Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Motorcycle Show Season for 2019 Motorcycles

It is motorcycle show season again.
Many manufacturers have unveiled their new bikes ahead of the shows.
But there may be more in store.

The end of the year brings MotoGP, heavy rain and touring season to Malaysia. On the international scene, however, the year-end marks the motorcycle show season.

We have reported on many new motorcycles that have broken their cover over the past months, notably the new-Boxer powered BMWs, Moto Guzzi V85 TT adventure bike, new Harleys and many more but they have yet to be officially launched. There are teasers, as well, such as Triumph who have promised the new 1200 Scrambler and Suzuki with their new Katana.

So, we decided to put together a list from A-Z of we expect to see at the Intermot (2^nd October), Tokyo Motor Show (27^th October) and the big one, EICMA (8^th November).

Aprilia

You could very well expect an updated RSV4 superbike. But rumours have been circulating about a 600cc superbike, too. Expect them to be shown off at EICMA as Italian manufacturers prefer to unveil their new bikes on home turf.

BMW Motorrad

BMW is expected to launch nine new bikes for 2019 but it still is not clear whether they would do it at one go or spaced out over the next year.

Like the Italians, the German manufacturers tend to introduce their new bike at Intermot since it is in Germany.

However, models that are sure to be unveiled officially are the new R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT.

Apart from the Boxers, you could reasonably expect the new S 1000 RR superbike which is said to feature a counter-rotating crankshaft, besides being Euro 5 compliant.

There is also talk of the F 800 GS Adventure making its debut.

Ducati

Ducati have since introduced the updated Scrambler Icon (our Editor Sep Irran rode the bike in Tuscany, Italy last week).

Let’s see, what does that leave us with, then? How about the homologation special Panigale V4 R for the World Superbike Championship? Oh yes, that ought to do it.

Energica

We hope the Italian electric motorcycle manufacturer will launch the roadgoing version of their MotoE World Cup racer.

Harley-Davidson

The Motor Company has unveiled their Touring, CVO and FXDR models a couple of months back, but the prototypes of the Pan America adventure bike, Custom 1250, Streetfighter 975 and LiveWire electric bike may make their appearances.

Honda

Computer rendering of CBR1000RR – Courtesy of MCN

There is a heady expectation for the updated CBR1000RR Fireblade to break covers. If that does happen, it should first appear at the Tokyo Motor Show and EICMA later.

Indian Motorcycles

Time to finally unveil the FTR1200 dirt tracker!

Kawasaki

It has been reported that Kawasaki will unveil their bikes at Intermot without waiting for the Tokyo Motor Show. That may signify that Big Green could have something interesting for the European market.

The updated Ninja ZX-10R superbike will surely be there but the Z400 naked sport bike may be launched.

KTM

KTM fans the world over have been holding their breath for the 390 Adventure and 790 Adventure. KTM may also show off updated models to counter BMW’s foray into variable valve timing technology.

MV Agusta

Milan, the city where EICMA is held is just 30 minutes away from MV Agusta’s HQ at Varese. However, there is no news of new models except for the F3 675 equipped with an Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU).

Moto Guzzi

The V85 TT adventure bike has been revealed very recently but it will be the first opportunity for the public to see it in the metal.

Suzuki

Oh yes. Suzuki will be present at Intermot ahead of Tokyo. That ought to set alarm bells ringing of something important. How does the new Katana sound?

There has also been lots of rumors about the Japanese manufacturer working on a turbocharged bike to go up against the Kawasaki Ninja H2.

Or how about something wild like a turbocharged Katana? Ooooh.

Triumph

Triumph will launch the new 1200cc Scrambler of October 24^th at Hinckley, UK (we’ll be there for it!), and that means it will be launched after Intermot.

However, there have been hints of a new Rocket III and long-awaited replacements for the Thunderbird and America cruisers.

The Moto2 engined Daytona test mule/demonstrator should make an appearance at Intermot.

Yamaha

The Tenere 700 prototype was unveiled at EICMA 2017 and Yamaha has been testing the bike all over the world ever since. This could very well mean they will launch it this year.

KTM Malaysia Launches 2019 KTM Off-Road Range, Priced from RM 38,500

KTM Malaysia has launched the 2019 KTM Off-Road Range.
The range consists of SX-F motocross and EXC enduro models.
The bikes are priced from RM 38,500 and up.

KTM Malaysia has announced and presented their 2019 Off-road range.

After revolutionizing the off-road motorcycle scene with in 2016, KTM is back with a more powerful, stronger, lighter, nimbler and innovative 2019 line-up to raise the bar even higher.

2019 KTM SX and SX-F RANGE

At the hearts of the new motocross- and supercross-ready SX and SX-F ranges are the potent two-stroke and four-stroke engines derived from the already powerful 2017 model. However, KTM did not just concentrate on the engines, instead almost every aspect of the new bikes was revised to delivery packages that simply walks away from the competition.

The two-stroke engines in the 125 SX, 150 SX and 250 SX are all equipped with new cylinders, that incorporate new power valves. The power valve combines seamlessly with the lateral exhaust port mechanism to deliver a seamless powerband throughout the engine’s RPM range.
The 125 SX, 150 SX, 250 SX-F and 350 SX-F receive a new diaphragm steel (DS) clutch which was developed specifically for off-road riding. Instead of traditional coil springs, a steel plate forms a diaphragm spring. KTM claims the DS is more reliable and requires less effort at the lever.

