Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

OFFICIAL: 2021 Yamaha TMax 560 Now Available In Malaysia – RM72,288

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has officially unveiled the updated TMax 560 in Malaysia.

Priced at RM72,288 the 2021 model year maxi-scooter gets a host of updates including the new Euro5 regulations.

For starters, the 2021 Yamaha TMAX Tech Max will be made available in two new colours, both different shades of grey (Power Grey or Tech Camo). Its 560cc parallel-twin engine is also updated to Euro5 and a bigger 562cc unit that produces 47hp and 55.7Nm torque.

Design-wise, the side panels feature redesigned ‘boomerang’ side sections that offer better dynamics and appearance. The rear is fitted with a new T-shaped rear light to further amplify its sporty appeal.

Other features include:

41mm USD front forks
Electronically-adjustable windscreen
Cruise control
Heated grips & seat
Revised riding ergonomics
Integrated LED signal lights
Traction control & riding modes
Smart Key keyless ignition
Centre-stand locking system + many more

Castrol Introduces All-New Power1 Ultimate Fully Synthetic Engine Oil

Castrol Malaysia has launched the Castrol Power1 Ultimate, a new fully synthetic engine oil line for two-wheelers.

According to Castrol Malaysia, the new Power1 Ultimate Full Synthetic engine oil is designed to provide superior acceleration and performance for motorcycles.

The Power1 Ultimate is available in different viscosity:

5W 40 (scooters)
5W 40 (small displacements motorcycles)
10W 50 (big bikes)

“The newly introduced engine oil was created not just for the power it provides, but also to keep up with Castrol’s reputation of protecting the heart of the vehicle as well.

“Our primary goal is to amplify the riding experience for the riders by providing them more power, confidence and acceleration. Motorcycles, just like us, experience fatigue and stress. Without proper care and attention, it could affect its performance and longevity.

“Castrol Power1 Ultimate goes the extra mile to provide and protect your bike and its engine,” said Keow Mei-shan, Marketing Director of Castrol Malaysia & Singapore.

The Castrol Power1 Ultimates also promises performance in five key areas which include:

Surprising acceleration
Better protection
Smooth riding
Keeps engine Cool
Enduring performance

The Castrol Power1 Ultimate 5W-40 4T, 10W-40 4T and 5W-40 4-AT is available for RM55, while the 10W-50 4t and 15W-50 4T is priced at RM60.50.

All of the products are available at Castrol Bike Point and Castrol’s Official Store in Shopee.

Shark Helmets Unveil New Spartan RS With ECE22.06 Ratings

Shark Spartan range is among the most popular from the French manufacturer thanks to its versatility to accommodate sports bikes and touring riders.

While the Spartan remains a popular choice, Shark Helmets decided it’s time for an upgrade to meet the latest ECE 22.06 safety ratings.

The Spartan RS is the first Shark helmet to meet the ECE 22.06 ratings, setting a new high for the brand’s 2022 lineup.

Nonetheless, Shark retained several key elements from the previous-gen Spartan, including the carbon fibre and fibreglass shell, UV380 sun visor and Pinlock 120 MaxVision insert.

Thanks to a new VZ 300 visor, the Spartan RS now achieves an optical class 1 rating, the highest certification for reduced optical distortion.

It also features a new 4-point anchoring system taken from the flagship Race-R Pro GP helmet.

Other features include:

retractable sun visor
three air intakes and four air vents
removable Alveotech interior
removable chin curtain
Shark EasyFit (for riders that wears glasses)

The Shark Spartan RS is available from XS and XXL and price at EUR349.99 (RM1.6k).

Brixton To Go Up Against The Bonneville With The GK1200

Months after the patent application leaked online, Brixton has finally unveiled the 1200cc retro motorcycle in China.

The GK1200 is equipped with a 1,200cc parallel-twin SOCH liquid-cooled engine capable of pushing between 80 and 85hp @ 6,500rpm and peak torque of 110Nm @ 3,000rpm.

The retro machine adopts the same basic design as the iconic Bonneville, with a circular headlight, flat seat, spoke wheels and two long chrome exhausts running parallel to the ground.

According to reports, the GK1200 features KYB suspension, Nissin brakes, Bosch electronics including ABS, traction control and multiple riding modes. It also packs with full LED light setup and a TFT display.

While further details remain scarce, Brixton might reveal the full specifications of the 2022 model in EICMA in November.

