Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

New 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Debuts

When Harley-Davidson announced their returning models, two of them has received significant upgrades, namely the 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide and 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide. Both these models got many of the same styling, suspension and electronics upgrades, that were previously only available on the limited edition (read: expensive) CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide.

But let us talk about the Street Glide first.

Highlights of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide:

The heart of the Street Glide is the bigger Milwaukee-Eight 117 (that is 117 cubic inches, or 1917cc to us in the metric world).
The new cylinders utilise liquid-cooled heads, along with a new colling system.
It is a major upgrade from the previous Milwaukee-Eight 107 (1753cc).
The 117ci engine produces 105 hp and 176.3 Nm of torque, which is much healthier than the 86 hp for the 107ci powerplant.

Sure, 105 hp from 1.9 liters is not a lot, but consider the engine turning over below 1,500 RPM when cruising at 110 km/h and you will get the idea.
However, the 117ci engine does not have the VVT of the CVO’s 121ci (1982cc) engine.
Addition of a new infotainment system, with a powerful 200-watt amplifier, powering a pair of fairing-mounted speakers.

A huge (ok, gargantuan) 12.3-inch TFT colour touchscreen (the Apple iPad 2’s screen is 12.9-inches for comparison).
Riders can select riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Custom), interact with the infotainment system, etc. via the TFT screen as the analog buttons on the handlebar have been deleted.
Of course, H-D upgraded the bike’s styling too, to well, make it more contemporary, although the fairing retains the legendary batwing and shark nose profiles.
The fuel tank has a new shape.
The one-piece seat’s padding is improved for long-distance touring.

How much?

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide sells for USD 25,999 (RM 123,053.27), although the mind-numbing number of taxes will likely drive the price way up.

And my friends wonder why I wish I were rich…

Ducati Desmo450 MX Raih Kemenangan dalam Perlumbaan Sulung

Jentera Ducati Desmo450 MX telah meraih kemenangan di dalam perlumbaan sulungnya di dalam Kejohanan Motocross Prestige Itali yang diadakan di Mantua, hujung minggu lepas.

Penunggang pasukan pengilang Ducati, Alessandro Lupino telah berjaya mencatat masa saringan yang terbaik, justeru mendapt petak pertama kelas MX1 pada hari Sabtu. Lupino yang merupakan bekas Juara MXGP (Motocross World Championship) memanfaatkan kedudukan petak pertama itu di dalam moto pertama (perlumbaan pertama) bagi memenangi perlumbaan pada hari Ahad. Malangnya, dia tidak bermula dengan baik dalam moto kedua (perlumbaan kedua) dan hanya mampu menamatkan perlumbaan di tempat ke-7. Keputusan itu bermakna dia mendapat tempat ke-2 secara keseluruhannya.

Terdapat banyak publisiti yang menyelubungi Ducati Desmo450 MX. Kilang Itali itu dapat “memukat” bekas legenda MXGP Antonio “Toni” Cairoli dari “rumah” lamanya, KTM untuk bertindak sebagai pelumba pembangunan dan ujian.

Selain itu, motosikal ini adalah usaha untuk mempelbagaikan jenama Ducati ke dalam segmen lain yang berbeza daripada motosikal-motosikal mahal yang yang berorientasikan prestasi di atas jalan. Kami jangkakan motosikal Ducati MX, dan pastinya, sebuah enduro akan mula dijual kepada khayalak umum tidak lama lagi.

Selain itu, enjin satu silinder 450cc-nya merupakan perkembangan yang menarik, sekali lagi, ia menunjukkan peralihan daripada model-model berbilang silinder mereka.

Perlu dikatakan bahawa Ducati sedang bersaing dengan sebuah lagi pengilang Eropah – Triumph – dalam membina motosikal MX. Walaubagaimanapun, Triumph TF 250-X merupakan jentera 250cc dan kini berlumba dalam siri Supercross di Amerika. Ia juga telah mencapai keputusan hebat dalam perlumbaan pembukaannya. Selain itu, Triumph sudah pun sedang dijual kepada umum.

Victorious First Outing for Ducati Desmo450 MX

It was a victorious first outing for the Ducati Desmo450 MX in its competitive debut in the Italian Motocross Prestige Championship.

Alessandro Lupino rode the Ducati to the MX1 class pole position on Saturday. Lupino, a former MXGP (Motocross World Championship) Champion converted the pole position to a win in the first moto (first race) on Sunday. Unfortunately, he made a bad start in the second moto (second race) to finish in 7th. The result meant that he could only secure 2nd overall.

There is understandably a lot of vibe surrounding the Ducati Desmo450 MX. The Italian factory was able to “lure” former MXGP legend Antonio “Toni” Cairoli over from his long-time home, KTM to act as the development and test rider.

Also, the bike is an effort to diversify into another segment different from the expensive sport-oriented bikes they are synonymous with. We can look forward to a Ducati MX bike, and sure enough, an enduro in the coming years.

Apart from that, the single-cylinder 450cc engine is an interesting development, again, moving away from their multi-cylinder offerings.

It has to be said that Ducati is hot on the heels of another European factory – Triumph – in building dirtbikes. However, the latter’s TF 250-X is a 250cc machine and is now racing in the American Supercross series. It had achieved great results in its opening race, as well. Additionally, the Triumph is already on sale.

New Vehicle Sales Dipped in February

As expected, new vehicle sales dipped in February 2024 compared to January 2024.

According to the Automotive Association of Malaysia (AAM), there were 62,833 units sold in February 2024, compared to 65,499 in January 2024. It was a 4% decrease, due to the shorter month and shorter working days following the Chinese New Year holiday.

Of that number, 57,979 were passenger vehicles, while another 4,584 were commercial vehicles. When compared to the same period last year, a total of 56,443 passenger vehicles, and 7,128 commercial vehicles were sold.

Total sales as of February 2024 were 128,332 units, which is 13 percent higher than 113,729 units in the same period in 2023.

In terms of manufacturing, vehicle production rose 3% to 65,611 in February 2024 compared to 63,798 in February 2023.

Of that number, 61,935 units were passenger vehicles (up 3 percent from 59,843 units in the same month last year), while the remaining 3,676 units were commercial vehicles (down 7 percent from the previous 3,955 units).

New vehicle sales are expected to increase in March 2024, following fast deliveries by the company as the financial year will end on March 31, 2024, as well as various Hari Raya Aidilfitri promotional campaigns.

Jualan Kenderaan Februari Susut

Seperti yang telah dijangkakan, jualan kenderaan baharu pada Februari 2024 menyusut berbanding pada Januari 2024.

Menurut Persatuan Automotif Malaysia (AAM), Bulan Februari merekodkan 62,833 unit jualan, berbanding dengan 65,499 pada bulan Januari 2024. Ia merupakan penyusutan 4%, disebabkan tempoh bulan yang lebih pendek serta tempoh bekerja yang lebih singkat berikutan cuti Tahun Baharu Cina.

Daripada jumlah itu, 57,979 merupakan kenderaan penumpang, manakala 4,584 lagi merupakan kenderaan komersil. Jika dibandingkan dengan tempoh yang sama pada tahun lepas, sebanyak 56,443 kenderaan penumpang, dan 7,128 kenderaan komersil dijual.

Jumlah jualan setakat Februari 2024 adalah 128,332 unit, iaitu 13 peratus lebih tinggi daripada 113,729 unit pada tempoh yang sama pada 2023.

Daripada segi pembuatan, pengeluaran kenderaan meningkat 3% kepada 65,611 pada Februari 2024 berbanding dengan 63,798 pada Februari 2023.

Daripada jumlah itu, sebanyak 61,935 unit adalah kenderaan penumpang (meningkat 3 peratus daripada 59,843 unit pada bulan yang sama tahun lepas), manakala baki 3,676 unit adalah kenderaan komersial (turun 7 peratus daripada 3,955 unit sebelumnya).

Jualan kenderaan baharu dijangkakan meningkat pada Mac 2024, berikutan penghantaran yang cepat oleh syarikat kerana tahun kewangan akan berakhir pada 31 Mac 2024, serta berbagai kempen promosi Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

JDT Racing Team, Hafizh Syahrin takes First ARRC 2024 Podium

Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Racing Team and Hafizh Syahrin took their inaugural podium finish in the FIM Asia Motorcycle Championship (ARRC) 2024, thereby achieving their hopes, yesterday. The first ARRC 2024 round took place at the Buriram International Circuit, Thailand.

Hafizh who rode a Ducati V4 R in the Asian Superbike 1000cc (ASB1000) class made up for the disappointment of failing to finish in Race 1 on Saturday. He had to withdraw due to technical problems on his motorcycle.

Regardless, he was able to ride consistently in Race 2. He was also able to lead the race at one stage, but was overtaken by Indonesian rider Andi Farid Izdihar (Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo) to finish the race as the winner.

Andi’s teammate from Thailand, Nakarin Atiratphuvapa crossed the finish line in third place. Yuki Kunii (SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Philippines), and another Malaysian rider, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (TKKR BMW Racing Team) rounded out the top five.

The first race witnessed Azlah Shah’s amazing performance. He had started from 7th place on the grid and was able to overtake every rider in front of him until catching he caught the leader Nakarin who was already quite far ahead. Azlan then overtook Nakarin on the 9th lap and led until the end of the race.

Behind Azlan, Andi was able to overtake Nakarin for second place, while the Malaysian rider, Md. Zaqhwan Zaidi (Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo) jumped to third place.

FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2024, ASB1000 Overall Standings (Top 5)
Pelumba	Pasukan	Mata
1. Andi Farid Izdihar (INA)	Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo	45
2. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (MAS)	TKKR BMW Racing Team	36
3. Nakarin Atiratphuvapa (THA)	Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo	27
4. Md. Zaqhwan Zaidi (MAS)	Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo	26
5. Yuki Kunii (JPN)	(SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Philippines)	26

JDT Racing Team, Hafizh Syahrin Capai Podium ARRC Sulung

Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Racing Team dan Hafizh Syahrin meraih podium Kejuaraan Motosikal Asia FIM (ARRC) 2024 yang sulung, dan seterusnya mencapai harapan mereka, semalam. Pusingan ARRC yang pertama ini telah berlangsung di Litar Antarabangsa Buriram, Thailand.

Hafizh yang menunggang jentera Ducati V4 R di dalam kelas Asia Superbike 1000cc (ASB1000) dapat menebus kekecewaan kerana gagal menamatkan Perlumbaan Pertama pada Sabtu. Beliau terpaksa menarik diri kerana masalah teknikal pada motosikalnya.

Apapun, beliau dapat menunggang dengan konsisten dalam perlumbaan kedua. Dia juga dapat mendahului perlumbaan pada satu peringkat, namun dipintas oleh pelumba Indonesia, Andi Farid Izdihar (Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo) untuk menamatkan perlumbaan sebagai pemenang.

Rakan sepasukan Andi dari Thailand, Nakarin Atiratphuvapa melepasi garisan penamat di tempat ketiga. Yuki Kunii (SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Philippines), dan seorang lagi pelumba Malaysia, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (TKKR BMW Racing Team) melengkapkan penghabisan lima teratas.

Perlumbaan pertama pula menyaksikan prestasi Azlah Shah yang menakjubkan. Beliau yang bermula di petak ke-7 dapat mengejar dan memintas seorang demi seorang pelumba lain, sehinggalah dapat menjejakki pendahulu perlumbaan, Nakarin yang telah berada agak jauh di hadapan. Azlan kemudiannya memintas Nakarin pada lap ke-9 dan mendahalui sehingga tamat perlumbaan.

Di belakang Azlan, Andi dapat memintas Nakarin untuk tempat kedua, manakala pelumba Malaysia, Md. Zaqhwan Zaidi (Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo) melonjakkan diri ke tempat ketiga.

Kedudukan Keseleruhan ASB1000, Kejuaraan Perlumbaan Motosikal FIM 2024 (5 teratas)
Pelumba	Pasukan	Mata
1. Andi Farid Izdihar (INA)	Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo	45
2. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (MAS)	TKKR BMW Racing Team	36
3. Nakarin Atiratphuvapa (THA)	Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo	27
4. Md. Zaqhwan Zaidi (MAS)	Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo	26
5. Yuki Kunii (JPN)	(SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Philippines)	26

8 Vehicles Owned by Tobacco, Liquor, Cigarette Smugglers Confiscated

Eight luxury vehicles estimated to be worth around RM6 million were seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). All vehicles are owned by individuals who are allegedly involved in tobacco, alcohol and cigarette smuggling syndicates.

The vehicles consisted of two Lamborghinis, two Toyotas, and one Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo each.

The vehicles were seized in a special operation around the Klang Valley carried out by MACC’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division, since last Monday in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

“The vehicles were seized from several individuals who held positions as company owners as well as middlemen who bribed officials in an enforcement agency,” according to MACC sources.

The syndicate is suspected of money laundering by using licensed money lending companies, money changers, and ‘ghost company’ business accounts.

The syndicate’s smuggling activities are believed to have caused the loss of tax revenue estimated at more than RM400 million.

They are also suspected of giving more than RM8 million in bribes to several individuals including civil servants to launch smuggling activities.

MACC AML Director, Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin confirmed the seizure of the vehicles and the arrested individuals were investigated under Section 17(a) and Section 17(b) of the MACC Act 2009.

Nampak Mewah Rupanya Seludup Tembakau, Arak, Rokok

Lapan kenderaan mewah yang dianggarkan bernilai sekitar RM6 juta disita oleh Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM). Kesemua kenderaan dimilikki oleh individu-individu yang dipercayai terbabit sindiket penyeludupan tembakau, arak dan rokok.

