Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

  • Spanish custom bike builder Japan Legends has a kit for the Kawasaki Z900RS.

  • It turns the bike into an old school half-naked superbike.

  • It definitely looks better than the stock Z900RS and Z900RS Café.

The Kawasaki Z900RS is the manufacturer’s modern-retro model; the successor of the legendary Z-1 but it may lack character to some folks.

Yes, the Z900-based inline-Four has a good kick and howling top-end but the bike is still styled in the UJM (universal Japanese motorcycle) format. The Honda CB1100R, (discontinued) CB400, the ol’ Kawasaki Zephyr 750 and 1100, among others have all used that same “template.” The Z900 RS Café looks better with the headlamp cowl but some scorned it as looking like the BMW R90S, instead.

Photo credit Visordown.com

So, why not let Spanish custom bike builder Japan Legends spice up your Z900RS with a special kit they are building? Now Z900RS owners can transform their bikes into a Japanes classic sportbike.

Visordownpublished the pictures of a kitted-out bike which looks like the ol’ school ZXR-750H1 superbike. Additionally, the bike is resplendent in the classic Candy Apple Green, white and blue paint scheme. The only things missing are the iconic washing machine (intake) hoses that lead from the upper fairing into the top of the fuel tank.

The kit is a half-naked type, which exposed large parts of the engine.

Now, that’s a Kawasaki Z900RS we’d drool over.

  • CFMoto is rumored to manufacturer the KTM 790 range and their LC8c engines in the future.

  • They may also manufacture KTM’s big V-Twin models.

  • They’ve currently employed Kiska to design their bikes.

It’s now rumored that CFMoto will manufacture the KTM 790 range and their LC8c engine in the near future.

Years ago, this writer worked in a motorcycle shop and came across the 650cc CFMoto the first time when the brand entered the Malaysian market. While the bike looked good and had styling elements of the Kawasaki ER-6 (read: copy), there were issues. Scratch that – it had more problems than Miley Cyrus. Try leaking crankcase, jammed rear brake caliper, leaking rear brake caliper, frame welding that seemed to have been performed by Form 4 Industrial Art students, wonky fuel injection, among others.

But CFMoto has come a long, long way since then. While the brand is still here but flying under the radar in Malaysia, it’s been doing well in China, Europe and the United States. In fact, check out their latest models – the 650NK, 650MT, 650GT and 650TR. Additionally, they are currently building a new model based around a 700cc parallel-Twin engine.

CFMoto 650MT

CFMoto actually contracted Kiska, KTM’s styling house who may have a hand in designing the new 700cc bike.

The Chinese manufacturer also has a deal with KTM to assemble the latter’s bikes for the Chinese market. But CFMoto will eventually go on to manufacturing KTM bikes. Rumors say that manufacturing will include the KTM 790 range, which includes the 790 Duke, 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R. The deal doesn’t stop there as they will also manufacture the 790’s LC8c parallel-Twin engine.

There seems to be some truth here, since CFMoto unveiled the V.02-NK concept bike in 2017 which had an LC8 big V-Twin engine. As such, they may also manufacture KTM’s large capacity V-Twins.

The transfer of technology and knowledge will enable the once-maligned manufacturer to compete in the open class category.

  • 7 bikers died after a pickup truck rammed into their convoy.

  • The tragedy happened only 500 feet (152m) from their bed and breakfast.

  • 3 more were injured and hospitalized.

While this tragedy happened half a world away in New Hampshire, USA, we as bikers ourselves could not escape the gravitas of the news of 7 bikers being killed by a pickup truck.

The riders had just left their bed and breakfast stay on their Harley-Davidsons. As they convoyed heading east, a Dodge 2500 pickup truck rammed into the group from the opposite direction. The convoy had gotten only as far as 500 feet (152 metres) from where they left.

Owner of the bed and breakfast, Jerry Hamanne said, “It was so devastating to see the bodies on the road. My God, I don’t want to see something like this again.”

The impact threw bikes, debris and the riders all over the road. One survivor said all she saw was grass and fire.