Ducati Welcomes Two New Scramblers From The Land Of Joy

Ducati added two new models to its Scrambler range during the second episode of Ducati World Premier 2022.

Continuing from the Ducati Multistrada V2, the Italian firm unveiled the Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO and the Scrambler Urban Motard.

The two models represent a different approach, with the Tribute PRO pays homage to Ducati’s first twin-cylinder engine while the Urban Motard offers a younger expression.

The Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro took us back to the first twin-cylinder Ducati to go on sale in 1971.

Clad in a unique ‘Giallo Ocra’ yellow, the Tribute PRO also features the Giugiaro-penned Ducati logo that elevates the classic element of Ducati’s historical era.

Meanwhile, underneath the black trellis frame sits a 1,079cc L-Twin with Desmodromic Distribution, air-cooled engine capable of pumping 86hp @ 7,500rpm and 88Nm @ 4,750rpm.

It also features the PRO riding modes and Ducati Traction Control.

On the other hand, the Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard offers refreshing and more rebellious features.

Dressed in a red and white livery, the Urban Motard is a mixture of the Nightshift and the Desert Sled models with a side-mounted number plate, flat seat and a front beak.

The Urban Motard is powered by an 803cc L-Twin capable of producing 73hp @ 8,250rm and 66.2Nm @ 5,750rpm.

Other features include:

tubular steel trellis frame
41mm Kayaba USD fork
Kayaba rear shock (pre-load adjustable)
spoke aluminium wheels
330mm front disc with radial 4-piston callipers and 245mm rear disc with 1-piston callipers
BOSCH Cornering ABS
LCD display

Royal Enfield To Conquer The South Pole With Two Himalayan

Two Royal Enfield riders are set to embark on a 39-day expedition from Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole on a purpose-built Himalayan.

The 770km ride is another ambitious attempt by Royal Enfield as it also conceptualised a tribute to the brand 120-year legacy.

“120 years is a long legacy for the brand, and we are delighted to have made it count.

“Over these years, we have created and nurtured a thriving culture of riding and exploration around the world.

“This pursuit of exploration has been a quintessential part of our DNA, and 90° South is another chapter in our series of extraordinary, epic motorcycling rides,” said Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Eicher Motors Ltd.

The 90° South-Quest for the Pole main objective is to inspire more Royal Enfield Himalayan owners to become adventurous.

According to the Indian firm, the expedition will begin from Cape Town on November 26 with two Royal Enfield riders, Santosh Vijay Kumar and Dean Coson, attempting to reach the South Pole from the Ross Ice Shelf via Leverett Glacier to the iconic Amundsen-Scoot Pole station.

The two will also be joined by Arctic Trucks, a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

Interestingly, the special built Himalayan has undergone a test at the Langjokull glacier in Iceland in September and July this year.

Would You Buy A Restored 1998 Yamaha 125Z For RM90k?

This is not a prank; someone is actually selling a restored Yamaha 125Z for a price of RM90,000.

The post that garnered attention across all social media channels here witnessed an owner seeking at least 90 grand for the 2-stroke moped.

According to the owner, the 1998 125Z is a first-batch bike that’s almost completely restored with a new old stock (NOS) component.

Despite Hong Leong Yamaha Motor ending the production back in 2018, the 125Z remains one of the most sought models due to its unique characteristic and the ability to achieve high speeds.

Nonetheless, the majority of the public expressed their disbelief over the shocking price tag.

Some suggest that despite being restored with the original parts, the RM90k price tag is an overestimation.

While we appreciate the hard work behind every restoration but with a price tag of RM90k, we suggest going for something else instead, perhaps a restored 1984 Yamaha RZ250?

Kawasaki Unveils Prototype Hybrid Motorcycle, Production To Begin 2025

Kawasaki has been teasing us with plenty of patent applications regarding a hybrid motorcycle since last year.

However, the waiting period is now over as Team Green has officially unveiled the prototype during a presentation in Tokyo.

Despite several brands introducing some hybrid motorcycles in recent years (e.g. Honda PCX Hybrid), the technology wasn’t adopted widely by manufacturers.

Moreover, adding another powertrain on top of an existing petrol-powered motor doesn’t make any sense, especially if it could add more weight to the bike.

Nonetheless, this is not the case with Kawasaki as the Japanese firm managed to construct a compact petrol-powered motor and combine it with a small electric drive, thus creating a very comprehensive system altogether.

