Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

2019 Triumph Thruxton TFC Launches Triumph Factory Custom Line-up

The 2019 Triumph Thruxton TFC breaks cover.
It also kickstarts the Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) range.
The Thruxton TFC is not just a repainted Thruxton R.

Triumph Motorcycles have launched the eye-popping and stunning 2019 Triumph Thruxton TFC. In doing so, Triumph formally launched their Triumph Factory Custom range at the same time.

The Thruxton TFC prototype was spotted undergoing road tests just earlier this month. But here it is, ready to turn heads and melt the toughest moto-hearts like diamonds to ladies.

At the same time, the Triumph Factory Custom creates custom bikes without the owners voiding warranties, having the bike butchered, spaghetti-bowl wiring, and ending up with impractical and unrideable Frankensteins. It means TFC bikes will hold their values, if not appreciate.

Styling highlights

Carbon fibre racing “bubble” cowl, front fender, seat cowl, heel guards and exhaust silencer.
Details included billet top triple clamp, tinted windscreen, leather seat with stitching, billet oil filler cap.
LED headlight and taillight.
Blacked out colour scheme with gold pinstriping. (Remember JPS, anyone?)
Triumph didn’t just take a standard Thruxton R and repaint it, instead, the Thruxton TFC features a whole list of upgrades.

Performance upgrades

Lighter engine components, high compression pistons, revised ports, higher profile cams, Vance & Hines silencer add 9.8 bhp to 105 bhp. Torque is up at 115 Nm.
Weight is dropped to 198 kg with the carbon fibre bodywork, besides the revised engine internals.
Additional weight loss came from the aluminium engine cradle rails, removal of the rear mudguard, and lighter battery.

Handling upgrades

Fully-adjustableÖhlins NIX30 forks, an upgrade from the Showa BFF.
Adjustable Öhlins piggyback rear shocks.
Brembo M4.34 Monobloc brake calipers.
Updated ride modes, traction control and ABS.
Metzeler Racetec RR tyres.

Special package

Only 750 will ever be built. Each bike is individually numbered.
TFC handover pack and certificate signed by CEO Nick Bloor.
Personalised custom build book.
TFC motorcycle cover.

We can’t wait to see the bike when it arrives at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia! The “standard” Thruxton R is already the best cafe racer we’ve had the pleasure to test, so we can’t imagine how the Thruxton TFC is like!

PICTURE GALLERY

How Do the AES Speed Cameras Work?

PLUS will propose to install more AES speed cameras on all their six highways.
If approved, installation will include the Penang Bridge.
But how does the AES speed camera work?

In the news

PLUS (Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan Berhad) will submit a proposal to the authorities to install more AES (Automated Enforcement System) speed cameras.

The concessionaire is thinking of installing more of the speed cameras on all six highways under their charge. If the proposal is approved, the cameras will also be installed on the Penang Bridge.

AES camera – Courtesy of NSTP/ASYRAF HAMZAH

Speaking to The Star, PLUS Managing Director Datuk Azman Ismail said the proposal is to ensure road users obey traffic laws and create road safety awareness.

Datuk Azman made the statement at the launching of Ops Selamat 14. The operation will be held from 29^thJanuary to 12^thFebruary in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.

How Does the AES Work?

We’ve heard some motorcyclists say that covering the motorcycle’s speedometer will avoid the AES snapping the speedometer. We didn’t know if we should laugh or cry.

The AES trigger works by determining how much time it took the vehicle to travel through a set distance. Remember the formula Speed = Distance/Time? (Please click here if you don’t.)

There are two types of sensors:

Piezo or inductive loop sensors embedded in the road. These are to detect “slower” speeds over the limit. This system is also used to detect traffic at some intersections.
A radar detector attached on the outside of the camera housing. This detects vehicles that travel at higher speeds.

For the road detectors, a pair are embedded some distance before the camera. The earlier the vehicle passes both, the faster it is travelling.

