Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Updated Ducati Multistrada 950 Spotted Testing

An updated Ducati Multistrada 950 has been spotted.
The new bike should include a number of new features.
Sources say it may also receive an IMU.

The Ducati Multistrada 950 is a more accessible option to Ducati’s sport-tourer line-up in both pricing and operations.

Compared to its big brother the Multistrada 1260, the Multistrada 950 is much simpler. Riders do not have to contend with fiddling around with the electronics, that’s for sure. Indeed, we have come across many riders who don’t have any idea on what they’ve set on their bikes.

Apart from that, the 950’s 113bhp power output is certainly easier to handle than the 158 bhp on the 1260.

So, the Multistrada 950 is in some ways a better and more versatile bike. But it’s definitely time for an update to keep it in the game.

Just as so, MCN spotted an updated Multistrada 950 undergoing road tests.

The upper fairing now matches the Multistrada 1260’s and swingarm is of lighter grey than the current version.

The engine looks similar outwardly, but the new bike will apparently receive a new hydraulic clutch. The Scrambler has gone that way, so we expect the Multistrada to follow suit. The engine may also be updated since there is a new Hypermotard on the way. If so, we ought to see a power increase to 120 bhp. There could be a bi-directional quickshifter, too.

The new Multistrada 950 may well receive an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), enabling Cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control. These will open up the bike’s safety spectrum together with the present ride modes.

2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Returns Factory to Baja 1000

Triumph is going back to its desert racing roots at the Baja 1000.
They will be entering the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.
The bike will be mostly stock apart from desert racing gear.

Triumph Motorcycles is serious about the off-road capabilities of the just-launched 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200. The race on an indoor dirt-track during the launch party was one thing, but the British manufacturer wants to push it even further by entering the bike in the historic and punishing Baja 1000 rally.

As we’ve described in our coverage of the launch, Steve McQueen and his stuntman Bud Ekins have joined the rally many times on Triumphs in the past. Hence, returning to the rally with the 2019 Scrambler 1200 is only right since it is the soul successor to the TR6 Trophy Baja (pronounced Ba-Ha) desert racers.

2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 First Look Review

The Baja Scrambler 1200 XE will remain mostly stock. Instead, the only additions are engine protection bars, extended sump guard, race exhaust system and race-specification lights. They will also remove the pillion footpegs and signal lamps.

A prototype of the racer was shown briefly on stage during the launch party. It will be ridden by Triumph’s official rider and stuntman, Ernie Virgil.

Ernie said, “I am so excited to get the chance to only take on the Baja 1000, but also to be the first racer to take Triumph’s next generation Scrambler back to desert racing where it all began.”

The rider had contested the race on a Triumph Tiger 800 previously.

While the Baja 1000 rally is not a drawn out and tough as The Dakar, it is still a very tough event. It consists of two courses. One is point-to-point is regularly more than 1000 miles (1,600-km) long (hence the name). The second is the loop race which usually ranges between 600 to 800 miles (960-km to 1280-km) long.

The Baja 1000 is also part of the World Championship for desert racing. Held at the California-Mexican peninsula it attracts participants from the world over in motorcycles, cars, trucks, ATVs and buggies.

2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 First Look Review

The much-awaited 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 has been officially unveiled to the media.
The bike combines the classic silhouette of the Bonneville with capabilities of the Tiger 800.
The Scrambler 1200 will revolutionize the modern scrambler.

Triumph looks to have scored a major revolution with the launch of the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200.

Being offered in two variations, the new Scrambler 1200 looks to be the perfect embodiment of adventure-riding in the Bonneville’s timeless classic silhouette.

Triumph is not one manufacturer inclined to building new motorcycles without festooning them with the latest features. Such approach applies to the 2019 Scrambler 1200, as well. The Hinckley-based manufacturer has aimed the new bike as the benchmark of scramblers. As such, the list is extensive. Very extensive. So where do we start?

What is it?

Triumph was the leader in off-road racing many decades ago. A-list actor, adrenaline junkie and all-around hard man Steve McQueen raced the Triumph TR6 Trophy SC at the punishing Baja Rally in New Mexico. Mr. McQueen’s stuntman Bud Ekins (who performed the jumps in “The Great Escape”) also raced Triumphs and won at the rally.