Passersby stopped to help the injured by administering first aid and calling the emergency services. Three persons survived the crash, two of them have since been released from hospital.

The police have not released the cause of the accident and no arrests were made, as of today. They issued a statement that the accident is still under investigation.

The riders were reported to be part of The Jarheads MC. “Jarheads” is the colloquial term for the United States Marines’ troopers.

  • We’re used to accepting GrabFood delivery from riders on small bikes. But this rider uses a Ducati Hypermotard.

  • He’s not wrong to say he’s the fastest delivery rider!

  • Hopefully, we could get him to delivery before the fries become soggy.

We’re pretty used to using GrabFood delivery service by now. Similarly, we admire the dedication of the riders who brave Kuala Lumpur’s mad traffic, rain and shine to deliver hot food to us. But here’s a rider who delivers on Ducati Hypermotard.

We’re also used to seeing the guys (and gals) pull up on Yamaha 135 LC, Yamaha Y15ZR, Honda RS150 and so forth. This writer has personally encountered a small number of 200cc and 250cc bikes. But the Hypermotard is certainly different.

A GrabFood rider shared a video of himself delivering a few sticks of lemang to his customers recently on Twitter. @HerySevani had the trademark green “backpack” on the back of the Ducati.

He tweeted in Bahasa Malaysia, “The customer wanted lemang, so I bought leman. Don’t be afraid to place your orders with me for the fastest delivery.”

Well, of course he provides the fastest delivery, since the Hypermotard is made to slice and dice through the challenges thrown up by the city. His customers will have no problem hearing him arriving at their doorstep either, to the tune of a 90V-Twin. (Hope I can get him to deliver my order before the fries turn soggy.)

He also tweeted that he took the job as a part-timer to earn some petrol money for his bike.

  • The body of missing motojournalist Davey G. Johnson was recovered from the Mokelumne River.

  • He had gone missing two weeks ago while returning from test riding a motorcycle.

  • No explanation was provided about his demise.

On 5th June, motojournalist Davey G. Johnson was returning to his Sacramento, California home but failed to reach his destination.

Johnson was out testing the Honda CBR1000RR and was last heard from at 2am. Police found the motorcycle at rest stop at midnight the next day. However, Johnson, his backpack, laptop and phone were missing. Calaveras Country Sheriff’s Office (CCS) initiated a search and rescue mission which involved more than 75 people.

On 8th June, they found Johnson’s riding gear, laptop and cell phone near the Mokelumne River, but his wallet was missing. CCS kept up the search and found more clothing items on the river bank. Still, there was no sign of the missing person.

Unfortunately, CCS was force to call off the search on 17th June as they couldn’t locate any more traces of Johnson. The search party had swelled to 100 persons by now and they scoured the area between the Pardee Reservoir and hydro power plant.

Then, on last Thursday, his family received a call from the authorities that his body was recovered from the Mokelumne River. No details of his demise was provided.

While we’ve never met Johnson, it’s sad for our community to lose one of our own. May he rest in peace.

  • A rempit botched a wheelie and crashed, which led to a serious accident involving other road users.

  • The dashcam video was recorded by one of the vehicles involved.

  • All parties were thankfully okay.

The rempit (hooligan) menace is nothing short of an epidemic on Malaysian roads. In this latest case near Gua Chempedak, one botched a wheelie and crashed, which led to a serious accident involving other road users.

In the video below, the Nissan Almera’s dashcam recorded a group of three bikes ridden in dangerous manner. One of them pulled a wheelie after the on-bridge.

Further down the road, while a woman in the car can be heard planning a potluck party, a white Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 swerved hard left. It ran over a crashed motorcycle on the road and went cartwheeling toward the vehicle that was recording the entire episode.

The Nissan swerved left to avoid the barreling Triton but was still hit on the rear right quarter, and sliced off the road.

Photo credit Info Roadblock JPJ/POLIS

The rempit was caught by passersby. All three vehicles involved i.e. motorcycle, Triton and Almera suffered major damage. All parties walked away from the accident, but we hate to imagine the outcome if there were infants or children in the vehicles.

