Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Is This the 2020 Honda CBR300RR?

A rendered photo of the 2020 Honda CBR300RR is making waves.
Honda currently has the CBR250RR but only for Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong.
The manufacturer is missing as a lightweight worldwide contender.

The rendered photo of what purports to be the 2020 Honda CBR300RR is making waves in social media.

If it rumours are true, the CBR300RR will see Honda putting in a serious fight in the lightweight sportbike category. Of the Big Four Japanese manufacturers, only Yamaha and Kawasaki are duking it out while the other two namely Honda and Suzuki seem contend to spectate from the sidelines.

Honda does have the CBR250RR which they dubbed “Lightweight Super Sports Concept” and was unveiled in 2015. However, the Big Red decided to sell the bike only in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong when the bike made production in 2017.

Malaysians have been crying out for crying out for the CBR250RR since, but it looks like a no-show in our market, possibly due to being too expensive to make an impact.

Still, if the little CBR goes to 300cc, that’ll put it in contention with the Yamaha YZF-R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 400. The current CBR250RR’s engine produces 38 hp so it should be upped to the mid-40’s should the 300 go ahead.

MV Agusta had also partnered with Chinese manufacturer, Loncin, to produce sub-500cc motorcycles for the Chinese and Asian market.

Honda meanwhile, is missing a lightweight contender.

Airbag Saved Andrea Dovizioso and Fabio Quartararo in British MotoGP Crash

It was airbag technology that saved Andrea Dovizioso and Fabio Quartararo when they crashed heavily at the start of the British MotoGP.
Alpinestars had released the Tech-Air data.
This type of crash would’ve resulted in permanent injuries many years ago.

It was the airbag technology that saved Andrea Dovizioso and Fabio Quartararo when they crashed heavily at the start of the British MotoGP.

Alpinestars had released the Tech-Air airbag data.

Quartararo’s airbag inflated completely within 0.060 second while he was flying in the air before his landing and absorbed the shock. It was also scary to see that his crash lasted 4.7 second. That’s an eternity in an accident.

Dovizioso’s suit data showed why he came away more banged up. The Italian’s airbag inflated completely within 0.145 second. It took longer because he was flying higher in the air.

Compare how Quartararo took one big impact to Dovizioso’s multiple impacts. Remember, it’s not how you crash but how you stop that causes the seriousness of the damage.

The Alpinestars Tech-Air system works on a complex algorithm which determines the best duration and type of inflation based on data from gyroscopes spread around the suit.

For example, a lowside crash results in the suit inflating the first stage. The rider could get back on his bike and continue as the bag will deflate itself later.

In the event of a heavier crash like this one, the algorithm fires the airbag completely.

We’re all thankful that both riders walked away without more serious injury. This type of crash would’ve resulted in permanent injuries before the advent of the airbag equipped racesuit.

We only wish the technology was more affordable to road riders.

Michelin Pilot Street 2 – MotoGP DNA for Street Performance

Michelin Pilot Street 2 is designed for scooters and small displacement motorcycles.
Rim sizes start from 10-inches though 14-, 16- and finally 17-inch.
It has superior wet and dry performance.

We’ve always said that what MotoGP teams use differ from what you and I can obtain for everyday riding. However, the gap has closed between “unobtanium” in MotoGP and what’s available to the general public. One of it is tyre technology, as these Michelin Pilot Street 2 can attest to.

It’s been two years since Michelin’s return to supplying the MotoGP teams and you can be that they’ve learned much since then. But also remember that Michelin used to supply tyres in MotoGP way before the other brands before dropping out for a few years. The company have also been around since 1889, exactly 130 years ago.

The Michelin Pilot Street 2 is designed for scooters and small displacement motorcycles. As such, rim sizes start from 10-inches though 14-, 16- and finally 17-inches.

These new tyres were designed to perform on both dry and wet roads.

To achieve this:

The front tyre features a circumferential groove to aid agility, while lateral grooves give good performance on wet roads.
The rear tyre’s central grooves optimizes water clearance while providing outstanding grip during the dry.

The tyre’s performance was tested and certified by TÜV Labs at Fontange, France. Equipped with the Michelin Pilot Street 2, the bike lapped the 2-km circuit 4.4 seconds faster than its rivals.