Radar works by bouncing microwaves off an object. The faster the waves return to the detector, the nearer the object is to the detector. The processing unit calculates the time difference between when the first wave was returned to the subsequent waves. The faster they come back, the faster the vehicle is travelling.

For example:

Let’s assume the two detectors or radar waves are 20 metres apart, and the car crosses in 0.5 second.

Speed = 50m/5 second = (20/1000) km/(2/3600) hr = 0.02 km/0.00014 hr = 142 km/h

CLICK! Check in MyEG for your summons.

Troubleshooting Suspension Symptoms (Part 1) – Preload

We’ve put together a guide to troubleshooting suspension symptoms.
A troubleshooting guide is easier to remember and use.
We start with preload adjustment.

We touched on the basics of suspension set ups some time ago (click here for the article). We decided that a guide on troubleshooting suspension symptoms is easier to understand and remember.

Please refer to the previous article below for the basics on what suspension preload, compression damping and rebound damping.

Suspension Explained (Part 1) – Prologue

Preload adjustment

Virtually all motorcycles are fitted with it, hence it’s where we should start.

To recap, preload affects your suspension’s sag. “Adding” preload causes that end of the motorcycle to rise, and vice versa. However, it DOES NOT adjust the suspension’s stiffness. The “stiff” impression when you crank up the preload is due to the reduced the sag. Think of sag as “freeplay.” Remember, sag DOES NOT affect the spring rate, either.

Preload adjustment affects your bike’s ride height hence chassis geometry. For example, you can have the bike turn into corners quicker by having more preload at the back or less in front. Conversely, you use less preload at the back or a little more in front for more stability in corners.

The blue bolt is the preload adjuster. The more preload you add, the fewer lines it shows

Too little preload (Front)

The front ride rides too low.
The forks bottom out too easily during hard braking or when contacting a bump.

Too much preload (Front)

The front rides high.
Feels harsh.
Overwhelms damping.
Bounces back after hitting bumps.
Weight is shifted to the back wheel causing sluggish turn-in.

Too little preload (Rear)

Bottoms out quickly, especially when riding with a passenger.
Causes the front to ride high.
Sluggish to turn in as weight is off the front wheel.
Front feels light under hard acceleration.
Bike tends to push wide in corners when the throttle is opened.

Too much preload (Rear)

The rear rides much higher than supposed to.
Damping is overwhelmed.
Feels harsh and bounces back hard after contacting bumps.

Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow.

Penang Bridge SUV Accident – It was the 5th Time!

The Penang Chief Minister has urged the Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (second bridge) concessionaires to review the safety standards of their guardrails.
An SUV went over the guardrails at the Penang Bridge and into the sea after being hit by another vehicle on 20^thJanuary.
It was the fifth case of vehicles and a motorcyclist who plunged off the bridge.

The Penang Chief Minister is urging the Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah concessionaires to review the safety standards of their guardrails, following a highly publicized accident.

An SUV went over the guardrails at the Penang Bridge and into the sea after being hit by another vehicle on 20^thJanuary. The subsequent recovery effort has grabbed the attention of the entire nation. The wreckage of the SUV and its occupant, a 20-year-old college student, has been located last night (21^stJanuary).

It was not the first accident which saw a vehicle crashing into the sea, by far. There were four other cases stretching back to 2010.

20^thSeptember 2010

A young married couple’s MPV hit a metal railing, send the vehicle off the bridge.

1^stNovember 2012

An accounting clerk’s vehicle hit a barrier, sending the car into the sea at kilometer-7.4 on the Penang island-bound side.

30^thOctober 2015

A motorcyclist was thrown over the bridge after his motorcycle scraped against another at kilometer-1.4., island-bound. Fortunately, he only suffered minor injuries as he landed in soft mud.

12^thNovember 2015

A driver lost control of his car before plunging into the sea at kilometer-0.6, Prai-bound.

20^thJanuary 2019

The latest case in which an SUV rolled and hopped over the barrier.

Although there was only one case involving a motorcyclist, steps should have been taken earlier. The view from the two Penang bridges are spectacular but one cannot deny how low the present barriers are. On the other hand, shutting the view off entirely would not sit well, either.

