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End of the Road for KTM RC 390

The Austrian manufacturer has announced the end of production for the KTM RC 390, for the global market.

Speaking to MCN, KTM said that the current model has failed to generate enough demand in recent years after its launch in 2022. Additionally, updating the 373cc, single-cylinder engine to comply with Euro5+ emissions standards will make it more expensive, at a time when many motorcycle markets are already showing signs of slowing down.

As such, the RC 390 will soon disappear from worldwide showrooms and catalogs, while dealers clear their existing stock into 2026.

However, the model will still be available in the Indian market where sales remain strong for the model, no doubt buoyed by being in now-owner Bajaj’s homeground.

The KTM RC 390 has been around for 11 years since being launched in 2014. Back then, it was a sportbike wrapped around the 390 Duke’s platform. It was immensely popular the world over, including in Malaysia.

However, the latest revision in 2022 divided opinion, especially about how it looks although the new bike was vastly superior in terms of performance, handling, and technology.

KTM had upped the 390 Duke’s engine capacity to 399cc in 2024, but the RC has not followed suit. Instead, the maker introduced the new 390 Adventure R, 390 Adventure X, 390 Enduro R, and 390 SMC R.

Ducati Panigale V4 Marquez Launched – Priced at RM432k

You knew this was coming: The Ducati Panigale V4 Marquez has been launched to commemorate his 2025 MotoGP championship. It is limited to just 293 units, priced from and eye-watering £79,300 (RM432,762.54).

Ducati had previously launched the Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia Panigale V2 models at EICMA last month, but this Marquez version is based on the Panigale V4 S.

So sure, the bike looks as if slapped on with a fancy ‘coverset’ and all the sponsors’ stickers to resemble the Desmosedici GP25 MotoGP bike, but it is much more than that upon closer inspection.

Starting from the bodywork, the bike is equipped with Corner Sidepods, which Ducati introduced to MotoGP in 2021. It is an aerodynamic feature which generates more grip for the front tyre when the bike is leaned over.

The brakes have been up-specced too, utilising what is called Front Brake Pro+ system. The suite features street homologated Brembo GP4 Sport Production calipers and Brembo T-Drive 338.5mm finned discs that are 6.2mm thick. Additionally, the front brake master cylinder is a Brembo MCS 19.21 with remote lever position adjustment, used by Ducati’s MotoGP and WorldSBK factory teams.

The Ducati Panigale V4 Marquez edition uses the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine instead of the V4’s powerplant. For comparison, the V4 S produces 216 hp at 13,500, but the Marquez edition does 218.5 hp with the installation of an Akrapovič silencer and dedicated engine calibration. The Akrapovič silencer also drops 2.5 kg compared to the standard V4 S. More weight has been saved with the five-spoke carbon fibre wheels which are 0.95 kg lighter.

In terms of special equipment, the lucky owners of this limited edition model will get a dry clutch kit, adjustable billet aluminium footpegs, and a GPS module. If you want to take advantage of the bike’s potential on the track, a billet aluminium racing fuel tank cap, brake caliper shrouds, an open carbon fibre clutch cover, and a license plate holder removal kit are all supplied as standard.

The high-spec suspension setup is the same across both the Panigale V4 Marquez and V4 S models, with Öhlins NPX-30 pressurised 43mm forks up front, and an Öhlins TTX 36 shock absorber at the rear. The suspension is fully adjustable at both ends of the motorcycle.

The bike’s fuel tank has been signed by Marquez himself, who won his first MotoGP title with Ducati in 2025. This was his seventh in total (premier class) after winning the other six with Honda, and his ninth world title.

Disability not a Hurdle for Man who Lost an Arm

A 26-year-old man has garnered much respect and admiration for continuing to work as a food delivery rider despite losing an arm in a traffic accident earlier.

A Sinar Harian report says that Ahmad Nabil Rosli, from Kerteh, Kemaman, lost his left arm in a serious motorcycle accident in 2017. The accident saw his bike being dragged onto the road and catching fire, while leaving him in a coma.

Recounting the horror, his father said that Ahmad’s heart had stopped for about 30 minutes and he was in critical condition before doctors successfully revived him.

But the accident may have cost him an arm, but not his spirit.

Ahmad used to wear a prosthetic arm, but nerve pain in his shoulder prevented long-term use. Yet, he continues to work efficiently and independently.

He continues to deliver an average of thirty 30 orders on a daily basis. He even hit 50 orders a day once, setting a new record for himself.

Ahmad also explained that a rider’s income depends on the availability of orders. As such, he takes advantage of busy days and accepts as many orders as possible.

He credits his parents, Norsyam Zakaria and Rosli Awang, as well as his siblings and close friends, especially Aslah Azman, for giving him the strength to put the nightmare behind.

