Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

New Daytona 765? Triumph Says Not in 2019

We’ve been hoping for a new Triumph Daytona 765.
The excitement follows the British manufacturer supplying the 765cc engine to Moto2.
However, they have affirmed that there will be no Daytona 765 in 2019.

Excitement had started to build for a new Daytona even before the ink dried on the agreement with Dorna, when Triumph announced that they will be supplying engines to the Moto2 championship from 2019.

MotoGP: Triumph Confirmed as Engine Supplier for Moto2 in 2019

After all, the engine is the same but race-kitted 765cc inline-Triple found in the new Street Triple lineup. And if the new Street Triple (especially the RS) could slay plenty of bikes out there, a new Daytona 765 could bleed the souls of ZX-6R, GSX-R750, F3 800, R6 riders through their faceshields. Easy.

Additionally, Honda hadn’t capitalized on their involvement in the intermediate class since 2010. Did they launch a “CBR600RR based on lessons learned in eight seasons of competitive racing in Moto2”? Nope.

Triumph could certainly do so!

Well, bad news for those who await the Daytona 765 with bated breath. Triumph had said they will not debut it in 2019, reported Asphalt & Rubber.

But, but, but it would be incredulous to believe that Triumph hasn’t something up their sleeves other than capitalizing on such an awesome opportunity to take their branding to a higher plane, innit? The Hinckley-based manufacturer is in the best position to do so.

One thing we speculated is that the delay could be due to the Euro 5 emissions standards taking effect from 2020. Bikes Republic had reported that the manufacturer had filed a patent for the “Daytona” name in the United States earlier this year.

2019 Triumph Daytona 765 coming soon?

We also understand that the supersport/sportbike market is soft but supersport/sportbikes appear to be making a comeback, especially along with the sudden spurt of racing activities Malaysia.

In the meantime, or in the truly sad case that a new Daytona doesn’t come by, we could almost be certain that Moto2 technologies could be transferred into evolving the Street Triple. That’s already a great bike to increase your giggles-per-km quotient, anyway.

TESTED: 2018 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS test & review

Rumours of Two-Cylinder Aprilia Middleweight Supersport Gaining Momentum

Aprilia has been missing in the middleweight supersport segment.
Rumours surround the possibility of the company working on a two-cylinder engine.
The new engine could be based on the present RSV4 superbike engine.

If there’s one manufacturer that’s glaringly missing from the middleweight supersport segment is Aprilia. Sure, sure, the Noale-based company has the Shiver 900 two-cylinder (V-Twin) bike, but that’s a naked sportbike/standard which started as a 750 in 2007.

Well, Asphalt & Rubber reported that Aprilia’s R&D department is in fact working on a two-cylinder supersport bike. It is also believed that the factory will remove the two rear cylinders of the RSV4 engine, turning it into a parallel-Twin.

Parallel-Twins are more compact dimensionally and easier to pack within the tight constraints of a compact frame, for a compact machine overall. A compact frame and chassis should definitely be on the cards, since it’s a supersport bike. KTM has already gone this route by adding a cylinder to the 690 Duke single-cylinder thumper, resulting in the parallel-Twin LC8c in the new 790 Duke.

However, if Aprilia’s engine does come to fruition, you can bet that it will not be a 500cc powerplant, since the “new middleweight” segment for two-cylinder engines had moved up to 800cc.

You may also recall that it was Aprilia who brought out the APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) rider aid suite to mass-produced motorcycles. It should be no different in this sense as the MV Agusta F3 800 will be the first middleweight supersport to be equipped with an IMU (Inertia Measurement Unit). The IMU is the key to lean-angle sensitive traction control and ABS (besides others) rider assistance.

Aprilia RSV4 RF TFT showing APRC settings

Having a new middleweight engine should also serve as a positive for Aprilia, as they could have a new range of bikes based on the engine as the platform.

When could we expect to see the new middleweight Aprilia? Possibly at INTERMOT or EICMA in 2019, as the motorcycle industry gears up for the introduction of Euro 5 emissions standards in 2020.

So what is next for Aprilia in Malaysia?

Ten Motorcycles Named After Racetracks (Part 1)

There was a time when manufacturers liked to name their sportbikes after racetracks.
They did so to commemorate race victories or to allude to the bikes’ character.
Here’s Part 1 of Ten Motorcycles Named After Racetracks.

There was a time when sport motorcycles had great names (some not so great, fair enough) rather than the invariable bowl of alphanumeric soup like “CSRXY1000RSSRR,” for instance. Boring. Looks more like a serial number.

Manufacturers used to name their bikes to commemorate their wins at certain tracks. There were also those named in such fashion as a… well, fashion statement, but hey, it was cool. There thankfully a few that still do these days, so we’ll get to them later in this list.

