Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

  • The KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival 2018 at Sungai Petani heralded the closing of the year.

  • KTM Malaysia organized many fun activities for the attendees.

  • The lucky draw’s Grand Prize was a 200 Duke.

The KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival 2018 shifted to Sungai Petani, Kedah for the final time of year. The event was held on Saturday, 24thNovember 2018.

The day started out with a lazy morning under cloudy skies and cool weather. Soon, bikers started showing up on all brands of machinery. They were followed by the Northern Dukers on KTMs. The parking lot was soon filled with KTM Dukes and RCs of every customized look.

A large number of riders belonging to bike clubs of other brands also arrived later on.

KTM Malaysia organized a day full of activities for every visitor.

The fun and games included:
  • Test rides of KTM’s latest bikes.
  • Fun-Hana (gymkhana) which is open to all brands.
  • Stunt shows.
  • Service campaign for KTM motorcycles.
  • Lucky draw.

As expected, many took part in the test rides. KTM Malaysia had lined up almost every model they are offering. Among the bikes were the 250 Duke, 390 Duke, RC 250, 1050 Adventure, 1290 Super Duke GT, 1290 Super Duke R.

 

Meanwhile, the competition was starting to heat up at the Fun-Hana track. Participants tried their best to negotiate the tight slalom course and record the fastest time.

The Service Campaign received plenty of attention too. KTM Malaysia not only serviced the bikes, but they also rain diagnostics with KTM’s official electronic diagnostic tool. Addition, the technicians performed safety inspections of the bikes. Owners were informed of items that need attention.

Every participant who purchased an official KTM Orange Carnival Pack was entitled to the lucky draw. there was plenty of interest since the grand prize was a brand-new 2018 KTM 200 Duke.

Finally, there were also many exhibition booths on that day. KTM displayed and provided special pricing for their PowerParts accessories and PowerWear clothing collection. Gracshaw helmets, Elf Lubricants and KTM dealers were also present.

PICTURE GALLERY

  • Is a new BMW F 850 GT or XR middleweight sport-tourer being tested?

  • The engine is clearly a parallel-Twin most likely the 853cc unit in the F 850 GS.

  • This model will fill BMW’s middleweight sport-tourer gap.

Is Motorrad testing a BMW F 850 GT or XR middleweight sport-tourer? BMW Motorrad understands that they need a bike to fill the void of a more accessible middleweight sport-tourer in terms of performance, weight and especially price.

From the pictures, we can deduce that the new bike is equipped with new 853cc parallel-Twin which powers the F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure. The prototype bike has a sharp styling like that of the S 1000 XR sport-tourer.

You can also see large side cases (panniers) and top boxes fitted to them. So, could this be the future F 850 GT or F 850 XR to replace the current F 800 GT?

Panniers and top boxes akin to those on the S 1000 XR

The spy shots also show a lowered seat height, complementary of the 17-inch road wheels and shorter, road-oriented suspension. The F 850 GS, on the other hand, wears a 21-inch wheel up front and longer suspension for off-road duties.

Another observation is the taller windscreen with a TFT screen below it. The new sport-tourer ought to feature traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, quickshifter, Dynamic ESA and LED lighting should it follow the premium F 850 GS’s specs.

We’re guessing that BMW is gunning for the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer GT, but will the German manufacturer match the Japanese’s low price?

We shall see.

  • Boon Siew Honda has launched the 2019 Honda PCX Hybrid, 2019 Honda Forza 300, 2019 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.

  • The launch was at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS).

  • The bikes are part of BSH’s pledge to introduce 12 new models in 2018.

They are among the bikes we’ve waited a long time for but they are finally here. That’s right: Boon Siew Honda launched the 2019 Honda PCX Electric, 2019 Honda Forza 300 and 2019 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. The launch was at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS), in the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

2019 HONDA PCX HBRID

Launched at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show alongside its EV (electric vehicle) sibling, Honda Japan had planned to market it around Asia this year. The prospect of having a hybrid motorcycle from a major manufacturer is thus exciting. We reported on its initial launch in 2017.

