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Top 10: Bikes for the ladies

Gone are the days when women were perceived to be the weaker sex. Today, they are capable of doing whatever men can, and that includes suiting up and riding a high-powered motorcycle for hundreds of kilometers.

In fact, we have not one or two, but thousands of female riders already, including normal riders, racers, and even stunt riders!

That said, if you are one of the female riders who has just obtained your license, looking for the right bike to begin your journey, you have come to the right place as we have compiled a top 10 bikes which we feel, are best suited for you.

1) Kawasaki ER-6N

Like we mentioned before in one of our Top 10 compilations, this is without a doubt, among the best beginners’ bikes as it is what is being used in most of our driving schools. Despite being powerful, it is not too wild, and remains as one of the most comfortable middleweights out there in the market.

2) KTM Duke 390

Ideal for small-sized individuals, this lightweight naked would appeal to most female riders. Besides that, it is also very sporty, and proves to be an excellent platform for those who are upgrading from a smaller bike. Where the Duke 390 really stands out is in the city, as it is very agile and punchy.

3) Ducati Monster 795

If you’re a beginner and you want something more exotic, the Ducati Monster 795 is a dream come true for you. While other models from the brand might be more suitable for veterans, the Monster, which is smaller, stylish, yet still powerful, is ideal for Asian women. In fact, this model is among the most popular choice among female riders in Malaysia.

4) Yamaha XJ6

It looks good, it is not too small or too big, it is affordable, and most importantly, the XJ6 is a very smooth and comfortable bike that is ideal for you to get used to long distance riding.

5) Honda CBR250R

The CBR250R is among the best starter bikes in the market in our opinion. Ideal for both city-dwelling and long distance riding, the baby CBR is suitable for both beginners and slightly more experienced riders.

6)Yamaha YZF-R25

The R25’s biggest strength is that it is nimble and offers easy-to- use daily riding experience, while being sporty. Its asymmetric swing arm is strong and solid for a stable ride. Complementing the stable ride is the Monocross Twin-tube rear suspension that provides good handling during cornering.

7) Kawasaki Z250SL

Powered by a 4-stroke Single mounted in an original trellis frame, the newest Ninja offers sporty fun in a slim, lightweight and compact package. With competitive performance, quick, nimble handling, and aggressive ergonomics, it is a lighter, ideal platform to learn the basics of riding larger bikes.

8) Harley-Davidson Sportster 883

Among all of Harley-Davidson’s Sportster 883 motorcycles currently available, the Iron is the newest, debuting in 2009. It has the smaller “peanut” style fuel tank so it holds less fuel than the SuperLow. Its styling is edgier than the traditionally styled SuperLow with drag style handlebars, a chopped rear fender, and blacked out accents. The Iron gets beginners going with attitude! In 2015,upgrades were made to the Sportsers including new brakes, an ABS option and of course, new colors.

9) Kawasaki Vulcan S

If cruisers are what you have in mind, and Harley-Davidsons are too expensive, Kawasaki has a perfect candidate for you. Priced under RM30,000, the Vulcan S, which is Kawasaki’s most recent offerings, provides a super low riding position, a smooth 650cc engine, and most importantly, an option to custom fit the handlebars and the foot pegs based on your height.

10) Scrambler Ducati

Ducati’s smartly styled bike that correctly reinterprets the spirit of the 1960s, was built with no room for complicated technology, such as ride-by-wire throttle or a hydraulic clutch. The bike is aimed at people who are looking for a bike that’s not just easy handling, comfortable and accessible, but one’s that’s also as fashionable as the original.

2016 Triumph Bonneville launched

After much anticipation, the all-new 2016 Triumph Bonneville has been officially unveiled to the world by the manufacturer.

As expected, the bike is offered in three guises, each with a different liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. Firstly, there’s the entry-level 900cc Street Twin; the 1200cc T120, and the top-of-the-range Thruxton, According to Triumph, each variant of the new Bonneville has a different chassis design and distinct engine, and none shares a single component with the existing Bonneville. It is said that the new liquid-cooled engine offers 36 per cent better fuel-economy than the old one.

