Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

Red Bull Malaysia Sponsors PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Racing Teams

Red Bull Malaysia sponsors the three PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Racing teams in the PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship.

The three teams involved are PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha 31 Racing, PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha CKJ, and PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor. All three racing teams competed in Round 3 of the prestigious PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship 2024 from 1st to 2nd of June at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.

“At Red Bull, we are not just about energising the body, but also igniting the spirit of every individual who dares to push the boundaries of possibilities. This partnership with the PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Racing Teams represents more than just a fusion of logos; it represents a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and the fiery spirit of competition,” said Andy Lee, Co-Country Director of TCP Red Bull Malaysia.

Here is a look at each team’s background:

PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha 31 Racing Team

Driven by three pillars – RIDE. RACE. LEAD. – the team aims to be one of the best racing teams not only in Asia, but also globally. Since their inception, the racing team strives to conquer races as champions of bringing the trophy home, embracing all communities, wellbeing, and competing with pride. PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha 31 Racing Team has received numerous accolades over 28 years of motorcycle racing, including the Overall Wira KBS Category Championship titles in the PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship for four consecutive years.

PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha CKJ Racing Team

The team believes in always being ahead, never looking back. Comprising a squad of young talented riders, such as Afif Amran and Akid Aziz, who have clinched numerous Overall Champion titles at the PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championships, the racing team remains steadfast in their mission to fuel sportsmanship and ignite team camaraderie on the track.

PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor Racing Team

Established in 1997 by former rider Yong Ying Hoe, is driven with a purpose of attaining exceptional outcomes. The racing team guards the record for the most significant number of championships clinched in the PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship. With 5 competing riders this championship season, PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Maju Racing Team aims to leave a lasting impact on each track they compete on.

Special contest commemorating the partnership

As part of the partnership, Red Bull will soon be running a contest, offering two lucky winners a chance to each own a limited-edition Yamaha Y15ZR motorcycle exclusively signed by selected riders from the three PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Racing Teams. Stay tuned for more details by following Red Bull’s Instagram and Facebook pages or visiting the official website.

Red Bull Energy Sparkling launched

To commemorate this exhilarating new chapter, Red Bull introduced a new beverage series – Red Bull Energy Sparkling, perfect for young, active individuals seeking a light, invigorating energy boost.

Available in 250ml cans, the new series offers a delightfully fruity aroma, refreshing taste, is sugar-free, and comes in two exciting flavours: Pomelo and Apple & Muscat Grape. The Red Bull Energy Sparkling series will be available from RM3.10/can at major supermarkets and convenience stores.

Vespa 946 Dragon (2024) Tiba di Malaysia

Vespa 946 Dragon (2024) telah dipratonton sebagai sebahagian daripada sambutan Hari Kebangsaan Itali yang ke-78 baru-baru ini.

Ia menggabungkan elemen ikonik, legenda, dan tradisi dalam satu motosikal edisi terhad, serta menampilkan beberapa aksesori eksklusif seperti cermin depan, beg belakang dan bahan pelana yang dipadan.

“Kami benar-benar berbesar hati kerana dapat mengambil bahagian di dalam perayaan Hari Itali di Malaysia pada ini dan kami berjaya melihat edisi terhad Vespa 946 Dragon. 946 ini benar-benar sebuah karya seni Itali daripada rangkaian Vespa yang ikonik,” kata En. Rewi Hamid Bugo, Pengerusi Kumpulan Didi.

Vespa 946 Dragon ini telah membuat penampilan sulungnya ketika perayaan Tahun Baru Cina di Hong Kong, pada 24 Januari 2024.

Sebagai sebuah edisi untuk dikumpul, Vespa 946 diimaginasikan semula dalam rona keemasan dan dihiasi dengan motif naga hijau zamrud yang melingkar di sekeliling motosikal, untuk menjelmakan semangat garang skuter itu. Terdapat hanya 1888 unit yang di seluruh dunia.

Komponen lain seperti rim, hendal dan pelana berwarna kemasan mewah dalam emas satin berselang-seli dan berkilat.