The tyres will be available at TYREPLUS and Michelin authorized dealers. They are offered in 19 sizes.

Indonesian Gojek Riders Demonstrate Despite Apology by Big Blue Taxi Founder

More than 400 Gojek riders and Indonesians protested outside the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta yesterday.
The demonstrations were held to protests against the disparaging remarks made by Big Blue Taxi founder Dato’ Shamsubahrin Ismail in a video.
They demanded that Shamsubahrin travel to Indonesia to apologize publicly.

More than 400 Gojek riders protested outside the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta yesterday.

The demonstrations were held to protests against the disparaging remarks made by Big Blue Taxi founder Dato’ Shamsubahrin Ismail in a video. Shamsubahrin said that the e-hailing service is meant for “poor” people like those in Jakarta, Indonesia, besides Thailand and Cambodia.

“This (Indonesia) is a poor country. We (Malaysia) are a rich country. If Indonesia’s youths are any good, they would not leave their country to look for a job,” he said in the video.

The video was circulated all the way to Indonesia where it infuriated Gojek riders. Gojek spokeswoman Theresia Ismiyanti demanded that Shamsubahrin travel to Indonesia to apologize publicly.

Shamsubahrin held a press conference on 30^thAugust to apologize but blamed a “media report” on poverty in Indonesia, instead. He also sent a letter to the Malaysian embassy in Indonesia. It was since handed to the Garda association of motorcycle workers by the Malaysian Police Attaché.

However, the riders and Indonesians were unsatisfied with the apology and continued their demand for Shamsubahrin to visit the country. They even raised funds for him to travel there.

Shamsubahrin spouted the claims when he protested against the government’s desire to allow Gojek to operate here. To his credit, he suggested that Malaysian-based Dego Ride should be given priority over Gojek.

SHARK 30th Anniversary Race R Pro GP

SHARK Helmets released three limited-edition SHARK 30^thAnniversary Race R Pro GP helmets.
All three make up a total production run of only 1989 helmets.
The 30^thanniversary models have more features on top of the already flagship Race R Pro GP.

French helmet maker SHARK Helmets launched three limited-edition SHARK 30^thAnniversary Race R Pro GP helmets.

They are available in 3 special colours, for a total number of 1989 units. They are Red Carbon Black, Black Carbon Pearl and White Carbon Black.

The SHARK Race R Pro is the helmet worn by MotoGP riders such as Jorge Lorenzo, Johann Zarco and Scott Redding.

The three models are named “Carbon” because they are built in carbon fibre. SHARK uses the next-generation Carbon on View and aramid (COVA) structure to increase compression and abrasion resistance. Because it’s made of carbon fibre, the helmet is also light to reduce neck muscle tension.

Its distinctive shape was derived through the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology and gaining feedback from the riders. The result is a helmet that boasts the best possible aerodynamic efficiency at top speeds to minimize drag and vibration for maximum stability.

The large spoiler at the back of the helmet uses a “Quick Spoiler Safety System.” It detaches the spoiler in a fall to minimize the effects of secondary shocks.

Speaking of shocks, SHARK Helmets employ multi-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in different zones of the helmet for optimal damping.

The comfort lining uses new “3D morpho” cheek contours for maximum comfort and support. The lining is removable for washing and uses the “Alveotech” anti-bacterial treatment to prevent bacteria growth i.e. cuts down on smell.

SHARK helmets are known for their quietness. To do so, they employed memory-shaped ear pads, wrap-around neck protection plus the anti-fog breath guard which blocks background noise.

Last but not least, the Race R Pro GP has a “SHARK Racing Division” laser engraving on the visor mechanisms, neck protection and titanium-coated double-D ring strap. Besides that, there is a 30^thanniversary hologram behind the helmet.

Every owner of the SHARK 30^thAnniversary Race R Pro GP limited-edition helmets will receive a specially-designed “Racing Division” helmet box and “SHARK Racing Division” bag.

Adam Norrodin to Replace Khairul Idham Pawi at Misano

Ex-PETRONAS Sprinta Moto3 rider Adam Norrodin will be the latest replacement for Khairul Idham Pawi.
He is the latest substitute rider in the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team in Moto2.
Pawi is recovering from a hand injury.

