Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Launched (Finally)

The 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 has officially and finally been launched after years of rumours and several rounds of teasers.

It is now the biggest Svartpilen/Vitpilen model by utilising the KTM 790 Duke’s LC8c engine. Comparatively, the Norden 901 remains the largest Husqvarna by way of engine capacity, as it uses the KTM 890 Adventure’s engine, but it was tuned for torque, rather than horsepower, resulting in 103hp.

Highlights of the 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801:

Powertrain

799cc, parallel-twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled LC8c engine makes 77 kW (103 hp).
Engine power is sent through a six-speed gearbox with a PASC assist and slipper clutch. There is an up-and-down quickshifter, too.
Service interval for the Svartpilen 801 is 15,000 kilometers.
Fuel consumption is claimed at 4.5 liters/100 kilometers.

Chassis

Chromium-molybdenum tubular steel frame with tuned flex and rigidity.
Adjustable WP Apex 43 front forks with 140mm travel.
WP Apex monoshock at the back, offering 150mm of travel.
The wheels are 17-inch alloy, wearing Pirelli MT60 RS rubber.
Up front, J. Juan radially mounted four-piston calipers clamp on 300mm brake discs.
The rear brake consists of a single two-piston caliper and a 240mm brake disc.
Bosch ABS is standard with Supermoto ABS mode.
The fuel tank holds 14 liters of fuel.
Husqvarna claims the Svartpilen 801 weights 181 kg, dry.

Electronics

A five-inch TFT dash and connectivity unit fitted as standard.
The rider can pair with TFT via the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles smartphone app, for navigation, calls, and music.
There are three ride modes: Street, Rain, and Sport. The owner can purchase the optional Dynamic Pack which adds the Dynamic ride mode, Cruise Control, ten levels of traction control, and five levels of wheelie control.
LED lighting is also standard.

How much?

The 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 sells for USD 10,899 (RM 51,650.36) and will begin to enter several global markets by June. Might as well be the end of year or early next year for us.

KTM, Pierer Mobility Perolehi Pegangan Kawalan dalam MV Agusta

Baru-baru ini, kami menyiarkan satu artikel tentang MV Agusta mungkin menghadapi masalah kewangan selepas prestasi buruk pada tahun 2023. Kami juga menyebut bahawa Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MV, Timur Sardarov, bertegas untuk tidak melepaskan kawalan syarikat kepada Pierer Mobility Group (KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas). Dan secara tiba-tiba, berita tersebar bahawa Pierer Mobility baru sahaja memperolehi pegangan kawalan dalam MV Agusta.

Pierer Mobility Group (PMG) telah menjelaskan bahawa mereka ingin memperoleh pegangan kawalan dalam MV sejak pembelian awal 25% saham MV Agusta pada 2020. Pemuktamadkan perjanjian itu melihat PMG menjadi pemegang saham majoriti apabila mereka mengeluarkan opsyen panggilan, justeru meningkatkan bahagian mereka dalam MV kepada 50.1%.

Perjanjian itu juga menyaksikan perubahan dalam perniagaan harian MV. Hubert Trunkenpolz menggantikan Timur Sardarov sebagai Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif dan Pengerusi Lembaga Pengarah. (Hubert ialah anak saudara kepada Hans Trunkenpolz, yang mengasaskan KTM. Itulah huruf “T” dalam nama KTM.) Sardarov akan kekal bersama MV sebagai Naib Pengerusi. Selain itu, PMG merancang untuk mengembangkan ibu pejabat MV di Varese, Itali.

Sadarov berkata:

“MV Agusta merangkumi semangat dan rasa percintaan yang unik yang menawan saya, seorang usahawan berpengalaman, sejak hari pertama. Cabaran peribadi untuk membimbing syarikat keluar daripada krisis dan mengemudinya ke arah kejayaan melalui strategi perniagaan yang inovatif, pengembangan pasukan dan pembangunan produk baharu telah berjaya ditakluki. Ia adalah satu penghormatan untuk memainkan peranan dalam membentuk legasi MV Agusta. Sepanjang lima tahun yang lalu, kedua-dua syarikat dan saya telah berkembang dengan ketara. Pertumbuhan kami bersama-sama adalah bukti perjalanan transformatif yang telah kami kongsikan. Masa saya bersama MV Agusta telah menjadi babak penting dalam hidup saya, dipenuhi dengan kegembiraan dan cabaran bersama. Semasa saya terus berkhidmat sebagai Naib Pengerusi yang berdedikasi, saya komited untuk menyokong syarikat dan kejayaan berterusannya.”

Jadi apa akan jadi lepas ini? KTM pernah menegaskan bahawa mereka tidak mahu mengeluarkan lagi motosikal sportbike sejak pengeluaran RC8 tamat, atas sebab tidak mahu membahayakan pelanggan mereka. Bagi segmen naked pula, KTM sudah mempunyai pangkalan mereka yang diliputi dengan 890 Duke R dan 1390 Super Duke R. Malah, KTM, GasGas, Husqvarna telah merangkumi banyak segmen di kalangan mereka, lebih-lebih lagi KTM.