The company also revealed the T120 Black, which is basically the Triumph Bonneville T120 with different styling detail, and a Thruxton R, which is a Thruxton which comes with Brembo monobloc brake calipers, Showa big piston forks, Öhlins rear suspension and Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa Tyres.

For your information, the Thruxton R was the bike that was featured in David Beckham’s recent short film titled “Outlaw”.

It is said that the new Bonevilles’ electronic systems have been updated as well, with features like the ride-by-wire throttle, ABS, slip-assist clutch, traction control, LED lights, immobiliser, a chipped ignition key, and a USB charging socket being offered as standard.

While the T120 comes with two riding modes (road and rain), the Thruxton has a third ‘sport’ mode, which promises a ‘more immediate throttle response’. T120 and T120 Black also come with heated grips as standard.

Standard equipment aside, options for the the Street Twin include a Scrambler kit, Vance & Hines exhaust, brushed aluminium components, and brown ribbed ‘bench’ seat; a ‘Brat Tracker’ kit including Vance & Hines slip-on cans, rear mudguard removal kit and a brown bench seat; and an ‘Urban’ kit, including a fly-screen, single leather pannier and Vance & Hines slip-ons.

For the T120 and T120 Black there’s a ‘Prestige’ kit including Vance & Hines peashooter slip-ons, a ribbed and stitched black seat and chrome clutch cover.

For the Thruxton and Thruxton R there’s a ‘Track Racer’ kit, including a cockpit fairing, clip-on bars and leather tank strap; and a ‘Café Racer’ kit, including a fly-screen, rubber knee pads and clip-ons.

Exclusively for the Thruxton R there’s an additional ‘Performance race’ kit which is ‘specifically designed and developed for competition use and closed circuit racing’. Details have not been confirmed but Triumph’s press release says: ‘The Factory Race kit will take the standard engine performance to an even higher level, with more power, torque and lower overall weight.’

Yamaha DT-07 Concept revealed

Yamaha USA revealed its latest creation, the DT-07 flat tracker concept at the AIM Expo motorcycle show in Orlando, Florida last week.

Using a race-tuned version of the 689cc, parallel-twin engine that is powering the MT-07, the DT-07 is apparently a one-off concept that was built by Jeff Palhegyi Design and Yamaha USA’s race department.

Sporting Yamaha’s 60^th anniversary celebration Speedblock paint scheme, the DT-07 also comes with a straight-through exhaust system from Graves Racing.

Other notable highlights on the concept include the purpose-built frame, the swingarm with an adjustable pivot and link system, modified R6 conventional-style forks, Ohlins rear shock, as well as Propulsion Labs wheels.

Derek Brooks, Motorcycle Product Planning Manager for Yamaha USA said: “One of our specific goals with the Yamaha DT-07 was to retain some of the FZ-07’s styling cues. I worked with Jeff Palhegvi on the design of the bike and we literally used the FZ-07’s fuel tank cover as the basis for the body mould on the DT-07 Concept. The entire bike was essentially built from scratch, and it is Yamaha’s interpretation of what a dirt tracker designed from the ground up in 2015 should look like.”

MotoGP: Pedrosa wins drama-filled outing in Sepang

Repsol Honda celebrates with Dani Pedrosa as he claims victory in the dramatic and controversial 2015 Shell Malaysian MotoGP whilst Rossi gets penalised.

(more…)

Drive M7 SIC Racing Team switches to Honda

The Drive M7 SIC Racing Team confirmed yesterday that they will be switching to Honda machinery in 2016. The team will be using two NSF250RW bikes, replacing the KTM bikes that are being used currently.

The Malaysian team said that strongly believes that the new partnership with Honda will enhance the team’s performance and open the door for greater success in 2016.