The clutch basket is one-piece with perforations on the back to reduce weight. Apart from that, the primary gear made from high-strength steel billet to ensure bulletproof reliability. The friction discs are extremely heat-resistant and pre-tensioned by the diaphragm spring.
These changes reduced weight by 190g over normal clutch.

Reliable and Gearbox made by drivetrain specialists Pankl.
The class-ruling 450 SX-F’s engine, on the other hand, receives a new SOHC (single overhead camshaft) cylinder head that is 15mm lower, more compact and 500g lighter. Rigid rocker arms activate four lightweight titanium valves. The intake rocker arms are coated with DLC (diamond-like coating) material. The chain guides are also now low friction items. Together, these improvements yield an impressive 11,500 RPM peak engine speed.

A new Keihin EMS (Engine Management System) with 44mm throttle delivers fuel to the uniquely-placed fuel injector. This set up promotes optimal atomization of the fuel/air mixture for quicker combustion and enhancing throttle response as well as power delivery.
A new frame is also to enhance handling. The new frame consists of hydroformed chromium molybdenum steel tubes that are precision welded by robots. It is tuned for specific flex characteristics to enhance handling, high-speed stability and comfort. It now has a 40mm longer subframe to provide rearward stability to the rider.

Riders and pundits alike swooned over the WP AER forks on the previous bike but they have been improved even further to feature new damping settings. Furthermore, the forks are now clamped in new CNC machined triple clamps that has a stiffer top clamp to mate perfectly to the characteristics of the new frame.
A new 5mm longer swingarm for better straightline stability.

A new CFD (computational fluid dynamics) designed cooling system has also been developed for the 2019 SX models. There are also new protectors to brace against impact and flying debris around the radiators. The radiators have lower centre of gravity.
The seat’s ergonomics has also been revised with silicone strips for more grip (previously available on PowerParts seat only) to provide easy movement for the rider.

Lithium-ion battery for improved starting, lower-weight and long-lasting lifespan.
New fuel pump routing for optimised internal routing.
The benchmarks for performance, playful handling, lowest weight of 100kg were achieved.

2019 KTM XC-W, EXC, EXC-F and EXC-F SIX DAYS RANGE

KTM offers no less than seven models in this range for enduro racers and trail riders alike, from the lightweight 125 XC-W to the ground-breaking 300 EXC TPI two-stroke, from the agile 250 EXC-F to the extremely powerful 500 EXC-F; besides the Six Days Edition consisting of the 250 EXC TPI Six, 250 EXC-F and 450 EXC-F.

KTM rewrote the rules when the 250 EXC TPI and 300 EXC TPI two-strokes were introduced. The TPI (Transfer Port Induction) engine has its fuel injected directly into the transfer ports via a pair of injectors. Lubricating oil (2T) is not pre-mixed but pumped with air through the crankcase.
Premix (2T) supply regulated electronically regulated and supplied by an oil pump.

As two-strokes are sensitive to differences in air pressure and temperature, fuel and premix supply are compensated for automatically by the ECU.
KTM’s TPI engines are not only more powerful than their peers due to the technology but also less polluting than traditional two-strokes.

The 450 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F engines, on the other hand, are fuel-injected, and with single overhead camshaft. The engine is the most compact 450/500cc engine on the market, yet they produce a mountain of controllable torque.
All 2019 KTM enduro range are fitted with fully-adjustable WP suspension that was specifically developed for enduro riding and competition. The forks are the excellent WP XPLOR 48 upside-down units while the rear is a WP XPLOR PDS shock. They are tuned for damping excellence besides higher sensitivity and bottoming resistance.

KTM now offers Optional Traction Control for the EXC-F range which can be activated on-the-fly. The package is included on all Six Days models.
All 2019 enduro line-up will feature new, bolder graphics as a statement to KTM’s READY TO RACE spirit.

KTM Malaysia is bring in only select models from the 2019 Off-road Range. They are priced at (RM):

250 SX-F priced from RM 38,500.00
250 EXC TPI RM 39,000.00
250 EXC TPI Six Days RM 42,500.00
250 EXC-F RM 44,000.00
250 EXC-F Six Days RM 48,500.00
300 EXC TPI RM 43,500.00
300 EXC TPI Six Days 48,000.00
350 EXC-F RM 45,000.00
350 EXC-F Six Days RM 49,500
450 EXC-F RM 46,000.00
450 EXC-F Six Days RM 50,500.00

Please follow KTM Malaysia’s official Facebook page for more information.

MV Agusta Presents Dragster 800 RR Pirelli

The MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR Pirelli is a limited edition model.
It features many details that pay homage to the famed Italian tyre maker.
No word yet on how many will be built and price.

MV Agusta has a knack for launching limited edition models. Well, as the saying goes, if you have the look, flaunt it. And flaunt it they do with this eye-popping Dragster 800 RR Pirelli.

MV Agusta is always on the cutting edge of motorcycle design and the 2018 Dragster800 RR is a result of that philosophy. However, the bike begs to be customized despite already looking great as stock (especially that truncated tail).

On the other hand, famed tyre maker Pirelli is not a stranger to style, either, so it is only right that these two Italian firms worked on a motorcycle together.

The project started with the bike as a canvas with cosmetic changes added to it. There two models, one in black and yellow and the other in white and blue.

Either way, both models stand as homages to Pirelli brand, therefore there are plenty of Pirelli designed details scattered throughout the bike.

For example, the rub tank pad, passenger seat and instrument cluster nacelle bear the Pirelli Supercorsa SP’s lightning bolt-like tread pattern. The three exhaust tips are coated in a special ceramic paint.