Highlights:
  • Powered by a 150cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder petrol engine.
  • The engine is mated to an electric motor.
  • The motor is assisted by a high-output Lithium-ion battery, in turn.
  • Besides that, the motor assist system is coupled to an ACG starter.
  • The petrol engine delivers 14.5 bhp (10.8 kW) at 8,500 RPM and 13.6 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM.
  • On the other hand, the electric motor produces 1.9 bhp (1.4 kW) at 3,000 RPM and 4.3 Nm at 3,000 RPM.
  • The Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) and Idling Stop System (ISS) features provide additional fuel economy.
  • The 2019 PCX Hybrid features 3 riding modes: Drive (D), Sport (S), Idling OFF (deactivates ISS and maintains D mode power level).
  • Other features are Combined Braking System (CBS), Honda SMART KEY, full-LED lighting, fully digital console, DC socket for charging devices, large underseat compartment, 8-litre fuel tank.
  • Only the Pearl Dark Night Blue colour option is available at the moment.

BSH prices it at RM 13,499 (retail selling price exclusive of road tax, insurance, registration fee).

2019 HONDA FORZA 300

The Forza 300 has been Honda’s best-selling maxi scooter in Europe for many years running now.  The 2019 model has a new, more aggressive styling with a number of convenient features.

Highlights:
  • Its 279cc, four-valve, SOHC, water-cooled engine produces 24.8 bhp (18.5 kW) at 7,000 RPM and 27.2 Nm of torque at 5,750 RPM.
  • 31 km/L fuel consumption.
  • 11.5-litre fuel tank.
  • 12 kg lighter than the 2015 model.
  • Wheelbase is 35mm shorter at 1510mm.
  • First Honda automatic scooter to feature Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) –  equivalent to traction control.
  • LCD screen with analogue gauges.
  • ABS is standard.
  • Honda SMART KEY.
  • Underseat storage space for two full-faced helmets.
  • 12V charging socket.
  • Electrically adjustable windscreen.
  • All-around LED lighting.
  • The 2019 Forza 300 is available in Pearl Horizon White, Sword Silver Metallic, Asteroid Black Metallic.

BSH prices it from RM 30,999.00 (retail selling price exclusive of road tax, insurance, registration fee).

2019 HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE

The “Fireblade” stands for low weight hence higher power-to-weight ratio since the introduction of the groundbreaking CBR900RR in 1992. Honda says the new CBR1000RR was inspired by the “Next Stage Total Control” concept.

Highlights:
  • The 998cc, DOHC, 16-valve, inline-Four engine produces 189 bhp (141 kW) at 13,000 RPM and 114 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM.
  • Harnessing that power are Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Selectable Engine Braking (SEB), ABS, Power Selector, and optional quickshifter with Downshift Assist.
  • A 3-mode Riding Mode Select System (RMSS) combines with HSTC, SEB and engine power.
  • Mode 1 is for track use, Mode 2 is for winding roads, and Mode 3 for street riding.
  • There are also 2 rider-customizable modes.
  • It is available in Grand Prix Red and Matt Ballistic Black Metallic.

Boon Siew Honda prices the 2019 CBR1000RR Fireblade from RM 91,999.00 (retail selling price exclusive of road tax, insurance, registration fee).

  • The 2019 Kawasaki W800 was unveiled at EICMA 2018.

  • Kawasaki claims the bike is 90% new.

  • It is offered in Street and Café variants.

There were many cries of disbelief when the W800 was axed in 2016. But mourn no more as the 2019 Kawasaki W800 broke cover at EICMA 2018.

The previous model was dropped as it did not comply with the Euro4 emission standard.

Launched back in 2011, the W800 replaced the W650. They were considered ahead of time, before the modern retro revolution. However, Kawasaki dealers were without a modern-retro when production stopped. Compared to the Z900RS and Z900RS Café, the W800 was a “true” classic and was a cheaper option.

