Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

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.

Shark Helmets as French Grand Prix Title Sponsor for 3 Years

Shark Helmets will be the title sponsor of the French Grand Prix for 3 years from 2019.
The manufacturer hails from France hence the French GP is their homecoming.
The 2019 French GP will be held at Le Mans from 17^thto 19^thMay.

MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports announced that Shark Helmets will the title sponsor of the French Grand Prix for the next three years beginning 2019. The event will therefore we called the “Shark Helmets Grand Prix de France.”

The manufacturer was founded in Marseille, France 30 years ago. Hence, sponsoring the French GP is somewhat a homecoming.

Patrick Francois, Shark Helmets’ CEO said, “Racing is our DNA: with nearly 70 world championship titles, we has been relying on motorcycle racing to boost brand development ever since its creation.”

“We are thrilled to have SHARK Helmets on board as the title sponsor for the French Grand Prix,” says Pau Serracanta, Managing Director of Dorna Sports, “Their values match those of MotoGP perfectly. Le Mans is always one of the busiest and most energetic venues of the season and it’s great news for both us and the event to see such a company take top billing for the next three seasons of their home Grand Prix.”

Shark sponsors past top riders such as Carl Fogarty, and current MotoGP riders Johann Zarco and Jorge Lorenzo.

The 2019 Shark Helmets Grand Prix de France will kick off at the Le Mans circuit from 17^thto 19^thMay.

Northern Motorcycle Fest 2019 Thunders In

The Northern Motorcycle Fest 2019 is set to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year.
The event will be held in Ipoh and Langkawi on two separate weekends.
They are organized by Goh Brothers and Sheng Fatt Motor.

To celebrate the coming Chinese Lunar New Year, Goh Brothers and Sheng Fatt have joined forces to bring you the largest Northern Motorcycle Fest 2019 happening at two locations below.

Audi Ipoh – 18th until 20th Jan 2019

Volkswagen Langkawi – 25th until 27th Jan 2019

The Langkawi edition may be extra special, as we heard that special duty-free deals will be on offer.

The Northern Motorcycle Fest features four premium brands from Harley-Davidson, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia and Ducati with 1 direction. The event offers special promotional deals that are unobtainable from showroom floors. This is the best opportunity to kook out for those merchandize, accessories, riding gear and apparels you have been drooling over.

Also, owners of the four motorcycle brands can visit the event to have their pride and joy checked out. The event organizer will deploy their mobile team to check and service your motorcycle.

There will be great food and refreshments at both venues, for sure.

The two dates are additionally great for the owners to catch up with one another. Who knows, you could find the perfect kakis for future convoys.

For more information, please contact Mr. Kheoh at 012-401 8932.

Aprilia Malaysia Rides Strong with its First Customer Engagement Event

Aprilia Malaysia and Sheng Fatt Motor held their first joint “shop talk” in Penang.
The program aims to support northern Aprilia riders.
Aprilia Malaysia and Sheng Fatt are serious in providing aftersales service.

Buying a bike from a dealer is easy but finding the right dealer who will continue to take care of you long afterwards is not. Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn. Bhd., a true O-G of the motorcycle scene in Penang, recently showed how it takes care of its customers.

The company, in partnership with Aprilia Malaysia under the new distributor Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd., recently held a ‘shop talk’ session for its customers as well as any biker who wanted to join in.

Mr. Goh Kian Sin, Managing Director of Didi Resources said, “The following initiative is part of our action plan to further strengthen the brand value and ownership experience via our new refresh network throughout Malaysia. The key is sourcing the right partner to deliver the objective together. Today our northern customers can rest assure that their bikes are in good hands”

Mr. Goh Kian Sin (left) and Mr. Kheoh Hock Seng (right)

The talk was hosted by Kheoh Hock Seng, the Managing Director of Sheng Fatt Motor together with the Aftersales Manager of Aprilia Malaysia, Idon Pang. The duo touched on topics such as bike care and maintenance, guidance on buying and using the correct riding gear. The event included a tour of the new official workshop for Aprilia motorcycles in Penang.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the shoptalk. Our objective was to share as much knowledge as we can with everyone who attended and judging by the turnout and the enthusiasm everyone showed, I am happy to say that it was a success,” said Hock Seng.