So, here are the Ten Motorcycles Named After Racetracks.

10. Honda FT500 Ascot

Honda FT500 Ascot – courtesy of cx500forum.com

Honda had never named their motorcycles after racetracks, except for one in 1982 called the FT500 Ascot. “FT” stood for “flat-track” and Ascot is the dirt oval in California. But while the name eludes to great riders powersliding the rear tyre, the FT500 was meant to be a “street tracker.” The 497cc, single-cylinder engine was derived from the XL and XR dirtbikes and produced an anemic 36 hp. Not surprisingly, it went out in a whimper. Perhaps this is why Honda doesn’t want to name its bikes after racetracks again?

9. Ducati 750 Imola

The Ducati that Paul Smart rode to the infamous victory at Imola in 1972 was actually based on a touring bike. We’ll let that sink in for a moment.

Yep, it was adapted from the Ducati 750 GT and was the first Ducati to feature their signature Desmodromic valve actuation. Smart beat everyone on the bike, including one Italian racer by the name of Giacomo Agostini on his MV Agusta.

Ducati immediately released the replica of Smart’s bike and called it the “750 Imola.”

8. Laverda Jarama

Laverda Jarama – Courtesy of rmsothebys.com

The Laverda Jarama was named after the infamous Spanish racetrack when it was imported into the US, although it was the same bike as the 3CL sold in Europe. However, Laverda was also selling the Jota at the same time and the latter was more successful, prompting dealers to upgrade the Jarama to the Jota’s higher specs, hence what some call it “Jarota.”

7. Laverda Montjuic

In the Jarama’s fashion, the Montjuic was also named after a racetrack in Spain. However, the Montjuic wasn’t a pretty road bike with a pretty name, as it started as a Formula 500 racing motorcycle. Laverda decided to sell the bike to the general public on the encouragements of the British importer to produce the road legal version and was christened the “Montjuic.” It was the most exotic middleweight of its time.

Honda CB900F2 Bol d’Or

Okay, okay we’re cheating because the Bol d’Or isn’t a racetrack but the 24-hour endurance race in France.

Still, how could we ignore this awesomely beautiful motorcycle? Built to replace the single-cam CB750F, the CB900F and CB900F2 were sold in Europe instead of the US and has more in common with the CBX1000 six-cylinder superbike. That fairing still allows the engine to be seen while being protective, and the design went on to inspire the Windjammer fairings.

2019 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) Heads for Malaysia

The FIM has confirmed Malaysia as a new round for the Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC).
The 8-hour race will be held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) on 7^th December 2019.
The Malaysian round will also serve as the qualifying round for “part-timers” to join the permanent FIM EWC teams at the Grand Finale in the Suzuka 8-Hours.

Speaking of Zaqhwan Zaidi and the Honda Asia-Dream Racing team’s great result in last weekend’s Suzuka 8-Hours endurance race, the FIM has confirmed the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) as one of the venues for the 2019 and 2020 FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC).

Please click on the link below for our news on the Honda-Asia Dream Racing Team at the Suzuka 8-Hours.

Zaqhwan Zaidi and Honda Asia-Dream Racing Team Celebrates P7 at Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance

The announcement was made during the Suzuka 8-Hours race, along with a change in the FIM EWC’s program.

The SIC round will serve as a qualifying event for the Grand Finale at Suzuka, Japan. It will have the same format as the Suzuka 8-Hours, including a Superpole Top 10 Trial and ends after nightfall. That means Asian teams who wish to take part in the Suzuka event will have to qualify through the SIC round. This is to create a parity for the FIM EWC’s permanent teams. The permanent and Japanese teams will be invited to SIC and the cost will be covered by Eurosport Events.

Also, as we mentioned earlier about coverage, the Discovery Group had stepped in to provide televised coverage on all five continents.

Sepang International Circuit CEO, Dato’ Ahmad Razlan Razali said, “Based on a public survey that SIC conducted for 3 months last year, we are pleased that this FIM EWC series was voted by Malaysians as an event they would like to see at SIC as a replacement for Formula One. We are also pleased that the Sepang International Circuit will be the qualification round for Japanese and Asian teams for the grand finale at the iconic Suzuka 8-Hours.”

Dato’ Ahmad Razlan Razali during the press conference – courtesy of fimewc.com

The SIC has just completed its floodlighting project, allowing for night races. Dato’ Ahmad Razlan also hinted at having the 2019 SIC MotoGP team’s riders taking part in the event. (Please click on the link below for more information on SIC’s MotoGP team.)