Kawasaki says the 2019 bike is 90% all-new. The engine remains a 773cc, air-cooled, SOHC parallel-Twin, though. Its most distinguishing feature is the bevel gear operated cam, like old-fashioned Ducatis. The crank is 360o(both pistons rise and fall together), instead of the traditional 180o(one piston up, the other down) or more contemporary 270o. Power output is 47bhp. A slipper clutch connects the engine to a five-speed gearbox.

Rolling stock consists of 41mm forks and twin rear shocks. A rear disc brake is new.

The 2019 Kawasaki W800 is offered in two forms. The Street is a “standard”-type modern-retro. The Café is a café racer complete with a headlamp cowling, lowered handlebar, solo-type seat.

Modern equipment include LED headlight, multifunction LCD screens in dual round gauges, and standard ABS.

  • All competitors’ helmets need to conform to a single FIM standard.

  • The certified helmets will receive a label with hologram and QR label.

  • The regulatory body hopes such helmets will be available to the public to improve safety.

All helmets in MotoGP, Moto3, Moto2  must conform to a new FIM standard.

Although there is still contention to whether this ruling is beneficial, there may be a positive aspect to it. Current helmet manufacturers may seek a certain safety certification, although most, if not all, conform to the ECE 22.06 standard. However, a manufacturer may produce helmets to conform primarily to other standards. Current helmet certification are standards JIS (Japan), Snell Foundation, DOT (American) and so forth.

For example, AGV and HJC (among others) conform primarily to the ECE 22.06 standard. Arai helmets need to pass the tougher Snell Foundation tests, on the other hand.

Each standard has different testing methods to qualify for certification.

With the new FIM mandate in place, helmets from AGV, Arai, Bell, HJC, Scorpion, Shark, Shoei, Suomy, X-Lite, et al need to conform to a single standard.

The FIM has not provided the parametres of their tests, however. But we can expect the helmets will be tested for a variety of criteria such as impacts at low, medium and high speeds as well as penetration.

An FIM-certified helmet will receive a hologram label with QR code. The QR code allows race officials to scan, identify and track each helmet used in competition.

The FIM hopes that such measures will result in truly race-tested helmets making their way to consumers.

  • Many changes are in store for MotoGP 2019.

  • The changes include riders, qualifying and technical areas.

  • Looks like it is going to be another exciting season.

The 2018 MotoGP season had just ended nary a week ago, but the MotoGP 2019 season has already begun.

The MotoGP field is now testing in Valencia. Certain riders have made the move to their new teams, new teams are formed, and new bikes have arrived. There are many changes for next year and it’s going to be another exciting season.

So, let’s take a look at the ten things to look forward to.

1. Hafizh Syahrin on Factory KTM

Hafizh Syahrin and teammate Miguel Oliveira – Courtesy of Malaysiazine

Hafizh Syahrin is retained by the Tech 3 team for the 2019 season. As we’ve reported earlier, Tech 3 made the move as KTM will supply the team with full factory bikes. There was no doubt that his performance in the second half of 2018 had been hampered by the 2017 Yamaha YZR-M1. Hafizh will certainly climb the rankings once he gets to grips with the RC16. Hafizh’s teammate is ex-Moto2 rider Miguel Oliveira. The KTMs will be developed by test rider Dani Pedrosa.

2. SIC Petronas Yamaha Sprinta Racing Team

Petronas Yamaha SRT – Courtesy of autosport

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) announced their own MotoGP team in collaboration with Petronas and Yamaha. SIC had contracted the 2017 Moto2 Champion Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo as riders. More interestingly, however, is that Morbidelli will be riding the same A-Spec Yamaha YZR-M1 as Rossi and Vinalez.

3. Marc Marquez + Jorge Lorenzo = Dream Team?

Marquez Lorenzo – courtesy of motorsport magazine

It was a big surprise when five-time world champion Lorenzo announced his move to Repsol Honda to join nine-time world champion Marc Marquez. Honda had made it clear that they will not produce two different bikes to suit each rider, but will it be a compromise or will it still favour Marquez? Both riders have distinctively different riding styles, after all.