Atau adakah PMG akan meneruskan dengan mengeluarkan barisan MV Agustas yang sedia ada?

Masa akan menentukan.

MV Agusta dalam Kesukaran (Lagi)?

KTM, Pierer Mobility Acquires Controlling Stake in MV Agusta

We recently ran a story about how MV Agusta may be in financial trouble after a dismal performance in 2023. We also mentioned that MV’s CEO Timur Sardarov was adamant in not relinquishing control of the company to the giant Pierer Mobility Group (KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas). Well, news just broke that Pierer Mobility has indeed acquired a controlling stake in MV Agusta.

Pierer Mobility Group (PMG) has made clear that they wish to acquire a controlling stake in MV since their initial 25% purchase in 2020. The finalisation of the agreement sees PMG as the controlling shareholder when they issued a call option, increasing their share in MV to 50.1%.

The deal also sees a shakeup in MV’s day-to-day business. Hubert Trunkenpolz replaces Timur Sardarov as the CEO and Chairmon of the Board of Director. (Hubert is the nephew of Hans Trunkenpolz, who co-founded KTM, hence the “T” in brand’s name.) Sardarov will remain with MV in the role of Vice-Chairman. Apart from that, PMG is planning to expand MV’s headquarters at Varese, Italy.

Sadarov said:

“MV Agusta embodies passion and a unique sense of romance that captivated me, a seasoned entrepreneur, from day one. The personal challenge of guiding the company out of crisis and steering it towards success through innovative business strategies, team expansion, and new product developments has been conquered. It is an honor to play a role in shaping MV Agusta’s legacy. Over the past five years, both the company and I have evolved significantly. Our growth together is a testament to the transformative journey we’ve shared. My time with MV Agusta has been a pivotal chapter in my life, filled with mutual joys and challenges. As I continue to serve as a dedicated Vice-Chairman, I am committed to supporting the company and its ongoing success.”

So what now? It is going to really interesting to see what kind of products that this new venture will produce. KTM, for one, has stated unequivocally that they did not wish to produce anymore sportbikes since the RC8’s production ended. As for nakeds, KTM already have their bases covered with the 890 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R. In fact, KTM, GasGas, Husqvarna have covered many segments among them, more so KTM.

Or will PMG continue with putting out the existing lineup of MV Agustas?

Time will tell.

MV Agusta In Dire Straits (Again)?

Harley-Davidson Street Glide (2024) Membuat Penampilan

Apabila Harley-Davidson mengumumkan kedatangan semula banjaran model-model 2024, dua daripadanya telah menerima peningkatan yang ketara, iaitu 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide dan 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide. Kedua-dua model ini mendapat peningkatan daripada segi gaya, suspensi serta elektronik yang sama, yang sebelum ini hanya tersedia pada edisi terhad CVO Street Glide dan CVO Road Glide.

Tetapi mari kita kenali model Street Glide dahulu.

Ciri-ciri utama Harley-Davidson Street Glide (2024):

Nadi Street Glide baharu ini ialah enjin Milwaukee-Eight 117 yang lebih besar (iaitu 117 inci padu, atau 1917cc kepada kami dalam dunia metrik).
Silinder baharu menggunakan head yang disejukkan cecair, bersama-sama dengan sistem penyejukan yang baharu.
Ia adalah peningkatan besar daripada Milwaukee-Eight 107 (1753cc) sebelumnya.
Enjin 117ci ini menghasilkan 105 hp dan tork 176.3 Nm, yang jauh lebih tinggi daripada 86 hp untuk enjin 107ci.

Sudah tentu, 105 hp dari 1.9 liter tidak banyak, tetapi pertimbangkan enjin ini berputar di bawah 1,500 RPM apabila bergerak pada 110 km/j, dan anda akan faham.
Walau bagaimanapun, enjin 117ci tidak mempunyai VVT daripada enjin 121ci (1982cc) CVO.
Penambahan sistem infotainmen baharu, dengan penguat berkuasa 200 watt, yang menghantar kuasanya ke sepasang pembesar suara yang dipasang pada fairing.

Skrin sentuh warna TFT 12.3 inci yang besar (istilah raksasa lebih tepat. Sebagai perbandingan, skrin Apple iPad 2 ialah 12.9 inci).
Penunggang boleh memilih mod tunggangan (Rain, Road, Sport, Custom), atau berinteraksi dengan sistem infotainmen, dsb. melalui skrin TFT kerana butang analog pada bar hendal telah tiada lagi.
Sudah tentu, H-D menaik taraf penggayaan motosikal juga, untuk menjadikannya lebih kontemporari, walaupun fairing mengekalkan profil batwing dan hidung jerung yang legenda.
Tangki bahan api juga mempunyai bentuk baru.
Span tempat duduk sekeping ditambah baik untuk jalanan jarak jauh.

Berapakah harganya?

Harley-Davidson Street Glide 2024 dijual pada harga USD 25,999 (RM 123,053.27), walaupun bilangan cukai yang membingungkan sudah tentunya akan menaikkan harga ke lebih tinggi.

Dan kawan-kawan saya tertanya-tanya mengapa saya hendak menjadi kaya…

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.