The talk, which was attended by about 20 Aprilia riders and of other makes, was held at the company’s showroom at No. 24, Jalan Dato Keramat, Penang.

Ducati CEO: Ducati Not Far from Starting Electric Model Production

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicalli hints that the first Ducati electric bike production isn’t far away.
It’s part of the VW Group to go electric by 2030.
Many countries are banning new petrol and diesel vehicle production in a decade or two.

Ducati is one manufacturer we have yet to hear about their concrete plans for an electric motorcycle. But that’s about to change, according to Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicalli.

Volkswagen (the owners of Ducati) introduced their Roadmap E initiative about six months ago. The plan calls for a full line of electric vehicles throughout the VW group by 2030.

Later, Managing Director for Ducati Western Europe, Edouard Lotthésaid that Ducati is working on an electric model in addition to a scooter. Now Ducati CEO Domenicalli has added his comment about the future of Ducati EVs.

Speaking to students at the University of Bologna, Domenicalli said, “The future is electric” and production of the first EV is not far away.

Could Ducati’s EV look like the Ducati Zero concept by Suraj Tiwari?

If this is true, we may see Ducati’s first EV by 2020 or 2021. A number of countries would have started their electric vehicle initiatives by then.

However, we expect Ducati to sell their new EV side-by-side with the petrol-powered motorcycles for a number of years until the fully-EV ruling takes over in 2030 onwards.

That means we will still have the Panigale for a while more.

By the way, many countries in the world will be switching to electric vehicles in as early as a decade. The plans call for bans on new petrol or diesel vehicles being produced, while they are phased out over a number of years.

What about Malaysia? Apart from the limited amount of self-installed charging stations, what is the government doing about electric vehicles? Besides “studying” to limit kapchais to 70 km/h and keeping to the left lane? (They’ve now conveniently forgotten what they said about the 70 km/h limit and pursuing the “keep to the left” study.)

Disabled Rider Nicola Dutto Disqualified from Dakar Rally

As the competitors started crossing the Dakar Rally finish line, we looked for Nicola Dutto’s name.
It turned out that he had been disqualified on Day Four.
The organizer did not fully explain their decision.

As the 2019 Dakar Rally ends, we searched for a name in vain. The rider is Nicola Dutto, the first paraplegic rider to compete in the rally. It turned out that he was disqualified!

As we wrote earlier, Nicola Dutto relies on a three-person team of “ghost riders” to assist him during the punishing 10-day rally. One rides ahead to choose lines and two as spotters in case Dutto needed to stop or drops the bike.

Nicola Dutto: First Paraplegic in Dakar Rally

On Day Four, the spotter Julian Villarrubia’s bike started to lose power. The team took three hours to get it going again, before failing again just minutes later. The team discussed the situation and left Villarrubia to ride on.

Unfortunately, Victor Rivera’s bike started running poorly. The team limped to the next checkpoint. They notified the officials that Julian and his bike needed to be recovered. Apart from that, they also asked if they could ride to the night’s camp on the highway, since Dutto has only one spotter. The team was prepared to receive a time penalty for not completing the set course.

Many calls went back and forth among the officials before Dutto and his remaining support riders was allowed to continue on the highway, provided they agreed on a time penalty.

“We followed the direction of the marshals,” says Nicola in a video posted by Vicair, one of his sponsors and special seat maker, “and when we arrived at the bivouac the race director said we were out of the race because we must follow all the tracks.”

Adding insult to injury, the organizing committee refused to explain the disqualification. Instead, they posted that Dutto and his team failed to start the day.

The heart-breaking news triggered a worldwide firestorm of criticism against the organiser’s director, Etienne Lavigne.

Needless to say, Dutto and his team were devasted as they had spent much time and money to participate in the rally. The riders many fans were also saddened to hear the news.

We hope the team could put this unfortunate episode behind them and come back stronger for the 2020 edition.

Opportunity for Khairul Idham Pawi in Petronas Yamaha Sepang MotoGP Team

Sepang International Circuit CEO, Dato’ Razlan Razali offers an opportunity to Khairul Idham Pawi to join the MotoGP team.
Joining the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team in MotoGP depends on Pawi’s Moto2 results in 2019 and 2020.
Pawi will be the first Malaysian MotoGP rider in a Malaysian MotoGP team should he make it.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO, Dato’ Razlan Razali offers an opportunity to Malaysian rider Khairul Idham Pawi in the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team in the MotoGP championship.

Datuk Razlan Ramli, courtesy of gpmalaysia

Khairul Idham Pawi shocked the world when he won two Moto3 races in his debut season in 2016. He was Malaysia’s first GP race winner in any category. Both wins came during wet races, but he didn’t score well in dry races. However, he was moved up to the Moto2 category in 2017 where he languished in the tail end of the field.

As for 2019, he signed up with the Petronas Sprinta Racing Team and remains in Moto2.

Dato’ Razlan told Crash.net that Pawi had been moved to Moto2 too early. On the other hand, he’s positive that Pawi had learned a lot in those two years.

“He came to visit our Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team in Valencia. We showed him around and said, ‘look, you have two years to do something because we want you to be our first Malaysian MotoGP rider in this team.’”

Dato’ Razlan hopes that “pep talk” will spur Pawi to perform his best during the 2019 season, as there is a path for progression in the team.

Besides Hafizh Syahrin riding for the Tech 3 KTM team this year, having a Malaysian rider riding for a Malaysian team will die the country’s fans much to cheer for.

Watch this space for the official launching of the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (MotoGP) and Petronas Sprinta Racing Teams in Moto2 and Moto3 on 28^thJanuary.

New Suzuki GSX-R1000 To Use New Variable Valve Timing

Suzuki looks poised to install a new variable valve timing system in the new GSX-1000.
The current system uses centrifugal forces.
The new system follows the trend of using hydraulically-activated VVT.

The current Suzuki GSX-R1000 is already employing variable valve timing (VVT), but the new generation will feature a newer VVT.

As of now, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 VVT technology is derived directly from the Suzuki GSX-RR MotoGP bike. MotoGP regulations forbid hydraulic, electric and electronic variable valve timing and variable valve lift systems. Hence, Suzuki worked around this restriction by designing and employing a mechanical solution since 2015. The system works by using centrifugal force generated by the camshaft as it spins.

However, Suzuki has submitted the patents for a “traditional” hydraulically-activated system for the road bike. According to the documents, it is an oil pressure-activated, cam-shifting system.

Like the VVT patents of Honda, Suzuki’s VVT will activate both intake and exhausts cams. The current Gixxer is great to ride, but there are limitations of the current VVT due to the weight of the springs and gyroscopic forces in the mechanism.

It is also different from the BMW S 1000 RR’s ShiftCam system.

We foresee more motorcycles will be fitted with VVT systems of sorts in the years to come. As we mentioned before, VVT is one of the best ways to combat exhaust emissions and fuel consumption while still providing loads of power.

BMW Motorrad Reports Eighth Record Year

BMW Motorrad sold a record number of bikes in 2018.
They reported a total of 165,566 units sold, an increase of 0.9%.
Germany continued as the biggest market, although China was the fastest growing.

BMW Motorrad has achieved another milestone as 2018 was another record year in terms of sales.

Global sales were up by a moderate 0.9% from 2017, with a total of 165,566 units sold.

The R 1200 GS and GS Adventure continues to be the most popular model, selling 51,000 units. The R nineT retro series also sold well, contributing 33,500 machines for a total of 84,500 R-series sold.