4. Johann Zarco on Factory KTM

Johann Zarco on KTM – Courtesy of visordown

Two-time Moto2 Champion, MotoGP Rookie of the Year 2017 and top independent rider for two years running, Johann Zarco is promoted to the factory Red Bull KTM team for 2019. Zarco isn’t shy to run up front with the leaders and we hope he’ll do it again, besides securing his maiden MotoGP win.

5. Danilo Petrucci on Factory Ducati

Danilo Petrucci had proved himself well on the satellite Pramac Ducati since 2017. His efforts have been rewarded with a factory ride from next year, partnering Andrea Dovizioso. Will that elusive first MotoGP victory happen in 2019?

6. Jack Miller on Ducati GP19

Jack “Jackass” Miller will relish his chances on the Ducati Desmosedici GP19, the same bike as factory riders Dovizioso and Petrucci. Miller is already a winner in the class and had qualified on pole position a number of times in 2018. Look out for this guy.

7. Standard IMU 

Unlike Formula 1, technical changes seem to have worked wonders for MotoGP. Racing is now much closer since the introduction of a standard ECU since 2016.

MotoGP is going further this year by supplying a standard IMU (inertial measurement unit).

The IMU measures the pitch, yaw and lean angle of the bike and sends the signal to the ECU to formulate precise traction control strategies. This technology is currently used on certain road bikes for the same purpose, plus Cornering ABS. But ABS is not allowed in MotoGP.

There’ve been concerns that there may be teams who are manipulating the signals from their own IMUs to trigger advantageous strategies from the ECU. The results are telling especially in terms of tyre wear. A standard IMU should close the gap between rival teams further.

8. Standard CAN Bus Connector

CAN (Controller Area Network) bus connectors are the “middle men” between the sensors and ECU. Similarly, there is also suspicion that electronics are used inside the connectors to manipulate signals that are being sent to the ECU.

As such, MotoGP will also issue standard CAN bus connectors in 2019.

9. Triumph in Moto2

Let’s head over to Moto2. Triumph is the exclusive engine supplier beginning next year. The 765cc triple is based on the Street Triple RS. Riders who had tested the new engine loved it for its mix of torque and horsepower. It has even broken lap records before the start of the official testing season!

10. New Moto3 and Moto2 Qualifying Format

The two classes will see a new practice and qualifying format as MotoGP. The difference is the 14 fastest riders on combined times from FP1, FP2 and FP3 will automatically go through to Qualifying 2 (Q2). The 4 fastest riders in Q1 are promoted to Q2.

  • Triumph Motorcycles maintains the Number 1 position as a Western big bike maker in Thailand.

  • The manufacturer managed the feat despite an overall downturn in the Thai motorcycle market.

  • Triumph Motorcycles Thailand remains optimistic as the next two months usually mark high demand.

Triumph Motorcycles is still the best-selling Western motorcycle brand above 400cc in Thailand.

The British brand sold a total of 2,175 units by end-October despite a downturn which impacted all brands.

The number represents a 14.7% drop year-on-year, the first for Triumph since its entry into the market. Yet, the brand beat out other western brands by a large margin in total sales. In second place is BMW which has sold 1,226 units thus far, followed by Ducati with 709 units, and Harley-Davidson with 695.

Courtesy of Bangkok Post

The country’s general manager Jakkrapong Santirat remains upbeat, however. “But we are confident sales will improve over the two remaining months as the fourth quarter is the high season for motorcycles.”

Santirat cited a number of reasons for the drop. The country’s entire big bike market had shrunk due to lower purchasing power of the Thais. Additionally, potential buyers hesitated to purchase big bikes while current owners are still servicing their loans. Financial institutions have also tightened their approvals for loans.

Thailand’s Land Transport Department reported a total of 1.506 million new motorcycle registration, a decrease of 1.4% year-on-year.

We had the pleasure of visiting Triumph’s manufacturing facilities in Thailand in 2016, courtesy of Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia.