Truth is, Triumphs were the original scramblers (although they did not claim that name).

The Bonneville T-120TT, T120C and TR6 “C” and “SC” were stripped down for desert racing, featuring twin exhaust pipes that were fitted high up and chopped off. And dirtbikes back then, “scramblers,” as they’re known, looked exactly like how the Bonneville does today.

But! Triumph had been taking the quiet line why its rivals push out their own “Scramblers.” Triumph already has the 900cc Street Scrambler but they knew they needed something more hardcore. Hence, the 2019 Street Scrambler is that “missing link” as the company put it.

The two variations are:

2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC – built as an all-around road and off-road capable bike.
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE – an all-rounder just as great as the XC but more focused for extreme dirt-riding. The “E” designation states “Extreme.”

Key Highlights

2nd generation TFT instrumentation.

Featured on both models, with two information layout design themes that can be personalised. An all-new feature allows the rider to update the start-up screen message with their name.

6 riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road, rider configurable) including Off-Road Pro on the XE.

Both models feature Road, Rain, Off-Road, Sport and Rider-configurable riding modes which adjust the throttle response, ABS settings and traction control setting. The Scrambler 1200 XE features the extra ‘Off-Road Pro’ mode, which delivers focused set up for advanced adventure riding and scrambling. The ‘Off-Road Pro’ mode turns ABS and traction control off, and uses the ‘Off-Road’ throttle map.

Optimised cornering ABS and cornering traction control on the XE.

This is a first for any scrambler. Exclusive to the Scrambler XE is the Optimised Cornering ABS and Optimised Cornering Traction Control. Based on a Continental IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). The front brakes consist of dual discs gripped by Brembo M.50 Monobloc calipers.

All LED lighting, including signature DRL headlight.

Both Scrambler 1200 models have all-LED lighting. The headlight also incorporates LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) for maximum visibility.

Illuminated backlit switches.

The switches on both Scrambler models are backlit from LEDs housed inside the switch cubes. No more fiddling around at night.

Torque-assist clutch.

Designed to reduce clutch lever effort for the rider, bringing a lighter touch and feel to the clutch and making it easier to ride, and for longer.

Keyless ignition.

Triumph’s keyless ignition system is standard on both models. The system recognises the proximity of the keyless fob and then enables ignition via the switch cube mounted start button. You may also disable the key’s wireless transmission function.

Cruise control.

Electronic cruise control is standard. This is a single button system, similar to the Triumph Tiger 800 XRx/XRa/XCx/XCa.

USB charging socket.

Both new Scramblers feature a 5 vault USB power socket for charging personal equipment. This is integrated into a new foam lined storage box under the seat.

World’s first motorcycle integrated GoPro control system.

Triumph’s first turn-by-turn navigation system and Bluetooth phone and music operation (all enabled by an accessory Bluetooth connectivity module).

Specifications and equipment

Class-leading specifications and equipment.
Öhlins rear shock with first-in-class long travel fully adjustable RSU.
Showa fully adjustable long travel forks.
Brembo twin M50 radial monobloc front calipers.
Crafted long-travel aluminium swingarm.
Dedicated Scrambler frame.
Folding foot controls, adjustable on the XE.
High-specification side laced wheels.
Category-first 21” front wheel, with adventure focused tubeless tyres.
Handbook approved Pirelli Scorpion Rally tyres.
Long-travel suspension: 200mm for the XC and 250mm for the XE, front and rear respectively.

Powerplant

Yes, we finally know what engine goes in the bike (and our speculations were wrong).

It is the 1200cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-Twin, but of the High Power (HP) variety which is fitted to the rip-roaringly awesome Bonneville Thruxton R café racer.
However, engine is tuned exclusively for the Scrambler 1200. It punches out 88.8 bhp (90 PS) at 7,400 RPM and a neck-spraining 110 Nm of torque at just 3,950 RPM.
The twin high-mounted exhausts are also tuned, to sing a new signature exhaust note for the bike.

Styling

Triumph is NOT following the conventions the “modern scrambler” design but benchmarks it. This is achieved by combining the classic design with modern touches, features and capabilities.

