.

The best safety for motorcyclists is prevention. You cannot rely only on post-incident measures. The best is prevention,” he said.

Azhar said motorcycles were originally intended for short-distance travel but have evolved into a primary means of transport across long distances in Malaysia, despite their limitations.

Azhar said Malaysia’s road culture has normalised risky behaviours such as weaving through traffic and speeding, adding that such actions remain a legal grey area under current road regulations.

In Malaysia, this has become the culture. Riders move through gaps in roads to maintain stability. Whether it’s right or wrong is unclear, as even the Road Transport Act is a bit vague,” he said.

He said changing rider behaviour and enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were urgent priorities.

If we can’t eliminate motorcycles, then we must control them through better roads, more stable motorcycle designs, and stronger rules,” he said.

P-hailing riders spend five times longer on the road compared with regular motorcycle users. So, the risk is higher,” he said.

He added that slowing down was one of the fastest ways to reduce motorcycle fatalities.

If we reduce speed, we get an immediate reward. If you ride slower, you lower your risk right away,” he said.

Azhar urged government agencies, private companies and the public to act without delay.

If you ride a motorcycle, act now. Don’t wait,” he said.

 

Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia) has joined forces with the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and leading p-hailing platforms Foodpanda Malaysia, Lalamove Malaysia, and Grab Malaysia to highlight the importance of rider safety particularly within the country’s rapidly expanding p-hailing industry. The initiative reinforces the shared duty of all stakeholders including government agencies, corporates, p-hailing riders, and the public to protect and support the well-being of these gig workers.

At the Allianz Malaysia Media Forum 2025 held here today, industry stakeholders gathered to discuss the challenges faced by p-hailing riders and explore collaborative strategies for a safer delivery ecosystem. The  forum underscored the vital role of p-hailing riders and the importance  of comprehensive safety strategies to support them.

The p-hailing industry, which includes food and parcel delivery services, has experienced significant growth in recent years. This is driven by strong demand for convenient and efficient delivery services, which has in turn spotlighted the safety of p-hailing riders, who are often exposed to the risks of road accidents.

As a leader in protection, Allianz Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to improving rider safety through strategic partnerships. The Allianz Malaysia Media Forum 2025 featured a panel discussion with  representatives from MIROS and leading p-hailing platforms, including Lalamove Malaysia, foodpanda Malaysia and Grab Malaysia. These industry experts exchanged valuable insights on the current challenges in the p-hailing sector and discussed collective efforts to uplift rider safety.

P-hailing riders play a pivotal role in society, serving as the backbone of the country’s growing delivery economy. From food and groceries to essential goods, riders ensure seamless access to everyday needs while helping small businesses expand their reach. Many are sole breadwinners of their families, braving daily road risks to support loved ones.

Recognising the contribution of p-hailing riders, p-hailing platforms have implemented various safety initiatives to support their well-being. However, protecting their well-being remains a shared  responsibility that calls for coordinated and sustainable action.

Allianz Malaysia MIROS P-Hailing

Allianz Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Sean Wang said, “At Allianz Malaysia, we believe that rider safety is a shared duty. We are committed to not only providing insurance solutions but also actively contributing to the well-being of the community around us. Our efforts extend beyond profit, and in this particular instance, we strive to give back to society by implementing and supporting rider safety initiatives that will enhance safety and security for all road users.

Ir. Ts. Azhar Hamzah, Director of the Human Factors and Road User Behavioural Centre (HUB) at MIROS concurred, adding, “Our mission at MIROS is to ensure safe roads for everyone. We believe that road safety is a shared responsibility, and  through our research, we aim to uncover the risks and challenges faced by road users and identify potential solutions to enhance rider safety and support their families’ livelihoods. Together, we can transform insights into impactful actions.

In line with its commitment to enhancing rider safety, Allianz Malaysia is set to organise two training programmes in partnership with the Road Safety Marshal Club. The first programme will focus on rider safety training and road emergency survival with p-hailing companies, complementing their existing efforts, aiming to equip riders with essential skills and knowledge to navigate roads safely. The second programme will be tailored for public and private university students, fostering a culture of safety awareness among the younger generation.

Sean further commented, “Our collaboration with the Road Safety Marshal Club is a testament to our dedication to safeguarding road users and improving road safety knowledge. By empowering riders and educating students, we hope to create a safer environment for everyone on the road.

Allianz Malaysia remains steadfast in its mission to care for the future and enhance road safety through proactive measures and strategic partnerships. The Allianz Malaysia Media Forum 2025 and the upcoming training programmes are crucial steps toward creating a safer environment for Malaysia’s p-hailing community as well as the broader community.

Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PMX) announced today that the price of RON 95 petrol will be reduced to RM1.99 per litre from the current price of  RM2.05 per litre.

In his special speech announcing several measures to ease the burden of the Rakyat, he said that the government’s RON 95 petrol target subsidy plan is still on track. The full details of the subsidy rationalisation will be announced by end-September 2025.

PMX also stressed that the majority of the Rakyat will be not be affected as the price of RON 95 will be reduced when the targeted subsidy plan begins.

This will certainly benefit around 18 million car drivers and motorcyclists, including youth as young as 16 years old and gig workers. This targeted approach is in line with the government’s efforts to optimise national resources for the benefit of the people, and reduce subsidy waste,” he said in his speech.

Subsidy removal will instead affect the ultra rich and foreign citizens – them having to pay the market price for fuel.

He added that in 2023 and 2024, the government spent some RM20 billion a year on RON 95 subsidy alone. Although world oil prices have declined this year, the price of RON 95 petrol without subsidy is still around RM2.50 per litre.

The Prime Minister did not reveal any detail of how the scheme will be implemented. However, it is expected the mechanism involves using the Malaysian National Registration Indentity Card (MyKad) when filling up. In this case, it should be linked to the tax database to determine a person’s income level. Will there be facial matching of the person filling up with his MyKad to avoid the use of another person’s MyKad? We shall see.

On another note, and giving credit where credit is due to the PMX and government, the actual amount of petrol we receive with the upcoming RM1.99/litre compared to the current RM2.05/litre will not be a lot more, unless we pump a large quantity. Instead, the biggest difference can only be seen when RM1.99/litre is compared with RM2.50/litre. Nevertheless, it is a start. Check out the table below:

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube