Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

2020 Suzuki Sportbikes – Less Flash, Same Dash

2020 Suzuki sportbikes are out, albeit with little fanfare.
All bikes will appear for one last year before being changed for Euro 5 in 2021.
Suzuki sportbikes are renowned for their agility.

The 2020 Suzuki sportbikes are out, albeit with little fanfare.

There are new colours and graphics, plus some updates but the bikes stay mostly the same as last years. We think it’s probably that Suzuki will roll out the Euro 5-compliant models soon for 2021.

Still, Suzuki sportbikes are among those to die for given their performance mixed with civility. It was the Hamamatsu-based manufacturer who gave us the first real sportbike – the GSX-R750 in 1985.

2020 Suzuki GSX-R1000R

The GSX-R1000R is Suzuki’s weapon for World Superbike racing. That’s why it’s the most technologically-laden. Only changes are the new graphics for next year. There are only two colour options in either Glass Sparkle Black/Pearl Mira Red or Metallic Triton Blue factory racing livery.

2020 Suzuki GSX-R1000

The GSX-R1000 is like the “normal” version. Most if not all sportbike manufacturers market a higher-spec’ed and a normal spec’ed models these days.

Hence the GSXR-1000 (without the extra R) is meant for the masses. It features minimalistic graphics for next year and in our opinion looks much cleaner. Suzuki brought over the bi-direction quickshifter from the GSX-R1000R.

Available in two colours also, called Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black and the other Pearl Glacier White/Glass Sparkle Black.

2020 Suzuki GSX-R750

Suzuki is the only manufacturer that’s soldering on with the 750cc superbike. The segment was pretty much dead within years of the WorldSBK going to 1000cc inline-Fours, as well as MotoGP going the 990cc four-stroke direction.

But there’s something sweet about 750cc sportbikes as they fill the gap between the 600’s agility and the 1000’s power. The Suzuki GSX-R750, however, uses a bigger engine in the 600cc chassis.

Choose from either Pearl Glacier White/Glass Sparkle Black or Metallic Matte Black No. 2/Glass Sparkle Black.

2020 Suzuki GSX-R600

Speaking of the 600, here it is. Light and agile, it lets you hit the back roads and Ulu Yam with pleasure. Take it to the track and you’ll see that it’s easy to reach its potential. Real value for money.

Comes in Pearl Glacier White and Glass Sparkle Black.

We’ll take the white one.

2020 Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa

Ah hah! The bike which caused superbikes’ top speeds capped at 299 km/h since 2000. It’s the Hayabusa which holds the title of the fastest road bike when it hit 312 km/h in 1999. This was a time when road bikes had about 160 HP.

So, the model continues on after 20 years because it’s still fast and there is demand. The Hayabusa will soon be upgraded but the 2020 model remains sold in the USA.

It’s gone through a number of important updates during its lifetime, including the fitment of Brembo brakes, slipper clutch, larger radiator and so forth.

The Hayabusa will appear in its current design for one last year in 2020.

Offered in Candy Daring Red and Metallic Thunder Grey.

2020 Yamaha MT-03 Launched for US and UK Markets

The 2020 Yamaha MT-03 has been launched for the US and UK markets.
It shares the same DNA as the MT-07 and MT-09.
Will it and the MT-15 reach Malaysia?

The 2020 Yamaha MT-03 has been launched for the US and UK markets.

As it shares the 321cc parallel-Twin engine as the Yamaha YZF-R3, it would known as the MT-25 in our market since it’ll adopt the YZF-R25’s 250cc engine.

Being a part of the MT-series the model shares the “Dark Side of Japan” DNA with its larger MT-07 and MT-09 siblings, such as the large faux air scoops. It features styling elements of the other two, plus an new and aggressive headlamp with striking LEDs.

A new 14-litre tank should see a range of up to a 300 kilometre range. There is also a new LCD screen.

But look a little closer and you can see a resemblance to YZF-R3 in terms of the tail section and frame.

Indeed, while the diamond-shape frame is from the R3, the suspension features a number of differences. The forks are now upside-down, while the new swingarm is longer and pivots closer to the centre of the bike. The rear monoshock has a stiffer springs in addition to revised preload and rebound damping rates.

The manufacturer sees the bike as a great offering to the younger segment of riders.

The big question if the MT-25 will ever be sold in Malaysia. The MT-15 and MT-25 are already sold in Thailand and Indonesia to big success.

Benelli Leoncino 800 Leaked

Benelli Leoncino 800 picture was leaked from vehicle type approval submissions.
It will use the 754cc engine from the 752S.
The bike follows the Leoncino 502’s neo retro design.

The Benelli Leoncino 800 concept was unveiled at EICMA last year but the picture of a production ready prototype was leaked recently.

According to Bennets, the picture came from Benelli’s submission for vehicle type approval. The Leoncino 800 utilises the 754cc parallel-Twin from the 752S (not available in Malaysia), while retaining the neo retro styling of the Leoncino 502.

The engine produces 74 HP and the manufacturer claimed a top speed of 190 km/h. The document also listed its weight at 223 kg, ready to ride.

As the picture shows, the bike features the usual beefy forks clamped by equally thick triple clamps. Braking is handled by Benelli-branded calipers with large brake discs. ABS is standard as the sensor plate is apparent on the left disc.

But unlike the concept, the production bike uses cast instead of spoked wheels.

The bike should be launched officially soon and we shall see if it comes to Malaysia.

While built in China, Benelli motorcycles are designed and engineered in Italy. The brand has grown stronger over the years and the TRK502 is now the third best-selling motorcycle in Italy behind the BMW R 1250 GS and Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin so far this year.

Benelli is currently owned by Qianjiang Motorcycle Company. Recently, Harley-Davidson inked a deal with the company to produce smaller displacement models for China and Asia.

Source: Bennetts UK

Ducati Panigale V4 Superleggera on the Way?

A supposed Ducati Panigale V4 Superleggera was spotted undergoing tests.
Ducati is following their tradition of producing limited-edition super light superbikes.
The bike may be unveiled during the Ducati 2020 World Premiere.

A supposed Ducati Panigale V4 Superleggera was spotted undergoing tests.

Maybe it was unexpected, but Ducati seems to be continuing with the Superleggera (super light) tradition, as they did with the Panigale 1199 and Panigale 1299.

Operating on the “light is right” principal, the test bike was spotted with generous amounts of carbon fibre. The main bodywork including the nose cone, front portion of the fuel tank, and seat unit are made of the lightweight stuff.

But we noticed that the bodywork’s styling takes after the Panigale V4 R’s complete with winglets.

Ducati seems to retain the front and rear mudguards, and belly pan in polymer. The swingarm is also non-carbon.

The rims share the same design as those on the Panigale 1199 Superleggera and Panigale 1299 Superleggera, however. It could very well mean that they are carbon fibre, too.

The exhaust muffler also looks different and could be of a lightweight design and material.

It goes without saying that the Superleggera will be much lighter than the regular V4. For comparison sake, the Panigale 1299 S weighed 190 kg, while the 1299 Superleggera tipped the scales at only 167 kg, making it the lightest production superbike.

Lower weight results in higher power-to-weight ratio and lower inertia. The bike accelerates faster, can hold higher mid corner speeds and brakes faster.

We may see he new bike during the Ducati 2020 World Premiere on 23rd October.

Source: Ride Apart

Petrol Subsidy Proposed for Below 125cc Bike Owners, Removal of RON95 Subsidy

Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs announced that the proposal for petrol subsidy is ready.
The new subsidy plan hopes to help the B40 group.
The proposed subsidy will apply to owners of motorcycles below 125cc.

After more than a year deliberation, the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs announced that the proposal for petrol subsidy is ready.

If given the green light by the Cabinet, the government will employ a number of safeguards to ensure the that B40 group receives the subsidy. The measures proposed are in view of unreliable data which often plagues decision-making among government agencies in Malaysia.

The Malay Mail quoted sources who said that the government has a better database now. It is drawn up based on data from pension fund contributions, the applicant’s payslips, and vehicle ownership data with the Road Transport Department (JPJ). The Star reported that the government will also look at household electric bills that amount to between RM 100 and RM 200 monthly. Also, the assistance only applies to those whose monthly household income is less RM 3,900.

As for the amount of subsidy, the Ministry may be adhering to Minister of Finance Lim Guan Eng’s proposal in November. The plan calls for subsidising owners of motorcycles below 125cc and cars below 1,500cc with a minimum of 30 sen per litre of RON95 petrol.

The total amount of subsidised petrol is 40 litres for motorcycles and 100 litres for cars per month. The subsidy amounts to RM 12 for motorcycles and RM 30 for cars per month. The amount will be transferred to the recipients’ bank accounts on a monthly basis.

The current price of subsidised RON95 is capped at RM 2.08 per litre. Prices would fluctuate according to a weekly float once the subsidy is removed and may see an increase to RM 2.49 per litre.

It was revealed that government currently spends an average of RM 133 million a week on fuel subsidies.

