Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

  • Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd. launched the 2019 Aprilia Shiver 900 today.

  • It features a number of redesigns, mechanical and electronic updates.

  • It also shares a number of components with the RSV4 and Tuono V4 1100.

Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd. launched the 2019 Aprilia Shiver 900 today.

The Shiver 900 marks the first model launched by the new Aprilia Malaysia, since their confirmation as the new distributor, their inaugural track day and opening of a new service centre at The Gasket Alley located in Petaling Jaya. Mr. Goh Kian Sin and Mr. Juan Chow Wee, the Managing Director and General Manager of Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd., respectively, unveiled the new bike.

Being a naked standard, the Shiver 900 should open the door to more Malaysian bikers to the Aprilia brand. It is undoubtedly more accessible than the RSV4 superbike and Tuono V4 1100.

Its predecessor, the Shiver 750 sold well in Malaysia and well-known worldwide as a supremely reliable motorcycle.

The 2019 Shiver 900 was introduced at Intermot 2018.

Highlights:

  • 896.1cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve, 90oV-Twin engine.
  • The engine produces 95.2 bhp (70 kW) at 8,750 RPM, 90 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM.
  • New more efficient exhaust system.

  • Pistons with reduced friction.
  • Semi-dry internal lubrication circuit reduces power losses.
  • More efficient fuel-injectors.
  • Automatic decompressor to ease starting when the engine is cold.
  • Redesigned clutch reduces lever effort by 15%.

  • The 2019 Shiver 900 enters its third year of production since 2017.
  • Ride-by-wire (rbw) throttle (the Shiver 750 was the first production bike to use that technology).
  • 3 ride mode modes: Sport, Touring, Rain.
  • Marelli 7SM ECU shard with the RSV4 and Tuono 1100 V4.
  • Advanced traction control with three level and switchable.
  • Continental dual-channel ABS.
  • 4.3-inch TFT screen (adopted from the RSV4 and Tuono).

  • The TFT features Aprilia MIA multimedia and phone connectivity, plus navigation (through the smartphone app).

  • Redesigned fuel tank side covers, side panels, tail and front mudguard.
  • Kayaba forks adjustable for preload and rebound damping.

  • Sachs rear shock is adjustable for preload and rebound damping.
  • Offered in Challenging Red and Innovation Dark colours.

95 bhp may not seem much, but the most important factor here is the spread of 2,250 RPM between maximum torque and peak horsepower. This is what’s known as an engine’s “flexibility.” A wider spread means the torque curve is smoother, besides allowing the bike to accelerate quickly in any gear.

The Shiver 900 ought to inherit the Shiver 750’s great handling characteristic, since it retains similar chassis architecture.

The 2019 Aprilia Shiver 900 is fully-imported and priced from RM 72,000 (including SST but not on-the-road).

The bike is available from Aprilia Malaysia at The Gasket Alley, Welly World Cycle Sg. Buloh and Sheng Fatt Sdn. Bhd. in Penang. Please visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/apriliaofficialmalaysia/ and https://www.aprilia.com/en_EN/ for more information.

2019 APRILIA SHIVER 900

ENGINE
Engine type 4-stroke, DOHC, 8-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-Twin
Displacement 896.1 cc
Bore x Stroke 92.0 mm x 67.4 mm
Power 95.2 bhp (70 kW) @ 8,750 RPM
Torque 90 Nm @ 6,500 RPM
Compression ratio 11.6:1
Transmission 6-speed
Fuel system Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle and 3 ride modes
Clutch Multiple-plate wet clutch, hydraulically-operated
CHASSIS
Frame Modular tubular steel frame fastened to aluminium side plates. Dismountable rear frame.
FRONT SUSPENSION ø 41 mm upside-down forks, adjustable for preload and rebound damping
REAR SUSPENSION Monoshock adjustable for preload and rebound damping, aluminium swingarm
FRONT BRAKE 2 X radially-mounted four-piston calipers, ø 320 mm floating discs
REAR BRAKE 1 X Single-piston caliper, ø 240 mm brake disc
TYRE FRONT; REAR 120/70-ZR17; 180/55-ZR17
STEERING HEAD ANGLE 25.9o
TRAIL 109 mm
WHEEL BASE 1465 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 810 mm
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 15 litres
KERB WEIGHT 218 kg (with full tank)
  • Boon Siew Honda wants to be the top brand in Malaysia in 2019.

  • BSH sold nearly 156,000 motorcycles in 2018.

  • As such, they hold 30% market share.

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) aims to put the Honda brand in top position in 2019.