However, there is another dark side which we should consider: Suicides. There’ve been a number of cases of people jumping off the bridges to commit suicide. In fact, one attempt had occurred this morning off the second bridge while the recovery efforts of the SUV were still ongoing.

But we have always questioned why always act after tragedies? Why are our authorities so myopic? That is not the only problem. As we mentioned in another article, enforcement only goes on for about 3 months then everyone goes back to breaking the law.

Let’s hope something is done this time.

2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 Production Begins

Ducati has started production on the 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260.
The Diavel 1260 shares the 159 bhp 1,262cc DVT engine of the Multistrada 1260.
It also features lean sensitive traction control and Cornering ABS.

The first 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 has rolled off the production line in Bologna, Italy. It was greeted at the entire factory with a toast and official speech by CEO Claudio Domenicali.

The Diavel 1260 was just unveiled last year and it will be delivered to the first customers by February.

It is the second generation Diavel. Ducati claims it is now more comfortable for the rider and passenger alike, besides being designed for “mixed roads.” The main highlight is the 1262cc Testastretta DVT 90^oV-twin engine which it shares with the Multistrada 1260. It produces 159 bhp at 9,500 RPM and 129 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM. The DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) gives the engine smooth and predictable power throughout its rev range.

Apart from DVT, Ducati has also equipped the bike with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The component enables the addition of lean sensitive traction control and cornering ABS.

As per Ducati’s tradition, the 2019 Diavel 1260 is offered in both standard and “S” model trims. The higher-spec’ed Diavel 1260S model features Öhlins suspension and Quick Shift Evo for up- and downshifts.

Both models still feature the Diavel’s signature 240mm-wide rear tyre.

Toby Price Wins Dakar Rally 2019 with Broken Wrist

Toby Price wins the Dakar Rally 2019 with a broken wrist.
It was his second Dakar win since 2016.
KTM has won at the rally 18^thtimes in a row.

Speaking of broken wrists, Australian Toby Price won the Dakar Rally 2019 despite riding with that injury.

Price came into the 10^thand final stage of the rally with a slender one-minute lead over Chilean Pablo Quintanilla. They had covered almost 5,200 kilometres up to that point.

However, Quintanilla crashed after a mere 10 kilometres into the 112-kilometre stage from Pisco to Lima. He injured his foot which cost him 19 minutes, dropping him to fourth overall. Quintanilla’s misfortune let Price romp home to win the stage win and the overall lead.

Price’s feat was heroic as he rode with a broken scaphoid. He had broken the bone a few weeks prior to the Dakar’s flag-off.

The Red Bull KTM factory rider had thought about just racing for two stages before pulling out. But he kept going as his team provided impeccable support in addition to some luck.

“Pretty much all I can say is that it feels like there are about five people driving a knife in my wrist now,” Price said. He had spent 10 agonising days of being jolted and bumped across the dunes and desert.

“It’s not very comfortable, it’s not very enjoyable. Now I’ll just wait and see what damage I’ve done to my wrist.”

It was Price’s second Dakar win since 2016, and KTM’s 18^thsuccessive victory.

KTM Dakar 2019 bike – Photo credit Enduro21

Jorge Lorenzo Fractures Wrist Bone

Jorge Lorenzo fractured his wrist bone (scaphoid).
He was undergoing training at a dirt track.
The rider needs surgery, but the scaphoid usually heals quickly.

Jorge Lorenzo fractured his wrist bone (scaphoid) and requires surgery.

The Spanish rider was due to join his new Repsol Honda team at their 2019 MotoGP season launch on Wednesday. He suffered the injury during his training at a dirt track.

MotoGP surgeon Dr. Mir will carry out the surgery. Dr. Mir also operated on Lorenzo’s new teammate Marc Marquez in November 2018.

The rider’s injury is at a bad timing since the first “winter test” at the Sepang International Circuit is just two-and-a-half weeks away. Hopefully, he will be fit by then.

The Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) will have something to worry about since Marquez is also recovering from a surgery to correct his dislocated right shoulder. Adding to that, Cal Crutchlow is reported to be still in some pain after breaking his ankle at Phillip Island, Australia last year. Hence none of their riders are 100% fit.

Lorenzo is not the first rider to break his scaphoid. Casey Stoner, the late Nicky Hayden, Stefan Bradl, Jack Miller, Kevin Schwantz have all fractured their scaphoids during their careers. Hayden’s were removed after they failed to heal and turned arthritic.

Scaphoid fracture is common as the human body automatically stretches out the arms and palms of the hand to break our fall. That is why motorcycle gloves are usually reinforced in that area.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Husqvarna Vitpilen 701, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 in Malaysia Now

Husqvarna is venturing into the road motorcycle segment as well.
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Husqvarna Vitpilen 701, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 have arrived in Malaysia.
Each model line-up caters to a different sub-category, although they share the same engine platform.

Husqvarna is very much well-known for their dirt bikes, but the manufacturer has recently forayed in road motorcycles. The recently-launched Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Husqvarna Vitpilen 701, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 have made their way to Malaysia.

The Swedish brand is now under the KTM umbrella. They produce their own motorcycle line-up, although their engines share the same architecture as KTM’s.

We found the bikes listed in Chia Motor PJ’s Facebook page. So please refer to the attached links for more information.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 (Selling price from RM 44,500)

Husqvarna calls the Vitpilen 401 as a fresh and simple approach to motorcycling. It is subtle and style focused, stripped of everthing superfluous.

Those are the company’s lines, produced by a copywriter. We see the bike as a modern interpretation of the evergreen café racer layout.

Highlights

373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
The engine produces 44 bhp (32 kW) and 37 Nm of torque.
Bosch fuel injection engine management system (EMS).
Ride-by-wire throttle.
6-speed transmission.
PASC assist and slipper clutch.
Steel trellis frame.
WP upside-down forks.
WP monoshock rear suspension.
BYBRE front and rear disc brakes.
Bosch 9M+ two-channel ABS.
Spoked wheels.
148 kg dry.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 (Selling price from RM68,500)

As the name suggests, the Vitpilen 701 is the more powerful version of the Vitpilen 401. However, there are many styling and component differences between the two models.

Highlights

692.7cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
The engine produces 75 bhp (55 kW) and 72 Nm of torque.
Keihin EMS.
Ride-by-wire throttle.
Traction control.
Up and down quickshifter.
6-speed transmission.
APTC assist and slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated.
Steel trellis frame.
Fully adjustable WP upside-down forks.
Fully adjustable WP monoshock rear suspension.
Brembo front and rear disc brakes.
Bosch 9M+ two-channel ABS.
Cast wheels.
157 kg dry.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (Selling price from RM 44,500)

The Svartpilen 401 is the “scrambler” of the line-up, with a higher handlebar and knobby tyres. Its lines follow those of the Vitpilen 401 but with differences in the details. The seats are longer and lower, too.

Highlights

373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
The engine produces 44 bhp (32 kW) and 37 Nm of torque.
Bosch fuel injection engine management system (EMS).
Ride-by-wire throttle.
6-speed transmission.
PASC assist and slipper clutch.
Steel trellis frame.
WP upside-down forks.
WP monoshock rear suspension.
BYBRE front and rear disc brakes.
Bosch 9M+ two-channel ABS.
Spoked wheels.
150 kg dry.

Scientists Concur That Riding Motorcycles Reduces Stress

We have long known that riding motorcycles reduces stress.
However, there was no real result to show non-believers.
Now a research concur that riding is really beneficial for health.

There is a meme which says “Therapy: You never see a motorcycle parked outside a psychiatrist’s office.” Every serious motorcyclist knows there’s nothing more pleasurable than riding a motorcycle. However, there was no empirical result to show non-believers.