Ex-PETRONAS Sprinta Moto3 rider Adam Norrodin will be the latest replacement for Khairul Idham Pawi.

Norrodin will take over the Moto2 reins in the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team at the Misano GP. Pawi is still nursing the injury to his right finger which had partly been amputated.

Norrodin used to race for the Sepang International Circuit team in the Moto3 class from 2016 to 2018, partnering Ayumu Sasaki. When the team became the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team for this season, Scottish racer John McPhee replaced Norrodin.

The Malaysian rider went to ride for the SIC Junior team, contesting in the European Moto2 championship.

Although he has experience riding a Moto2 machine, this will be his first time on the Triumph-powered Moto2 machine in the Moto2 World Championship.

“It’s a shame that KIP is not able to return to racing, but I’m really happy to have been given this opportunity; it’s like a dream come true,” Norrodin said. “There’s something new for me to learn, but it’ll be interesting for me – it’s a new chapter for my story and I need to say a huge thanks to Dato’ Razlan Razali and the team for still believing in me.”

Team Principal Dato’ Razlan Razali said “One of our objectives is to encourage and nurture Malaysian racing talent so with Khairul Idham Pawi still recovering, there was an ideal opportunity to give Adam Norrodin the opportunity to sample Moto2 at world championship level.”

Mattia Pasini, Jonas Folger and Bradley Smith have substituted for Pawi this season. As Smith will be representing the SIC team at Misano for the MotoE race, he will unavailable as substitute.

Woman Catches Husband Riding with Another Woman in Police Summons

A woman caught her husband riding with another woman on his bike through a police summon.
Imagine how the man will have to explain his way out.
The “affair” happened in Thailand.

Raise your hands if you’ve ever received police summons for speeding? It shows the picture of the “offence.” Well, that’s how a woman caught her husband riding with another woman on his bike.

A Thai man had received a police summon in the mail. With his wife around, she proceeded to open the envelop to see a picture of a woman riding behind him on his bike.

What aroused her suspicion was the woman riding without a helmet, unlike what she does. Adding fuel to fire, the woman appeared to be totally relaxed and nonchalant. It finally dawned on her that it wasn’t her on the bike as a passenger.

Well, you can imagine what kind of interrogation the man faces.

Some netizens were quick to “Padan muka (serves you right).” They reasoned that the police wouldn’t have shot the photograph and issued the police summons if the rider hadn’t broken the law. There was a commenter who called it “karma” for cheating on the wife.

There were also netizens who didn’t take a liking to the ahem… affair. To them the Thai cops’ “efficiency “may have ruined a marriage.

Our thoughts? Tell the passenger to wear a helmet at all times and don’t cheat. (Shh… the wife was looking at what I typed.)

Source: Siam Varietyvia World of Buzz

New Colours for 2020 Suzuki SV650

The 2020 Suzuki SV650 will receive new colours.
The SV650 continues its run after 20 years.
Will the new bikes head to Malaysia?

The 2020 Suzuki SV650 will receive new colours.

This year is the 20^thanniversary of the Suzuki SV650. Production began in 1999 as the smaller engine brother to the TL1000S. But while the TL1000S (and later TL1000R) lived short lifespans, the 650 soldiered on.

It became the questionably-styled Gladius 650 at one point before Suzuki went back to the original naked sportbike/standard bike design.

Its strength is that smooth V-Twin engine which provides plenty of torque. Also, its light handling is the best in its class and only beaten by the earlier Triumph Street Triple 675 and current 765.

The engine also powers the V-Strom 650 adventure bike. Suzuki will continue with the V-Strom 650 while dropping the V-Strom 1000 in 2020. The 650 is much easier to ride and has better ergonomics hence its popularity in Europe.

So, for 2020, the SV650 gains three new colours including the beautiful silver bodywork with blue frame and wheels scheme, matt black with red frame and wheels, and the blacked-out gloss black with black frame and wheels.

Will Suzuki Malaysia bring in the new SV650? Your guess is as good as mine, given their sloppiness in spreading the news about their bikes.