New design “seamless” sculpted Scrambler fuel tank, with classic scrambler tank “cut-away” features.
Beautifully engineered side-laced wheels.
Brushed aluminium Monza-style filler cap.
Brushed stainless steel tank strap.
Classic bench seat.
The Scrambler 1200 XE comes with extra premium details, including being the first bike to carry the iconic Triumph triangle badge on the tank.
Besides that, the XE also features hand guards with aluminium brace, Brembo MCS lever, silver handlebar finish with black anodised risers and clamp, gold coloured forks.
Colour options for both models are two-toned. For the XC: Jet Black and Matt Black, Khaki Green and Brooklands Green. For the XE: Fusion White and Brooklands Green, Cobalt Blue and Jet Black (as pictured).

Inspiration Kits and Custom Accessories

Riders will be spoilt for choice when it comes to customizing the bike. From handlebars to luggage. Inspiration Kits expand customization even further such as fly-screen, Arrow silencers, high front mudguard.

Triumph Bonneville Collection Clothing – the Scrambler Range

Triumph developed a dedicated range of Scrambler 1200 clothing, with a selection of short sleeve t-shirts, checkerboard goggles and a collection of riding and casual wear for men and women.

Conclusion

In a way, you could think of the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 as the love child of the Thruxton R and Tiger 800. Such features and capabilities are not to be sneezed at. Knowing how effective Triumph it in producing wonderfully all-rounded the bikes, it is time to for them to rule the Scrambler wars.

2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Launch Pictures Leaked!

Triumph Motorcycles have launched the 2019 Triumph Scrambler.
It was unveiled to global distributors and dealers yesterday.
Triumph Fans France leaked the photos on their Facebook page.

Triumph Motorcycles have launched the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 to worldwide distributors and dealers last night (23^rd October 2018).

2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Launch in Just a Week’s Time

An embargo was put in place but the pictures were leaked by Triumph Fans France on their Facebook page

The full details are sketchy at this time as the bike will be officially launched to the global media between 2pm to 5pm (London time) today. But we can see a number of important features:

There are two variants to the Scrambler 1200 – one off road (XC), the other more road-centric (XE).
nacelle houses a full TFT screen.
The connectivity option includes GPS navigation and ability to sync with a GoPro, so you may control the camera via a toggle on the handlebar.

Updated, longer travel suspension (180 mm travel) for the off-road version.
Showa forks and Öhlins shocks.
Brembo radially-mounted four-piston Monobloc calipers up front.

The XC’s engine is wrapped in crash bars.
Beefy aluminium swingarm.
High-mounted front mudguard.
Reinforced barkbuster-style handguards with aluminium framing on the outside.

The updates to the chassis and suspension ought to make the Triumph Scrambler 1200 a truly off-road capable modern retro. The long-travel suspension and swingarm are the tell-tale signs. So, no matter how one looks at it, the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 could be the real-deal of scramblers.

Although engine remains the 1200cc, liquid-cooled, 270^o crank, parallel-Twin unit, we are not sure if it has been upgraded.

More details to come later on today. Please stay tuned for more pictures and details of the bikes!

Photo credit: Triumph Fans France

Countdown to Sarawak Borneo Cross Country Rally 2018 Begins

The Sarawak Borneo Cross Country Rally 2018 will begin on 25^th November 2018.
It will cover 2800km across Borneo, Brunei and Kalimantan.
The countdown was officiated at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia’s HQ.

The countdown to the momentous Sarawak Borneo Cross Country Rally 2018 (SBCCR) has begun. The event was held at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia’s HQ on Saturday, 20^th October 2018.

The SBCCR is a mixed motorcycle brand ride. It is set to be flagged off at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on 25^th November 2018 and ends in Kuching, Sarawak on 5^th December 2018. By then, the participants would have travelled an estimated total of 2800 kilometres across 7 cities and 3 countries. The three contries include Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

As such, they will experience the scenic tropical rainforest of Borneo which is the second largest in the world. Apart from that, the riders will also explore the sights and sounds for its diverse culture, nature, heritage and adventure.