Kenderaan-kenderaan itu terdiri daripada dua buah Lamborghini, dua Toyota, dan masing-masing sebuah Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Volvo.

Kenderaan itu disita dalam operasi khas sekitar Lembah Klang dijalankan Bahagian Pencegahan Pengubahan Wang Haram (AML) SPRM, sejak Isnin lalu dengan kerjasama Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) dan Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

“Kenderaan terbabit disita daripada beberapa individu yang berjawatan sebagai pemilik syarikat serta orang tengah yang membuat bayaran wang sogokan kepada pegawai-pegawai di sebuah agensi penguat kuasa,” menurut sumber SPRM.

Sindiket itu disyakki terbabit di dalam aktiviti pengubahan wang haram dengan mencuci duit menggunakan syarikat pinjaman wang berlesen, pengurup wang, dan akaun perniagaan ‘syarikat hantu’.

Kegiatan penyeludupan sindiket ini dipercayai telah menyebabkan ketirisan hasil cukai yang dianggarkan lebih daripada RM400 juta.

Mereka juga disyakki memberi wang suapan lebih RM8 juta kepada beberapa individu termasuk penjawat awam bagi melancarkan kegiatan penyeludupan.

Pengarah AML SPRM, Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin mengesahkan sitaan kenderaan-kenderaan tersebut dan individu-individu yang ditahan disiasat di bawah Seksyen 17(a) dan Seksyen 17(b) Akta SPRM 2009.

Adakah CFMoto Ibex 450 akan ke Malaysia?

CFMoto Ibex 450 telah dilancarkan bulan lepas di AS pada harga yang sangat menarik. Jadi, persoalannya adakah ia akan datang ke sini?

CFMoto pertama kali mempamerkan 450MT di EICMA pada November 2023, dan diikuti dengan penukaran namanya kepada Ibex 450 tidak lama kemudian. Pasaran AS akan menerimanya sebagai model 2025.

Apapun, “ibex” merupakan kambing gunung liar dengan tanduk panjang tebal yang terdapat di Asia Tengah dan Ethiopia. Jadi seperti namanya, CFMoto Ibex 450 ialah motosikal adventure ringan.

Ciri-ciri utama:

Enjin berkembar selari 449cc, yang dikongsi dengan 450SS (sport), 450NK (naked) dan cruiser 450CL-C yang akan datang.
Enjinnya menghasilkan 44 hp pada 8,500 RPM dan 44 Nm tork pada 6,250 RPM.
Julat kuasa enjin ini ditala untuk tugas adventure dan perjalanan jauh. Oleh itu, kuasa maksimumnya adalah 6 hp lebih rendah dan memuncak pada 1,000 RPM lebih rendah berbanding 450SS dan 450NK.
Enjin ini turut menggunakan konfigurasi engkol 270 darjah yang amat popular masa sekarang, dengan dua shaf pengimbang.
Kuasa dihantar melalui klac slipper dan kotak gear enam kelajuan.
Enjin dibawa oleh rangka tiub keluli chromoly.
Suspensi KYB dengan jarak gerakan 203mm perjalanan yang besar.
Sebaliknya, ketinggian tempat duduk hanya 820mm.
Suspensi hadapan boleh laras sepenuhnya dan monoshok belakang boleh laras untuk prabeban dan lantunan.
Kaliper brek J.Juan empat omboh, dipasang secara jejari mencengkam satu cakera 320mm di hadapan.
Motosikal ini menggunakan roda depan bersaiz 21 inci dan roda belakang 18 inci.
Sistem ABS Bosch adalah standard untuk kedua-dua bahagian hadapan, tetapi fungsi ABS di roda belakang boleh dimatikan.
Sistem kawalan cengkaman juga ditadbir oleh ECU Bosch, dan ia boleh dihidupkan atau dimatikan dari dash.
Paparan TFT melengkung 5 inci dengan sambungan telefon pintar, dan dikemas kini secara tanpa wayar.
Ciri lain termasuk cermin depan boleh laras, lampu LED, plat tergelincir aluminium, cermin lipat dan titik pengecasan USB-C.

CFMoto Ibex 450 ini turut direkabentuk oleh Kiska, yang merupakan pihak yang sama merekabentuk motosikal KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, memandangkan CFMoto masih bekerjasama dengan KTM.

Sebagai penutup, kami berharap motosikal ini sampai ke sini memandangkan pasaran adventure dan touring masih berkembang.

CFMoto Ibex 450 – Will it Come Here?

The CFMoto Ibex 450 was launched last month in the US, and with a very attractive price tag to add. So, question is will it come here?