As usual, the “onion army” was out in force in social media, criticizing the rempit who caused the accident. Some even went as far as questioning why didn’t the 4×4 driver just run over rider. Additionally, as commonly seen in accidents involving motorcycles, there were parties who criticized motorcyclists as a whole, as if we are collectively guilty.

Photo credit Info Roadblock JPJ/POLIS

Truth is, no responsible motorcyclist can stand even the sight of a rempit. These cretins serve no other purpose than putting the general public at danger and sully the good name of motorcyclists everywhere. And don’t get us started about those who turn into dogs who love to chase bikes bigger than theirs.

There has to be some concerted approach in ridding the streets of this menace. Criticizing on social media serves no discernible purpose.

The rempit – Photo credit Info Roadblock JPJ/POLIS
  • The sixth BMW Motorrad Malaysia Night Fuel Kuala Lumpur lifestyle event was a rousing success

  • Held at the Sungai Besi Royal Malaysia Air Force base, it saw the congregation of hundreds of BMW motorcycle owners and fans.

  • BMW Motorrad Malaysia also launched the F 850 GS Adventure, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure.

The sixth BMW Motorrad Malaysia Night Fuel Kuala Lumpur lifestyle event was a rousing success.

It was held in Kuala Lumpur this time after touring the country throughout the year. Held at the Sungai Besi Royal Malaysia Air Force base, it saw the congregation of hundreds of BMW motorcycle owners and fans.

Night Fuel celebrates the bonding of BMW owners under one roof, over BMW motorcycles, food and great music.

As per tradition, BMW Motorrad Malaysia introduced three new models in Malaysia. There were the much-awaited F 850 GS Adventure, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure. The R 1250 GS and its Adventure brethren are the most important models of the night as the form the backbone of BMW Motorrad sales. But it wasn’t a case of “another GS” as the R 1250 features a new, bigger engine that’s equipped with variable valve timing technology called “ShiftCam.”

On the entertainment front, Malaysian rock legend, Amy Search got the crowd on their feet along with the band who went through an entire playlist of classic rock songs.

Another tradition was the lucky draw. A lucky attendee went home with a new BMW G 310 GS tonight.

  • The 2019 BMW R 1250 GS, BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, BMW F 850 GS Adventure were launched tonight.

  • They were launch at the BMW Motorrad Night Fuel Kuala Lumpur lifestyle event.

  • The R 1250 GS line-up features the new 1254cc Boxer with ShiftCam Technology.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia launched the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS, BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, BMW F 850 GS Adventure here tonight at the BMW Motorrad Malaysia Night Fuel Kuala Lumpur lifestyle event.

All three models are eagerly awaited by BMW and adventure fans, more so since they have been upgraded for more performance from the engine and chassis.

2019 BMW F 850 GS Adventure (GSA) – From 88,500

The F 850 GS Adventure (GSA) expands the F 850 GS’s already impressive touring and adventure capabilities. Owners can expect greater range and off-road riding capability.

Highlights:
  • 853cc, 8-valve, DOHC, parallel-Twin.
  • The crankshaft is revised to feature a 90spacing to mimic a 90V-Twin, instead of the 360crank in the F 800 GS.
  • The new 270o/450ignition timing provides smoother torque and less vibration.
  • The new engine delivers 95 hp @ 8,250 RPM and 92 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM.
  • Power is transferred to the transmission through a slipper clutch.
  • The instrument cluster consists of a 6.5-inch TFT screen.
  • There are two power/ride modes: ROAD and RAIN.
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) are standard.
  • Front forks are upsided-down with 230 mm travel.
  • Rear shock is adjustable for preload and rebound and has 215 mm travel.
  • Front wheel is 21-inches, rear is 17-inches.
  • Engine guard is standard.
  • As with BMW’s Adventure variants, fuel is expanded to 23 litres.
  • With an optimum fuel consumption of 4.1 litres/100km, the bike has a 500-km touring range.