Now, a group of researchers from UCLA’s Semel Institue for Neuroscience and Human Behavior has just confirmed it as a fact. The research was funded by Harley-Davidson and to be presented later this year.

50 experienced riders took part in the study. They wore a mobile electroencephalogram (EEG) which looks like a shower cap covered with electrodes to detect the brain’s electrical activity. Their brain activity and hormone levels were recorded before they got on a bike. They were then set loose on a motorcycle and a car afterwards.

The results were:

Riding a motorcycle reduces cortisol stress biomarkers by 28%.
Riding a motorcycle for 20 minutes increased heart rates by 11% and adrenaline by 27%. The readings were similar to a light exercise.
Sensory focus was enhanced while riding a motorcycle compared to driving a car.
Brain activity suggested increased alertness while riding compared to driving.

UCLA Professor and senior team member, Dr. Mark Cohen said that no lab experiment could duplicate the feelings a motorcyclist has on the open road.

“The differences in participants’ neurological and physiological responses between riding and other measured activities were quite pronounced,” continued Dr. Don Vaughn. “This could be significant for mitigating everyday stresses.”

So, there you have it. Whoever created that meme was right.

Tour Melaka 2018 Ride

The Tour Melaka 2018 Ride was held to promote Melaka as a fun destination for bikes as part of the Visit Melaka 2019 campaign.
As such, the organizers invited riders from Thailand and Singapore.
The ride took the participants to the most famous places and activities around Melaka over two days.

The Tour Melaka 2018 Ride was held in December last year as part of the state of Melaka’s promotion.

The ride was organized by Fast Bikes Club (FBC) with the Chairperson of the state of Tourism, Heritage and Culture Board of Melaka’s.

It was organized to promote the Visit Melaka 2019 promotion. As such, the Melaka Tourism, Heritage and Culture Board hopes that the state will become a destination for bikes from around the region.

As such, bikers from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand joined the ride. The event was sponsored by KTM Malaysia and Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ), among others.

Day 1

A number of participants began the ride from HDPJ. The sky opened up as the convoy got going but everyone reached the Ayer Keroh R&R safely. Another group was waiting at that location to join up.

The group then rode to the Mudzaffar Hotel near the Melaka Planetarium and just off the busy Ayer Keroh main road.

Participants regrouped later that evening for dinner. They were escorted by the Traffic Police to the Halia Inc. restaurant just opposite The Stadthuys at Bandar Hilir (city centre), and not far from Jonker Walk.

The chief organizer, Cik Nini, welcomed the riders and briefed everyone on the mission of the ride. They were given the opportunity to experience what Melaka has to offer to visitors, namely the heritage, culture and fun activities.

Afterwards, dancers came on stage to present traditional Malay dances.

After the dinner, participants were taken to the Melaka River Cruise jetty to board the ferries. A guide skillfully presented the history and culture of Melaka as they cruised on the river, enjoying the cool air and awed by the sights.

Day 2

Another day of fun awaited the riders the next day. It kicked off with the Mudzaffar Hotel launching their own brand of ikan asam pedas(sour and spicy sauce fish). Next, the CEO of the Taming Sari promoted the tower, when he also chastised the media for not promoting his facility.

The ride was flagged off from the hotel afterwards and headed to Masjid Lama Rumbia. There, the riders worked hand-in-hand (gotong-royong) to clean the mosque’s grounds.

From there it was off to lunch (asam pedas again) before heading to the Taming Sari for a ride. The viewing lifted off ground level to about 100 metres to offer the occupants a bird’s eyeview Melaka city.

The riders were then escorted to Klebang for a taste of the original coconut shake. The location was busy as heck, as usual but they received their drinks in the end to cool off.

After that, the convoy was escorted to Kampung Sungai Petai for another community service and games with the vilagers.

The ride committee and villagers held traditional games such as tarik upih, tiup tepung, bowling using coconuts, “football” with a coconut replacing the ball while the participants wore sarung, and musical chairs.

Lastly, prizes were handed out to the villagers and a lucky draw was held which included the villagers and ride participants.