Other cosmetic touches are the yellow or blue power-coated trellis frame, prominent Pirelli stencil, Diablo logo on the tank, vinyl on the rims and specially lettered and lined Supercorsa SP tyres.

There is no news yet of how many MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR Pirelli will be produced and its price. We also wonder if it could appear in Malaysia, given the mess left behind by DNC Asiatic (Demak).

Demak shuts down: What could have happened to this promising Malaysian motorcycle builder?

PDRM: Marshals Have No Right to Stop Traffic During Convoys

Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) has again warned that marshals are not to direct traffic during convoys.
Marshals can only exist with Traffic Police escort.
Also, convoy organizers must apply for the right to convoy with the Traffic Control Division (Bahagain Kawalan Lalulintas).

Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) has once again reminded that marshals in motorcycle convoys are prohibited against stopping or directing traffic.

The post in PDRM’s official Facebook page also stated that the use of marshals in competitions, convoys or programs on public roads must be accompanied by the Traffic Police.

Members of the public or road user are considered in violation of this specific order if they request right of way, stop traffic, redirect traffic or other such activities.

Furthermore, ride marshals are not allowed without the presence of police escorts. Marshals are also not allowed to direct traffic in the presence of police escorts. Rather, the marshals’ duties are to ensure the ride participants adhere to traffic rules.

The police will act against individuals who attempt to control traffic flow without police escort under Section 21 of the Police Act (1967) or Section 79(2) Road Transport Act (1987).

Bikes Republic has also placed a called to the PDRM’s Traffic Control Division (Bahagian Kawalan Lalulintas) at their headquarters in Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur to seek confirmation on the matter. The need to apply for organizing convoys has existed for many years.

We were told that every motorcycle convoy must be applied to the aforementioned division ahead of time for approval. Besides that, Traffic Police escort is specifically for matters of national importance, thus escort for motorcycle convoys is due to the discretion of the PDRM.

Bahagian Kawalan Lalulintas can be reached at 03-22663358. You may submit your applications by hand to:

Bahagian Kawalan Lalulintas

Tingkat 1, Menara 1

Ibu Pejabat Polis Diraja Malaysia

Bukit Aman

50560 Kuala Lumpur.

Moto2: Triumph Hands Over Engines for 2019

Triumph has handed over the Moto2 engines to their technical partner over the Aragon GP weekend.
Technical partner ExternPro will build and maintain the engines throughout the season.
The handover signals the end of development and the beginning of a new Moto2 era.

Triumph has officially handed over the first batch of engines that power the Moto2 field in the 2019 season. The engines were presented to Triumph’s technical partner ExternPro who will build and maintain them. The ceremony was carried out at ExternPro’s base at Motorland Aragon ahead of the weekend’s races.

The handover signifies the end of the engine’s development for the 2019 season. The engines will be assembled by ExternPro and installed into the individual chassis makes in Moto2, namely Kalex, Speed Up, Tech 3, NTS and KTM.

While it is the end of the race engine development, it is the beginning of a new era for the Triumph 765cc Triple in the intermediate class and re-entry of the Hinckley-based marque into motorsports, albeit as an engine supplier.

The new engines will be ridden in anger the first time during the Moto2 Winter Test from 23^rd to 25^th November 2018 at Jerez, Spain.

Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent said, “The excitement and positive response already seen from our customers, the army of Triumph fans worldwide and in the Moto2 paddock has shown us how powerful this partnership will be for Triumph.”

“For me this is just the beginning as we will continue to support the engine programme and feed the key learnings into our motorcycle development, particularly in our class-leading Street and Speed Triples.”

(A Moto2-inspired Street Triple? Shaddup and take my money – Ed.)

As we reported earlier, the Triumph 765cc inline-Triple Moto2 engine carries over many stock parts from the Street Triple including the pistons, cams, crankshaft and conrods. The engine will then be hooked up to a Dorna-issued Magneti Marelli standard ECU which features traction control, launch control and quickshifter with autoblipper for the first time in Moto2.

Secrets of the Triumph 765 Moto2 Engine Revealed

Hong Leong Yamaha (HLYM) Launches Riding Safety Awareness Booklet

HLYM launched the Riding Safety Awareness Booklet to instill safety awareness especially among new motorcycle owners.
The booklets will be included with every new Yamaha motorcycle purchased through dealers.
The dealers are responsible in briefing each new owner on the points of safety, contained within the booklet.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. (HLYM) has launched a new safety program in a bid to increase safety awareness among motorcyclists. Core to the program is a new safety awareness booklet called, “Buku Panduan Kesedaran Persediaan Penunggangan (KPP),” translatable to “Riding Safety Awareness Booklet.”

HLYM Managing Director, Dato’ Jim Khor said during the launch that the booklets will be included with every new Yamaha motorcycle purchased through authorized dealers, throughout the country. Through the cooperation with the Malaysian Motorcycle and Scooter Dealer Association (MMSDA), he also iterated that it is the responsibility of each dealer to brief new motorcycle buyers on the points contained within the booklet. HLYM expects to distribute 20,000 copies to dealers per month to also cater for riders who have purchased motorcycles previously.

The booklet contains brief but important aspects on riding gear, pre-ride checks, simple motorcycle self-diagnosis, riding tips and a few fines and summonses applicable to those who flout the law.

“The emphasis on our customers’ safety will always be our company’s utmost priority and HLYM will continue to advocate the importance of road safety through many more programmes in the future. Based on our insights, we realized that some of the new motorcycle owners are not quite well aware on the basic safety requirements when they are on the road. We hope that with the KPP Programme, we will be able to educate them with the right information so that they can be good examples to other road users,” added Dato’ Jim Khor.