The organizer of the rally, Unides Events Sdn. Bhd. hopes that the ride showcases the untouched green lungs of Borneo. Consequently, that will bring attention to the importance of containing the climate change phenomenon that’s gripping the planet.

The Sarawak Borneo Cross Country Rally 2018’s partners are Triumph Motorcycle Malaysia and Liqui Moly Asia Pacific.

In Unides Events Sdn. Bhd.’s press release, Managing Director Kho Sze Min said: “We are glad to have Liqui Moly Asia Pacific and Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia on board. Triumph Motorcycles have a full range of models, be they on-road or off-road, and that is the unique selling point of this iconic brand. Liqui Moly offers a complete line of products for two-wheelers to promote cleaner engines to reduce carbon dioxide emission.”

The SBCCR is also supported by Pekema Riders Club, H-D Borneo, Consulate Generals of Brunei and Indonesia, Destination Explore, K Multimedia, Royal Malaysia Police, and the respective councils in the three nations.

YB Datuk Hj. Abd. Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sport Sarawak trying on a Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black.

YB Datuk Hj. Abd. Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sport Sarawak launched the rally on 1^st April in Kuching. The Minister was present during the countdown. Also present were Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia’s COO Dato’ Razak Al-Malique Hussein and President of PEKEMA Riders Club YBhg Dato’ SM Zulkifli SM Amin.

This ride is not the first for Unides Events Sdn. Bhd. They were the official event manager for the Ducati Multistrada Borneo Experience 2011, which consisted of 60 participants. Besides that, they had also organized the 2^nd Southeast Asia Harley Owners Group Sarawak Rally in 2012, which saw 350 participants. Both convoys were held over ten days.

Please head over to Sarawak Borneo Cross Country Rally 2018 Facebook page for more details. For more information on Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia, please click on this Facebook link.

BMW r nine T Scrambler Test & Review – “Pure Appeal”

The BMW r nine T Scrambler is BMW Motorrad’s answer to the “scrambler revolution.”
It shares the same chassis and engine architecture with other r nine T’s.
But it is meant for light off-roading.

BMW has been steadily adding new variants to the r ninet T heritage line-up since its introduction in 2013. The BMW r nine T Scrambler was introduced in 2016, on the other hand, to offer buyers a scrambler option from other manufacturers.

The r nine T Scrambler is meant for light off-roading fun, and thereby wears a 19-inch front wheel. Customers can opt for tubeless spoked-wheels.

The bike is powered by the previous generation BMW oil-cooled, horizontally-opposed Twin “Boxer.” The engine is the common platform which the r nine T range is built around. It produces 110 bhp and a huge 116 Nm of torque.

As with all BMW Boxers, power is sent through a six-speed transmission and a Paralever-controlled driveshaft on its way to the back wheel.

The standout feature of the Scrambler among the r nine T line-up is the high-mounted dual exhaust pipe tips.

We have since tested almost every variant of the r nine T including the (base) r nine T, r nine T Racer, and r nine T Urban G/S, but this time, BMW Motorrad Malaysia extended an r nine T Scrambler for the ride to the recent Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2018 in Melaka.

Auto Bavaria Motorrad BMW r nine T Ride to Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Melaka 2018

This r nine T Scrambler was extra special, by the way, as it wears the BMW Motorrad Community fuel tank. It is covered in signatures of BMW motorcycle owners. (I was extra careful with the bike, I swear.)

The ride consisted of a good mix of highway, trunk road and urban riding, giving us a good taste of the r nine T Scrambler’s capabilities and versatility.

Out on the highway, the bike drones along at 110 – 140 km/h, with a soft rumble accompanying us. However, the Akrapovic pipes on this one this one sure had plenty of bark, which sounded a lot like a group of piston-engine fighter planes when mixed with other r nine Ts.

The r nine T Scrambler doesn’t like being rushed during highway rides. Instead, it’s big torque should be put to great use to cruise and overtake other vehicles with ease. You could keep it in 6^th gear all the way down to 60 km/h, and a twist of the throttle would have the bike roaring back up to speed in a hurry.

But it’s on country roads where the bike comes into its own. Here, the wave of torque accelerates you from corner to corner in a quick yet smooth fashion. It soon became addictive as the exhausts sing “the Boxer rumble” when you grab fistfuls of throttle at corner exits.