Vespa 946 Dragon (2024) bukan sahaja menonjol di segi gaya tetapi juga merupakan Vespa paling canggih. Enjin satu silinder 150cc menggunakan fungsi suntikan bahan api elektronik, selain ABS dan kawalan cengkaman sebagai ciri standard. Pencahayaan adalah LED di sekeliling, manakala papan pemuka LCD membentangkan data tunggangan yang berkaitan. Rangka keluli monocoque digabungkan dengan komponen aluminium, bagi memastikan gabungan yang ringan namun kuat dan tahan lama.

Ia boleh didapati di Motoplex Petaling Jaya, Motoplex Sungai Buloh, Motoplex Butterworth, dan Motorplex Johor Bahru daripada RM 103,888.

Galeri foto

2024 Vespa 946 Dragon Arrives in Malaysia

The 2024 Vespa 946 Dragon was previewed as part of the celebration for Italy’s 78th National Day.

It combines the iconic, legendary, avant-garde, and an ancient tradition in this one limited-edition motorcycle, featuring several exclusive accessories such as a windscreen, matching rear bag and saddle material.

“We are truly honoured to be able to pay a part for the annual Italian Day in Malaysia and this year, we managed to preview the limited edition 946 Dragon. The 946 is truly an Italian art piece from the iconic Vespa range,” mentioned Mr. Rewi Hamid Bugo, Chairman Didi Group.

The Vespa 946 Dragon made its debut as a dedication to the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Hong Kong, on 24 January 2024.

As a collector’s edition, the Vespa 946 is reimagined in a golden hue, emblazoned with a vibrant emerald green dragon motif that swirlds around the livery, embodying the fierce spirit of the scooter. There are only 1888 units available worldwide.

Other components such as the rims, handlebars and saddle are crafted with luxurious finishes in alternating and gloss satin gold.

The 2024 Vespa 946 Dragon is not all style, but is also the most advanced Vespa. The 150cc single-cylinder engine has electronic fuel injection, besides ABS and traction control as standard features. The lighting is LED all around, while the LCD dashboard presents pertinent riding data. The steel monocoque frame is combined with aluminium components, ensuring a lightweight yet strong and durable combination.

It is available at Motoplex Petaling Jaya, Motoplex Sungai Buloh, Motoplex Butterworth, and Motorplex Johor Bahru from RM 103,888.

Photo gallery

Sah: Jorge Martin ke Aprilia untuk 2025

Ia kini rasmi selepas spekulasi berminggu-minggu yang telah mendorong peminat MotoGP menjadi kecoh: Jorge Martin akan ke Aprilia pada 2025.

Saga itu bermula apabila juara MotoGP 7 kali Marc Marquez berpindah ke Gresini Ducati untuk musim 2024, dan sejak itu dijangka menyertai pasukan pengilang Ducati untuk menggantikan Enea Bastianini sebagai rakan sepasukan kepada juara dua kali dan juara bertahan Francesco ” Pecco” Bagnaia.

Ia sudah tentunya cukup untuk membuat Martin menyuarakan pendapat. Beliau telah mencabar Pecco untuk kejuaraan sepanjang 2023, dan kini mendahului kejuaraan tahun ini. Martin merasakan bahawa dia berhak mendapat tempat itu kerana prestasinya.

Ducati kini menghadapi masalah: Mereka mempunyai tiga pelumba hebat lain yang bersaing untuk tempat di dalam pasukan pengilang idaman, dan ia mungkin menyebabkan bos mereka tidak dapat tidur malam. Oleh itu, pengeluar itu nampaknya terhenti membuat keputusan. Lagipun, ia belum lagi musim perpindahan pelumba.

Saga semakin hangat apabila Martin secara terbuka menyatakan (mengancam) samada dia ditemptakan di dalam pasukan pengilang atau dia akan meninggalkan Ducati sama sekali. Terdapat laporan bahawa dia telah mula berbincang dengan KTM, Aprilia, dan juga Yamaha sejak itu.