The launch of the program was launched by Datuk Mohamad Dahlan Md Maamor, the Political Secretary on behalf of the Transport Minister, YB Anthony Loke. The launching was also witnessed by the aforementioned Dato’ Jim Khor and Mr. Wee Hong, the Chairman of the MMSDA.

Ten Riding Tips from Ten Pro Riders (Part 2)

Here are the next five riding tips from pro riders.
Pro riders started out riding using the same techniques as all riders.
Those basic techniques were then honed to fit the type of bike they ride.

Continuing from Part 1, here’s the conclusion to our feature Ten Riding Tips from Ten Pro Riders. As we wrote in the previous edition, motorcycle racing pros may have different riding styles but be aware that their riding techniques were honed from the same basics of motorcycle riding.

Ten Riding Tips from Ten Pro Riders (Part 1)

For example, Marc Marquez’s elbow dragging style was developed when he rode in Moto2. Jorge Lorenzo’s high mid-corner speed style was brought over from 250cc GP.

So here are the basics. We hope all of us (including us) could apply these lessons.

6. John Kocinski – “Scrub your tyres”

John Kocinski – courtesy of www.greatprints.co.uk

Pushing hard on new or cold tyres is, but John-Boy worked around them when he was racing in US before heading to the World 250cc GP. He’d show up on the grid on shiny, unscrubbed slicks then push the front a couple of times during the warm up lap. Kocinski would slide his tyres at will due dirt training taught by his mentor, Kenny Roberts Sr.

Always break in your new tyres and warm them up before you banzai through the very first corner you see.

7. Kevin Schwantz – “Look where you’re going”

Kevin Schwantz – courtesy of bikes.suzuki.co.uk

This may sound like a superfluous advice from one of the most popular GP riders, but let’s admit it: We will still stare at the outside of corner when we panic or the tyres slide unexpectedly.

The motorcycle goes where we’re looking, and we should keep looking towards where we want it to go, even when we feel it’s out of control. This technique is taught at every advanced riding school for a reason.

8. Keith Code – “Keep a wide view”

Speaking of “views,” Keith Code is the founder of the California Superbike School and his books, A Twist of the Wrist and A Twist of the Wrist Vol. II are considered the “bible” of how to ride a motorcycle around corners. His protégés included GP greats such as Wayne Rainey, Doug Chandler, among many others.

In summing up all the lessons he taught, he wrote, “All the best riding skills you have is only as good as your visual skills.”

Apart from looking towards where you want to go, we should also keep a wide view of the road ahead. “Keeping a wide view” means utilizing your peripheral vision to resist your view from tunneling down. As the name implies, “tunnel vision” is like staring down a toilet paper tube as your senses eliminate everything else to a narrow field of view of only what’s directly in front, usually at high speeds.

Yes, it’s thrilling because it’s like the view you get when the Millennium Falcon goes to light speed, but it’s downright dangerous on the road and track.

Tunnel vision fools us into thinking that we’re travelling much faster than we actually are and that “fake speed” will overwhelm us when we approach a corner or a hazard. On the track, we’d end up braking too hard, too soon and losing speed and consequently time. However, on the roads, coupled with target fixation, we could even think we’ve run out of brakes or road hence running wide or smashing into the hazard.

Conversely, keeping a wide field of vision “slows” things down, giving us a better sense of our surroundings, effectively opening up space around ourselves. On the road, it’s one of the most important safety techniques as we could anticipate other vehicles or hazards that are starting to encroach into our path.

9. Doug Chandler – “Don’t do anything”

Doug Chandler – todayinmotorcyclehistory.blogspot.com

We understand the feeling. We’re sweeping through a beautiful set of corners and the suddenly, the rear tyre kicks out under us. Our instinct instantaneously shuts off the throttle and the rear end let go completely. There were times when the bike almost high-sided us.

Shutting the throttle abruptly when a tyre slides is against motorcycle dynamics and will cause a crash, more often than not. Learn from the pros: A sliding tyre isn’t the end of your riding.

As mentioned earlier, Doug Chandler came up through the American National Dirt-Track and supermoto championships before heading over to Superbikes and the world 500cc GP, so sliding around is second nature to him.

So, what should we do when our tyres slide? Nothing, according to Chandler. We just need to stop adding throttle, keep looking through the corner and maintain a relaxed body. Think of a sliding tyre as looking for a stable position because it will hook back up naturally. A sliding tyre will also slow down. Fighting the slide only exacerbates it as we are preventing it from carrying out its duty.

Of course, this takes some nerve, but nerves can be polished out by training. Controlling your instincts and slides are taught at Most Fun Gym.

10. “Use both brakes” – Dario Marchetti

You may not have heard of his name, but Dario Marchetti is the Technical Director and Chief Instructor of the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) Racetrack Academy. Having raced in 250 GP, 500 GP, Superbikes, Endurance besides winning at the Battle of the Twins on a Ducati at Daytona in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

He and his panel of DRE instructors include racing greats such as Carlos Checa, Manuel Poggiali and other regional champions.

Among many advices that he provides during the recent Ducati Panigale V-4 test ride at the Sepang International Circuit, he expounded explicitly on using both brakes. Using the rear brake together with front stabilizes the rear especially under hard braking. It’s a boon especially when the road condition is iffy or wet.

2018 Ducati Panigale V4S Test & Review

He also said, “If we don’t need to use rear brakes, Ducati don’t need to install one.”