Handling is commendable although it could benefit with some more suspension tuning, as it felt a little harsh over sharp bumps. The “relaxed” chassis geometry requires you to trace graceful long arcs through corners. You can hard-flick the bike but without the chassis complaining, though. However, if blasting corners is your game, the base r nine T is the better option with its sport-oriented suspension.

BMW R nineT Review – You Have the Power

But that doesn’t mean the r nine T Scrambler is bad. The bike is made for relaxed and unrushed riding. Treating it as a sportbike is just wrong.

We rode into the Melaka city centre on a couple of occasions and we were thankful for the bike’s torque and upright sitting position. Its torque allows you to hold on to higher gears even at low speeds and that smoothens out your riding.

Characteristic of BMW’s Boxers, it was also easy to maneuver at low speeds. Those cylinders that jut out into the breeze provide low-down stability; while the crankshaft which spins longitudinally along the bike’s centre line produces its own centrifugal force to keep the bike upright even at very low speeds.

The r nine T Scrambler is as pure as it gets, being a heritage model. Apart from ABS and fuel injection, there is no ride mode or traction control. Consequently, you feel as a part of the bike instead of the feel being filtered through a gaggle-load of electronics.

The BMW r nine T Scrambler sells for RM 88,900 inclusive of SST but no on the road.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Engine type	Air/Oil-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, horizontally-opposed (Boxer) Twin
Compression ratio	12.0 : 1
Bore X Stroke	101 mm X 73 mm
Displacement	1170 cc
Fuel system	Electronic intake pipe injection
Maximum power	110 bhp (81 kW) @ 7550 RPM
Maximum torque	116 Nm @ 6000 RPM

TRANSMISSION
Clutch	Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated
Gearbox	Constant mesh, 6-speed, shaft drive

CHASSIS
Front suspension	43mm telescopic forks, 125mm travel
Rear suspension	Single central shock absorber adjustable for preload and rebound damping. 140mm travel
Front brakes	Two 320mm floating discs, Brembo four-piston radially-mounted calipers
Rear brake	Single 265 mm disc, Brembo two-piston floating caliper
ABS	BMW Motorrad ABS, front and rear
Front tyre	120/70-R19
Rear tyre	170/60-R17

FRAME & DIMENSIONS
Frame	Three-part frame consisting of one front and two rear sections; load-bearing engine and transmission; rear set frame removable for single rider
Swingarm	Cast aluminium single-sided swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Trail	110.6 mm
Rake	28.5 degrees
Wheelbase	1527 mm
Seat height	850 mm
Wet weight	220 kg (Read to ride with full fuel tank)
Fuel capacity	17 litres

PICTURE GALLERY

Ducati to Launch Entire 2019 Line-up at Ducati World Première 2019

Ducati will launch their full 2019 line-up at the Ducati World Première 2019.
The event is slated for 4^th November in Milan (5^th November in Malaysia).
The launch is 2 days prior to the start of the EICMA motorshow.

Ducati announced on their website that they will unveil the entire 2019 line-up on 4^th November 2018, two days before EICMA. The event is called “Ducati World Première 2019,” and begins at 7pm, Milan time (1am, 5^th November in Malaysia).

This means the event is just after the Malaysian MotoGP.

We thought we had seen all of Ducati’s 2019 models, but apparently not. The Italian manufacturer has since launched the 2019 Multistrada 1260 Enduro and the Scrambler family which consists of the Icon, Full Throttle, Café Racer, and Desert Sled. Besides them, the XDiavel will receive new colours and the Diavel 1260 will be updated. So, what else? The Panigale V4R. There could be more.

Well, Ducati is tight-lipped about it at the moment, so we will have to wait until then.

Anyway, Ducati is inviting everyone to the party. Virtually, that is. The Ducati World Première 2019 will be telecast “live” on Ducati’s official website and Facebook page.