Dato’ Razlan Razali, the CEO of Sepang International Circuit said, “We are extremely thankful to Honda Racing Corporation for supplying us with the Honda machines for next season. Honda has proven last year and especially this year to be extremely competitive and we sincerely appreciate them delivering the bikes for our two riders in 2016.”

“Besides providing the bike for the team there is a lot more that we can do with the local Honda distributor here in Malaysia; it’s the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle for us with our involvement in the Asia Talent Cup, where all the riders are using Honda machines. With this partnership we can transfer knowledge and expertise from our Moto3 team to the Asia Talent Cup,” he added.

Johan Stigefelt, the team manager for the Drive M7 SIC Racing Team on the other hand, said that they have gained a lot of experience from our first year in Moto3 as a team and I think the switch to Honda will be a step in the right direction for them.

“We have a good connection with HRC in terms of our relationship with Sepang International Circuit and the Asia Talent Cup. With regards to performance we know the Honda is very strong and can fit well into our structure and with our riders. I’m very pleased to have this opportunity and that Honda Racing Corporation have agreed on this partnership with us,” he said.

Dunlop to supply tyres for SAATC

Dunlop Motorsport and Dorna Sports announced that they have signed a contract for the exclusive supply of tyres for the 2016 season of Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup.

According to the contract, Dunlop will supply next season’s tyres and offer technical support to the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup, extending their agreement with Dorna from which Dunlop already supplies tyres to both the Moto2™ and Moto3™ World Championships.

Kazushi Aso, the head of international tyre development and race promotion of Dunlop said, “We’re pleased to be a part of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup as the technical tire supplier. We’d like to appreciate Dorna for accepting us. As you know, in these days, many talented and young riders in Asia are trying to make their carriers and step up in road races in the world. And also the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup has been playing a very important role in that situation by providing them precious opportunities.”

Javier Alonso, managing director of Dorna events area added, “It is a great honour to be able to work with a brand such as Dunlop in the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup, extending the existing collaboration we have with them in Moto2 and Moto3.”

2016 Honda CB500X teased

All set to be unveiled next week at the 2015 Tokyo International Motor Show, Honda has decided to tease us with a darkened image of the new CB500x.

For 2016, Honda said that the CB500X will be receiving a new LED headlight and taillight, as well as a taller windscreen and a hinged fuel cap. The forks now have external preload adjusters as well, while the front brake lever can be adjusted to fit different hand sizes.

The company added that it has made changes o the transmission too, in order to offer riders smoother gear changing experience.

While most markets in the world will be getting the Honda CB500X as it is, it is said that it will be sold as a CB400X in Japan in an effort to comply with local regulations.

Kawasaki Vulcan S Café and SE revealed

Kawasaki has discreetly taken the wraps off two new variants of the Vulcan S, called the Vulcan S Café and Vulcan S SE at the ongoing American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) in Orlando, Florida.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe adds a new tinted wind deflector, an exclusive color scheme, as well as deflector mounts over the headlight. Besides the wind deflector, the Café variant adds a Matte Carbon Gray color scheme with a Candy Lime Green stripe running down the middle of the bike. ABS comes standard on the Cafe.

And then, there is the Vulcan S SE which features a two-tone Metallic Imperial Blue and Metallic Spark Black color with matching blue striping on the wheels. The SE model also comes standard with ABS.

While additions on these special variants go only as far as the cosmetics are concerned, they are expected to further boost the model’s sales.

Speaking of sales, there has not been any official announcement on whether the Kawasaki Vulcan S SE and Cafe will arrive on local shores, but looking at how successful it is here, the chances are quite high, we must say.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia unveils two models

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has unveiled the new BMW F 700 GS and the BMW F 800 R.

Built in Rayong, Thailand, both models are aimed at new riders, according to BMW Motorrad Malaysia.

It is said that both models draw their power from the liquid-cooled 798cc, four-valve two-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection, which is paired to a six-speed gearbox.