BMW Motorrad Auto Bavaria – S1K Malaysia Track Day

Auto Bavaria BMW hosted the S1K Malaysia club for track day at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.
The S1K Malaysia club consists of BMW S 1000 RR superbike owners.
Participants rode on beautifully prepared bikes.

Auto Bavaria BMW Motorrad hosted the S1K Malaysia club for track day at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.

As its name suggests, the S1K Malaysia club consists of BMW S 1000 RR superbike owners.

The track day was to allow S 1000 RR owners the opportunity to utilize their bikes the way they were designed for. The racetrack is the best venue to find the the riders’ and the bikes’ limits, in a safe and controlled manner.

While it was a mixed brand track day, the S 1000 RR owners were the most heavily represented. Owners had shown up with bikes that have been customized with beautiful paintjobs, exhaust systems and even lightweight wheels.

Although the entire session was for three hours, it was apparent that they enjoyed the day out regardless of their pace. There were fast riders who dragged elbows and knees, and there were riders who didn’t drag anything, yet they all went away with smiling faces.

It was also visible that the S 1000 RR were extremely suited to track work and didn’t required the riders to fight with their bikes.

On the other hand, the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR has yet to make an appearance. Auto Bavaria BMW Motorrad informed us that BMW Motorrad is having their hands full in order to satisfy demand.

PHOTO GALLERY

Wah Motor Superbikes – the Latest Kawasaki Ninja Shop and Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre

Wah Motor Superbikes is now the latest addition to the Kawasaki Ninja Shop and Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre network.
It is the official Kawasaki dealer and workshop to service the Klang community.
It was launched on Merdeka Day.

Wah Motor Superbikes is now the latest addition to the Kawasaki Ninja Shop and Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre network.

Wah Motor was opened exactly 50 years ago to cater to scooter riders but has since grown to sell motorcycles of all capacities including large capacity ones. But the shop has been transformed to a Kawasaki Ninja Shop.

As an official dealer, it offers the latest Kawasaki models from the smallest capacity to the largest. Indeed, there were the Ninja 250, three Z 900 RS variants, Ninja ZX-6R, Ninja ZX-10R, Versys 650 1000, Vulcan 650, and Kawasaki’s crown jewel the Ninja H2. Customers can also buy accessories and riding gear here.

Additionally, the Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre is fully-equipped with top range equipment and tools. The mechanics are highly trained technicians. Kawasaki owners can also find the Kawasaki Genuine Oil engine lubricant here (both semi-synthethic and fully-synthetic).

Wah Motor Superbikes is also now the Kawasaki official dealer to serve the Klang community.

The launch was carried out on the 62^ndMerdeka Day on 31^stAugust 2019. On hand for the launching were Kawasaki Motors (Malayasia) Sdn. Bhd. Executive Chairman, Ahmad Faez bin Tan Sri Yahaya, Kawasaki Motors (Malayasia) Sdn. Bhd. Managing Director Dato’ Jeffrey Lim, Wah Superbikes Managing Director Lee Chee Hoong, Malaysian Motorcycles and Scooters Dealers Association President Wee Hong.

Millennium Welt BMW Motorrad – BMW Motorrad Club Malaysia Merdeka Ride

Millennium Welt BMW Motorrad hosted the BMW Motorrad Club Malaysia (BMWMCM) members for a Merdeka ride themed “Sayangi Malaysiaku” (Love My Malaysia).
The convoy rode to Muar, Johor.
About 150 riders and guests took part.

Millennium Welt BMW Motorrad hosted the BMW Motorrad Club Malaysia (BMWMCM) members for a Merdeka ride.

The ride, themed “Sayangi Malaysiaku” (Love My Malaysia) was held on the 62^ndMerdeka Day, 31^stAugust 2019.

It began from 7.30am with the arrival of approximately 150 riders and guests, in preparation for a convoy to Muar, Johor. Stops included the Bukit Kepong Muzium as a reminder to Malaysia’s stand against communist guerillas.

The staff from Millennium Welt handed over the ride t-shirts and also Malaysian flags to be placed on the participants’ bikes. The flags signified the riders’ patriotism and love for the nation.

Apart from patriotism, the ride demonstrated that Malaysians stand together as one in spite of race, religion or creed. Indeed, the representatives called for solidarity and to reject racism and fundamentalism.