PBM Be Wiser Ducati Team Selling Their 2018 Ducati Panigale R

PBM Be Wiser Ducati Team is selling their 2018 Ducati Panigale R.
The bike weighs just 165kg and can hit 338 km/h.
All for just £ 70,000.

Fancy a real race tuned Ducati? Well, here’s a deal and half for you: PBM Be Wiser Ducati Team is selling their 2018 Ducati Panigale R!

The team competes in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) with champion Shane “Shakey” Byrne and Glenn Irwin as their original lineup of riders. But Shakey had a serious accident early in the season and was replaced by Andrew Irwin.

Shakey had a win and two podiums before his career-ending crash at Snetterton. Glenn went on to post seven podium finishes on the bike, while Andrew finished fourth twice.

So you see, this bike isn’t some tarted up hobby team race bike – it’s the real deal!

Yes, it’s based on the Panigale 1199, but check out these specs.

Termignoni exhausts, race-spec Brembo brakes, Öhlins suspension. Sounds meh? Wait! The bike weighs only 165kg dry. The engine produces 210 HP. Yup, 210 Italian stallions.

Top speed is claimed to hit 338 km/h (210 mph).

The team is also throwing in two extra “low mileage” engines into the deal.

Great, huh?

All for just RM 360,629.50 (£ 70,000).

Another Teaser for Supercharged Kawasaki Z Model

There’s a new teaser video for a supercharged Kawasaki Z model.
It gives further glimpses of the new supercharged naked Ninja H2.
Kawasaki will be a contender in the most powerful supernaked category.

There’s a new teaser video for a supercharged Kawasaki Z model.

This time, we get a small glimpse of how the new model will look like. The footage shows a sharp front with Kawasaki’s “River Mark,” supercharger, air intake, and so forth.

There is also a new TFT screen. We could see that the new bike will include cruise control, besides the required traction control and ABS.

We could only guess how the entire bike will look like at the moment but it won’t be long until the official unveiling on 23rd October. That date happens to be the beginning of the Tokyo Motor Show.

Kawasaki uses the “Z” designation for naked bikes in their line-up. Hence the new supercharged “Z” model is the naked version of the Ninja H2. As the 2019 Ninja H2 produces 231HP, we could only wait with bated breath to find out how much power will this bike make. This is the chance for manufacturer to claim the supernaked title. That honour is currently held by the 2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R, whose engine produces 177 HP and 141 Nm of torque.

Ducati will also unveil their new Streetfighter V4 on the same date in their Ducati 2020 World Premiere. Based on the Panigale V4 which punches out 214 HP, Ducati is also on the path to introduce a contender for the most powerful supernaked.

The fight is on!

Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki Crowned WorldSBK Champion Five Times in a Row

Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki has won the 2019 WorldSBK title – their fifth in a row.
Rea won Race Two at Magny-Cours while Alvaro Bautista crashed out again.
Rea is now the rider who has won the most WorldSBK titles.

Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki has won the 2019 WorldSBK title – their fifth in a row.

Rea won Race Two at Magny-Cours, France, enabling him to pull clear of closest challenger Alvaro Bautista on the Ducati V4 R. Rea had entered Race Two with a 100-point lead over Bautista and needed a victory and a hope that the latter does not score to put the title chase beyond contention.

Somehow and true enough, Bautista crashed after tangling with Toprak Razgatlioglu. Toprak had overtaken Bautista but the rear tyre of his bike lost traction and slowed, causing the Spaniard to ram his bike. Both riders went down and out of the race.

But it wasn’t an easy win for Rea as he had to battle Michael van der Mark for the win. Rea fought hard and his determination netted him the win that he needed.

It was his 12th win of the 2019 season. But winning the title fives times in a row set the record as the first rider to do so, besides being the first rider to win the title five times. Carl Fogarty held the previous record of four titles, albeit separated by a seasons in between.

The victory will also become one of the most famous comebacks in racing history. Bautista had destroyed the entire field with 11 consecutive wins when the season began and held a 64-point lead.

But Rea kept up with a metronome-like consistency, finishing second in ten of those races and another in third behind Bautista. Then Rea fought back to post wins in Imola and Jerez. Bautista crashed in Race 2 at Jerez and that was when everything started to unravel.

The Spanish would eventually crash six times in total, first blaming the bike but went quiet about what was actually the problem. Then he inked a deal with Honda, and is now embroiled in a war of words with Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali.

Rea kept up the pressure by winning races and finishing on the podium when he couldn’t, and look at where he is now.

Makes for a great movie, don’t you think?

Going the Distance for Love – Not!