Ducati kini berada di dalam suatu keadaan yang rumit. Dan mereka perlu menyelesaikan isu ini dengan cepat untuk mengelakkan gangguan seperti ini pada awal musim ini.

Beberapa jam sebelum pengumuman rasmi Aprilia dan Martin, Autosport telah menerbitkan berita bahawa, walaupun tidak disahkan pada masa itu, Marquez telah dipilih sebagai rakan sepasukan Bagania, oleh itu Martin ditinggalkan. La Gazzetta dello Sport melaporkan bahawa pengurusan Ducati, Marquez, dan Martin mengadakan pertemuan tertutup pada hari Khamis, di mana Marquez diminta untuk menunggang di dalam pasukan Pramac. Bagaimanapun, Marquez memberitahu mereka “Pramac bukan pilihan untuk saya,” dengan “wajah yang sangat serius.”

Sekali lagi, berita itu tidak disahkan pada masa itu, dan kemudiannya datanglah kejutan bahawa Jorge Martin akan berada di Aprilia pada tahun depan.

Namun belum ada berita rasmi daripada Ducati berhubung nasib Marquez. Bastianini pula dilaporkan pernah berbincang dengan KTM, Aprilia dan Yamaha (tak ada orang nak ke Honda ka?).

Martin mungkin bukan pilihan yang baik sebagai rakan sepasukan Bagnaia, dan juga tidak sesuai dalam pasukan Itali itu memandangkan kecenderungannya dalam membuat kenyataan bombastik. MotoGP bukan seperti zaman Wayne Rainey dan John Kocinski yang memakki hamun Yamaha secara terbuka. Setiap orang perlu bertindak mengikut tatacara korporat pada masa kini.

Bagi Marquez, dia telah menunjukkan bakat luar biasanya dengan bertarung di bahagian hadapan walaupun dengan hanya menunggang Desmosedici GP23 yang kira-kira 1.5 saat lebih perlahan daripada GP24. Juga, terdapat banyak syarikat yang ingin menajanya. Oleh itu, adalah kurang wajar bagi Ducati jika mereka membiarkan beliau pergi ke pasukan pembuat saingan.

Confirmed: Jorge Martin goes to Aprilia in 2025

So, it is now official after weeks and weeks of speculation that has driven MotoGP fans into a frenzy and some even to exasperation: Jorge Martin goes to Aprilia in 2025.

The saga became all too intriguing since 7-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez’s move to Gresini Ducati for the 2024 season, and has since been tipped to join the factory Ducati team, replacing Enea Bastianini as the teammate to two-time and defending champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia.

It of course drew much back talk from Martin, who had challenged Pecco for the championship throughout 2023, and is currently leading this year’s championship. Martin rightly feels that he deserves that spot on account of that performance.

Ducati now had a problem: They have three other great riders who were vying for the coveted factory seat, probably giving their bosses sleepless nights. As such, the manufacturer seemed to have stalled making a decision. It was not silly season yet, anyway.

The saga heated up further when Martin publicly stated (read: threatened) that either he gets the factory seat or he leaves Ducati altogether. There were reports that he had spoken to KTM, Aprilia, and even Yamaha since.

Ducati was now forced into a corner. And they have to settle this issue quickly to rid themselves of this kind of distraction so early in the season.

A few hours before Martin’s official announcement, Autosport had published news that, although unconfirmed at the time, that Marquez has been picked as Bagania’s teammate, therefore leaving Martin to dry in the wind. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Ducati management, Marquez, and Martin had a closed-door meeting on Thursday, in which Marquez was asked to move up to the Pramac team. However, Marquez told them “Pramac is not an option for me,” with “an extremely serious face.”

Again, that news was unconfirmed, then this bombshell that Jorge Martin will be in Aprilia next year.

There is no official news from Ducati regarding Marquez’s fate yet. Bastianini, on the other hand, was also reported to have spoken to KTM, Aprilia, and Yamaha (no one wants to go to Honda, eh).