The dealer also served a great Malaysian meal before the flag off. The national anthem “Negaraku” was sung by all and proceeded with the shouts of “Merdeka!” (independence) ringing throughout the Metal Bees Production House and surroundings in Sunway Damansara.

This was the first Merdeka ride organized by Millennium Welt BMW Motorrad and they promised more of such rides in the future. Attendees also had the opportunity to test ride the latest BMW Motorrad models.

PHOTO GALLERY

Is a New BMW S 1000 XR in the Works?

BMW Motorrad may be working on a new BMW S 1000 XR sport-tourer.
The new bike’s engine needs to be Euro 5-compliant.
It needs to contend with the Ducati Multistrada V4 and KTM 1290 Super Adventure.

We reported earlier that the BMW S 1000 XR was missing from BMW Motorrad USA’s submission to the air control board.

While we don’t see many S 1000 XR on our shores, the model is highly popular in Europe and elsewhere. In fact, it outsold the S 1000 RR sportbike in BMW’s four-cylinder line-up.

To kill the model outright would see the manufacturer lose out in a huge market, so that could only mean one thing: That BMW is working on a new model.

Again, almost all manufacturers must build Euro 5-compliant models by 2020 or 2021. Older models will have to comply by 2020 while completely new models can comply by 2021.

The new S 1000 XR will definitely feature an engine with the new Shift Cam technology, as already fitted to the new S 1000 RR. The technology allows the engine to generate the required horsepower and keeping emissions low.

Speaking of power, the current bike’s engine produces 165 hp. We wonder if we’ll see a power hike in the new bike since it has to contend with the new KTM 1290 Super Adventure and the rumoured Ducati Multistrada V4.

The new S 1000 XR may also feature radar-controlled auto cruise. KTM is reportedly testing it on the next generation 1290 Super Adventure.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

A rendered photo of the 2020 Honda CBR300RR is making waves.

Honda currently has the CBR250RR but only for Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong.

The manufacturer is missing as a lightweight worldwide contender.

It was airbag technology that saved Andrea Dovizioso and Fabio Quartararo when they crashed heavily at the start of the British MotoGP.

Alpinestars had released the Tech-Air data.

This type of crash would’ve resulted in permanent injuries many years ago.

Michelin Pilot Street 2 is designed for scooters and small displacement motorcycles.

Rim sizes start from 10-inches though 14-, 16- and finally 17-inch.

It has superior wet and dry performance.

To achieve this:

More than 400 Gojek riders and Indonesians protested outside the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta yesterday.

The demonstrations were held to protests against the disparaging remarks made by Big Blue Taxi founder Dato’ Shamsubahrin Ismail in a video.

They demanded that Shamsubahrin travel to Indonesia to apologize publicly.

Ex-PETRONAS Sprinta Moto3 rider Adam Norrodin will be the latest replacement for Khairul Idham Pawi.

He is the latest substitute rider in the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team in Moto2.

Pawi is recovering from a hand injury.

A woman caught her husband riding with another woman on his bike through a police summon.

Imagine how the man will have to explain his way out.

The “affair” happened in Thailand.

The 2020 Suzuki SV650 will receive new colours.

The SV650 continues its run after 20 years.

Will the new bikes head to Malaysia?

Auto Bavaria BMW hosted the S1K Malaysia club for track day at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.

The S1K Malaysia club consists of BMW S 1000 RR superbike owners.

Participants rode on beautifully prepared bikes.

PHOTO GALLERY

Wah Motor Superbikes is now the latest addition to the Kawasaki Ninja Shop and Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre network.

It is the official Kawasaki dealer and workshop to service the Klang community.

It was launched on Merdeka Day.

Millennium Welt BMW Motorrad hosted the BMW Motorrad Club Malaysia (BMWMCM) members for a Merdeka ride themed “Sayangi Malaysiaku” (Love My Malaysia).

The convoy rode to Muar, Johor.

About 150 riders and guests took part.

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW Motorrad may be working on a new BMW S 1000 XR sport-tourer.

The new bike’s engine needs to be Euro 5-compliant.

It needs to contend with the Ducati Multistrada V4 and KTM 1290 Super Adventure.

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