Ahmad continues to say that the accident gave him a second chance at life, and he now uses his story to motivate others. He regularly posts on his social media account TikTok/ahmadnabil400 to inspire people not to give up in the face of adversity.

Recall Programme for QJMotor AX200s Announced

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd., the exclusive distributor of QJMotor motorcycles in Malaysia has announced a recall programme for the QJMotor AX200s scooter.

The recall is a proactive step to address some issues of the exhaust muffler assembly, which was said to have cracked on certain units. MForce has ordered the upgraded parts and are awaiting their arrival.

As we have stressed many times, a recall campaign should be seen in a positive light, as it shows that the manufacturer/distributor takes responsibility to ensure the safety of their customers, instead of sweeping everything under the carpet.

We have tested the QJMotor AX200s, by the way, and found it to be a lot of fun at a good price.

From MForce Bike Holdings’ Press Statement

Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. is initiating a proactive Recall Programme for the QJMOTOR AX200S following reports of technical issues regarding the muffler assembly.

We are currently finalizing the supply of upgraded replacement parts to ensure the highest safety and quality standards for all our riders.

Once the programme is in effect, our authorised dealers will proactively contact affected owners to arrange the necessary steps.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your continued trust.

Further updates and detailed information will be communicated through Mforce’s official communication channels and social media from time to time.

Driver who Killed 3 Motorcyclists Changes Plea to Guilty

The driver of a Honda Jazz who caused three fatalities in an accident at a traffic light intersection near Senawang on March 6, changed his plea to guilty at the Seremban Magistrates’ Court.

The 17-year-old male teenager made the plea before Magistrate, Nurul Azuin Mohd Talhah during case management proceedings today.

However, the court set the date for the next hearing on February 25 for the statement of facts and the preparation of a social report before deciding on the sentence for the accused.

On April 22, the accused had pleaded not guilty before his lawyer, Johan Radzi, informed the court that they would be submitting a representation.

However, on November 19, Deputy Public Prosecutor, P. Rubini, informed the court that the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) had rejected the said representation.

According to the charge, the accused drove dangerously causing the deaths of Muhammad Aidil Ramdan Abdullah, 15, Muhammad Aswari Lotpi, 16, and Aisar Azim Abdullah, 17.

The offense was committed at 8:30 PM at the traffic lights on Jalan Persiaran Senawang 1, Taman Matahari Heights here on March 6.

The prosecution is being carried out under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. If convicted, the accused faces imprisonment of between five to ten years and a fine of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM50,000.

Previously, media reported that the Honda Jazz driven by the teenager failed to stop at a red light intersection and crashed into two motorcycles coming from the left side on March 6.

Muhammad Aidil Ramdan and Muhammad Aswari were confirmed dead at the scene, while Aisar Azim died while receiving treatment at Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital here on March 10.

Illegal Race Organiser Caught and Sentenced after Four Years on the Run

A man pleaded guilty to organizing an illegal race just for ‘fun’ at the Tawau Magistrate’s Court. He had been on the run for four years before being successfully apprehended by the Royal Malaysia Police.

The accused, Ngok Sing Wing, 21, during the proceedings, admitted to his actions without providing any reasonable explanation, other than stating it was done merely for entertainment.

Based on the charge, the man is accused of sponsoring, advertising, or assisting in the management or supervision of an unauthorized speed competition or test on Jalan Apas-Balung here, between 11:30 pm on August 1, 2021, and 7:45 am on August 2, 2021.

The charge was filed under Section 81(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333/87), which stipulates a fine not exceeding two thousand ringgit or imprisonment upon conviction.

The Prosecuting Officer from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division (BSPT) of Tawau District Police Headquarters, Assistant Superintendent Joan Lee, in her arguments, stated that the accused was arrested during an Ops Samseng Jalanan (Street Hooligan Operation), which was considered the largest arrest at the time.

According to her, eight other individuals who were issued summonses (OKS) have already been brought to court and sentenced, while the accused could not be located after the incident and had been on the run for nearly four years.

“The accused’s whereabouts were only successfully traced after the investigating officer conducted a review and tracked him down with the assistance of the PERKESO office, using the accused’s workplace address in Kemaman, Terengganu.

“I request that an appropriate punishment be imposed as a lesson and a clear message to the accused and the community at large,” she said.

“You know this is a wrongful act. What if there had been deaths?” Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin firmly admonished before imposing a fine of RM2,000.

Based on the case facts, during the police operation, a group of individuals with their respective vehicles were detected gathering and watching two motorcycles accelerating simultaneously in a speed test, including performing dangerous ‘superman’-style stunts.

Subsequently, the police detained the accused along with a group of men in front of a motorcycle workshop suspected of being involved in the said illegal racing activity.