Martin many not be a great choice as Bagnaia’s teammate, nor a good fit in the Italian team given his propensity in making bombastic statements. MotoGP is not like the days of Wayne Rainey and John Kocinski who berated Yamaha openly. Everyone has to toe the politically-correct company line these days.

As for Marquez, he had shown his immense talent by fighting at the front end of the field, despite riding the Desmosedici GP23 which is some 1.5 seconds slower than the GP24. He is also extremely marketable and has companies dying to sponsor him. As such, it will be foolhardy for Ducati to lose him to another manufacturer.

Konsep CFMoto 675 SR Edisi Khas Aspar Didedahkan

Terdapat banyak keterujaan menyelubungi pelancaran CFMoto 675 SR yang tidak dapat dielakkan, termasuk enjin empat dapur sebarisnya. Pengeluar China itu nampaknya teruja dengan model itu sehingga mendedahkan konsep CFMoto 675 SR Edisi Khas Aspar ini sebelum pelancarannya yang rasmi.

Motosikal itu belum dikeluarkan, namun edisi perlumbaan ini pun telah didedahkan terlebih dahulu. Ia merupakan penghormatan kepada Jorge Aspar Martinez, di mana pasukannya mengendalikan kempen Moto2 dan Moto3 CFMoto dalam MotoGP. Pasukan ini sedang menikmati musim terbaik mereka sejak mereka bermula pada 2022. David Alonso telah memenangi empat daripada enam perlumbaan Moto3 dan kini mendahului kejuaraan dengan 14 mata.

Berbalik kepada CFMoto 675 SR Edisi Khas Aspar, ia dihiasi dengan nombor 5 yang sinonim dengan Aspar ketika dia berlumba dalam kejohanan dunia 80cc dan 125cc. Skema warna biru, putih dan hitam juga mencerminkan pasukan Aspar.

Selain daripada warna, motosikal ini menampilkan beberapa aksesori perlumbaan seperti sayap (winglet)besar, spoiler belakang, saluran penyejuk brek, tapak kaki aluminium bilet, bar hendal bilet.

Konsep itu didedahkan ketika perasmian akademi perlumbaan dan latihan global CFMoto di Litar Aspar di Valencia, Sepanyol. Akademi ini menyediakan latihan pelumba dan mekanik serta menghubungkan mereka dengan Kejohanan Sepanyol ke Kejohanan Dunia MotoGP.

CFMoto 675 SR Aspar Special Edition Concept Revealed

There is much excitement surrounding the inevitable launch of the CFMoto 675 SR, including its inline-four engine. The Chinese manufacturer seems to be excited themselves, too, going as far as revealing this CFMoto 675 SR Aspar Special Edition Concept.

The bike has not been released, but this is a race edition which pays homage to Jorge Aspar Martinez. CFMoto’s Moto2 and Moto3 campaign in MotoGP are run by the Aspar team. They are enjoying their best season since arriving in 2022, with David Alonso winning four out of six Moto3 races and is currently leading the championship by 14 points.

Back to the CFMoto 675 SR Aspar Special Edition, it wears the number 5 made famous by Aspar when he raced in 80cc and 125cc world championships. The colour scheme of blue, white, and black colours also reflects the Aspar team’s.

Apart from the colour, the bike features several racing accoutrements such as large winglets, rear spoilers, brake cooling ducts, billet aluminium footpegs, billet clip-on handlebars.

The concept was revealed at the opening of CFMoto’s global racing and training academy at the Aspar Circuit in Valencia, Spain. The academy provides riders and mechanics training and links to the Spanish Championship to the MotoGP World Championship.

Kaliper Brembo GP4-MotoGP Menang Anugerah Red Dot

Kaliper brek Brembo GP4-MotoGP baharu telah memenangi Anugerah Red Dot untuk Rekabentuk.

Kaliper brek hadapan ini baru sahaja dilancarkan pada November 2023. Ia hampir menyerupai kaliper yang digunakan dalam MotoGP dan WSBK, tetapi ia sebenarnya bertujuan untuk kegunaan penunggang jalan raya yang mahukan prestasi membrek yang terbaik.

Jadi, apa yang berbeza tentang caliper ini?