He’s correct, because Ducati MotoGP riders Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso use thumb activated rear brakes on their Desmosedicis.

2018 Honda CB650F Test & Review: The All-Rounder

The 2018 Honda CB650F is the naked version of the fully-faired CBR650F.
Both bikes share the same engine but different riding dynamics.
While the CB650F is meant to be a naked sportbike, it does well as an all-rounder, too.

We’ve tested many motorcycles. Adventure-tourers, luxury tourers, supersports, scooters, cruisers, standards, café racers, modern classics, classics that aren’t modern, etc., etc. Many fit into their respective categories and perform their roles well with singular purposes. But the 2018 Honda CB650F seemed to do just about everything.

Launched together with its CBR650F fully-faired brethren, the CB650F takes on the look of a naked sportbike. It does look the part with its multi-faceted bodywork, engine hung out in open with its four exhaust headers for all to see, a stepped seat.

2018 Honda CBR650F Test & Review – “Between Two Worlds”

The 650cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, inline-Four engine is shared with the CBR650F, so as almost every part of the bike, with the exception of the headlight and handlebar.

The CB650F’s seating position put me in a nice forward crouch without needing me to plop my (substantial) belly over the tank and offering my bum to the traffic behind. The angle was between the fully sit-up style of say the Yamaha MT-07 and aggressive Honda CBR650F.

The seat may look tall but has a nice height which is accessible to most riders, while the footpegs are placed relatively high and back for ground clearance.

Stabbing the ignition button brought the bike instantly to life with a “whooshing boom,” courtesy of four cylinders. The engine felt smooth when I blipped the throttle, although there was some vibration to tickle certain parts of the body.

The CB650F needed a little more clutch slip to get going put the power kicked in quickly, accompanied by a hair-raising burble from the airbox under the fuel tank. Just as Honda claimed, the engine was tuned for low- to mid-range torque and it accelerated surprisingly fast for a mid-range inline-Four through the slick gearbox as it surfed that wave of torque around heavy traffic.

Its engine served more like a three-cylinder bike, actually, because there’s always torque everywhere up to 8000 RPM. Heck, you could even filter through traffic at 60 km/h in fourth gear without any driveline snatch. It makes life a whole lot easier than having to constantly shift gears back and forth.

But when the roads opened up, so did the CB650F as it rocketed away and kept building speed briskly. It kept finding myself riding faster than I should. Well, why not, it’s got 90 bhp and 64 Nm of torque.

Now the bike has taken on the role of a sport-tourer, as it could hold on to any high-speed I chose. There’s another surprise here: Most naked bikes would have the windblast hammering on your chest at 130 km/h, but I found that I could sit up relaxed at 160 km/h. That’s true credit to the bike’s seating position.

The tingles typical of inline-Fours stayed with me at most times but it seemed to balance out at above 110 k/h. There’s still plenty of go at this speed as a twist of the throttle had me passing an entire line of cars in a hurry.

The Honda CB650F handled quite well and it’s more nimble than the CBR650F despite the same 25.5^o rake and 101 mm trail. The taller handlebar means your arms are extended straighter while gripping the handlebar, hence your countersteering forces are more perpendicular (straight ahead) in relation the handlebar. Compared to bikes with their handlebars down in front the headstock, there is a tendency to push downwards on them as support for your upper body weight, resulting in slower steering.

The bike never protested when slammed it into corners considering the basic suspension package. The bike was suspended by the same non-adjustable Showa Dual Bending Valve Forks (SDBV) forks in front and a monoshock at the rear (adjustable for preload only). But the suspension definitely felt better on the CB650F as I didn’t have so much upper body weight on the front end.

The only thing I had to do was remind myself to hit corners with a gear higher as the engine’s torque results in heavy engine braking with the throttle off. However, this is just my personal preference as I prefer the bike to freewheel into corners. I would reduce a couple of teeth on the rear sprocket or install a slipper clutch if this bike was mine.

That brings me to what I didn’t like. The throttle was abrupt when it’s picked up from fully closed. Not from when the bike is idle, but when riding and shifting gears at low speeds, spoiling super smooth ride. I had to compensate by leaving some throttle on.

All-in-all, the 2018 Honda CB650F was a nice bike to ride around on a daily basis as it performed the role of an all-rounder remarkably well, whether it was commuting, long-distance blasting on the highway or weekend corner carver.

It’s offered at a price that’s hard to beat, considering that it has 90 bhp, great Honda build quality and comfortable, all at the same time.

2018 HONDA CBR650F
ENGINE
ENGINE TYPE	4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled, inline-Four
DISPLACEMENT	648.72 cc
BORE x STROKE	67.0 mm x 46.0 mm
POWER	90 bhp (67 kW) @ 11,000 RPM
TORQUE	64 Nm @ 8,000 RPM
COMPRESSION RATIO	11.4:1
TRANSMISSION	6-speed
FUEL SYSTEM	PGM-Fi programmed fuel injection
CLUTCH	Multiple-plate wet clutch, cable-operated
CHASSIS
FRAME	Steel diamond
FRONT SUSPENSION	ø 41 mm Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) telescopic forks
REAR SUSPENSION	Monoshock with adjustable spring preload
FRONT BRAKE	2 X Two-piston caliper and ø 320 mm discs
REAR BRAKE	1 X Single-piston caliper, ø 240 mm brake disc
TYRE FRONT; REAR	120/70 ZR-17; 180/55 ZR-17
STEERING HEAD ANGLE	25.5^o
TRAIL	101 mm
WHEEL BASE	1,449 mm
SEAT HEIGHT	810 mm
FUEL TANK CAPACITY	17.3 litres
KERB WEIGHT	214 kg

GoPro Hero 7 Black, Sliver and White Launched: Reaching Malaysia Soon

The GoPro Hero 7 line-up has been launched.
The range consists of Black, Silver and White with distinctively different available functions.
The Hero 7 ought to arrive in Malaysia in the next two weeks, according to Funsportz Sdn. Bhd.