PICTURE GALLERY

HTC Motorcycle Club Annual Dinner 2019

We caught with a group of Harley riders during the HTC Motorcycle Club Annual Dinner 2019.
The club ride mostly Touring and Softail models as they are active in touring.
The club is also active in giving to charities when they ride.

Harley-Davidson owners and owner clubs are as varied and colourful as the motorcycle models themselves. We met one such group at the HTC Motorcycle Club Annual Dinner 2019 through Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya.

HTC MC’s members are named with a “G,” such as Dei G, Loyar G, Ban G and so on. All of them ride Harleys; most of them Touring and Softail frames. Committee member Loyar G tells me that’s because they like long-distance touring.

Dei G also told me that the HTC Motorcycle Club discusses plans through a Committee, rather than posts such as President, Vice-President and so forth. Plans are discussed within the committee.

We caught up with two committee members Dei G and Loyar G for a short interview.

Bikes Republic (BR): How long has HTC Motorcycle Club been around?
Loyar G: We’ve been around for more than 5 years.
Dei G: We formed on 20^thJuly 2013, so it’ll be our sixth year this July.

BR: We saw many bikes parked downstairs. How many members do you have?
Dei G: We have almost 150 official members. However, attending the annual dinner tonight, including their spouses total almost 140.

BR: What does HTC MC do during most rides?
Loyar G: We ride the whole of Peninsular Malaysia and occasionally to Thailand and visit charity homes when we ride. In particular like the last Malaysia Day, we took the opportunity to ride to Kuantan, Johore, Seremban and back to KL. We did charity programs along the way.
Dei G: To add to Loyar G about the Malaysia Day charity ride, we will do so annually, since it’s a public holiday.
Loyar G: We went to four charity centres last year: National Kidney Foundation, old folks’ home in Kuantan, orphanage in Batu Pahat, and another orphanage in Seremban.

BR: What are your plans for 2019?
Loyar G: We’re planning to do more charities for 2019. That’s why we’re doing an auction tonight.
Dei G: We hold our annual dinner before the Chinese New Year. There are two purposes to the dinner. One is for the members to gather and two is to auction sponsored items by members and official sponsors. It’s to gather the charity funds for the year. We only gather charity funds once and utilize it for the entire year. 100% of what is collected tonight goes to charity. Our club has two separate accounts, one for charity and another for the club’s running.

BR: Since you started five years ago, what are your thoughts on the new custodian Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya?
Loyar G: It’s always good to have a dealer in every country that promotes Harley’s bikes. The popularity has grown over the years and more are buying Harleys.

BR: What’s your advice on road safety, since you are experienced riders?
Dei G: Our advice would be to adhere to the rules. As riders we have to give and take among all road users. We give way to cars and cars reciprocate. We keep to one lane when we convoy.
Loyar G: We keep to one lane although we ride big bikes. Follow the rule of law. As long as we’re on public roads we should give way to others. So, cars let us move around.

MotoGP 2019: Ducati Team Launches Ducati Desmosedici GP19

The factory Ducati Team launched the Ducati Desmosedici GP19.
Factory riders Andrea Dovizioso, Danilo Petrucci and Pramac rider Jack Miller will ride the GP19 in MotoGP 2019.
It now sports a full-red livery.

The factory Ducati Team launched the Ducati Desmosedici GP19 for the MotoGP 2019 season.

The launch was aired “live” from the Philip Morris Cube in Neuchâtel, Switzerland early this morning. Attendees at the launch were team riders Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci. Factory and team luminaries including Claudio Domenicali, Paolo Ciabatti, Davide Tardozzi, Luigi Dall’Igna, among others.

The Desmosedici GP19 now sports a fully-red livery without white and grey stripes. The Mission Winnow sponsorship is actually part of Philip Morris International (PMI).

Apart from the livery, the GP19 looks similar to its Desmosedici GP18 predecessor. However, the giant air intake at the front of the fairing has more rounded edges, especially at the bottom. Our guess it to maintain a steady flow of intake air as rounder shapes promote better surface tension. Hence the airflow “sticks” together rather than turn “choppy.”