SIC, Angel Nieto Team, Yamaha Join Forces from MotoGP 2019

This is very exciting news for Malaysian motorcycle sports fans, indeed. It is time we pit our national riders against the world. It’ll also be interesting to foresee the Malaysian Superbike Championship teams taking part in this prestigious FIM Endurance World Championship event.

The FIM EWC Sepang round will be held on 7^th December 2019.

Bajaj Auto Ltd Set to Grow its Market Share

Bajaj Auto Limited is going all out to capture the entry-level and 110- to 125cc segments.
They are doing so by selling their bikes at aggressive pricing.
The lower pricing brought about lower profit margins but Bajaj hopes to make up through sheer volume sold.

Although Bajaj Auto Ltd’s push for higher market share has consumed their profit margins, the world’s sixth largest and India’s second largest manufacturer remain unfazed.

Bajaj is pushing for a larger share of the Indian motorcycle market through aggressive product pricing, according to Mint. “Aggressive product pricing” could be construed as the cheapest two-wheelers in India.

Competition for motorcycle sales is expected to peak in the next few months with the coming festive season. Most of the exponential growth is expected from rural areas where consumer spending sentiment is on the rise.

Bajaj seeks to increase the 110- to 125cc category in addition to their sub-100cc entry-level segment, said Kevin D’sa, Bajaj’s President of Finance said. The company intends to achieve 20% domestic market share this fiscal year and sees 25% as the long-term goal.

“We want to expand the bottom of the pyramid and take the entry-level segment share to 45% to 50% from 33% at present,” he said, adding that the new 110- to 125cc motorcycles are expected to debut in the last quarter of this fiscal.

According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Bajaj Auto Ltd’s market share in the three months to June had expanded to 16.27% from 13.96%, compared to a year ago.

Bajaj’s plans to conquer both segments are likely a sore thumb in the eyes of their rivals Hero MotoCorp Ltd., Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. and TVS Motor Co. Ltd. who had lost marginal market share to Bajaj last quarter.

Investors were disappointed with Bajaj Auto’s announcement of lower than expected June quarter earnings (due to lower profit margins). They expect to witness a downtrend in profit margins for the next six to eight quarters if there are no further price cuts.

Bajaj Auto Ltd is also the technical partner to KTM Motorrad AG in building the lower capacity KTM Duke models. The Indian manufacturer has also exported the Pulsar 150, Pulsar 200 and Dominar 400 models to Malaysia.

Zaqhwan Zaidi and Honda Asia-Dream Racing Team Celebrates P7 at Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance

Zaqhwan Zahidi and his teammates steered their Honda Asia-Dream Racing Team to a well-deserved 7^th place.
They finished ahead of many works factory teams.
The results meant they finished on position higher than they did in 2017.

Malaysian rider, Zaqhwan Zaidi and this Honda Asia-Dream Racing Team teammates Tory Herfoss from Australia and Andi Farid Izdihar of Indonesia achieved an incredible 7^th position at the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hours endurance race over the weekend.

Troy Herfoss, Zaqwan’s teammate – Courtesy of fimewc.com

Suzuka circuit typically plays host to the final round to the FIM Endurance World Championsip (EWC). Since the circuit is Honda-owned, the Honda Asia-Dream Racing Team’s result was even sweeter.

Honda introduces Honda Asia-Dream Racing team with Zaqhwan Zaidi!

But it was not easy as it seemed. The 5.821-km Suzuka Circuit is challenging in itself, featuring corners upon corners that lead into one another in combination with slow and fast sections, forcing the riders to be on top of their game without places to rest. Now throw in 63 other bikes into the mix.

If having to contend with that many man and machine on the track and pits wasn’t enough, the weather played tricks on the field this year by being unpredictable at best. There were top-class riders who crashed when they caught out by a rainstorm.

In fact, the circuit was lashed by a typhoon which brought 170 km/h winds with it the night before, but repair crews worked through the night to fix the damaged facilities. (Respect to the Japanese for their hardwork.)

Start of the Suzuka 8-Hours – Courtesy of fimewc.com

“It’s a lot harder this year due to unpredictable weather,” said Zaqhwan afterwards. Honda Asia-Dream Racing team manager, Zulhelmi Ahmad said he noted that the weather had impacted the team’s temperament, but it didn’t sway them from their determination of achieving a Top-10 position at the finish.

“It’s not an easy feat to get P7!” exclaimed the joyful 23-year-old Zaqhwan Zaidi. The team had started from 12^th on the grid.

However, the aforementioned Zulhelmi Ahmad, who is also Boon Siew Honda’s Motor Sports manager, admitted that he has mixed feelings about the results, “I can’t say that I am delighted with the result today as we failed to reach our full potential.” The team could’ve finished on position higher if not for a botched pit stop. “But we cannot ignore the fact that the team did better this year in terms of overall timing and we finished one position above (last year’s P8),” he continued.