For GoPro fans, we have news for you. GoPro, the world’s most prolific action camera maker has launched the Hero 7 line-up which consists of the Black, Silver and White editions.

We got in touch with Funsportz Sdn. Bhd., the sole distributor of GoPro cameras in Malaysia and they the Hero 7 line-up may arrive within the next two weeks. No prices have been set, though.

GoPro is so famous for their action cams that almost everyone calls any action camera a “GoPro” irrespective of manufacturer.

But as GoPro’s stocks took a hard dip together with a total of four layoffs last year, the San Mateo, California based company is streamlining its bloated line-up by eliminating certain products, while consolidating on what they do best.

The three versions of the Hero 7 are the result of that strategy.

Let’s see some of the stuff the top-of-the-line Hero 7 Black does first:

The GoPro Hero 7 uses the GP1 processor chip which is homegrown. As CEO of GoPro, Nick Woodman says, using their own chip solves the problem of using a third-party chip which is available for all other competitors’s products.
The most important feature of the Hero 7 Black is the new “HyperSmooth” image stabilization function. Judging from the videos posted on GoPro’s website and reviews by users, the footages shot looked uncannily similar to being shot using professional-level gimbal-stabilizers. So much so, that there is not a need to purchase the Karma handheld stabilizer anymore.
As a direct benefit of HyperSmooth is the TimeWarp video function.
In the previous GoPro Heros, the function records photos at regular intervals then combine them into a video. The problem was the photos were shot at different angles resulting from moving the camera around and results in super jerky videos when combined.
The Hero Black 7’s TimeWarp, on the other hand, shoots actual videos while utilizing HyperSmooth’s algorithms to create a super-smooth time lapse video. Cool!
Another new function is SuperPhoto. No, it does not turn your old, beat up bike into a Panigale V4. SuperPhoto works by “looking” at the scenes you are shooting and judges to provide the best picture quality by using Auto Low Light and HDR (High Dynamic Range) to boost colour and tone ranges. Maximum resolution is 12MP and you may shoot in RAW, too.
Besides that, shooting in 4K resolution can now be done in 60, 30 and 24 fps at wide FOV (field of view). Shooting in SuperView FOV will result in the frame rate dropping to 30 and 24 fps.
1080p videos can now be shot at up to 240 fps.
Your videos can also be live streamed either through Wi-Fi connection to your smartphone or directly via a Wi-Fi network.
GoPro has also sought to improve sound quality by using a 3-mic processing Advanced Wind Noise Reduction technology. There is also a 3.5mm mic adapter for external mics, too.
The Hero 7 Black is waterproof to 10 metres right out of the box without the needs for a waterproof casing.
The rechargeable 1220 mAh lithium-ion battery is removable for charging, which means you could swap it for another fully-charged one.
Last but not least, voice command and touchscreen functions are retained, although the latter’s UI (user interface) has been much improved.
The GoPro Hero 7 Black retails for US$ 399.99.

As for the mid-level Hero 7 Silver, the features are a little lower than the Black’s, of course, but not by much.

For starters, it does not utilize the GP1 chip.
It does not feature HyperSmooth, instead it inherits the already not bad video stabilization found in the previous Hero 6 Black.
There is also no TimeWarp and SuperPhoto and shoots photos at a maximum of 10MP.
It does have 4K video shooting ability albeit at a maximum of 30 fps, apart from the basic 24 fps. 4K only allows for Wide FOV.
The battery is built-in hence cannot be removed for charging.
As with the Hero 7 Black, the Silver edition is also waterproof to 10m, and voice and touch control are enabled.
The GoPro Hero 7 Silver retails for US$ 299.99.

Lastly, the entry-level Hero 7 White.

As with the Silver, the Hero 7 White does not utilize the GP1 chip, nor the HyperSmooth video stabilization function, TimeWarp and SuperPhoto.
Its video stabilization is inherited from the Hero 6.
Maximum video resolution is 1080p in either 60 or 30 fps in Wide FOV only.
The battery is also built-in, meaning you have to put the camera out of action in order to charge it.
It is also waterproof to 10m, and has voice command and touchscreen features, but no GPS tagging.

The GoPro Hero 7 White retails for US$ 199.99.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia Dresses Up for Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) 2018

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride covers modern retros such as Moto Guzzi motorcycles.
The Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon and V7 III Rough were launched just in time for the event.
Riders may also find the best clothing from Tiga Supply Co. and Stronghold Cycles for DGR.

As the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) 2018 is just around the corner (30^th September 2018), Moto Guzzi Malaysia dresses up for the event.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is an annual worldwide initiative which brings awareness to medical afflictions that inflict men, besides enlightening the general public that the majority of motorcyclists consist of gentlemen (and gentle ladies). Participants are encouraged to donate to a fund which carries out research on those afflictions.

Register NOW for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2018!

Hence as part of its central theme, participants of the ride dress up dapper, as in riding in suits and formal wear. That is not all, however, participants are also encouraged to don in period and classic fashions.

All types of motorcycles are welcome although DGR is better known for an event which encompasses vintage, classic, modern retro, café racer, and custom motorcycles, besides any home-created motorized two-wheeler.