2019 BMW R 1250 GS – From RM 116,500

Development of the BMW R 1250 GS was eagerly followed the world over, especially when it was revealed that it will feature a new, larger engine with variable valve timing. Indeed, the ShiftCam Technology boosts the new engine’s performance while retaining fuel economy and the classic BMW Boxer character.

Highlights:
  • 1254cc, 8-valve, DOHC, horizontally-opposed-Twin (Boxer) with BMW ShiftCam Technology.
  • The new engine produces 136 hp at 7,750 RPM and 143 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM.
  • There are now two knock sensors allowing use of fuel less than RON 95.
  • The instrument cluster consists of a 6.5-inch TFT screen.
  • There are two power/ride modes: ROAD and RAIN.
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) are standard.
  • Also, standard is Hill Start Control.
  • Suspension is via Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” with fully-automatic load compensation.
  • Optional Riding Modes Pro includes Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), ABS Pro, Hill Start Control Pro, and Dynamic Brake Assistant (DBC).

2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure – From RM 125,500

In addition to the R 1250 GS’s specifications, the R 1250 GS Adventure includes model specific features for longer range and adventure riding.

Highlights:
  • Longer travel suspension – 210 mm front and 220 mm rear vs. 190 mm/200 mm on the GS.
  • 30-litre usable fuel capacity vs. 20 litres on the GS.
  • 268 kg ready to ride weight vs. the GS’s 249 kg.
  • Priced from RM 125,500 and from RM 127,500 for the Style HP colour scheme.
  • Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor will begin shooting Long Way Up soon.

  • The duo will ride from South America to California.

  • What bikes will they ride this time around?

It’s confirmed: Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor will begin shooting Long Way Up soon.

If there is one, well okay, two TV programmes that brought motorcycle adventure touring into the limelight are Long Way Round and its sequel Long Way Down.

Some overland riders even quoted the programs as inspiration to them taking up touring. There’s also a claim that the sales of the BMW R 1100 GS and subsequent BMW R 1200 GS shot up after the show.

According to ADV Pulse, Boorman confirmed the shoot during an interview in the Bike Shed Show in London. “I’m doing the Long Way Up for sure, with Ewan,” he said. “We are going from South America to Los Angeles. So South America, Central America, Mexico and then Los Angeles and we are going to start that in a few months’ time.” Specific route plans have yet to be confirmed, however.

Another question is on what bikes the duo will be riding this time. Boorman is the ambassador for Triumph, while McGregor was recently named the ambassador for the Moto Guzzi V85TT. That said, could the former ride the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx/XCa? Or the Tiger 1200? (This writer personally hopes for the Tiger 800 XCx/XCa.)

2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx Test and Review

  • Harley-Davidson confirmed that they have partnered with Qianjiang Motorcycle Company to produce smaller displacement models for Asia.

  • The new model will a 338cc engine.

  • Qianjiang is the brand custodian of Benelli motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson confirmed that they have partnered with Qianjiang Motorcycle Company to produce smaller displacement models.

It was speculated earlier that Harley-Davidson will partner an Indian manufacturer for the purpose, but it had turned out to be a Chinese maker, after all. The bikes be distributed in China and throughout the Asian region.

The two partners also revealed that the first model will have a 338cc. It will first be released in China, followed by the rest of Asia.

The bike will be labelled as “Designed by Harley-Davidson” and built by Qianjiang in China. They will also build the engine.

But who the heck is Qianjiang Motorcycle Company, you ask? They are the custodians of the Benelli brand which has quite a following here in Malaysia and Europe.

The move is due to the Motor Company’s belief that China will spearhead the brand’s growth in the Asian region. Harley’s CEO Matt Levatich hopes to see 50% growth in the overseas market by 2027.

Harley also showed off the rendered image of the bike which closely resembles the XR1200.

  • Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has announced attractive updates for the 2019 Yamaha 135 LC.

  • Production continues for the bike as there is a steady demand.

  • Recommended selling price is RM 6,868.00 (not on-the-road).

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has announced attractive updates for the 2019 Yamaha 135 LC.