Mari kita mulakan dengan penyangga pad yang serong yang turut menambahkan kekuatan kaliper lagi, walaupun ia sudah dimesin daripada ketulan pepejal aloi aluminium (oleh itu, monobloc). Langkah ini turut menambahkan kuasa membrek kerana badan kaliper tidak melentur. Tambahan lagi, ia memberikan penunggang rasa yang lebih baik pada tuil, terutamanya apabila anda membrek ke dalam selekoh (trail braking).

Brembo juga menyadur empat piston kaliper itu dengan nikel untuk membolehkan pergerakan yang lebih baik. Piston-piston ini direkabentuk untuk menarik pad brek dari muka cakera brek untuk mengurangkan geseran apabila tiada tekanan brek. Oleh itu, pad tahan lebih lama dan kehilangan kuasa enjin dapat dikurangkan.

Sirip yang anda lihat di hadapan kaliper yang menghadap ke bahagian dalam, berfungsi sebagai sirip penyejuk, sama seperti pada enjin motosikal yang disejukkan udara. Ini adalah ciri yang membezakan “versi awam” Brembo GP4-MotoGP berbanding dengan saudaranya di dalam MotoGP dan WSBK, kerana versi perlumbaan mempunyai sirip di bahagian belakang kaliper juga.

Adakah kita benar-benar memerlukan ini untuk jalan raya atau trackday yang ganjil? Siapa peduli! Kami MAHU!

Brembo GP4-MotoGP Caliper Wins Red Dot Award

The new Brembo GP4-MotoGP caliper has won the Red Dot Award for Design.

This new front brake caliper had just been launched in November 2023. Closely resembling the actual caliper used in MotoGP and WSBK, it is actually meant for sporting use and road riders who want the ultimate in braking performance.

So, what is different about this caliper, you ask?

Let us start with the oblique pad abutments that adds stiffness to the caliper, which is already machined from a solid piece of aluminium alloy (hence, monobloc). Doing so also adds to stopping power since the body of the caliper does not flex. Furthermore, it gives the rider much better feel at the lever, especially great when you are trail-braking into a corner.

Brembo also plated the four pistons with nickel to allow for better action. These pistons are designed to pull the brake pads off the disc’s face to reduce friction when there is no braking pressure. As such, the pads last longer and there is less parasitic power loss.

The fins you see at the front of the caliper, facing the inside, are as what they appear to be: cooling fins, just like on your air-cooled motorcycle engine. This is the distinguishing feature of the “civilian version” of the Brembo GP4-MotoGP compared to the its MotoGP and WSBK counterpart, as the racing version has fins at the back of the caliper, too.

Do we really need these for the road or odd trackday? Who cares! We WANT them!

63 Summons Issued, 6 Motorcycles Confiscated at SUKE

A total of 63 summons were issue to 53 motorcyclists, while 6 motorcycles were confiscated in an operation on the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) yesterday morning.

A total of 63 summonses were issued to the 53 riders, while the majority of seized vehicles involved those ridden by foreigners.

Ampang Jaya District Deputy Chief of Police, Superintendent Nazruel Ekram Abu Saare, said the operation started at 7.30 in the morning by a team from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division (BSPT) of the Ampang Jaya District Police Headquarters (IPD) on the motorcycle route.

“The motorcycle operation is aimed at weeding out road users who do not comply with traffic rules.

“The summons thatwere issued involved common offences including no driving licence, expired road tax, registration number not in accordance with specifications, no side mirror, and modified exhaust,” he said.

Nazruel said, his party also seized six Yamaha Legenda, Yamaha Y15ZR, Yamaha 135LC, and a Honda Wave.

He said, action was taken in accordance with Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and Section 6(4) of the same act.

“Of the total of confiscated motorcycles, five were ridden by foreigners and the other one was ridden by a local due to the offence of modifying the exhaust.

“Motorcyclists are the major contributors to accident statistics every day, therefore it is advised that all motorcycle users in particular comply with the rules set for example wearing a helmet properly and certified by the Malaysian Industrial Research and Standards Institute (SIRIM Berhad),” he said.