Triumph was the first Western big bike manufacturer to enter the kingdom. The first factory was opened in May 2002, producing components such as frames, fuel tanks, headers, swingarms, engine covers and chrome-plated parts.

The second Thai factory opened in 2006, complete with a painting facility and assembly line. Finally, the third plant opened in 2007 with high-pressure die casting and machining facilities. All factories are located in the Amata City Industrial Estate in Chon Buri. The three facilities have a combined investment of THB 3 billion.

A workforce of 1,100 workers produce some 80,000 bikes a year. The motorcycles are shipped to 57 countries afterwards. The number represents 65 to 70% of Triumph’s worldwide sales.

Source: Bangkok Post
  • We continue with the Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia London Adventure – Day 2 with more historic and important landmarks.

  • Westminster Abbey should be high on everyone’s list should you fancy history.

  • Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament are the landmarks no one should miss.

It was another short jaunt from St. James’s Park to Westminster Abbey. All these sites were set up close to Buckingham Palace.

Seeing it all in pictures was nothing compared to the first-hand experience of being there yourself. The sights, the sounds, the cool air, the sunshine, the people and everything else contribute an immersive experience none could forget.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Yes, Westminster Abbey is a gothic church, but I don’t have a fixation for anything goth. Nevertheless, it is where monarchs, royalties, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens and Stephen Hawking (among other luminaries) are interned (buried). It was also the site in a number of famous movies.

But first, who was Sir Isaac Newton?

You’ve probably learned in school about the guy who discovered gravity when an apple fell on his head. That guy was Sir Isaac Newton. However, the part about an apple knocking Sir Newton’s noggin was a myth. Truth was, he sat under a tree and wondered why apples always drop perpendicularly to the ground, instead of sideways or upwards.

There are stronger connotations to why I venerate Sir Isaac Newton. I love the subjects of physics and motion, besides history and astronomy. The first two are innately connected with how engines and motorcycles work. In fact, an engine’s torque is measured (among other units) in “Nm,” as in Newton-metre. Additionally, there are Newton’s three laws of motion.

 

It was Newton who gave us the laws of universal gravity, laws of motion, calculus, among many more which he published in the groundbreaking book Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica– better known as just “Principia.” It was one of the most important works in the history of science, marking the epoch of a great revolution in physics.

Financed by Astronomer Royal Edmond Halley (remember this name), Principia was published in 1687. We came to understand the motions of the planets, comets and other celestial bodies.

Without Newton’s work, we wouldn’t have satellite communications and GPS because we wouldn’t be able to keep satellites orbit. Worse, we won’t be watching MotoGP “live” on weekends (plus all the football matches). In fact, scientists and engineers today still use Newton’s formulas to send spacecrafts into space and the orbits of other planets.

It was he who created the first practical reflecting telescope, so much so the type is often referred to as the “Newtonian.” He also discovered that a prism separates white light into the colours of the spectrum and continued to research the subject. His findings were published in another book called “Opticks” in 1704.

This was why he’s oft regarded as the “father” of modern physics.

Newton passed away in his sleep in London on 20 March 1727 (NS 31 March 1737) aged 84 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

Back to Westminster Abbey, the site was established in 960 (1,058 years ago) when King Edgar installed a community of Benedictine monks. It was then expanded and extended by various monarchs through the centuries.

Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, all coronations of English and later British monarchs had been performed at Westminster Abbey. There were also 16 royal weddings since 1100. Princess Diana’s funeral service was held here in 1997.

I got goosebumps as I walked in the yard, while looking at all those huge centuries-old stones that were used to build it. Immense buttresses supported the walls. Visitors entered through the magnificent North Entrance façade which is decorated with tracery, arcading and figurative carvings.

The ticket counter’s in the narthex. Entrance fee for a single adult is £22, inclusive of an audiobook and guided tour. Unfortunately, photography wasn’t allowed, and I had a schedule to adhere to. I decided that Sir Isaac Newton’s tomb is one compelling reason to revisit London.