BSH is confident in achieving this goal by setting the benchmark in each motorcycle segment through their range of models and brand positioning.

BSH Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Keiichi Yasuda said that their confidence was boosted by the company’s performance in 2018. The official Honda motorcycle distributor in Malaysia sold almost 156,000 units last year. It marks an outstanding 28.7% gain from the 121,000 units sold in 2017.

(more…)

  • The 2019 WorldSBK BMW S 1000 RR was unveiled in Portugal.

  • Details of the bike show some of the high-tech components.

  • However, there are a number of more interesting details.

BMW Motorrad unveiled their new S 1000 RR 2019 WorldSBK season contender in Portugal last night. However, they only released the picture Shaun Muir Racing (SMR) team and riders Tom Sykes and Markus Reiterberger.

Asphalt & Rubber, on the other hand, sent in their photographer Steve English to shoot the following details. Here they are in their full glory.

Thumb brake

The most interesting thing one could pick out is the thumb brake lever on Tom Sykes’ bike. Thumb brakes are becoming the norm in racing as more and more riders dangle their legs during hard braking. The only way to activate the rear brake while dangling the right leg is with a thumb brake lever.

Also, a thumb brake can allow riders to press it subtly while leaned over in a corner to tighten their lines. It may also be helpful in helping to control wheelies out of corners.

The multi-colored buttons on the handlebars control the bike’s electronics such the pit lane speed limiter, traction control, engine mapping, etc.

Swingarm

The swingarm on the S 1000 RR WorldSBK racer looks similar to the stock unit. However, the hollow space (where the Regina and Akrapovic decals are) has been filled in, most probably in the interest of adding rigidity.

The stock 2019 BMW S 1000 RR’s swingarm already looks like the race unit’s. It just shows BMW Motorrad’s commitment to winning the WorldSBK and other superbike racing crowns, by designing something that’s pretty much race-ready.

Nissin front brake calipers

The main surprise are the Nissin brake calipers instead of the usual Brembos. The Japanese brake manufacturer has been trying to break Brembo’s dominance in the racing fraternity. In any case, we hope Nissin will trickle down the lessons learned in WSBK to their road products.

Source: Asphalt & Rubber
Pictures: Steve English for Asphalt & Rubber

 

GALLERY

  • The Ducati MIG-RR electric mountain bike is now on sale in Europe.

  • It is produced through a joint venture between Ducati and Thok E-bikes.

  • It features high-end components.

While we await Ducati’s first electric bike, the manufacturer launched an electric mountain bike called the MIG-RR, instead. The bike was first unveiled at EICMA 2018.

Ducati believes they are tapping into a growing segment. Being mountain bike means the rider can take the bike into otherwise unreachable areas and terrain.

The MIG-RR was produced through a partnership between Ducati and Thok E-bikes. Thok are downhill mountain biking and BMX experts. Ducati’s Design Centre and Aldo Drudi’s D-Perf are also involved in the project. The Drudi name may be familiar to most motorcyclists as the designer of Valentino Rossi’s and other helmets.

The bike is an upgrade to Thok’s current MTB range hence it is equipped with the latest componentry in the MTB world.

Components:

  • Fox 36 Float forks with 170mm travel.
  • Fox DPX2 Factory Series shock with 160mm travel.
  • Renthal carbon fibre handlebar.
  • Dropper seat post
  • Shimano Saint 4-piston hydraulic brake calipers.
  • 11-speed Shimano XT gearset.
  • 29-inch Mavic front wheel.
  • 27.5-inch Mavic rear wheel.

As for drive, the bike features a 250-Watt Shimano Steps E8000 mid-drive motor which produces 70 Nm of torque. Weighing in at only 2.8 kg, it is one of the lightest in the electric bicycle market. Powering the motor is a 504 Watt-hour battery.

The Ducati MIG-RR is priced at €6,250.

  • The TMC Dumont was built around a Rolls-Royce aircraft engine.

  • It rolls on a pair of 36-inch hubless wheels.

  • It won the Best of Show accolade at the 77thDaytona Bike Week.

If you want to see what creativity… well, more like eccentricity, audacity and insanity in the automotive world, look no further than motorcycles. The TMC Dumont illustrates that point to a tee.

The TMC Dumont was built by Tarso Marques and his team. The Brazilian raced for the Minardi team in Formula 1 from 1996 to 2001. It was Malaysian driver Alex Yoong who replaced him in 2001 with three races to go.

F1 career aside, Marques ventured into custom motorcycle building.

The bike looks stunning enough with the those massive 36-inch hubless wheels alone but do spare some amazement for the engine. That’s because it’s a Rolls-Royce Continental V6 aircraft engine which punches out 300 bhp.

The Dumont makes true the adage of a motorcycle consisting of nothing else but an engine and two wheels. The rider sits behind the engine between his legs and in front of the unshielded rear tyre. Its entire chassis sits just a couple of inches above the ground. Hope there’s not speed bump ahead…

Yes, we also wondered where the brakes?

While it may be as practical as using a samurai sword to shave, the custom world heaped praises on the TMC Dumont. In fact, it was conferred the Best of Show award at the 77thDaytona Bike Week.

Who says being eccentric doesn’t get you places?



  • The PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team was launched today.

  • It is Malaysia’s and Southeast Asia’s first MotoGP team.

  • The team riders are Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo.

PETRONAS are fielding teams in MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 championships in 2019. The MotoGP team is formally called PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (PETRONAS Yamaha SRT), while the Moto2 and Moto3 teams are named PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team (PETRONAS SRT). (more…)

  • We’ve put together a troubleshooting suspension symptoms guide.

  • A troubleshooting guide is easier to remember and use.

  • We conclude the series with compression damping.

We provided a guide on troubleshooting preload adjustment and rebound damping previously. We shall deal with compression damping in this last part.

What is compression damping?

To recap, compression damping is opposite of rebound damping. It controls how quickly the wheel travels upwards when it contacts a bump in the road.

Think of compression damping as the resistance when the spring is squeezed.

Too little compression damping (Front)

  • The front dives excessively under braking.
  • Pitches the motorcycles weight on the front wheel when braking making the bike hard to turn it in or causing the handlebar to “waggle.”
  • The forks can bottom out and hit the bump stops when hitting sharp bumps.
  • The rear end of the bike feels like “coming around” when the front brakes are jabbed hard.
  • Steering feels vague and mushy (lack of feedback) similar to too little rebound damping.

Too much compression damping (Front)

  • The forks feel very hard when the wheel contacts the bump.
  • Every ripple and bump on the road are transmitted directly to the chassis and the rider. Big bumps could deflect the wheel completely off the road. (Conversely, too little compression will have the wheel travel all the way up before punching the front end off the road surface.)
  • May cause the front end to ride high in some cases.
  • While dive is reduced while braking hard, the front wheel can become loose when braking over uneven road (as the suspension does not absorb the bumps).
Compression damping is adjusted by the screw in the middle

Too little compression damping (Rear)

  • The rear end tends to “squat” or “sit down” too much during acceleration, causing the bike to run wide (the front end is pushed up causing lack of traction from the front tyre).
  • Hitting bumps and dips at speed causes the rear shock to bottom out.
  • Chassis balance is over-affected by large dips (for example sunken road surface at Sungai Koyan).
  • Steering becomes difficult and erodes confidence.

Too much compression (Rear)

  • Ride is harsh and it gets worse the faster you go. However, too much rebound damping causes the rear to feel even harsher.
  • Too much compression causes rear tyre to hop over bumps, especially when decelerating.
  • Bigger bumps will kick the rear end of the bike up and the rider off the seat.

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Always “mark” the factory settings before you start and note them down. For example, turn the compression damping to fully minimum and count many clicks to get there. Then, turn it to maximum, noting the number of clicks. Finally, turn it back to the original position and start from there.

Our advice is to adjust one parameter at a time, say start with rebound damping before moving on to compression damping. Adjusting everything all at once will confuse you.

Another advice, do not go to the maximum unless you really, really need to (for example poor quality forks). Having a little less of something may actually gain you more in terms of enjoyment.

Lastly, please do not think you need to add more preload/compression/rebound just because you ride faster. You can do so at the track but that does not necessarily mean going all the way to the maximum. Conversely, adjust what is necessary to allow the bike to work for you, not vice versa.

  • JPJ has blacklisted and issued arrest warrant to 39,311 motorists for not settling their AWAS fines.

  • 98,850 summonses were issued after the installation of 45 AWAS cameras in September 2018.

  • Traffic offenders have 60 days to settle their summonses or be dragged to court.

The JPJ (Road Transport Department) is making serious demands into unpaid AWAS (Automatic Awareness Security System) summonses.

According to Bernama, 98,850 summons notices were sent out after 45 AWAS cameras were installed in September 2018. However, only 10,876 of the summonses were settled as of 21stJanuary 2019.

As such, the JPJ proceeded to blacklisting 39,311 motorists with unpaid summonses. Worse, arrest warrants were also issued to them.

