Suzuki looks poised to install a new variable valve timing system in the new GSX-1000.
The current system uses centrifugal forces.
The new system follows the trend of using hydraulically-activated VVT.
The current Suzuki GSX-R1000 is already employing variable valve timing (VVT), but the new generation will feature a newer VVT.
As of now, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 VVT technology is derived directly from the Suzuki GSX-RR MotoGP bike. MotoGP regulations forbid hydraulic, electric and electronic variable valve timing and variable valve lift systems. Hence, Suzuki worked around this restriction by designing and employing a mechanical solution since 2015. The system works by using centrifugal force generated by the camshaft as it spins.
However, Suzuki has submitted the patents for a “traditional” hydraulically-activated system for the road bike. According to the documents, it is an oil pressure-activated, cam-shifting system.
Like the VVT patents of Honda, Suzuki’s VVT will activate both intake and exhausts cams. The current Gixxer is great to ride, but there are limitations of the current VVT due to the weight of the springs and gyroscopic forces in the mechanism.
It is also different from the BMW S 1000 RR’s ShiftCam system.
We foresee more motorcycles will be fitted with VVT systems of sorts in the years to come. As we mentioned before, VVT is one of the best ways to combat exhaust emissions and fuel consumption while still providing loads of power.
BMW Motorrad sold a record number of bikes in 2018.
They reported a total of 165,566 units sold, an increase of 0.9%.
Germany continued as the biggest market, although China was the fastest growing.
BMW Motorrad has achieved another milestone as 2018 was another record year in terms of sales.
Global sales were up by a moderate 0.9% from 2017, with a total of 165,566 units sold.
The R 1200 GS and GS Adventure continues to be the most popular model, selling 51,000 units. The R nineT retro series also sold well, contributing 33,500 machines for a total of 84,500 R-series sold.
BMW’s second best-seller was the inline-Four S-series. 18,773 S 1000 RR, S 1000 R and S 1000 XR were sold.
S 1000 R
Furthermore, BMW’s sales in America increased by 2.2% despite the overall downturn in the market. The upturn was due to the six-cylinder K 1600 B Grand America touer which sold 8,306 units out of the total of 13,842 units.
K 1600 B Grand America
The manufacturer’s leading markets continue to be Germany (-11%, 23,824), France (0%, 16,615), Italy (-2%, 14,110) and Spain (0%, 11,124). 9,224 BMWs were sold in the UK.
Growth centres were China (35%, 7,561), Brazil (11%, 7,361) and India with 2,187 units sold there.
Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad Malaysia sold 1,130 motorcycles, marking a 7% increase over 2017. The R 1200 GS Adventure was the biggest contributor which more than 300 units.
BMW Motorrad is looking forward to another great year in 2019, what with the advent of the new models using the 1254cc ShiftCam boxer engine, new S 1000 RR, a return to WSBK, plus a few more models in the pipeline.
The Modenas Pulsar Dareventure reality program was launched today.
The program provides Malaysian motorcycle fans a unique experience on the Modenas Pulsar NS200.
It will be aired on Modenas’ YouTube channel.
Malaysian motorcycle manufacturer, Modenas (Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd.) launched the Modenas Pulsar Dareventure reality program today.
Speaking at the launch, En. Amirudin Abd. Kadir, Chief Executive of Modenas said that the Pulsar Dareventure program was introduced by Bajaj in 2014. Since then, it had covered countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka and Peru.
On the other hand, Malaysia is the first Southeast Asian country to feature the program. Modenas will broadcast the program via their YouTube channel.
“10 participants were chosen from all over Malaysia. They will go up against the challenges we will set up,” he added.
“The Pulsar Dareventure program enjoyed a large number of viewership. We are confident that the Malaysian edition is just as popular. The program allows the chance for motorcycle fans, regardless if they are Modenas owners, to experience something unique.”
Mr. Anurag Sharma, Country Sales Manager of Bajaj Auto Limited was on hand during the launch.
He said, “The program seeks to highlight the Modenas Pulsar NS200’s versatility, reliability and abilities to handle different terrains other than just road riding.”
“Modenas Dominar 400 owners already have the Motography: Explore the Unexplored activities, so this is something for the Pulsar NS200 owners.”
Celebritiy Nurul Alis Aidil, better known as Kiki, will host the program.
The launch was held at the Proton Centre of Excellence. The media were given the opportunity to test ride the Modenas Pulsar NS200 on the Proton test track, which included running up on the banked turns.