This is where Moto Guzzi fits in, as the Italian manufacturer which hails from Mandello, near the idyllic Lake Como, Italy is the heritage and classic line of the Piaggio Group.

Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone and Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Test & Review

To commemorate the upcoming DGR 2018, the Managing Director of Asia Pacific 2Wheeler, Piaggio Asia Pacific, Simone Niccolai dressed the part along with the management personnel of DIDI Resources Sdn. Bhd., Tiga Supply Co. and Stronghold Cycles, during the launch of the Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough.

In fact, both the Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough and V7 III Carbon were launched in time for the distinguished event. The V7 III is the entry-level range for the Italian manufacturer and is meant to be customized. Riders may choose from an extensive catalog for their needs.

(Please click on this link for more information on the V7 III Carbon and this link for the V7 III Rough.)

Tiga Supply Co. er… supplies the best selection of clothing for vintage, classic, modern retro, café racer, and custom motorcycles; everything from head to toe, besides dealing in vintage and retro bikes.

Stronghold Cycles on the other hand is the official dealer for Moto Guzzi at The Gasket Alley besides dealing in vintage and retro motorcycles, in addition to vintage rider wear.

Last but not least, DIDI Resources is the official importer and distributor of Moto Guzzi motorcycles in Malaysia.

So, please visit Moto Guzzi Malaysia, Tiga Supply Co. and Stronghold Cycles at The Gasket Alley in Petaling Jaya for prepare for your Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2018!

Ministry of Transport to Dego Ride: Cease Operations or Face Action

Motorcycle taxi e-hailing service Dego Ride has been warned to cease action.
The government will not allow the service due to safety concerns.
It was reported that Dego Ride restarted service last week after being told to stop by the previous government.

The Ministry of Transport sounded off another round of warnings to motorcycle taxi service Dego Ride to cease operations immediately or the government will not hesitate to take action.

Transport Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook iterated at a press conference that the government maintains its stance against motorcycle ride-hailing services mainly due to safety reasons.

Minister of Transport Anthony Loke – Courtesy of mole.my

“We will never legalise Dego Ride in Malaysia because we disagree with any type of ride-sharing services that involve motorcycles,” said the Minister after a Cabinet meeting at his ministry.

The government is baulking with the idea as there are already too many accidents involving motorcycles in Malaysia and believes that a motorcycle taxi service will only add to the statistics, what more involving passengers.

Loke also added that, “We will send enforcement officers to go after Dego Ride.”

The previous Barisan Nasional-led government had already disallowed the service in February 2018, citing the reason of Malaysia already having an extensive public transportation system.

Loke has since told the Dewan Rakyat in July this year that the government will not allow the service, due to the same concern regarding safety and the high number of motorcycle accidents and casualties.

However, the motorcycle taxi e-hailing service restarted their services in a small scale around the Klang Valley last week, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.

Founder of Dego Ride, Nabil Faisal Bamadhaj was reported to have met with Transport Ministry officials and was confident that Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad would allow the service to be revived.

2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough Officially Launched by DIDI Resources

We had taken the first look at the 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough earlier.
DIDI Resources has now officially launched it.
Priced from RM 69,900 for introductory units and RM 75,000 thereafter (prices are basic selling prices with SST, but no on-the-road).

DIDI Resources, the official custodians of the Moto Guzzi Malaysia, has officially launched 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough. We had the first look of the bike earlier.

First Look Review: 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough

The V7 III Rough is the latest addition to the V7 III’s extensive model line-up which includes the recently launched Carbon, Anniversario, Racer, Stone, Special, besides the Limited and Milano that are not available in Malaysia, as yet.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia introduces limited edition V7 III Carbon – Priced at RM74,900

The V7 III line-up not only represents the Moto Guzzi’s entry-level motorcycles, but also the most customizable, which is why there are so many interpretations within the manufacturer itself.

Coming back to the Rough iteration, the bike rolls on knobby tyres mounted on spoked rims, for a version that screams “urban jungle basher.” That should mean the bike is made for conquering rough city roads, as well as shooting through an unpaved shortcut. It also should be fine for light off-road paths, say to camping sites like those at Janda Baik or Mat Daling, to name a few.

In the V7 III signature minimalistic style, the front and rear fenders are polished aluminium while the fuel tank is finished in matt silver. The headlamp nacelle, handlebars, engine and single-sided swingarm are powercoated in black. The fork stanchions are enclosed in classic dust gaiters. A black leather seat with classy red stitching adds the finishing touch.

Moto Guzzi also offers an extensive array of accessories for the rider to turn his V7 III Rough into a bike which better reflects his personality.

Powering the V7 III Rough is the same 750cc, air-cooled, pushrod-activated 2-valve-per-cylinder, transversely-mounted, 90^o V-Twin lump which made its debut in 1967. It produces 52bhp at 6,200 RPM and 60 Nm of torque at 4,900 RPM. The engine is tuned to provide linear torque throughout its rev range.

The engine and longitudinal gearbox are then mounted to a dismountable double-cradle frame with the same weight distribution as the legendary V7 of 46% rear and 54% front. Dual Kayaba shocks suspend the swingarm (which contains the driveshaft on one side) from the frame. This configuration provides the bike with a low and accessible seat height of just 770 mm.

While Moto Guzzi is considered the “heritage” brand under the Piaggio Group, the motorcycles are anything but, as despite being the entry-level range, the V7 III line-up features a two-level Moto Guzzi Traction Control (MGCT) and a two-channel ABS system made by Continental.