JPJ Director General Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid said, “Traffic offenders have 60 days to settle their summonses beginning the date the summonses were issued. JPJ will take the cases to court for prosecution (upon expiry of the 60-day period).”

He added that 39,358 drivers were prosecuted in court as of December 2018.

The Director General also said that the department plans to implement four more AWAS cameras at the Menora Tunnel after the Chinese New Year this year.

Our recommendation to our readers is to quickly check in portals such as https://www.myeg.com.myto see if have outstanding summonses. While you may be able to appeal to lower your fines in court, you may also run the risk of being fined higher. Plus, no one enjoys having the Police showing up at your doorstep or workplace to serve the warrant and arrest you.

  • Hong Leong Yamaha Motor launched the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 lightweight sportbike today.

  • It features a new styling and bodywork, inspired by the MotoGP YZR-M1.

  • The 2019 bike is mechanically unchanged, apart from upside-down forks.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) launched another eagerly-awaited model, the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25.

The first-generation YZF-R25 (R25) found popular standing among many Malaysian motorcyclists. Sales was kept going despite being in the market since 2015. HLYM sold thousands of R25s since its introduction.

That is why there are many R25 owner clubs in Malaysia. In fact, thousands will show up for official convoys, including the annual ride to the Malaysian MotoGP.

The 2019 R25 features a new bodywork and styling, mimicking its larger YZF-R6 brother. Indeed, it’s easy to mistake the new R25 for the new R6 due to the multifaceted fairing, new aggressive headlights and taillight, and tail-section. The headlights and taillight are LED.

However, the engine and frame remain unchanged, although the 2019 model features upside-down forks.

Yamaha claims the new R25 gets an 8 km/h increase in top speed.

Highlights

  • Aggressive, MotoGP YZR-M1 inspired styling.
  • 249cc, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine.
  • The engine produces 35.5 bhp at 12,000 RPM, 22.6 Nm at 10,000 RPM.
  • Updated LCD instrument display.
  • New upside-down fork front suspension for chassis rigidity and feedback.
  • Rear shock absorber with preload adjuster.
  • New LED headlights and taillight.
  • New 3-in-1 main switch inspired by Yamaha big bikes.
  • 14.3-liter fuel tank.
  • 166 kg wet weight.

HLYM will announce the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25’s price at a later date. It is offered in two colours: Metallic Blue and a new Matt Red.

The bike was launched at HLYM’s annual Dealer Conference in Genting Highlands.

  • Hong Leong Yamaha Motor launched the 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT sport-tourer today.

  • It is an evolution of the “standard” MT-09/Tracer 900 and with many revisions.

  • Its GT name reflects the Gran Turismo spirit of a performance tourer, which carries its rider over long distances in speed and comfort.

Finally! The 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT was launched by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor today.

After months of waiting the middleweight sport-tourer, three-cylinder Tracer 900 GT is here. The bike is the next step in the evolution of the Yamaha Tracer 900, and it carries more features over the “standard” Tracer. As the GT (Gran Turismo) name suggests, Yamaha promises the bike to carry the rider over long distances with more comfort while at speed.

But the GT is not just a kitted-out standard Tracer 900. Instead, Yamaha has carried many revisions to arrive at the GT.

Highlights

  • 847cc, inline-three-cylinder, crossplane crankshaft, engine.
  • The engine produces 115 bhp at 10,000 RPM, 87.5 Nm at 8,500 RPM.
  • Quick Shift system.
  • Adjustable windscreen.
  • Cruise Control system.
  • New Thin Film Transistor (TFT) instrument display (no more “TV screen” from the old Super Tenere).

  • Fully-adjustable front suspension.
  • Adjustable rear shock absorber with new remote preload adjuster.

  • YCC-T Yamaha Computer Controlled Throttle (ride-by-wire throttle).
  • D-Mode ride modes with integrated Traction Control System (TCS) and ABS.

  • 60mm longer swingarm to keep more weight over the front wheel.
  • 30mm longer passenger footpegs for more comfort.
  • Narrower handlebar.

  • Comfort seats.
  • Full-LED lighting all-around.

The 2019 Yamaha Tracer GT is priced at RM 58,888 (basic selling price with SST but not on-the-road). Its competitive pricing will place it as a serious contender of the Malaysian middleweight sport-touring market.

The bike was launched at HLYM’s annual Dealer Conference in Genting Highlands. Keep following us today as HLYM will also launch the 2019 YZF-R25 tonight.

PICTURE GALLERY

  • Chevron Malaysia Limited (Caltex) launched the Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles fuel system cleaner additive.

  • Every motor vehicle’s fuel system must be cleaned of harmful deposits from time to time.