CFMoto first showed off the 450MT sport-tourer at EICMA in November 2023, and followed up by renaming it to the Ibex 450 soon after. The US market will receive it as a 2025 model.

By the way, an “ibex” is a wild mountain goat with thick long horns that are found in Central Asia and Ethiopia. So as the name suggests, the CFMoto Ibex 450 is a lightweight adventure motorcycle.

Highlights:

449cc parallel-twin engine, shared with the 450SS sportbike, 450NK naked bike, and the upcoming 450CL-C cruiser.
The powerplant produces 44 hp at 8,500 RPM and 44 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM.
Being tuned for adventure and touring duties, that maximum power figure is 6 hp lower and peaks at 1,000 RPM lower compared to the 450SS and 450NK.
The engine also uses the now ubiquitous 270-degree crank configuration and dual counterbalancers.
Power is sent through a slipper clutch and six-speed gearbox.
The engine is carried by a chromoly steel tube frame.
Long travel KYB suspension provides a generous 203mm of travel.
Conversely, the seat height is only 820mm.
The front suspension is fully adjustable and the rear monoshock is adjustable for preload and rebound.
A four-piston, radially-mounted J.Juan caliper grabs a single 320mm disc in the front.
The bike rolls on spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels.
Bosch ABS is standard for both fronts, but the rear can be turned off.
The traction control system is also governed by a Bosch ECU, and it can be turned off or off from the dash.
A 5-inch curved TFT display with smartphone connectivity, and wirelessly updated.
Other features include an adjustable windscreen, LED lighting, an aluminum skid plate, fold-away mirrors, and a USB-C charging point.

The bike was designed by Kiska, the same folks who designed KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas motorcycles, since CFMoto is in partnership with KTM anyway.

In closing, we do hope that this bike gets here since the adventure and touring market is still growing.

Gelombang Haba Melanda Semenanjung Malaysia

Gelombang haba melanda Semenanjung Malaysia, sejurus selepas Jabatan Meteorologi Malaysia (MetMalaysia) mengeluarkan amaran pada hari-hari terakhir Februari.

Agensi tersebut telah mengeluarkan amaran Tahap 2 untuk Pokok Sena, Kedahsemalam. Ia adalah amaran kali kedua bagi kawasan itu, selepas yang pertama pada 28 Februari.

Pokok Sena hangat (pun intended) di seluruh negeri Perlis yang telah dikeluarkan amaran Tahap 2 pada hari Jumaat. Bagaimanapun, ia telah diturunkan kepada status Tahap 1 semalam.

Amaran tahap 1 juga telah dikeluarkan untuk beberapa kawasan di Malaysia Barat seperti yang dinasihatkan oleh MetMalaysia setakat 4.30 petang semalam:

Kuala Lumpur.
Kedah: Padang Terap, Sik, Baling, Kuala Muda, Pendang, dan Kota Setar.
Perak: Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, dan Kampar.
Pahang: Raub, Temerloh, dan Bera.
Selangor: Hulu Selangor.

Amaran Tahap 1 dikeluarkan apabila suhu di lokasi tertentu adalah antara 35 dan 37°C dalam tempoh 3 hari berturut-turut.

Amaran Tahap 2 dikeluarkan apabila suhu kekal antara 37 dan 40°C selama tiga hari berturut-turut.

Pemantauan kemarau

Menurut laporan pemantauan kemarau MetMalaysia pada 13 Mac, Chuping di Perlis, Kota Baru di Kelantan, Melaka dan Sitiawan di Perak mencatatkan bacaan sederhana kering dan sangat kering.

Chuping, bandar paling panas di Malaysia, merekodkan suhu 37.9°C di sepanjang Februari kerana tiada hujan. Bagaimanapun, suhu tertinggi dalam rekod ialah 40.1 °C pada 9 April 1998.

Laman web Suruhanjaya Air Negara mendedahkan paras air di empangan di Perlis dan Kedah berada pada paras amaran:

Perlis: Empangan Timah Tasoh berada pada kapasiti 59.72%.
Kedah: Empangan Muda berada pada kapasiti 47.8%, BS Padang Saga (59.83%) dan Malut (45.8%).
Pulau Pinang: Empangan Air Hitam hanya pada kapasiti 37.7%.
Johor: Empangan Sembrong Barat hanya pada kapasiti 35.23%.

Nasihat untuk rakan-rakan biker dan rider

Sila ingat untuk kekal terhidrat dan berhenti jika anda berasa pening kepala kerana tanda keletihan haba atau lebih teruk lagi, strok haba. JANGAN ambil mudah simptom tersebut. Sila rujuk petua ini tentang cara menunggang dalam cuaca panas.