Honda Excited to Learn About Ducati from Jorge Lorenzo

Honda is hoping Jorge Lorenzo will reveal the strong points of the Ducati Desmosedici GP18.
The Spanish riders is joining Honda from Ducati in 2019.
Honda hopes to work with Lorenzo to add stability to the RC213V.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) hopes to find out more from Jorge Lorenzo about the how the Ducati compares to the Honda RC213V.

HRC Technical Manager Takeo Yokoyama said that he is curious about the Ducati’s strong points when Lorenzo joins the Japanese team from next season.

Repsol Honda factory team rider Marc Marquez is on the way to sealing his fifth MotoGP title, but it doesn’t discount the fact that the Desmosedici GP18 is considered the best all-round bike. It took six victories so far, three each for Lorenzo and his teammate Andrea Dovizioso.

“He (Lorenzo) is a champion, he has ridden many different bikes in the past and he has been always fast. So, I think he can adapt to our bike,” Yokoyama told MotoGP.com.

“I’m really curious to hear about Ducati’s strong points, what is Honda’s strong points – because that’s what he will say.”

Yokoyama continues, “We will not make a completely different bike. We will not make a bike ‘to the right’ for Marc and ‘to the left’ for Jorge. But slightly different is no problem for us.

However, Lorenzo prefers a stable motorcycle especially during corner entry as he rides the traditional “long arc” style, rather than “point and shoot” like Marquez.

“Maybe one of the things that I’m a little worried he would struggle with is the stability of the bike (Honda). I think you can see from TV that the Honda is many times shaking, dancing, jumping,” admits Yokoyama.

“Probably, he’s not the guy who likes to fight with the unstable bike and from our side I guess we need to make the bike a little more stable than we have now. But also from his side, maybe he needs to adapt to a little more unstable bike.

“If we can do this, and if he can do this, I think we will be successful.”

Lorenzo will get his first taste of the Honda in November during the Valencia post-race test.

Triumph Motorcycles Most Satisfying Brand in Australia

Triumph came out tops as the most satisfying motorcycle brand in Australia.
The British brand won the survey for the second consecutive year.
The results were tabulated through a survey among customers.

Triumph has come away as the most satisfying motorcycle brand in Australia. The results were tabulated through a customer satisfaction survey conducted by Canstar Blue.

It is the second consecutive year that Triumph has come out ahead in the annual motorcycle survey. Previous winners were Yamaha in 2016 and Harley-Davidson in 2015. The survey began in 2015.

Customers rated the brands based on factors such as reliability, style, handling, comfort, value for money, point-of-sale service, technology features and overall satisfaction.

The survey respondents included Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and BMW owners.

KTM was ominously missing from the survey, despite being the fourth best-selling brand behind Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki.

The website also rated helmets, gloves, jackets, boots and tyres.

Triumph scored full five stars out of five in eight categories – overall satisfaction, reliability, style, handling and comfort. The brand shares top ratings in handling with Ducati.

Ducati scored full five stars for technology, but Triumph somehow scored “not applicable” despite modern Triumphs being up to the gills in technology, especially the Tiger 800 and Street Triple range. Even the retro classic Bonnevilles feature sophisticated traction control.

2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Launch in Just a Week’s Time

Triumph has released another 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 teaser video.
It shows the bike being ridden on the road and off-road.
The launch happens on 24^th October 2018 (UK time).

The countdown has begun to the launch of the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200.

Triumph Motorcycles has also released another teaser video, the fifth and perhaps the last, ahead of the grand event.

This latest video also showcases the versatility of the new bike. There are shots of it being ridden two-up on a tarmac road besides being pushed hard off-road.

Triumph was one of the leaders of off-road racing in the 60’s. The new Scrambler 1200 would return it to its off-road legacy with the promise of “never before seen levels of dual-purpose capability.” Indeed, the video shows the 1200 scrambling in the dirt; with the dust hiding the bike, of course.

Piecing together all the teaser videos revealed a little bit more about the bike. It will definitely feature the classic Triumph Bonneville silhouette, straight handlebar, flat saddle and high-mounted dual exhausts. It will be similar to its smaller 900cc Street Scrambler, but we are sure there will be many other differences to make it off-road worthy.

The Scrambler 1200 may even come ready with an underbelly skid plate and knobby tyres.

Its engine should very well be based on the High Torque (HT) version of the 1200cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-Twin with 270^o crank.