The Honda Asia-Dream Racing team finished the tough race with a total time of 8h00m:05.666s compared to the winner’s time of 8h00m:01.728s, with just 4 laps down. They will definitely do better next year.

The signature ferris wheel at Suzuka – courtesy of fimwec.com

Before we end, and before anyone starta slagging off the 7^th place result and the Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance race, let us provide some background.

The Suzuka 8-Hours endurance race actually began in 1978 for prototype TT-F1 (Tourist Trophy Formula One) motorcycles, but as superbikes became more and more popular through the years, the FIM scrapped the TT-F1 class altogether to the benefit of a production-based race.

Also called the Suzuka 8-Hours, the race is an immense event all by itself, usually attracting between 85,000 to 100,000 race fans.

As such, motorcycle manufacturers pay lots of attention to the race and they will field top riders from MotoGP, World Superbike, All-Japan Superbike, and among other prestigious championships around the world to pair up as teams of 3 riders each. Check through the Suzuka 8-Hours history and you’ll come across great names such as Wes Cooley, Mike Baldwin, David Aldana, Fred Merkel, Wayne Gardner, Wayne Rainey, Scott Russel, Aaron Slight, Doug Polen, Noriyuki Haga, Colin Edwards, Mick Doohan, Carlos Checa, Casey Stoner, Jonathan Rea, and even Valentino Rossi (in 2001 when he partnered Colin Edwards to win the race).

Rossi at 2011 Suzuka 8-Hours – Courtesy of LAT Images

So what Zaqhwan Zaidi said is right, to come home in 7^th ain’t easy, given the level of competition. The Honda Asia-Dream Racing team had actually finished behind F.C.C. TSR Honda France, who are the 2018 EWC Champion and one of the regulars in the GP scene; while finishing ahead of the Moriwaki and Yoshimura Suzuki works teams.

FCC TSR Honda France – Courtesy of www.honda.co.jp

The problem with many racing series around the world, apart from MotoGP, is due to lack of telecast in mass media, resulting in most people being misinformed. But keep in mind that it doesn’t mean the race isn’t prestigious if it isn’t televised.

Anyhow, let’s celebrate our national rider, Zaqhwan Zaidi and Honda Asia-Dream Racing team’s great result. We hope there will be more from the likable rider and team.

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) Round 2 Wrap-Up

Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) came to an exciting conclusion with great races throughout the day.
There were also plenty of drama during all races.
The weather held through on Sunday at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

As opposed to the previous day (Saturday, 28^th July 2018), Sunday started out bright and sunny for the final day of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) Round 2. Rain was forecast for the weekend, but the thick clouds had thankfully only surrounded the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) without encroaching its airspace.

Without Free Practice, the hectic schedule was bumped up to earlier times of the day. Also, the races for all classes were shifted to different times to break some of the familiarities the riders may have developed.

SUPERSPORT – Muhammad Helmi Azman’s weekend

The Supersport riders were the first to head out at 10am. The sun had heated up the tarmac enough for anyone to feel the radiating off it.

Muhammad Helmi Azman (#32) of SCK Rapido Hi-Rev Honda Racing had won Race 1 on Saturday and he was determined to do the same for today.

He shot straight out of his grid position into Turn One in front of the field, while national Moto3 rider, Adam Norrodin (#70) of SIC Junior ZK Racing Team was caught in a battle with 4 other riders.

Muhammad Helmi didn’t wait around and consolidated his lead by circulating 1.3 seconds per lap faster than the 2^nd-placed, and eventually recording the fastest lap time of 2:12.451. He only backed off with 3 laps to go.

Adam had fought his way up to 4^th and had to fight hard with Liam Taylor MacDonald (#37) from New Zealand. Adam eventually passed MacDonald and started to set fast times in an attempt to break free. This he did and held on to take the 2^nd step on the podium, 10 seconds behind Muhammad Helmi while MacDonald cross the line another 10 seconds behind Adam.

The heat took its toll on tyres as the bikes were visibly sliding around towards the end of the race.

SUPER 250 – Surya Narayana out

It was another exciting race to look forward to after the previous day’s hot track action. But it turned out to be even more frenetic than expected.

First, championship leader Surya Narayana (#9) from Indonesia suffered a mechanical problem, causing his bike to almost crash in Turn 8.

That set the field loose to set up their pace and battle hard among themselves. Surya’s Promax NJT IKBN Jitra Racing teammate Luth Harith B. Erwan (#71) rode hard and pulled away on the last lap by recording the fastest lap of the race the process to win by a mere 1.748 seconds in front of Jailani Kosman (#55). Muhammad Aiman Thiruddin followed home in 3^rd under a second behind Jailani (#72).