The Yamaha MT-07 Tracer is missing from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor’s lineup.
Could we see the model launched during the Yamaha Dealer Conference at the end of this month?
Or might we see the MT-09 Tracer GT, instead?
There is model which is currently missing from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor’s big bike repertoire – the MT-07 Tracer.
It’s near the end of January, which is time for another HLYM Annual Dealer Conference. The conference has always been held at Genting Highlands and welcomes Yamaha dealers from around Malaysia. Therefore, it’s the best opportunity to launch new models.
Yamaha MT-07 Tracer
However, the MT-07 Tracer (or Tracer 700 in other countries) is nowhere to be seen in Malaysia ever since its debut in 2016.
On the other hand, The MT-09 Tracer is the sport-touring version of the MT-09 naked sportbike. In order to fulfill that role, it is equipped with a top fairing with dual headlamps, tall windshield, handguards and a flatter passenger seat.
2019 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer
Therefore, Yamaha gives the MT-07 Tracer the same treatment as its bigger cousin. As in top fairing with dual headlights, tall windshield, handguards and a flatter passenger seat.
The MT-07 is renowned for its low-down and midrange torque, ease of handling and low seat height. As such, it provides a great base for the sport-touring version.
2019 Yamaha MT-07
However, there are other version to both Tracers called the MT-09 Tracer GT and MT-07 Tracer GT, respectively. These variants include colour-matched side bags (panniers), besides larger and adjustable windscreens.
2019 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer GT
Could we see the Mt-07 Tracer or both GTs at Genting? Watch this space!
Norton has sealed a £5 Million contract with a Japanese distributor.
The plans calls for the delivery of 1,000 bikes over five years.
The deal allows Norton to expand its workforce.
The fledgling Norton seals a £5 million business deal in Japan.
According to the agreement, Norton will supply 1,000 motorcycles over the next five years.
Announced as the Japanese Prime Minister is visiting the UK, the deal should help to ease some of the Brexit related fears that are currently sweeping UK businesses and is said to support 200 jobs at the Castle Donington headquarters.
Norton Atlas Ranger
Norton’s Head of Global Sales, Kay Johnson said: “Norton have an agreement with our distributor, PCI Limited in Japan which will run over a five-year term to manufacture over 1,000 bikes and will achieve an estimated value of £5m.
“We very much look forward to growing our workforce to support the demand for motorbikes in this territory and, in doing so, continue to build a strong trading business with Japan.”
Norton Dominator
The news comes just weeks after Norton welcomed the first owners of its new V4SS superbikes to the factory to collect their machines.
The current Norton line-up includes the V4SS, the Dominator and Commando Sport and Café Racer. The firm also debuted three new lightweight bikes at Motocycle Live, including the Superlight 650 (basically half the engine of the V4SS to suit Isle of Man TT Lightweight TT regulations) and the Atlas and Ranger which are café racer / scrambler inspired nakeds.
The CBR650R is the replacement for the current CBR650F fully-faired midrange sportbike. The new bike uses the same engine as the CB650R Neo Sport Café, which has gained 5% more power. Together with a weight reduction of 6kg from the frame, fuel tank and other parts, the new bike gains 8% in terms of power-to-weight ratio. That is something a rider can feel.
Its ergonomics has also been revised to provide a more aggressive ride. The clip-on handlebars are 30mm further in front, in addition to being lower. Similarly, Honda moved the footpegs back by 3mm and 6mm higher. This arrangement puts more of the rider’s weight over the front wheel for sportier handling.
Honda has also updated the chassis. The new bike features fully-adjustable Showa SFF upside-down forks and radially-mounted Nissin four-piston calipers.
Last but not least, the package is wrapped in a bodywork inspired by the company’s flagship CBR1000RR Fireblade sportbike.
Although the CBR650R doesn’t produce as much power as the discontinued CBR600RR, the former is still a motorcycle worthy in filling the gap. In fact, the CBR600F would look like the CBR650R had it continued on its development arc.
Oh yes, the price. The 2019 Honda CBR650R sells for £7729 (RM 40,730.66 as on 15thJanuary 2019) on the road.
The Shoei IT-HT smart helmet went on display at CES (Consumer Electronics Show).
It features a built-in HUD (head-up-display) and Bluetooth connectivity.