A man had his motorcycle confiscated in a roadblock.
He had ridden 200km to visit his fiancée.
He was riding without a license and his bike had “fancy” number plates.

Love makes us do silly things, does it not?

A man’s desire to visit his fiancée saw him willing to ride more than 200 kilometres but was stopped just short of his destination.

The 22-year-old man who works as a mechanic was stopped in a joint-forces roadblock at the Alor Gajah-Melaka-Jasin road.

Director of Melaka Road Transport Department (better known as Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan – JPJ) Muhammad Firdaus Shariff told Harian Metro that his officers found found the mechanic had ridden without a valid license and his Yamaha Y15ZR was using “fancy” number plates. When queried, he told the officers that he was on his way to visit his fiancée.

The JPJ then confiscated the motorcycle.

The Director also revealed that the massive joint operation inspected 654 vehicles, and a total of 389 summonses were issued. The sting consisted of 146 JPJ, Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Royal Customs Department, Immigration Department, Road Safety Department and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Back to the question: How far are you willing to go for love? Have you ridden out in the middle of the night just because of your loved one merajuk (is sulking)?

Piaggio Loses Intellectual Property Case Against Zhejiang Zhongneng

Piaggio lost their Intellectual property case against Zhejiang Zhongneng (marketed as Znen).
The Italian manufacturer claimed that one of the Znen scooters copied the Vespa LX.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office didn’t think so.

It’s an understatement to say that many of Chinese motorcycle manufacturers blatantly infringe upon the intellectual properties of others, although a number are moving in their own direction. Such was the case of Piaggio & C. SpA versus Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group Co. Ltd.

Piaggio accused Zhejiang Zhongneng of copying the Vespa LX and brought the case to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

The Italian manufacturer stated that they have been in business since 1945, while the Chinese company started producing their line of scooters since 2005 (marketed as Znen). As such, the former was cited for imitating the LX’s lines in their product.

The EUIPO didn’t see it that way, however. They stated that it’s easy to distinguish between the two scooters. The Vespa LX’s classic lines are curved, while Zhejiang Zhongneng’s F9 are more boxy in appearance, hence there’s no mistaking one for the other.

Consequently, the court dismissed Piaggio’s claim as it would mean that the Chinese manufacturer did not infringe upon Piaggio’s intellectual property.

Check out the Znen’s website here. The disputed model isn’t listed anymore. The case had been pending since 2014, anyway.

Truth is, all modern step-through scooters were influenced by the Vespa. It was the brand which featured a bodywork which covers all the mechanicals. The designer did so to isolate the rider from being splashed by water, dirt and oils from the engine.

Two Students Invent Fingerprint Bike Starter

Two teen students invent a fingerprint bike starter system due to high cases of motorcycle theft.
Instead of a key, the owner’s registered fingerprint is required to start the bike.
It was a final year project for the two college students.

Two teen students invent a fingerprint bike starter system due to high cases of motorcycle theft.

The two 19-year-old students of Kolej Vokasional Bachok (Bachok Vocational College) Wan Amiruddin Wan Amran and Adeeb Aideen Mat Yusof built the system for their final year project in their Electronics Technology Diploma course.

Speaking to Harian Metro, Wan Amiruddin said that it took them six months to produce the system including building the prototype and testing it on a motorcycle.

The system can be installed in both motorcycles and cars.

Current motorcycle starter systems (those without chips embedded in keys) can easily be accessed by thieves. Thieves only need to twist the lock to start position and press the starter button.

Wan Amiruddin and Adeeb Aideen – Photo credit Nor Amalina Alias for Harian Metro

On the other hand, the fingerprint system requires fingerprint identification in order to allow the engine to be started.

The system uses the open source Arduino software which can include voice recognition and LCD display. The fingerprint scanner was imported from overseas. It’s attached directly to the engine without a need for an external battery source or charging.

The students said that they have already received orders from the collegemates and lecturers. They will also register the device’s intellectual property soon.

Source: Harian Metro

Modenas Pulsar NS160 and Modenas Kriss MR3 Launched

The Modenas Pulsar NS160 and Modenas Kriss MR3 were launched today.
The Pulsar NS160 shares the same frame with the NS200, compared to the Pulsar 150.
The Kriss MR3 continues with the Kriss MR2’s success.

The Modenas Pulsar NS160 and Modenas Kriss MR3 were launched today.

Both bikes expand Modenas’s offerings in the Malaysian lightweight motorcycle market, giving buyers more choices.