BMW’s second best-seller was the inline-Four S-series. 18,773 S 1000 RR, S 1000 R and S 1000 XR were sold.

Furthermore, BMW’s sales in America increased by 2.2% despite the overall downturn in the market. The upturn was due to the six-cylinder K 1600 B Grand America touer which sold 8,306 units out of the total of 13,842 units.

The manufacturer’s leading markets continue to be Germany (-11%, 23,824), France (0%, 16,615), Italy (-2%, 14,110) and Spain (0%, 11,124). 9,224 BMWs were sold in the UK.

Growth centres were China (35%, 7,561), Brazil (11%, 7,361) and India with 2,187 units sold there.

Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad Malaysia sold 1,130 motorcycles, marking a 7% increase over 2017. The R 1200 GS Adventure was the biggest contributor which more than 300 units.

BMW Motorrad is looking forward to another great year in 2019, what with the advent of the new models using the 1254cc ShiftCam boxer engine, new S 1000 RR, a return to WSBK, plus a few more models in the pipeline.

Will they achieve their 200,000 target in 2020?

Modenas Launches Modenas Pulsar Dareventure Reality Program

The Modenas Pulsar Dareventure reality program was launched today.
The program provides Malaysian motorcycle fans a unique experience on the Modenas Pulsar NS200.
It will be aired on Modenas’ YouTube channel.

Malaysian motorcycle manufacturer, Modenas (Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd.) launched the Modenas Pulsar Dareventure reality program today.

Speaking at the launch, En. Amirudin Abd. Kadir, Chief Executive of Modenas said that the Pulsar Dareventure program was introduced by Bajaj in 2014. Since then, it had covered countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka and Peru.

On the other hand, Malaysia is the first Southeast Asian country to feature the program. Modenas will broadcast the program via their YouTube channel.

“10 participants were chosen from all over Malaysia. They will go up against the challenges we will set up,” he added.

“The Pulsar Dareventure program enjoyed a large number of viewership. We are confident that the Malaysian edition is just as popular. The program allows the chance for motorcycle fans, regardless if they are Modenas owners, to experience something unique.”

Mr. Anurag Sharma, Country Sales Manager of Bajaj Auto Limited was on hand during the launch.

He said, “The program seeks to highlight the Modenas Pulsar NS200’s versatility, reliability and abilities to handle different terrains other than just road riding.”

“Modenas Dominar 400 owners already have the Motography: Explore the Unexplored activities, so this is something for the Pulsar NS200 owners.”

Celebritiy Nurul Alis Aidil, better known as Kiki, will host the program.

The launch was held at the Proton Centre of Excellence. The media were given the opportunity to test ride the Modenas Pulsar NS200 on the Proton test track, which included running up on the banked turns.

Yamaha MT-07 Tracer Coming to Malaysia?

The Yamaha MT-07 Tracer is missing from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor’s lineup.
Could we see the model launched during the Yamaha Dealer Conference at the end of this month?
Or might we see the MT-09 Tracer GT, instead?

There is model which is currently missing from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor’s big bike repertoire – the MT-07 Tracer.

It’s near the end of January, which is time for another HLYM Annual Dealer Conference. The conference has always been held at Genting Highlands and welcomes Yamaha dealers from around Malaysia. Therefore, it’s the best opportunity to launch new models.

However, the MT-07 Tracer (or Tracer 700 in other countries) is nowhere to be seen in Malaysia ever since its debut in 2016.

On the other hand, The MT-09 Tracer is the sport-touring version of the MT-09 naked sportbike. In order to fulfill that role, it is equipped with a top fairing with dual headlamps, tall windshield, handguards and a flatter passenger seat.

Therefore, Yamaha gives the MT-07 Tracer the same treatment as its bigger cousin. As in top fairing with dual headlights, tall windshield, handguards and a flatter passenger seat.

The MT-07 is renowned for its low-down and midrange torque, ease of handling and low seat height. As such, it provides a great base for the sport-touring version.