  • A 75ml bottle is priced at RM9.90 only and available from Caltex petrol stations.

Now you can clean your fuel system effectively with Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles.

We’ve said a number of times before, petrol leaves residues over time. While petrol may be corrosive to your bare skin or other materials, its volatility evaporates over time. It will leave behind a yellowish gummy varnish-like residue in your fuel system when that happens.

A gummed up carburetor. Varnishing can happen in fuel injection systems too

You can experiment with this. Leave some petrol in a clear jug or beaker. After a few days, pour away the fuel and you will notice a yellowish residue sticking to the container. So, all fuel systems need cleaning from time to time.

Here are two testimonies after using the product:

This writer

His motorcycle was having problems starting just three months after replacing the fuel pump. But one day, he happened on Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles being displayed on the cashier window of a Caltex station. He had used the Techron Concentrate a few years before but this time it was for motorcycles in a smaller pack.

He poured the contents into his fuel tank and the hard-starting problem was solved in less than 100 kilometres later. The problem has not resurfaced for the last six months.

  • A Motorcyclist magazine reader:

This writer remembers a letter published in Motorcyclist Magazine a long time ago.

The motorcycle owner also had problems starting his bike’s engine in addition to it backfiring and juddering while riding. His mechanic recommended to replace the whole bank of carburetors and ignition coils. Aghast at the huge amount, he decided to give Techron Concentrate a try. The product cured his problem, consequently saving him huge sums of money.

Residue in a carburetor float bowl

According to Chevron (Caltex), the Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles cleans the petrol fuel system using their Precision Clean technology. This fuel additive works at molecular levels to soften the deposits (remember the yellowish gummy stuff?) found in the motorcycle fuel system. The deposits are loosened and suspended in the fuel.

They are then combusted along with the fuel or pushed out through the exhaust.

One 75ml bottle of Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles can help to restore lost engine power, maximise fuel economy, protect against corrosion, reduce harmful emission, rid of rough idle, control deposits, as a result of cleaning the entire fuel system.

How to use Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles:

  • Visit a Caltex service station and get yourself a bottle or two of Techron® Concentrate Plus for Motorcycle (be sure your gas tank is near empty at this point).
  • Pour the entire content of one bottle into the empty tank. NOTE: One 75ml bottle per 6 litres of petrol.
  • Fill up your tank with your favourite petrol until it’s full. The cleaning starts as you ride away!
  • For best results, use the product every 3,000 km.

A 75ml bottle of Techron® Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles is priced at only RM9.90. The product is sold at all Caltex petrol stations.

For more information on the premium fuel additive, Caltex®and its products, please visit www.caltex.com/myor https://www.facebook.com/Caltex.Malaysia/.

  • SURU Inc. uses Malaysian-made components to build the world’s first scrambler e-bike.

  • SURU builds their bikes in Canada to ensure high quality.

  • The SURU Scrambler is practical for urban and country mobility.

SURU Inc. introduced the world’s first scrambler e-bike.

SURU Inc. builds their bikes in Canada to ensure high quality. However, their key technological partner is a Malaysian tech firm called Ezee Kinetic. Ezee Kinetic is based just outside Kuala Lumpur. As such, the components used to make SURU bikes originate from Malaysia.

The SURU Scrambler is based on the SURU One Fifty, which is regarded as the “Honda Super Cub of e-bikes.” The Scrambler expands upon the One Fifty’s strengths and innovations to turn it into a practical town and country mobility vehicle.

The team behind the SURU Scrambler is the same folks who created the Amarok P1 electric motorcycle. Among them is the award-winning designer Michael Uhlarik.

SURU Amarok is in the background

“Many people love the look and feel of a café racer and dirt track style motorcycle,” observed Uhlarik. “But getting into motorcycling can be intimidating. The e-bike offers the ideal platform for all kinds of people to dive into the fun of the custom motorcycle experience without fear or high cost.”

Therefore, the SURU Scrambler seeks to open up the two-wheeled experience to a wider, younger audience.

SURU’s philosophy is to integrate motorcycle-grade engineering into lightweight and elegant e-bike designs. The SURU aluminium monocoque features a removable and lockable battery. The power electronics are contained inside the monocoque, protecting it from the weather and theft.

The frame is offered in 6 graphic designs. However, the owner can customize it.

All SURU bikes are street legal. Top speed is 32 km/h. Range is up to 70 km using the battery with the throttle only. The user may choose to pedal, if he so wishes. It takes 3.5 to fully recharge through a household electrical outlet.

Please visit www.ridesuru.comfor more information.

PICTURE GALLERY

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