The HUD can display real-time riding data such as speed, engine RPM, navigation, etc.
So far, smart helmets are confined among independent makers. Start-up Brands such as Jarvish and Skully usually raise funds through crowd-funding. But now Shoei has just shown off their smart helmet at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Shoei’s IT-HT includes Bluetooth connectivity and a head-up-display (HUD). Real time riding data is displayed on the translucent HUD, allowing the rider to keep his eyes on the road at all times.
As with the features offered by other smart helmet makers, the rider can customize the data including speed, engine RPM, navigation, incoming call, and so forth.
There are also start-ups such as Hudway, Nuviz and Seemore who provide add-on HUD devices, but Shoei partnered with NS West to develop the technology. The Japanese company produces instrumentation and HUDs for Mazda.
The IT-HT is a demonstrator in the meantime and the Shoei headquarters did not announce when it will go into production. However, they will be the first among major helmet manufacturers to venture into smart helmets should they pursue that direction.
Could this be the impetus to all major helmet manufacturers, as well?
Honda UK has revealed the 2019 Honda CB650R price.
The new bike is almost entire new, besides its styling.
Honda UK is selling it at £6999 on-the-road.
Just as we are currently testing both the CB250R and CB1000R, Honda released the price of the new CB600F in the UK.
First making its appearance at the Paris Motor Show last year, CB650R is an almost total revamp of its CB600F predecessor. Styling wise, the new bike fits into Honda’s Neo Sports Café line-up which includes the two models we are testing.
We were impressed by the CB650F during our testing. We called it an all-rounder as it filled a number of roles comfortably. However, its styling hardly caught anyone’s eyes. Sure, it fitted in with modern motorcycle designs, but there was just something missing.
As such, Honda addressed that issue by redesigning the bike completely. It now has a modern retro styling, yet with modern twists, hence the “Neo Sports Café” designation.
Honda didn’t just perform a makeover, however. The new CB650R is almost entirely new.
Revisions to the frame, fuel tank and other parts lowered weight by 6kg. The frame itself is 1.9kg lighter with a stiffer headstock and more flexible side spars. The forks are now Showa SFF (Separate Function Forks) that are adjustable for preload and rebound damping. The front brakes consist of radially-mounted four-piston Nissin calipers. The rims are new, too.
The engine gains a 1000 RPM rev limit, besides revisions to the fueling and mechanical bits. The result is a 5% power boost from the inline-Four.
As for ergonomics, the riding position is now more aggressive. The handlebar has moved forward by 13mm and down by 8mm. Additionally, the footpegs have gone backwards by 3mm and up by 6mm.
The TFT screen is shared with the Honda CB500 range.
Honda UK quoted the 2019 Honda CB650R at £6999 (RM36,950.52 as of 15thJanuary) on the road. We expect it to cost between RM 45,000 to 52,000 in Malaysia.
Boon Siew Honda gives the 2019 Honda Wave Alpha and 2019 Honda BeAT new colours.
The Wave Alpha is the current leader in the small capacity cub segment.
The 2019 BeAT is the third generation BeAT automatic scooter.
Boon Siew Siew Honda has launched new colours and striping for the 2019 Honda Wave Alpha and 2019 Honda BeAt.
2019 Honda Wave Alpha
The Wave Alpha is the current leader among the small capacity cub segment in Malaysia. This is due to Honda’s brief in producing it as the motorcycle for the masses.
For 2019, Honda updates the bike with new colours and graphics to appeal to both the matured as well as the younger audiences.
The model is offered in two variants. The first features cast wheels and a front disc brake. The other variant features spoked wheels and drum brakes on both ends.
The new colour schemes for the disc brake variant are Pearl Megallanic Black with yellow striping, Vivacity Red and Pearl Nightfall Blue.
As for the spoked wheels variant, the colour schemes are Vivacity Red, Pearl Megallanic Black and Pearl Nightfall Blue.
The disc brake model is priced from RM 4,516, while the spoked wheels model is from RM 4,275 (basic selling prices excluding road tax, insurance and registration). The new Wave Alpha is available from today onwards.
2019 Honda BeAT
This is the third generation BeAT after being first introduced in 2016. The BeAT is popular for its great looks and fuel economy, as well as storage space.
Its powered by a 108cc, PGM-FI fuel-injected engine. Power is fed to the rear wheel via a V-belt.