This ensures the bike maintains the same performance and range as a conventional motorcycle but with improved emission, especially during low speeds.

According to Kawasaki, the hybrid platform packs a small 48V motor and a parallel-twin engine. It also comes with a new tubular steel frame with the electric motor mounted above the transmission.

In an effort to achieve a seamless riding experience, it is said that the bike will feature an automated gearshift which Kawasaki had filed the patent applications earlier this year.

(Source: CycleWorld)

Moto3: Sofuoglu Take Swipe At FIM For ‘Unfair’ Deniz Oncu Two Race Ban

Five-time WorldSSP champion, Kenan Sofuogly, claims that Deniz Oncu two Moto3 race bans by FIM an unfair treatment for the young Turkish rider.

Sofuogly is currently focusing his career on developing young Turkish talent after ending his successful career in 2018.

Among those talents is current WorldSBK title contender Toprak Razgatlioglu and the Oncu brothers Deniz and Can.

However, Deniz Oncu was all over the news during the Moto3 race at Circuit of the Americas.

https://youtu.be/Erdr0T8OLmM

Oncu swept across to tuck into a slipstream, which contacted Jeremy Alcoba, who fell off his bike. Alcoba’s bike was later struck by Andrea Migno, who caught some air before crashing.

Pedro Acosta was also involved in the pile-up and crash before he flew against the barricade.

While the race was red-flagged with all three riders allowed to restart, the talk of the town was on Oncu as several MotoGP riders reportedly wanted stern action taken against him.

Nonetheless, Sofuoglu says the two penalties were unfair treatment towards Oncu and compared the Moto3 incident to Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in F1.

“We also see in Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, that people like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen drive very aggressively.

“To be successful, you have to be aggressive. It’s part of this sport. Today drivers complain too much.

“For me, the decision against Deniz is not fair. You have to watch the videos, and I see much more dangerous manoeuvres than Deniz’s.

“For me, the main reason riders complain about my boys is because they are so strong. Because you can’t beat him. So they look for reasons to complain,” he said.

Higher-Spec KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO To Break Cover Soon

KTM is set to roll out another hyper naked motorcycle from its Mattighofen factory in Austria.

According to reports by Asphalt and Rubber, KTM plans to launch the higher-spec 1290 Super Duke R EVO that promises a substantial upgrade than the recently launched Super Duke RR.

Reported to be unveiled as a 2022 model, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO features a series of top-notch components that includes a new lightweight chassis and a quick-action throttle with 65-degree movement.

However, the most significant change is the introduction of an all-new WP Apex semi-active suspension.

While further detail remains scarce, the 1290 Super Duke R EVO could entice those who missed out on the limited to just 500 units Super Duke RR.

(Source: Asphalt & Rubber)

Modenas Plans To Launch The Rebadge Kawasaki Ninja 250 End Of Q1 2022

Modenas is set to rebrand a range of Kawasaki’s bike range, starting with the Ninja 250.

This was confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of Modenas Roslan Roskan, during the company track day event held at 3StonePark, Glenmarie, earlier today.

According to Roslan, the Modenas Ninja 250, which was previously unveiled in late 2019, will roll out at the end of Q1 2022.

Currently, the current plan is to rebadge a series of models ranging from 250cc up to 650cc. However, the scenario is still under evaluation by both parties.

Moreover, we were told that Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) would also send a representative from Japan who will be appointed as the Chief of Marketing (CMO) to smoothen the collaboration between Modenas and Kawasaki further.

Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS) was previously announced as the new distributor of Kawasaki brands in Malaysia, including a range of bikes, after-sales, and customer support.

Khairul Idham Pawi To Make Surprise Appearance At MSBK This Weekend

Former Moto3 rider Khairul Idham Pawi will feature at this weekend Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) with TKKR Racing Team.

The announcement was made via TKKR Racing Team Facebook page yesterday.

According to the post, the long-term plan is to prepare Khairul for the 2022 Asian Road Racing Championship (ARRC). However, MSBK will be a quick assessment for the 23-year-old.

TKKR Racing was previously photographed prepping a race bike with the no. 89 which hinted at the return of Khairul Idham Pawi.

MSBK will mark KIP returning to the grid after announcing his retirement last year after he part ways with Petronas Sprint Racing Moto3. The team then replaced KIP for the 2021 season with Darryn Binder.