Besides that, there are “whisker” aerobodies on both sides of the upper fairing.

To those who asked if the “lunchbox” is still there, yes, it is still there underneath the tailsection.

Although the GP19 many look outwardly similar to the older bike, we suspect much underneath have evolved. Remember, MotoGP will use a unified (standard) IMU this year.

There are claims on the internet that the GP19 may produce as much as 300 bhp. It could very well be true as the GP17 and GP18 were already eputed to produce around 280 bhp.

Dovizioso finished as the bridesmaid for the last two seasons. He’s confident that the new bike will help him seal Ducati’s second MotoGP championship since Casey Stoner did so in 2007.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

The 2019 Triumph Thruxton TFC breaks cover.

It also kickstarts the Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) range.

The Thruxton TFC is not just a repainted Thruxton R.

Styling highlights

Performance upgrades

Handling upgrades

Special package

PICTURE GALLERY

PLUS will propose to install more AES speed cameras on all their six highways.

If approved, installation will include the Penang Bridge.

But how does the AES speed camera work?

In the news

How Does the AES Work?

There are two types of sensors:

For example:

We’ve put together a guide to troubleshooting suspension symptoms.

A troubleshooting guide is easier to remember and use.

We start with preload adjustment.

Preload adjustment

Too little preload (Front)

Too much preload (Front)

Too little preload (Rear)

Too much preload (Rear)

The Penang Chief Minister has urged the Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (second bridge) concessionaires to review the safety standards of their guardrails.

An SUV went over the guardrails at the Penang Bridge and into the sea after being hit by another vehicle on 20thJanuary.

It was the fifth case of vehicles and a motorcyclist who plunged off the bridge.

20thSeptember 2010

1stNovember 2012

30thOctober 2015

12thNovember 2015

20thJanuary 2019

Ducati has started production on the 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260.

The Diavel 1260 shares the 159 bhp 1,262cc DVT engine of the Multistrada 1260.

It also features lean sensitive traction control and Cornering ABS.

Toby Price wins the Dakar Rally 2019 with a broken wrist.

It was his second Dakar win since 2016.

KTM has won at the rally 18thtimes in a row.

Jorge Lorenzo fractured his wrist bone (scaphoid).

He was undergoing training at a dirt track.

The rider needs surgery, but the scaphoid usually heals quickly.

Husqvarna is venturing into the road motorcycle segment as well.

The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Husqvarna Vitpilen 701, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 have arrived in Malaysia.

Each model line-up caters to a different sub-category, although they share the same engine platform.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 (Selling price from RM 44,500)

Highlights

Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 (Selling price from RM68,500)

Highlights

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (Selling price from RM 44,500)

Highlights

We have long known that riding motorcycles reduces stress.

However, there was no real result to show non-believers.

Now a research concur that riding is really beneficial for health.

The results were:

The Tour Melaka 2018 Ride was held to promote Melaka as a fun destination for bikes as part of the Visit Melaka 2019 campaign.

As such, the organizers invited riders from Thailand and Singapore.

The ride took the participants to the most famous places and activities around Melaka over two days.

Day 1

Day 2

PICTURE GALLERY

We caught with a group of Harley riders during the HTC Motorcycle Club Annual Dinner 2019.

The club ride mostly Touring and Softail models as they are active in touring.

The club is also active in giving to charities when they ride.

The factory Ducati Team launched the Ducati Desmosedici GP19.

Factory riders Andrea Dovizioso, Danilo Petrucci and Pramac rider Jack Miller will ride the GP19 in MotoGP 2019.

It now sports a full-red livery.

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BikesRepublic

An SUV went over the guardrails at the Penang Bridge and into the sea after being hit by another vehicle on 20^thJanuary.

20^thSeptember 2010

1^stNovember 2012

30^thOctober 2015

12^thNovember 2015

20^thJanuary 2019

KTM has won at the rally 18^thtimes in a row.