There some serious action down the field with riders showing each other with elbows and knees. Another rider was run off the track as they headed down the Start/Finish straight.

SUPERSTOCK – Amirul Hafiq Azmi’s revenge

Azroy Hakeen (#32) ran away with the previous day’s race, but it was not to be on Sunday.

He had a lightning start and was far ahead of everyone else after Lap 1 and it looked as if Race 2 was in his pocket.

Unbeknownst to him, Amirul Hafiq Azmi (#80) was making his way up the field after a poor qualifying spot. He picked off one rider after another but had to fight through from 5^th to 2^nd position. He then started to hunt down Azroy after dispensing with the others.

Amirul rode an incredible race and was on Azroy’s tail by the 5^th lap. However, the former shadowed the lead rider closely. It was apparent that Azroy’s speed was in Sector 1, as he opened up a gap everytime after they passed Turns 1 to 3, but Amirul would catch back up and started to force Azroy into a mistake.

The real chance came on the last lap as Azroy appeared to have braked too early for Turn Four. Amirul outbraked his rival and went straight into the lead and win. As a side note, the TOC-HKM Racing Team are the defending champions in this 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) series.

In 3^rd was Ahmad Khan who had to battle with 3 riders to finally earn his podium position.

IDEMITSU ASIA TALENT CUP (ATC) – Asian Teen Combat

If the World Moto3 Championship provided all the thrills during MotoGP weekend, the ATC probably had more of it. These plucky teens had no fear and the rode with their hearts on their sleeves. And oh, what a welcomed addition to the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) it was!

There were numerous lead changes in Lap 1 alone, but Haruki Noguchi (#9) managed to break away when Australian Bill Van Eerde (#19) and Takuma Matsuyama (#11) started battling with each other. But Ven Eerde got the better of Matsuyama and took off, recording a blistering 2:18.890 lap time, leaving the latter to fall into the grasp of fast approaching Sho Nishimura (#3).

As Van Eerde chased down Noguchi, Nishimura chased down Van Eerde to set up a three-way battle for the win. The riders behind Noguchi must be thinking, “You can run but you can’t hide.”

Nishimura then pulled off an amazing pass on both riders to lead into Sector 4 of the last lap. With Noguchi and Van Eerde in a slipstream train, Nishimura hung on the left side of the backstraight leading to the final Turn 15, which would set up a tight, defensive line through the corner.

As they sat up to brake for the final turn, Van Eerde swung to his right to go back onto the normal racing line and swung into the corner. His audacious move served to block-pass Noguchi and put him directly in Nishimura’s slipstream as they blasted toward the finish line.

Van Eerde’s gamble worked as he slingshot past Nishimura to win by just 0.012 second, with Noguchi 0.102 second behind Nishimura for 3^rd.

This was why we decided to refer to ATC as “Asian Teen Combat.”

Also of interesting note, Van Eerde campaigned in a few Asian RC Cup races last year.

SUPERBIKE – The Azlan Shah Show

It was beyond doubt that Azlan Shah Kamuruzaman (#25) and Chia Motor PJ Kawasaki were the combination to beat in the Superbike category of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) category. Their experience and combination had netted them the championship lead from Round 1, and their domination continued into Round 2 by capturing the Pole Position and Race 1 win on Saturday.

Race 2 started with Azlan’s taking the holeshot from his closest rival, Rajini Krishnan (#67) from India into Turn 1. But Azlan missed his braking marker and almost ran into Turn 9’s gravel trap and allowed Rajini into the lead.

Azlan was still in 2^nd as they started Lap 2 but it was now Rajini’s turn to overshoot into Turn 9’s gravel trap, allowing Azlan to go past and he (Rajini dropped to 5^th place).

From that point on, Azlan turned in lap times in the low-2:10s, faster than everyone else.

In the meantime, Amirul Hafiq Azmi (#80) of TOC-HKM Racing Team fought up the field to hunt down Swiss rider Jonathan Serrapica (#48) for 2^nd position. Amirul passed Serrapica into Turn 7 on Lap 6.

Rajini had recomposed himself at this point and overtook Serrapica on Lap 8 and chased down Amirul and pass him Lap 9 into 2^nd position.

With Azlan nearly 20 seconds in the lead, it seemed that Rajini will come home in 2^nd. But alas, he ran off Turn 9 again on the very last lap and was passed by both Amirul who took 2^nd and Serrapica 3^rd places, respectively, to finish 4^th.

TOC DESMO CUP – Showcase of Thundering Twins

All six competitors started the race but two riders crashed out to leaving the four remaining riders to race it out.

in the end, Zulkiply Yahya (#12) prevailed to win, followed by Sarul Fahmi Mohd. Zaini (#11) in 2nd and Syamsul Bakhtiar Esa (#14) in 3rd.