We could also very well expect traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, ABS and LED lighting. The suspension will definitely be updated.

The launch is happening on early morning, 25^th October 2018 (Malaysian time). Bikes Republic hopes to bring you the event “live.” If you can stay up for the English Premier League, you ought to stay up for the launch, too.

Misbehaving Car Drivers Caught on GoPro

It is alarming that people are generalizing all motorcyclists are evil.
Every motorcycle crash or motorcycle-related happening is being sensationalized.
We’ve caught misbehaving car drivers on our GoPro.

You only have to check out the comments for the posts and see just how ignorant the Malaysian public can be when it comes to motorcycles. Even some non-motorcycle related senior journalists have joined the fray of criticizing motorcycles without one iota of research. Well, we’ve got GoPro videos to prove that misbehaving car drivers are equally at fault in causing motorcycle accidents. But these are only two of the most blatant that we’ve recorded on a daily basis.

8 Things Drivers Don’t Understand About Motorcycles

Before we proceed further, we would like to say that we are not saying that all motorcyclists are saints and all car drivers are maniacs. Truth is, there are always the nut behind the handlebar or steering wheel. I see the same kind of bad driving and riding behaviours regardless when I ride or drive.

VIDEO 1

This was shot during a convoy to the East Coast. The truck squeezed in front of me from the right without as so much a signal, much less checking to see if his left was clear.

I pointed to the GoPro mounted to my helmet to warn his off. But he still kept shoving his way in.

He went from the rightmost lane to the leftmost lane without signal, before overtaking a lorry without signaling. The driver kept looking straight ahead at all times.

VIDEO 2

This maniac driver in the red Proton Saga could not wait for the motorcycles to overtake a few vehicles. He resorted to overtaking on the emergency lane.

I had to warn him off, in case he surprised another vehicle to swerve into the path of the convoy.

If you think the convoy hogged the overtaking lane, we were back in the left lane in 30 seconds. We did not ride the entire way in the right lane as one convoy did.

CONCLUSION

Malaysian road users must find a way to co-exist instead of generalizing and pointing the finger at an entire group.

Ten Things Motorcyclists Should Never Do (Part 1)

Besides that, the majority of vehicle owners, including bikers, know only the basics of handling their vehicles and not much else. Although the initiative for self-improvement lies within the individual, almost no one is willing to attend advanced riding or driving classes. The only way around this conundrum is for the authorities to make it mandatory. Many advanced countries have done so. Student who graduated will be given discounts on insurance and other goodies.

We also recommend that every motorcyclist be equipped with a video recording device. There are affordable ones in the market besides the top-of-the-line GoPro Hero 7 Black.

In the meantime, however, let’s live and let live. Stop riding and driving like the entire road leads to the finish line at SIC.

Bridgestone Debuts Battlax Adventurecross AX41 and Battlax S22

Bridgestone introduced the Battlax Adventurecross AX41.
The manufacturer finally has knobby tyres for dual-purpose adventure bikes.
They also debuted the Battlax S22 supersport tyres.

Believe or not, Bridgestone did not offer knobby off-road tyres for large capacity adventure bikes, despite an extensive tyre line-up. They have introduced the Battlax Adventurecross AX41 at the INTERMOT motorcycle show to compete in the segment.

Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41

The AX41 is a dual-sport tyre designed for adventure-touring motorcycles. For example, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx/XCa, Honda CRF1000 Africa Twin, R 1200 GS, F 850 GS, et al.

Bridgestone also introduced a variant for Scramblers, calling it the Battlax Adventurecross AX41S.

TAKE NOTE: Please pay attention when you replace your tyres. Unscrupulous/ignorant workshops may fit tyres designated for other types of bikes! A mechanic had insisted on fitting the GT version of the Battlax T31 to my middleweight street bike. The T31 GT is meant for heavyweights such as the Kawasaki 1400GTR, BMW R 1200 RT, etc. So, again, the AX41 is for dual-purpose bikes, the AX41S is for Scramblers.

The A41 that was introduced earlier this year, on the other hand, is for road-oriented riding with some light off-roading. Best example of fitment is the Triumph Tiger 800 XRx. It is the replacement for the Battlax Battle Wing.