Producing a maximum output of 75hp and 77Nm of peak torque, the new F 700 GS now comes with ABS as a standard feature. It is also available with a low seat option (790mm).

Available in four colours (Alpine White, Blackstorm, and Racing Blue), the F 700 GS is priced at RM56,900 (OTR without insurance).

The F 800 R on the other hand, which is also powered by the same engine as the F 700 GS, delivers an output of 87hp and a maximum torque of 86Nm.

Similar to the GS, the F 800 R is also made available with a low seat option as standard, which allows customers to lower the seat to height of 780mm.

According to BMW Motorrad Malaysia, those who opt for the Sport variant will get additional safety features such as the ASC (Automatic Stability Control) and ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment).

The BMW F 800 R Sport also features a unique RDC (Tyre Pressure Control) system with a gradient monitor which provides riders with reliable information on the current tyre pressure.

Other notable features on the new F 800 R Sport include rear LED lights, an engine spoiler, and two colour schemes – Racing Blue Metallic and Light White.

The new BMW F 700 GS and the new BMW F 800 R will be featured at the BMW Motorrad On Tour Pop Up Store at the MotoGP Malaysia this weekend, from 23^rd to 25^th October 2015.

Price (On the road without insurance):

The new BMW F 700 GS                  –           RM 56,900.00
The new BMW F 800 R                     – RM 49,900.00
The new BMW F 800 R Sport          – RM 53,500.00

Kawasaki ZX-14 updated for 2016

Kawasaki has taken the wraps off the 2016 version of the Kawasaki ZX-14 earlier this week, with a few key upgrades which includes a tweaked ECU, a new instrument cluster, as well as Brembo monobloc brake calipers. The upgrades were all in line with meeting the latest Euro4 emission regulations.

According to Kawasaki, the tweaked ECU has managed reduce emissions whilst maintaining the bike’s maximum output of 207hp, making it among the most powerful bikes to be unveiled this year.

Powering the beast is a 1,441cc liquid cooled, four-stroke, inline-four cylinder engine which produces 207hp, enabling the bike to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 2.6 seconds, with an electronically restricted top speed of 299km/h.

Set to be available in two variants (ZX-14R and the ZX-14R Performance Sports) for 2016, notable changes include the new instrument cluster with LCD displays with dot-pattern background, black and white interchangeable displays, Brembo M50 monobloc brake calipers with Brembo radial-pump master cylinder, stainless steel brake lines, Ohlins TTX39 rear shock absorber, as well as Akrapovic exhausts.

2016 Ducati Diavel Carbon revealed

The much anticipated 2016 Ducati Diavel Carbon has been finally revealed by the Italian manufacturer, with a series of cosmetic as well as technical updates.

As far as the cosmetics updates are concerned, the bike now features a new Asphalt Grey paint with a generous dose of carbon fibre, as well as red stripes, and a dark chrome frame.

Also new are exhaust manifolds with Zircotec ceramic coating, brushed-effect stainless steel silencer covers, and a redesigned seat with new trim.

The new Carbon version aside, it is said there will also be a Dark Stealth version, featuring a matte black tank, black frame, and also wheels.

Yet to be unveiled officially, notable features on the 2016 Diavel Carbon include:

162hp Ducati Testastretta 11° DS engine
3 Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban)
Ducati Safety Pack (ABS, DTC)
New Marchesini, forged, turned and milled wheels
Exhaust with Zircotec ceramic coating
Brushed-effect stainless steel silencers
Carbon fibre tank cover
New seat
Carbon fibre rear seet cover
Carbon fibre front mud guard
50 mm front fork
TFT instrumentation
Full LED illumination

Modenas CT 115S: The most promising model since Kriss

When national motorcycle manufacturer Modenas unveiled the Kriss 110cc underbone in December 1996, it was off to a good start, becoming one of the most popular four-stroke ‘Kapcai’ motorcycles in a few years. In fact, the model held almost 50 per cent of the market share by the year 2001.