The conclusion of the race wrapped up MSBK 2018 Round 2.

CONCLUSION

The 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship Round 2 saw some unforgettable action over the entire weekend. The addition of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and TOC Desmo Cup certainly brought lots more attraction and prestige to the series.

In the two-month hiatus, it seemed that many teams have improved their level by very much to make most of the races exciting affairs. The bikes were also visibly better prepared than in Round 1.

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) had also tightened their security protocols for Round 2, after having too many friends and relatives of riders and teams in the paddock during the Round 1. There were incidences of young children running across the hot pit road during that race. A less crowded paddock also meant that the teams could focus more on their business.

But there are a couple of things we could gripe about.

There is still a lack of spectators. While the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) is growing to a heady size, there was no official manufacturer support to garner more spectator interest. But it’s a chicken-and-egg story as the lack of spectators negates manufacturer interest, which ironically couldn’t bring about spectator interest, in turn. We hope that SIC and manufacturers could discuss for a more positive result in the future.
Photographers and media were forced to park their motorcycles far away from the media centre. We had to shoot pictures at the starting grid then run like madmen to catch the action at our preferred spots out on track. While we understand that this cuts down on wayward traffic within the paddock compound, it has forced us to miss potentially great shots of the riders rushing around the track on Lap 1.

Still, it was a great weekend as the weather held up for the races. Round 3 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) is from 14^th to 16^th September 2018 at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC). See you there!

KTM Malaysia Launches 2018 KTM 200 Duke at KTM Orange Carnival

The KTM 200 Duke introduced the bantam-weight and affordable streetfighter motorcycle to Malaysia.
It also opened the eyes of enthusiasts to KTM’s “Ready to Race” philosophy.
The 2018 KTM 200 Duke features updated graphics and looks.

KTM Malaysia has launched the new 2018 KTM 200 Duke at the KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival in Johor over the weekend.

Enthusiasts could fondly recall that it was the 200 Duke which single-handedly popularized the 200cc naked sportbike market back in 2013. In fact, it was the motorcycle which brought the affordable streetfighter to not only in Malaysia but the world. Being light and agile, it’s friendly to beginners yet entertaining enough for veteran riders during rush hour commute and over narrow mountain roads.

Additionally, it was the KTM motorcycle which introduced the company’s “Ready to Race” philosophy to Malaysian bikers.

The KTM Duke 200 was then supplanted by the Duke 390 and Duke 250 later on, apart from the full-fairing and race ready RC200, RC390 and RC250 in that order, but its spirit of a lightweight fun bike has never been phased out.

There are still thousands of them on our local roads and you could always count on meeting on during your daily commute or weekend rides.

It is due to these facts that KTM Malaysia has launched the 2018 Duke 200.

While mechanically the same (why change something when it’s not broken), the bike has been refreshed with new looks. The customary KTM orange paintjob has additional streaks, while a new white colour scheme has been added. Both colour schemes feature orange anodized wheels.

The 2018 KTM Duke 200 is priced at RM 11,888 (basic selling price with 0% GST).

Stay tuned for the next KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival to view the bike or please follow KTM Malaysia’s official Facebook page for more information.

2018 KTM 200 DUKE
ENGINE
ENGINE TYPE	Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT	199.5 cc
BORE x STROKE	72 mm x 49 mm
POWER	26 hp (19kW) @ 10,000 RPM
TORQUE	19.5 Nm @ 8,000 RPM
COMPRESSION RATIO	11.5:1
TRANSMISSION	6 gears
CLUTCH	Multiple-plate wet clutch, cable-operated
FUEL SYSTEM	Bosch EMS
CHASSIS
FRAME	Powdercoated steel trellis
FRONT SUSPENSION	WP upside down ø 43 mm forks
REAR SUSPENSION	WP Monoshock
SUSPENSION TRAVEL FRONT/REAR	150mm / 150 mm
FRONT BRAKE	Single radially-mounted 4-piston caliper, ø 300 mm disc
REAR BRAKE	Single-piston floating caliper, ø 230 mm brake disc
ABS	N/A
TIRES FRONT/REAR	110/70 ZR-17; 150/60 ZR-17
STEERING HEAD ANGLE	25^o
TRAIL	95 mm
WHEEL BASE	1,367 mm
SEAT HEIGHT	810 mm
FUEL TANK CAPACITY	11 litres
DRY WEIGHT	134 kg

TechTOC with Foreman Oh: Squealing Disc Brakes

No one likes squealing and squeaking brakes.
We’ve had a follower sending this good question.
Here Foreman Oh gives his answer on what causes it and how to remedy it.