BIG BEN

It’s amazing when you do some of research. I never knew that “Big Ben” is in fact the name of the largest of five bells in the clock tower. The tower’s name was simply the “Clock Tower” before being renamed as Elizabeth Tower in 2012. Did you know that? I didn’t.

Did you know that the main bell, officially known as the “Great Bell” and “Big Ben” to us, was installed in the tower’s belfry in 1858 (160 years ago)? At 2.9m high, 2.74m in diameter and weighing 13.76 tonne (13,760kg), it was the largest and heaviest bell in the British Isles until the 17-tonne (17,000kg) “Great Paul” bell was cast for the St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1881.

Apart from that, do you know the musical chime of alarm clocks? (Please click on the link below to listen.) It had originated from the four Quarter Bells in the tower.

I used to listen to the BBC radio broadcasts with my late-Dad. The channel always used the tolling of Big Ben to mark 12 midnight, Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT). The practice began in 1923!

(AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, File)

The movement of the four-faced clock was designed by horologist Edmund Beckett Denison and George Airy, a Astronomer Royal (remember these names. They will show up again). What makes the clocks tick? A pendulum! Yes, like those in grandfather clocks. And like all old clocks it needs to be wound three times a week. The process takes 1½   hours.

The clock was the largest and most accurate when it was completed in 1859. It was so accurate that removing or adding a penny adjusted the clock by 0.4 seconds.

The clock’s mechanism – Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Big Ben was hit by a bomb one occasion and an anti-aircraft shell during WWII, but it kept working and ringing. It was taken as one of the symbols of British defiance and stoicism during the war.

Big Ben is probably the most famous landmark of London. There’s no doubt every one of us has seen it in a movie or on TV.

However, it’s covered in scaffolding since 2017 for a four-year refurbishing project and the bell silenced. The works will also add a lift inside the tower. The renovation costs add up to£61 million as of September 2017.

Was I disappointed for not being able to view Big Ben? I was at first, but I knew the restoration will sustain the building for ages to come.

THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER A.K.A. HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

“Big Ben” is located at the northern end of The Palace of Westminster, better known as Houses of Parliament. The two structures are so famous that almost everyone on earth would recognize them as part of the City of London.

 

It is called Houses of Parliament because the House of Commons and House of Lords convened there.

The first royal palace was built on the site in 1016 and served as the primary residence for the Kings of England until a fire destroyed much of it in 1512. The Parliament of England had been meeting there since the 13thcentury but used the palace full-time afterwards.

Another fire broke out in 1834, destroying both Houses of Parliament and most buildings in the palace complex. The job to rebuild the site was awarded after reviewing 97 proposals. Work began in 1840 and was only completed in 1876. This was when the building acquired its current Gothic architecture.

The Blitz (German air bombing) in WWII hit the Palace of Westminster on fourteen separate occasions.

The building is old and in need of urgent restoration. There were reports of the ceiling dropping onto MP’s desks. Consequently, MP’s voted in 2016 to vacate the building in 2022.

Walking up close past the building was quite another experience compared to looking at it in pictures. Pictures all but show the outlines and little else. I was totally in awe while standing right in front of a structure that I’ve seen thousands of times in books and visual media. There are so many intricate details that need to be experienced. It was an imposing structure, as well. Of course, it had been a residence for the King, after all.

The Houses of Parliament has seen some serious cases of security breaches. As such, like Big Ben, tours are only allowed for British nationals who had obtained an authorization letter from their MP’s.

 

INTERMISSION

We’ll take another break here because the last part of Day 2 is another long article as it covers The Imperial War Museum London, a River Thames ferry ride and the Tower Bridge.

Please click here for the Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia London Adventure Day 1 and here for Day 2 (Part 1).

  • How is like to be a student at the TOC Automotive College?

  • We interviewed Louis Tan, an SKM Level 3 student.

  • TOC students have lots going for them from when they are studying to when they graduate.