Further on electronics, the single speedometer gauge may look basic, but it displays all pertinent data such as gear position, odometer and daily trip odometer, trip time, average speed, real-time and average fuel consumption, average speed and MGCT level. The minimum and maximum engine revs can also be preset.

The instrument display may also be updated with the optional Moto Guzzi Multimedia Platform which connects a smartphone via an app to present even more data to the rider.

In launching the Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough, it also pays tribute to the upcoming Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) 2018 (happening on 30^th September 2018), Mr. Simone Niccolai, the Managing Director of Asia Pacific 2Wheeler, Piaggio Asia Pacific, dressed the part for the occasion with attired supplied by Tiga Supply Co. together with the management personnel of DIDI Resources and Stronghold Cycles.

The 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough is priced at RM 69,900 for introductory units and RM 75,000 thereafter (prices are basic selling prices with SST, but no on-the-road).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2018 MOTO GUZZI V7III ROUGH
ENGINE
ENGINE TYPE	4-stroke, pushrod-activated 4-valve, air-cooled, transversely-mounter, 90^o V-Twin
DISPLACEMENT	744 cc
BORE x STROKE	80 mm x 74 mm
POWER	52 bhp (38 kW) @ 6,200 RPM
TORQUE	60 Nm @ 4,900 RPM
TRANSMISSION	6-speed
FUEL SYSTEM	Fuel injection with single throttle body
CHASSIS
FRAME	Double cradle tubular frame in ALS steel with detachable elements
FRONT SUSPENSION	ø Ø 40 mm hydraulic telescopic forks, 130 mm travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Twin Kayaba shocks with adjustable spring preload, 93 mm travel
FRONT BRAKE	1 X Two-piston Brembo caliper, ø 320 mm floating disc
REAR BRAKE	1 X Two-piston floating caliper, ø 260 mm brake disc
FRONT TYRE	100/90-R18 (110/90-R18 optional),
REAR TYRE	130/80-R17
STEERING HEAD ANGLE	26.4^o
TRAIL	106 mm
WHEEL BASE	1,445 mm
SEAT HEIGHT	770 mm
FUEL TANK CAPACITY	21 litres (with 4 litres as reserve)
KERB WEIGHT	209 kg (with 90% fuel and all fluids, ready to ride)

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

It is motorcycle show season again.

Many manufacturers have unveiled their new bikes ahead of the shows.

But there may be more in store.

Aprilia

BMW Motorrad

Ducati

Energica

Harley-Davidson

Honda

Indian Motorcycles

Kawasaki

KTM

MV Agusta

Moto Guzzi

Suzuki

Triumph

Yamaha

KTM Malaysia has launched the 2019 KTM Off-Road Range.

The range consists of SX-F motocross and EXC enduro models.

The bikes are priced from RM 38,500 and up.

2019 KTM SX and SX-F RANGE

2019 KTM XC-W, EXC, EXC-F and EXC-F SIX DAYS RANGE

The MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR Pirelli is a limited edition model.

It features many details that pay homage to the famed Italian tyre maker.

No word yet on how many will be built and price.

Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) has again warned that marshals are not to direct traffic during convoys.

Marshals can only exist with Traffic Police escort.

Also, convoy organizers must apply for the right to convoy with the Traffic Control Division (Bahagain Kawalan Lalulintas).

Bahagian Kawalan Lalulintas

Tingkat 1, Menara 1

Ibu Pejabat Polis Diraja Malaysia

Bukit Aman

50560 Kuala Lumpur.

Triumph has handed over the Moto2 engines to their technical partner over the Aragon GP weekend.

Technical partner ExternPro will build and maintain the engines throughout the season.

The handover signals the end of development and the beginning of a new Moto2 era.

HLYM launched the Riding Safety Awareness Booklet to instill safety awareness especially among new motorcycle owners.

The booklets will be included with every new Yamaha motorcycle purchased through dealers.

The dealers are responsible in briefing each new owner on the points of safety, contained within the booklet.

Here are the next five riding tips from pro riders.

Pro riders started out riding using the same techniques as all riders.

Those basic techniques were then honed to fit the type of bike they ride.

6. John Kocinski – “Scrub your tyres”

7. Kevin Schwantz – “Look where you’re going”

8. Keith Code – “Keep a wide view”

9. Doug Chandler – “Don’t do anything”

10. “Use both brakes” – Dario Marchetti

The 2018 Honda CB650F is the naked version of the fully-faired CBR650F.

Both bikes share the same engine but different riding dynamics.

While the CB650F is meant to be a naked sportbike, it does well as an all-rounder, too.

2018 HONDA CBR650F

ENGINE

CHASSIS

The GoPro Hero 7 line-up has been launched.

The range consists of Black, Silver and White with distinctively different available functions.

The Hero 7 ought to arrive in Malaysia in the next two weeks, according to Funsportz Sdn. Bhd.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride covers modern retros such as Moto Guzzi motorcycles.

The Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon and V7 III Rough were launched just in time for the event.

Riders may also find the best clothing from Tiga Supply Co. and Stronghold Cycles for DGR.

Motorcycle taxi e-hailing service Dego Ride has been warned to cease action.

The government will not allow the service due to safety concerns.

It was reported that Dego Ride restarted service last week after being told to stop by the previous government.

We had taken the first look at the 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough earlier.

DIDI Resources has now officially launched it.

Priced from RM 69,900 for introductory units and RM 75,000 thereafter (prices are basic selling prices with SST, but no on-the-road).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2018 MOTO GUZZI V7III ROUGH

ENGINE

CHASSIS

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