The question for TechTOC with Foreman Oh Kah Beng today is about squealing disc brakes, something that none of us like. What could be the cause and what would be the solution? TOC Automotive College Motorsports Consultant and Most Fun Gym Principal Instructor, Foreman Oh Kah Beng answers.

QUESTION:

My brakes are always squealing when I apply them. I have tried cleaning them but it still happens.

— TAN SUAN HOR, Melaka, Kawasaki ER-6n

ANSWER:

May I assume that you clean your brakes (disc brakes?) with commercially available brake cleaner solutions? You may try to do so if you are not already. Spray onto the discs directly and wipe off the residue. Be careful to not spray onto painted areas such as the rims and leave it on!

Cleaning brake discs – Courtesy of rideapart.com

However, if you have already done so and they still squeak, the discs are most probably “glazed.” Sand and dirt picked up during rain storms will get trapped between the brake pads and discs. Then as you brake, enough heat is generated to embed the sand and dirt into the discs. This is glazing. As such, you need to either “skim” the discs if they are within their wear tolerance or replace them altogether if they are not. There are workshops who provide this service.

Other conditions that can cause brake squeal are worn pads, broken securing clip (which holds the pads in place at the back of caliper), pads with insufficient insulation or insulation shims, and no surface cut (which is common on motorcycle brake discs).

Hence, you may also try different brake pad compounds. Those with high metallic content (usually those marked “FOR RACING”) will scour the discs and squeal. Keep an ear out when a racing superbike comes to a stop in the pits.

Keep sending in your questions to me at TechTOC with Foreman Oh to stand the chance of receiving a complimentary session at Most Fun Gym.

You may follow us at Most Fun Gym – MFG through our Facebook page.

Please visit the TOC Automotive College Facebook page or their campus (map below) or call call (+603) 7960 8833 for more information. Likewise, you can find more information about the TOC Bina Bakat Program here, or email info@toc.edu.my. Please click on this link for further information on the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) Round 2 – Clean Sweep for Azlan Shah and Chia Motor PJ

Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and Chia Motor PJ closed a perfect weekend.
The team scored the Pole Position and wins in both Race 1 and Race 2 of the Superbike class.
They now lead the Superbike class in the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK).

Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) saw a continuing dominance from the partnership of Azlan Shah Kamarulzaman with Chia Motor PJ. Azlan Shah had qualified for the premier Superbike class on Pole on Friday and converted it to win both Race 1 and Race 2, for a clean sweep through the weekend.

The partnership looks to be perfect as Azlan Shah brings a treasure trove of racing experience to team. Likewise, Keith Chia, the principal of Chia Motor PJ himself was a racer as recent as a couple of years ago in the AAM Malaysian Supermoto Championship.

For Azlan Shah, it seems that the only thing he knows how to do was to go fast. But it was further than the truth as he knows when to put the hammer down and when to back off to conserve the bike and tyres. Such calculated coolness results in pressuring his opponents to ride harder and sometimes over their limits.

As for Keith Chia, one only has to take a look at the racebikes he meticulously prepared for Azlan. They looked great, sounded great and most certainly went great. He was also receptive to the rider’s input regarding the issues faced after the latter has gone on track.

Azlan made the perfect start in Race 2, pulling a couple of bike lengths from Rajini Krishnan by the time they arrived at Turn One. From then on, the lanky rider maintained a steady pace which was 1.3 seconds ahead of the 2^nd-placed man.

Rajini stayed close to Azlan for a number of laps before making a mistake, running off Turn Nine. The loss of dropped him down to 5^th. He would eventually fight back up the order but overshot the same turn again to finish 3^rd.

Azlan Shah and Chia Motor PJ were elated with the dominating results, of course, and they now lead the championship.

You may visit Chia Motor PJ’s Facebook page for more information or visit them at the location below.

PICTURE GALLERY

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship Round 2 – An Encouraging Start for the TOC Desmo Cup

The inaugural round of the TOC Desmo Cup was held during Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship.
This new series was the result of the cooperation between TOC Automotive College and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia.
The competitors’ bikes were worked on by facilitators of the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

The TOC Automotive College and Desmo Club Malaysia had signed a partnership recently to work hand-in-hand to create a new series called the TOC Desmo Cup exclusively for Ducati owners, beginning Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship.

There was a total of six competitors in this series, making for a humble beginning. More riders had wanted to join initially but couldn’t prepare enough in time.

But while any Ducati makes for a great track weapon, all six were on the Ducati 898, 1098 and 1198 variants. The 1098 made its debut in 2007, the 848 in 2008, and 1198 in 2009. It meant they could be considered “outdated” in the pantheon of superbikes. (Carlos Checa won the 2011 WSBK rider and manufacturer title on a satellite 1098, nonetheless.)