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: The authorities often overlook helmets with the approval of the ECE/UN R22 standard, although the authorities were the ones who approved the importation and sale. We have posted an article on this issue before but we will post it again to avoid confusion.

53 Penunggang Motosikal Disaman, 6 Motosikal Disita di SUKE

Seramai 53 penunggang motosikal disaman, manakala 6 motosikal disita di dalam operasi di Lebuhraya Bertingkat Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang (SUKE/Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Expressway) pagi semalam.

Sebanyak 63 saman dikeluarkan kepada kalangan 53 penunggang tersebut, manakala majoriti kenderaan yang disita melibatkan yang ditunggang oleh warga asing.

Timbalan Ketua Polis Daerah Ampang Jaya, Superintendan Nazruel Ekram Abu Saare, berkata operasi bermula jam 7.30 pagi itu dijalankan sepasukan Bahagian Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (BSPT) Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) Ampang Jaya di laluan motosikal.

“Op Motosikal itu adalah bertujuan untuk mengesan pengguna jalan raya yang tidak mematuhi peraturan lalu lintas.

“Saman yang dikeluarkan membabitkan kesalahan-kesalahan lazim antaranya tiada lesen memandu, Lesen Kenderaan Motor (LKM) tamat tempoh, nombor pendaftaran tidak mengikut spesifikasi, tiada cermin sisi serta ubah suai ekzos,” katanya.

Nazruel berkata, pihaknya turut menyita enam motosikal jenis Yamaha Lagenda, Yamaha Y15, Yamaha 135LC serta Honda Wave.

Official Report for TLDM Helicopter Crash Released

The official crash investigation report regarding the two TLDM (Royal Malaysian Navy) helicopter was released today.

The main factor that caused the accident was identified as of one of the aircraft was not at the specified altitude and course. The Fennec helicopter had entered the path of the AW139 helicopter which caused both to collide and crash.

The crash claimed 10 lives last April 23, at the TLDM Base in Lumut, Perak.

TLDM’s statement also mentioned another factor called channelized attention which caused the crew to on their course which limited their ability to react quickly to avoid a collision. (Note from the author: This factor also often occurs among motorcyclists and drivers called ‘target fixation.’)

“The Board of Inquiry carried out an investigation to identify the cause or factor that contributed to the incident in various aspects.

The investigation had studied all aspects that could potentially result in the accident.

“This included recreating the flight profile on the day of the incident by simulating that profile using a flight simulator as well as a real aircraft.

“In addition, assistance and views from Airbus Helicopters are also taken into account if there is data on the Fennec aircraft equipment that can help the investigation.”

According to report, after a comprehensive investigation, the Board of Inquiry found that the post-mortem report confirmed that there was no issue of ‘hypoglycemia’ (lack of glucose concentration in the blood) or fatigue for all the aircrew and no use of prohibited substances.

“In addition, no element of mental illness was recorded or identified with all the aircrew involved and they were medically certified as ‘fit to fly’.

“The deaths of all 10 victims were caused by multiple injuries due to aviation crash.

“The AW139 aircraft was confirmed to be free of technical problems based on the Black Box Analysis Report. The Fennec aircraft also did not have any technical problems based on the visual and sound analysis and documentation. The maintenance work of both aircraft was confirmed to be carried out in accordance with the procedures and routines set by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).”

“Oil, lubricant and fuel samples have been checked and confirmed to be normal by the Defense Science and Technology Research Institute (STRIDE).”

In fact, the weather conditions on the day of the incident was good and suitable for the flight.

“The Black Box Analysis Report of the AW139 aircraft was also used to assist the investigation. As for the Fennec aircraft, the proof of the flight profile was through a flight simulation using a real aircraft.”

Cooperation, expertise and views from OEMs namely Leonardo Helicopter and Airbus Helicopter were also consulted to assist the investigation.

“Airbus Helicopter confirmed that there was no Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) equipment on the Fennec aircraft which could assist the investigation.” (Note from the author: Data recorders or better known as black boxes are not required to be installed in helicopters.)