The new BeAt is now equipped with a sidestand sensor which incapacitates engine start and accidental acceleration. The engine also cuts out when the sidestand is lowered. Additionally, the model also features Combi Brake System which activates both brakes to increase braking power besides stabilizing the bike under hard braking. A Smart Lock System assists with being stationary on a slope – more like a manual Hill Start Assist system in the larger bikes.
There are four new colours for the 2019 BeAT: Vivacity Red, Space Magenta Metallic, Pearl Nightfall Blue and Pearl Megallanic Black.
Boon Siew Honda prices the BeAt from RM 5,365 (basic selling price excluding road tax, insurance and registration).
The new BeAT will be available from next week onwards.
The Kingz Motorcycle Group celebrated their 3rd Anniversary recently.
About 100 riders flagged off the MG’s clubhouse in Sentul.
The group rode through KL to Putrajaya and back to Jalan Tun Razak to complete the proceedings.
The Kingz Motorcycle Group celebrated their 3rd Anniversary recently.
The MG started their ride from their club house in Sentul in the afternoon. Nearly 100 riders took part. A great number of Kingz MG members are well-known throughout the motorcycling fraternity.
But what better way to celebrate a motorcycle group’s anniversary other than creating some heavy metal thunder. It must’ve been a proud day for the members as they rode as one, the wind blowing through their “colours” (the official group vests).
The group first rode from HDPJ through Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya. The riders stopped for some beautiful photographs while taking a short breather and jesting with each other. The majestic buildings of Malaysia’s administrative centre provided a wonderful background to the chrome, shiny paint jobs and rumble of a hundred Harley-Davidsons.
They adjourned from Putraja and rode to G-Tower, situated along Jalan Tun Razak for the remainder of the evening.
There, the riders were visibly elated and on a high from being in a brotherhood. They even poured water on each other after a group photoshoot.
A buffet dinner was served as they were serenaded by a live band who belted out classic “road trip” hits.
With support from Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya, the official distributor of Harley-Davidson in Malaysia, Kingz MG celebrated their 3rdAnniversary by cutting a cake decorated with the group’s name.
We congratulate and salute Kingz Motorcycle Group for bringing the thunder among the riders. May your club flourish and continue to ride for many years to come.
With the current influx of Chinese motorcycles into Malaysia, will Zontes make its way over?
Zontes produces everything in-house, apart from ABS and fuel-injection systems.
The manufacturer is into innovation and their motorcycles utilize high-end features.
With the influx of Chinese motorcycles to Malaysia, we wonder if another maker, Zontes, could be on the way, as well.
The Zontes website lists six models of motorcycles. Three are 310cc and the other three 250cc models. The two engines act as the platforms for the different models.
The first, called 310T, looks like a BMW GS at first glance. Indeed, Zontes positions it as a lightweight adventure-tourer. From what we could gather, it features an electrically adjustable windscreen, TFT screen, upside-down forks, and crash bars.
A second model is listed as the naked sport 310R. It looks like the cross between an MV Agusta and Kawasaki Z800. Its most outstanding features are the twin slash-cut exhausts pipe tips and sharp tail with embedded LED taillights. It too, features a TFT screen.
The third model is what looks like a sport-tourer called the 310X. Apart from the same componentry of the 310R, it has an electrically-adjustable windscreen, as well.
Check out the video below.
All 310 models utilize TFT screens, LED lighting, Bosch ABS and Delphi fuel injection system. Suspension systems on all three bikes are the same: upside-down forks and rear monoshock.
Zontes is currently being sold in China, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Pakistan, among other countries.
Zontes is the result of foreign joint venture with Guangdong Tayo Motorcycle Technology Co., Ltd. and founded in 2003. The company currently boasts 1,600 staff members, with 60% of them holding college degrees and above.
Guangdong Tayo’s philosophy is grounded in innovations. As such, they hold 256 styling patents, 121 patents for utility models and 36 patents for inventions. The company has also received the Technology Innovation Award three times.
Apart from sourcing brake and ABS, and fuel-injection components, the company produces almost all parts of their motorcycles in-house, including the engine. This is due to the manufacturer’s employment of robots in their manufacturing processes.
The robots are used for:
Aluminum alloy high pressure casting.
Magnetic mold-replacing injection molding.
Four-axis positioner frame welding.
Four-axis positioner silencer welding.
Traceless roll welding for gasoline tank.
Aluminum alloy surface coating.
Totally enclosed robot painting.