Carlos Checa in 2011 – Courtesy of Sport Rider

Such a scenario created a unique challenge for any team to keep the bikes competitive, but thankfully, the TOC Desmo Cup has help from the TOC Automotive College in the form of TOC Superbike Technician Course lecturers to work on those Ducatis.

On the other hand, TOC also benefits as their facilitators and students obtain the experience of working in a hectic environment.

It was visible that both parties worked well together and not one bike suffered any mechanical failure throughout the weekend.

Again, it demonstrates the importance of having certified technicians working on your bike.

As for the TOC Desmo Cup series, it was well-organized among the ranks, hence everything went on without a hitch. The riders are riding buddies and friends, which provided an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and ribbing each other.

Zulkiply Yahya won the inaugural race ahead of Sarul Fahmi Mohd. Zaini and Syamsul Bakthiar Esa.

Watch out for the next round as more competitors come onbard.

Besides supplying the manpower, the TOC Automotive College upped the ante in projecting their branding from this round, by putting up boards of their Bina Bakat program and also the Superbike Technician Course in the paddocks.

Please visit TOC Automotive College’s Facebook page or their campus (map below) or call call (+603) 7960 8833 for more information. Likewise, you can find more information about the TOC Bina Bakat Program here, or email info@toc.edu.my. Please click on this link for further information on the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

Boon Siew Honda has revealed the 2018 model year Honda RS150R.

The 2018 edition has a new colour called Pearl Magellanic Black.

The Black, Blue and Red editions are priced from RM 7,999 while the Repsol edition continues to be priced from RM 8,299.

We’ve been hoping for a new Triumph Daytona 765.

The excitement follows the British manufacturer supplying the 765cc engine to Moto2.

However, they have affirmed that there will be no Daytona 765 in 2019.

Aprilia has been missing in the middleweight supersport segment.

Rumours surround the possibility of the company working on a two-cylinder engine.

The new engine could be based on the present RSV4 superbike engine.

There was a time when manufacturers liked to name their sportbikes after racetracks.

They did so to commemorate race victories or to allude to the bikes’ character.

Here’s Part 1 of Ten Motorcycles Named After Racetracks.

10. Honda FT500 Ascot

9. Ducati 750 Imola

8. Laverda Jarama

7. Laverda Montjuic

The FIM has confirmed Malaysia as a new round for the Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC).

The 8-hour race will be held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) on 7th December 2019.

The Malaysian round will also serve as the qualifying round for “part-timers” to join the permanent FIM EWC teams at the Grand Finale in the Suzuka 8-Hours.

Bajaj Auto Limited is going all out to capture the entry-level and 110- to 125cc segments.

They are doing so by selling their bikes at aggressive pricing.

The lower pricing brought about lower profit margins but Bajaj hopes to make up through sheer volume sold.

Zaqhwan Zahidi and his teammates steered their Honda Asia-Dream Racing Team to a well-deserved 7th place.

They finished ahead of many works factory teams.

The results meant they finished on position higher than they did in 2017.

Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) came to an exciting conclusion with great races throughout the day.

There were also plenty of drama during all races.

The weather held through on Sunday at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

SUPERSPORT – Muhammad Helmi Azman’s weekend

SUPER 250 – Surya Narayana out

SUPERSTOCK – Amirul Hafiq Azmi’s revenge

IDEMITSU ASIA TALENT CUP (ATC) – Asian Teen Combat

SUPERBIKE – The Azlan Shah Show

TOC DESMO CUP – Showcase of Thundering Twins

CONCLUSION

The KTM 200 Duke introduced the bantam-weight and affordable streetfighter motorcycle to Malaysia.

It also opened the eyes of enthusiasts to KTM’s “Ready to Race” philosophy.

The 2018 KTM 200 Duke features updated graphics and looks.

2018 KTM 200 DUKE

ENGINE

CHASSIS

No one likes squealing and squeaking brakes.

We’ve had a follower sending this good question.

Here Foreman Oh gives his answer on what causes it and how to remedy it.

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and Chia Motor PJ closed a perfect weekend.

The team scored the Pole Position and wins in both Race 1 and Race 2 of the Superbike class.

They now lead the Superbike class in the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK).

PICTURE GALLERY

The inaugural round of the TOC Desmo Cup was held during Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship.

This new series was the result of the cooperation between TOC Automotive College and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia.

The competitors’ bikes were worked on by facilitators of the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

PICTURE GALLERY

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The 8-hour race will be held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) on 7^th December 2019.

Zaqhwan Zahidi and his teammates steered their Honda Asia-Dream Racing Team to a well-deserved 7^th place.