Believe it or not, a total of 99,800 units were sold the year it made its debut itself, thanks to factors like its affordability, reliability, spare parts availability, and also good performance. It’s design was also not too bad for its time.

However, after the Kriss was discontinued, things were not looking very promising for Modenas. Almost every model that succeeded the Kriss, including the Kriss SG, Kristar, and the CT Series were unable to replicate the level of success the Kriss achieved.

According to the guys at Modenas’ product planning department, the Kriss’ successors were struggling purely due to the design which was rather traditional. As newer models with scooter-inspired styling cues became all the rage as time went on, younger buyers were going for rivals that looked simply more futuristic.

It was not that Modenas bikes were unreliable or they were lacking in the performance department. They were just lacking the visual appeal to attract young bike owners, who make up a majority of the moped market in Malaysia. Realising the change in market trend, the brand introduced the Ace 115 in 2012, which is doing quite well in the market at the moment.

In an effort to keep the momentum going, Modenas has unleashed the CT 115S which will be replacing the CT 100 and CT 110, and we were lucky enough to get our hands on the new model two days after it was unveiled.

Targeted towards riders aged between 16 and 35 years old, the Modenas CT115S is powered by a 115cc four-stroke, carburetor engine which produces a maximum output of 8.8hp at 9,000rpm and 8.1Nm of peak torque at 5,000rpm. The engine is paired with a four-speed transmission.

Fitted with a 4.8-litre fuel tank, the Modenas CT 115S also comes with a few notable features such as a five-step adjustable Monoshock suspension, a 12V electrical charging socket under the seat for owners to charge devices like smart phones (first in class) , a trailing rear swing arm, front disc brake, and an electric starter.

As much as the design of the bike is concerned, Modenas has nailed it with the CT 115S. Built from scratch at the Modenas’ plant in Gurun, Kedah, the CT 115S is basically the sportier variant of the CT range, featuring an improved, more aerodynamic design than the CT 100, which was launched two years ago. Featuring a sharp, bold and modern design, the CT 115S is arguably the best looking Modenas to roll out of the factory to date. Available in two colours, the bike looked good from any angle we looked at it.

In terms of riding experience, the 115cc engine powering the bike did a good job in delivering power seamlessly, and churned out decent amount of torque. Throughout our stint at the Elite Speedway, never once did the bike showed signs of struggling, even while being ridden by lanky riders. Complementing the smooth engine was the smooth gear-shifting, which added to an enjoyable riding experience.

Handling wise, the CT 115S was very agile, allowing us to change directions and manoeuvre it as we wished without breaking a sweat. Even in terms of build quality, Modenas has done a good job as it didn’t feel cheap, and had no unnecessary vibration while riding.

As nice as the CT 115S was, there are a couple of things which could have been better in our opinion. Firstly, the bike’s seat is ideal only for small and medium sized riders. If it was slightly wider, it would be nice for big sized individuals. Besides that, the handlebars could have been positioned slightly higher as well, in order to appeal to taller riders. These minor hiccups aside, things were fine and dandy with the CT 115S.

Overall, the CT 115S is a testament to the fact that Modenas is serious about what they are doing, and shows that a lot of thought and effort has gone into the bike. For a product that is 100 per cent Malaysian, it is definitely up there among the Japanese. Besides that, the fact that it costs slightly more than RM5,000 makes it a very attractive proposition, compared to some of its rivals that ask for at least a couple of thousand Ringgits more.

Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder
Transmission: Four-speed
Max power: 8.8hp at 9,000rpm
Max torque: 8.1Nm at 5,000rpm
Fuel system: carburetor
Ignition: Kick-start and electric starter
Cooling system: Air-cooled
Length: 1970mm
Width: 725mm
Height: 1084mm
Seat height: 750mm
Dry weight: 99kg
Fuel tank capacity: 4.8-litres
Price: Below RM4,998 (excluding insurance and road tax)

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