As “The grass is on the other side” saying goes, it is always a pretty perspective to those looking in from the outside. It applies to just about everything in life: Other jobs, other countries, your mate’s girlfriend, another college.

We have published many articles regarding the TOC Automotive College from our point of view. However, we were always curious about how the college is truly like from an insider’s perspective i.e. from a student.

We grabbed one of TOC’s students and asked a few probing questions.

Louis Tan is now studying for the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 3. He began studying in TOC in 2017.

Bikes Republic (BR): How’s it like studying in the TOC Automotive College, generally?
Louis Tan (LT): Studying in TOC is very exciting, because they always come up with many ideas on how to prepare students for the actual working environment.

For example, my core study is not on motorsports but just a few weeks ago, I was at the Sepang International Circuit for the Malaysian Superbike Championship (MSBK). TOC and MSF gave me the chance to be a pit crew in the Hiap Aik Suzuki Team.

BR: What motivated you to enroll in TOC Automotive College?
LT: I was learning a different subject in another college prior to enrolling in TOC. I studied there for only one semester and decided it wasn’t my thing.

My passion is for automotive subjects. I looked around and decided TOC was the best, as it had the best facilities. But TOC was costlier. I went back to my Boss, who was sponsoring my studies, and he encouraged me to go ahead with TOC. He said quality is more important.

Besides the facilities, TOC has partnered with many organizations. That way, students have plenty of opportunities when they graduate and that is very important.

BR: Does TOC prepare you for the current advancements in automotive technology?
LT: Truthfully, a course makes up 50% of what you learn. The other 50% is up to your own initiative. However, a good course guides you to obtaining the correct information.

TOC’s course structure consists of just 20% classroom theory but 80% actual hands-on learning.

BR: What future do you see for yourself?
LT: There’s lots of good future after studying in TOC. You can choose to be a technician or mechanic, race engineer or aftersales manager.
BR: Which manufacturers can TOC students look forward to working in after graduation?
LT: A lot! We can choose from around 800 of TOC’s partners! We’ve got partners such as Ferrari, Ford, Perodua, Proton, Honda, Toyota, Peugeot and many, many more.
BR: How did you like being involved in motorsports?
LT: It was the first time I witnessed a race from behind the scenes. It was during this time that I saw the passion of the race teams.

It was a great experience as a crew, too. The race was declared a wet race, meaning the riders have to come in and swap tyres after the race had begun. Each team had only 10-minutes to do so.

But one of the bikes’ fuel line came loose and sprayed out fuel just before leaving the pits. We had to rush like crazy to fix it!

The tension was crazy. That’s something one couldn’t experience in a classroom.

BR: So, it looks like students can have a great time learning here?
LT: That’s right! I’m glad I came here!

 

CONCLUSION

As we’ve written many times before, the TOC Automotive College offers comprehensive learning environment as well as future for the students. The college also offers plenty of different courses in catering to each student’s interest.

So what are you waiting for? If it has always been your dream to work in the motorcycle service line, or to start your very own motorcycle workshop, then this is the perfect platform to get you started on the path to achieving your dreams. Don’t wait, find out more about the TOC Superbike Technician Course at www.toc.edu.myor call (+603) 7960 8833 for more details.

CLICK HEREto know more about TOC’s Superbike Technician Course.

  • The Norton Atlas Ranger and Norton Atlas Nomad are finally unveiled.

  • Both are 650cc-powered scrambler-type bikes.

  • The Ranger is off-road capable while the Nomad is for road use.

Rumours of Norton working on a scrambler-type modern-classic had been circulating for a long while. And now, the Norton Atlas Ranger and Norton Atlas Nomad have finally been unveiled.

Norton Atlas Nomad-1

The Ranger is more off-road capable with a 19-inch front wheel and taller suspension. The Nomad is road-centric with an 18-inch front wheel, on the other hand.

Norton Atlas Ranger-1

Both bikes share the same 650cc, parallel-Twin, 270ocrank engine. Norton claims that it produces 84 bhp and 63.7 Nm of torque. The powerplant is essentially Norton’s own V-Four without the rear two cylinders.