Modenas Pulsar NS160 (from RM7,577)

The Modenas Pulsar NS160 is the upgrade from the Pulsar 150. It shares styling elements of the NS200, apart from its narrower tyres, 240mm front brake disc, and engine.

Its 160cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine delivers 14.8hp and 14Nm of torque. That power is channelled through a five-speed transmission. The engine is secured to a perimeter frame from the Pulsar NS200.

The chassis consist of telescopic front forks and a gas-charged monoshock at the back. The split five-spoke wheels are mounted with 80/100 front and 110/80 rear tyres. Disc brakes handle braking on both ends and is supplemented with a single-channel ABS.

The Pulsar NS160 is seen as the entry level model, compared to the NS200. It offers better affordability in the naked style of the Pulsar NS200. It may prove to handle better and nimbler than the NS200 due to its lighter weight, while still retaining the Pulsar NS200’s chassis. Modenas brands the model as the obvious upgrade from kapchais.

Modenas targets to sell at least 1,500 units of the Pulsar NS160.

Highlights:

Four-stroke, 160cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, fuel-injected, SOHC engine, with Digital Triple Spark Ignition (DTSi).
Fuel-injection system is supplied by Bosch.
The engine produces 14.8hp (11.05kW) at 8,500 RPM and 14Nm.
5-speed gearbox.
Nitrox gas-charged rear shock.
LED lighting for headlights and turn signals.

The bike will be available from October 2019 and is priced from RM7,577.

Modenas Kriss MR3 110 (from RM3,377)

The Modenas Kriss MR3 continues the success of the Kriss MR2. “MR” stands for “motosikal rakyat” or “people’s motorcycle.”

The model is designed to be affordable by a larger portion of motorcyclists, enabling to have their own transportation.

Highlights:

Certified as an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV).
110cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
It produces 4.7hp at 8,000 RPM.
Telescopic forks and twin rear shocks.
Sport headlamp and tail lamp designs.
4.2-litre fuel tank.
Up to 200km range.

It is available at dealers from October 2019 and priced from RM3,377.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

2020 Suzuki sportbikes are out, albeit with little fanfare.

All bikes will appear for one last year before being changed for Euro 5 in 2021.

Suzuki sportbikes are renowned for their agility.

2020 Suzuki GSX-R1000R

2020 Suzuki GSX-R1000

2020 Suzuki GSX-R750

2020 Suzuki GSX-R600

2020 Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa

The 2020 Yamaha MT-03 has been launched for the US and UK markets.

It shares the same DNA as the MT-07 and MT-09.

Will it and the MT-15 reach Malaysia?

Benelli Leoncino 800 picture was leaked from vehicle type approval submissions.

It will use the 754cc engine from the 752S.

The bike follows the Leoncino 502’s neo retro design.

A supposed Ducati Panigale V4 Superleggera was spotted undergoing tests.

Ducati is following their tradition of producing limited-edition super light superbikes.

The bike may be unveiled during the Ducati 2020 World Premiere.

Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs announced that the proposal for petrol subsidy is ready.

The new subsidy plan hopes to help the B40 group.

The proposed subsidy will apply to owners of motorcycles below 125cc.

PBM Be Wiser Ducati Team is selling their 2018 Ducati Panigale R.

The bike weighs just 165kg and can hit 338 km/h.

All for just £ 70,000.

There’s a new teaser video for a supercharged Kawasaki Z model.

It gives further glimpses of the new supercharged naked Ninja H2.

Kawasaki will be a contender in the most powerful supernaked category.

Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki has won the 2019 WorldSBK title – their fifth in a row.

Rea won Race Two at Magny-Cours while Alvaro Bautista crashed out again.

Rea is now the rider who has won the most WorldSBK titles.

A man had his motorcycle confiscated in a roadblock.

He had ridden 200km to visit his fiancée.

He was riding without a license and his bike had “fancy” number plates.

Piaggio lost their Intellectual property case against Zhejiang Zhongneng (marketed as Znen).

The Italian manufacturer claimed that one of the Znen scooters copied the Vespa LX.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office didn’t think so.

Two teen students invent a fingerprint bike starter system due to high cases of motorcycle theft.

Instead of a key, the owner’s registered fingerprint is required to start the bike.

It was a final year project for the two college students.

The Modenas Pulsar NS160 and Modenas Kriss MR3 were launched today.

The Pulsar NS160 shares the same frame with the NS200, compared to the Pulsar 150.

The Kriss MR3 continues with the Kriss MR2’s success.

Modenas Pulsar NS160 (from RM7,577)

Highlights:

Modenas Kriss MR3 110 (from RM3,377)

Highlights:

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