Seat cushion internal foaming unibody.
Stereoscopic warehouse with ERP system integration.
Apart from the autonomous robots, there are is a semi-automatic man-machine high precision manufacturing department.
They are in charge of:
Four-axis CNC machining.
Gear mechining and thermal treatment.
CNC stretch forming for the gasoline tanks.
Aluminum alloy low pressure casting.
Aluminum alloy frame welding.
Motorcycle and engine assembly.
Electric car components manufacturing and assembly.
The Department of Road Safety (JKJR) is studying on whether to limit kapchais to 70 km/h and riding on the left side of the road only.
The hope that these measures will reduce the number of deaths involving motorcycle accidents.
To us there are more productive ways that should be pursued.
The Department of Road Safety (JKJR) is studying to limit kapchaisto 70 km/h and riding on the left side of the road to reduce deaths from motorcycle accidents.
The Backstory
According to Bernama, the impetus to conduct the study is based on a number of factors. However, the overriding concern is about more than 60% of all deaths in traffic accidents involve motorcyclists and/or their pillions. The number translates to 6,742 fatalities in 2018 alone.
Datuk Rosli Isa, Head Directory of JKJR said the proposal calls for limiting kapchais150cc and under to a maximum speed of 70 km/h and riding only in the left lane. He added that his department will also look at the effectiveness of such measures in other countries where they have been implemented such as Hong Kong and Australia.
To Datuk Rosli, kapchaisweaving in and out of traffic exposes the occupants to dangers among heavier vehicles. Additionally, most of the cases involved motorcycles speeding.
Datuk Rosli’s proposal echoes the views of Safety First, a group of 500 Whatsapp users who met with Minister of Transport YB Anthony Loke last Wednesday.
Our Take
First and foremost, what is the percentage of those motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles as the guilty party? It seems to be a trend to apportion blame on motorcyclists every time an accident happens. It is being simplistic and unfair.
Malaysia already has a number of good laws pertaining to road usage (although they need to be updated). According to the Highway Code which every road test candidate studies, motorcycles are meant to stay on the left side of the road, 3 metres from the shoulder, anyway.
Photo credit NSTP
Yet, where is the enforcement? That is the biggest problem with Malaysia and her laws. After all, Malaysian agencies are notorious for going at it 100% when a new statute is passed, then slack off with the passing of time. There was a blitz against using mobile phones while driving at one time. Where is it now? How about the war against those who stop in the yellow box?
The honourable Datuk Rosli mentioned Australia and Hong Kong. But please bear in mind that road laws there are diligently enforced, and the culprits don’t get away with by contributing a RM 50 angpow.
If the two new laws are passed, who and how will they enforce the motorcycles’ speed limit? Who and how will they enforce against motorcycles continuing to zip around in traffic?
Okay, fine, let’s assume that kapchaisstay at 70 km/h and in the left lane.
However, anyone who has travelled on Malaysian roads can attest to heavy vehicles themselves zipping around in traffic or encroaching into any lane which the driver deems as “empty.” Who are to stop them? Will the government place barricades to separate the motorcycle lane from other lanes in the city?
And speaking about heavy vehicles and the speed limit, what speed limit? Busses and trucks regularly blast by at 130 km/h. It’s going to be messy.
We are not advocating that all motorcycles should be ridden as fast they could but there has to be enforcement against all vehicles to allow the plan to work.
Apart from those, it still behoofs us to see that owners of different vehicles couldn’t get along in this country. Each party claims the right of way, but no one has the courtesy to compromise and work together.
This to us, is the biggest problem facing Malaysian road users. It’s getting to be a jungle out there but there’s nothing done to educate road users to be courteous to each other. Instead, we are left to everyone’s devices. What is this, The Purge? What happened to those Public Service Announcements on TV in the 90’s and early 2000’s?
Conclusion
We do appreciate JKJR’s concern about the lives and limbs of motorcyclists, but the plan will only work with strict enforcement.
Wouldn’t it be more productive to reduce deaths by teaching proper riding techniques (by overhauling the JPJ education and licensing system), proper helmet usage, importance of safety gear, road courtesy, defensive riding, among others?
At the same time, drivers of other vehicles should also be taught on proper driving techniques.
Why not enforce current laws?
And we’ve not started about the motorcycle lanes along the Federal Highway that never seem to reopen. That’s not including the shoddy condition of motorcycle lanes on other highways.