Make no mistake, the Norton Atlas is no 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200. Its ABS is standard as mandated by the EU but has no Cornering ABS ability. Traction control is basic with road, off-road and off options. The gauges are analog.

The bikes are suspended by Norton’s own Roadholder brand and the Brembo brakes are basic.

Norton pared the Atlas’ weight down to 178kg dry for more accessibility.

The company hopes to sell 2,000 Atlas a year through aggressive pricing. Norton lists the Nomad at £9995 and the Ranger at £11,995 in the UK.

  • Tenneco Inc. will buy a majority stake in suspension specialist Öhlins Racing A.B.

  • Öhlins founder Kenth Öhlin will remain with the company.

  • The deal will be finalized in 2019.

Tenneco Inc. will own a majority stake in premier suspension specialist Öhlins Racing A.B.

While many of us may not be familiar with Tenneco’s name, the American company owned the Marzocchi suspension brand. Tenneco shut down Marzocchi in 2015 before selling it to VRM, an Italian automotive company.

The deal is worth $160 million (RM669 million). The minority stake will remain with founder Kenth Öhlin. Industry observers consider the amount a premium. However, Teneco aims to lead the suspension industry, no doubt through Öhlins’s research and development in electronically controlled and semi-active suspension (CES).

Brian Kesseler, co-CEO of Tenneco said, “Öhlins’ technology team will allow us to rapidly grow our product offerings for current and future customers, as well as help us win a larger share of business in developing mobility markets.” He also added that the Öhlins team plays an important part of the new Aftermarket and Ride Performance company.

Öhlins currently employs 340 personnel in its R&D sit in Sweden. They have branches and subsidiaries worldwide are in Thailand, Sweden, Germany, USA. Öhlins practically holds a monopoly in the motorcycle road-racing scene, thereby etching the into road riders’ psyche. (Öhlins supplies suspension systems for cars, also.)

We expect the acquisition to close in the first quarter of 2019. Kenth Öhlin will continue to provide strategic and technological vision to the company, however.

  • Mohd. Adib will ride from Penang to China for charity.

  • The proceeds will go to the St. Nicholas’ Home, Penang.

  • St. Nicholas’ Home, Penang provides care for the visually-handicapped.

“Ride for Sight” will Mohd. Adib ride from Penang to China for charity from 20thNovember 2018.

The ride seeks to assist the St. Nicholas’ Home, Penang. St. Nicholas’ Home provides assistance for the visually handicapped from ages 6 through 77 irrespective of religion, race and background. They provide programs such as handicraft workshops, handing out low vision aid perscriptions, aftercare and job placement service, home for the elderly blind, among many others. There is also a multi-handicapped program caters to those who are afflicted with other afflictions in addition to being visually-handicapped.

This is why Mohd. Adib’s calls the ride “Ride for Sight.” The ride will take approximately 27 days to complete.

“My ride kicks off on the 20thNovember 2018 and end on 15thDecember 2018.The route I will be riding is from Penang – Thailand – Golden Triangle Border (Myanmar, Thailand & Laos) – Shangri-La – Tibet – Kunming – Laos – Thailand and back to Penang,” said the thirty-year-old Mohd. Adib.

The rider is no stranger stranger to overland rides on his Yamaha FZ150i. Among his achievements were:

  • Solo ride around Peninsular Malaysia in 2013.
  • Solo riding in the 7 Nations Expedition which covered Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Laos and Myanmar in 2016.
  • Taking part in the Colombo Bike Week in Sri Lanka in 2017.

Mohd. Adib is raising funds for St. Nicholas’ Home through the sale os exclusive T-shirts. He will donate 10% of each sold to the home. The shirts are available through Mohd. Adib’sand Kembara Jiwa’sFacebook pages. Price for the T-shirts are RM50 (short-sleeved) and RM60 (long-sleeved).

Mohd. Adib can also be reaced at 016-4734748 for further information.

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