However, there are other version to both Tracers called the MT-09 Tracer GT and MT-07 Tracer GT, respectively. These variants include colour-matched side bags (panniers), besides larger and adjustable windscreens.

Could we see the Mt-07 Tracer or both GTs at Genting? Watch this space!

Norton Seals £5 Million Japanese Contract

Norton has sealed a £5 Million contract with a Japanese distributor.
The plans calls for the delivery of 1,000 bikes over five years.
The deal allows Norton to expand its workforce.

The fledgling Norton seals a £5 million business deal in Japan.

According to the agreement, Norton will supply 1,000 motorcycles over the next five years.

Announced as the Japanese Prime Minister is visiting the UK, the deal should help to ease some of the Brexit related fears that are currently sweeping UK businesses and is said to support 200 jobs at the Castle Donington headquarters.

Norton’s Head of Global Sales, Kay Johnson said: “Norton have an agreement with our distributor, PCI Limited in Japan which will run over a five-year term to manufacture over 1,000 bikes and will achieve an estimated value of £5m.

“We very much look forward to growing our workforce to support the demand for motorbikes in this territory and, in doing so, continue to build a strong trading business with Japan.”

The news comes just weeks after Norton welcomed the first owners of its new V4SS superbikes to the factory to collect their machines.

The current Norton line-up includes the V4SS, the Dominator and Commando Sport and Café Racer. The firm also debuted three new lightweight bikes at Motocycle Live, including the Superlight 650 (basically half the engine of the V4SS to suit Isle of Man TT Lightweight TT regulations) and the Atlas and Ranger which are café racer / scrambler inspired nakeds.

Source: Visordown

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

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.

Shark Helmets will be the title sponsor of the French Grand Prix for 3 years from 2019.

The manufacturer hails from France hence the French GP is their homecoming.

The 2019 French GP will be held at Le Mans from 17th to 19th May.

The Northern Motorcycle Fest 2019 is set to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year.

The event will be held in Ipoh and Langkawi on two separate weekends.

They are organized by Goh Brothers and Sheng Fatt Motor.

Aprilia Malaysia and Sheng Fatt Motor held their first joint “shop talk” in Penang.

The program aims to support northern Aprilia riders.

Aprilia Malaysia and Sheng Fatt are serious in providing aftersales service.

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicalli hints that the first Ducati electric bike production isn’t far away.

It’s part of the VW Group to go electric by 2030.

Many countries are banning new petrol and diesel vehicle production in a decade or two.

As the competitors started crossing the Dakar Rally finish line, we looked for Nicola Dutto’s name.

It turned out that he had been disqualified on Day Four.

The organizer did not fully explain their decision.

Sepang International Circuit CEO, Dato’ Razlan Razali offers an opportunity to Khairul Idham Pawi to join the MotoGP team.

Joining the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team in MotoGP depends on Pawi’s Moto2 results in 2019 and 2020.

Pawi will be the first Malaysian MotoGP rider in a Malaysian MotoGP team should he make it.

Suzuki looks poised to install a new variable valve timing system in the new GSX-1000.

The current system uses centrifugal forces.

The new system follows the trend of using hydraulically-activated VVT.

BMW Motorrad sold a record number of bikes in 2018.

They reported a total of 165,566 units sold, an increase of 0.9%.

Germany continued as the biggest market, although China was the fastest growing.

The Modenas Pulsar Dareventure reality program was launched today.

The program provides Malaysian motorcycle fans a unique experience on the Modenas Pulsar NS200.

It will be aired on Modenas’ YouTube channel.

The Yamaha MT-07 Tracer is missing from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor’s lineup.

Could we see the model launched during the Yamaha Dealer Conference at the end of this month?

Or might we see the MT-09 Tracer GT, instead?

Norton has sealed a £5 Million contract with a Japanese distributor.

The plans calls for the delivery of 1,000 bikes over five years.

The deal allows Norton to expand its workforce.

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The 2019 French GP will be held at Le Mans from 17^thto 19^thMay.