Please refer to the radar graph below on product designation.

It is a good move by Bridgestone as Metzeler, Pirelli, Continental and Michelin have been running away with adventure tyre sales.

However, the AX41 will only be available from 2019, hence it will be interesting to see which bike will receive it as OEM fitment.

Bridgestone Battlax S22

For track day, Karak GP and Genting Higlands TT riders, the Japanese tyre manufacturer also introduced the Battlax S22 supersport tyre at the same show, albeit without as much fanfare as the AX41.

Judging by the pictures, the S22’s tread pattern bears much resemblance to the sport-touring T31. The T31 is an excellent handling tyre in both the dry and wet, but the S22 ought to have a softer compound for even higher grip. This should mean the S22 handles just as great, while the aggressive grooves are great for rainy day riding.

As a bit of trivia, Bridgestone called the T30 a “hybrid” tyre as it combined the designs and characteristics of the BT23 sport-touring and S20 supersport tyres.

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Wahid Ooi

An updated Ducati Multistrada 950 has been spotted.

The new bike should include a number of new features.

Sources say it may also receive an IMU.

Triumph is going back to its desert racing roots at the Baja 1000.

They will be entering the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.

The bike will be mostly stock apart from desert racing gear.

The much-awaited 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 has been officially unveiled to the media.

The bike combines the classic silhouette of the Bonneville with capabilities of the Tiger 800.

The Scrambler 1200 will revolutionize the modern scrambler.

What is it?

The two variations are:

Key Highlights

2nd generation TFT instrumentation.

6 riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road, rider configurable) including Off-Road Pro on the XE.

Optimised cornering ABS and cornering traction control on the XE.

All LED lighting, including signature DRL headlight.

Illuminated backlit switches.

Torque-assist clutch.

Keyless ignition.

Cruise control.

USB charging socket.

World’s first motorcycle integrated GoPro control system.

Specifications and equipment

Powerplant

Styling

Inspiration Kits and Custom Accessories

Triumph Bonneville Collection Clothing – the Scrambler Range

Conclusion

Triumph Motorcycles have launched the 2019 Triumph Scrambler.

It was unveiled to global distributors and dealers yesterday.

Triumph Fans France leaked the photos on their Facebook page.

The Sarawak Borneo Cross Country Rally 2018 will begin on 25th November 2018.

It will cover 2800km across Borneo, Brunei and Kalimantan.

The countdown was officiated at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia’s HQ.

The BMW r nine T Scrambler is BMW Motorrad’s answer to the “scrambler revolution.”

It shares the same chassis and engine architecture with other r nine T’s.

But it is meant for light off-roading.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

PICTURE GALLERY

Ducati will launch their full 2019 line-up at the Ducati World Première 2019.

The event is slated for 4th November in Milan (5th November in Malaysia).

The launch is 2 days prior to the start of the EICMA motorshow.

Honda is hoping Jorge Lorenzo will reveal the strong points of the Ducati Desmosedici GP18.

The Spanish riders is joining Honda from Ducati in 2019.

Honda hopes to work with Lorenzo to add stability to the RC213V.

Triumph came out tops as the most satisfying motorcycle brand in Australia.

The British brand won the survey for the second consecutive year.

The results were tabulated through a survey among customers.

Triumph has released another 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 teaser video.

It shows the bike being ridden on the road and off-road.

The launch happens on 24th October 2018 (UK time).

It is alarming that people are generalizing all motorcyclists are evil.

Every motorcycle crash or motorcycle-related happening is being sensationalized.

We’ve caught misbehaving car drivers on our GoPro.

VIDEO 1

VIDEO 2

CONCLUSION

Bridgestone introduced the Battlax Adventurecross AX41.

The manufacturer finally has knobby tyres for dual-purpose adventure bikes.

They also debuted the Battlax S22 supersport tyres.

Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41

Bridgestone Battlax S22

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The Sarawak Borneo Cross Country Rally 2018 will begin on 25^th November 2018.

The event is slated for 4^th November in Milan (5^th November in Malaysia).

The launch happens on 24^th October 2018 (UK time).