The Yamaha 135 LC was a gamechanger in the underbone i.e. kapchai segment when it was first introduced in 2005. It was the first to include many new features at the time but the most significant was its liquid-cooled engine, hence the “LC” denomination.

The first generation 135 LC still holds a legendary reputation as being the fastest kapchai ever built, until the advent of 150cc competitors.

But the model is beating after more than a decade later. It’s still a model which fills the gap between the 110 to 125cc smaller kapchais to its bigger Yamaha Y15ZR brethren. One can still see many old and new 135 LCs around, especially among the Food Panda and GrabFood boys and gals (bless ‘em).

Hence, these and more provide reasons to continue production with upgrades and updates along the way.

For 2019, the engine remains untouched i.e. 135cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder mated to a 4-speed transmission with auto clutch. The changes are aesthetics to “freshen” up the bike.

The cosmetic changes are:
  • Additional horn cover.
  • Air scoops on both sides of the bodywork.
  • Additional under cowl panel.
  • New speedometer panel.

It’s offered in three colours, namely Comet Grey, Fiery Red and Storm Blue.

HLYM recommends the selling price at RM 6,868 (excluding registration and insurance). Buyers will receive an exclusive stainless steel Yamaha brake disc lock.

  • Ducati Malaysia launched the 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Ducati Multistrada 950 S, Ducati Hypermotard 950 S, Ducati Diavel 1260 S tonight.

  • All bikes cater to different segments for riders seeking different types of rides.

  • The crown jewel is the Panigale V4 R superbike.

Ducati Malaysia launched nine new motorcycles for 2019 tonight. They included the Ducati Panigale V4 R, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Ducati Multistrada 950 S, Ducati Hypermotard 950 S, Ducati Diavel 1260 S and four Scrambler variants (please click here for the launch report).

All models have been highly anticipated since their launch late last year, more so the Panigale V4 R.

2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R – From RM 299,900

The Panigale V4 R is the homologation model for racing in the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK). The rules of the series require manufacturers to produce a certain number of specially-prepared variant that’s as close as possible to the race motorcycle and available to the public.

That’s where the Panigale V4 R fits in – being Ducati’s commitment to dominate WorldSBK that the factory once did. In other words, the Panigale V4 R is a pure race-ready road bike. Every part is designed for a purpose and none is superfluous.

Since its introduction in 2019 WorldSBK, Alvaro Bautista steered it to 9 race and 4 Superpole wins in six rounds. The Panigale V4 R’s stranglehold is so absolute that the organizers made Ducati cut the bike’s maximum rev limit.

Highlights (in addition to the V4 and V4 S):
  • MotoGP-inspired Desmosedici Stradale R 1000cc 90V4 engine.
  • 56mm oval throttle bodies with variable height intake funnels.
  • The engine produces 221 hp (162 kW) at 15,250 RPM and 112 Nm of torque at 11,500 RPM, with a dry weight of only 172 kg.
  • STM EVO-SBK dry clutch system like its racing brethren.
  • Taller windscreen to flow air over rider’s helmet when in full tuck.
  • Aerobody with winglets adds 30kg of vertical load to the front wheel at 270km/h.
  • Extractors on fairing move 6% and 16% through the radiator and oil cooler, respectively.
  • Adjustable swingarm pivot (2mm) to change the bike’s chassis balance.
  • High-end Öhlins suspension.
  • Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Auto Tyre Calibration.
  • A Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides data to the ECU for traction and chassis control strategies.
  • High-resolution, 5-inch TFT display.
  • Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS) provides detailed lap analysis.
  • Pit lane speed limiter can be set to between 40 km/h to 80 km/h.
  • The Ducati Panigale V4 R is available in any colour you like, as long as it’s red.

2019 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro – From RM 138,900

The Multistrada 1260 Enduro expands the Multistrada 1260’s performance envelope to include off-road adventure riding.

The Enduro especially benefits from the 1262cc Testastretta DVT engine. The Desmodromic Variable Timing valve actuation system provides an ultra-smooth power and torque delivery, resulting in total rider confidence when riding in the rough.

Highlights:
  • 1262cc 90V-Twin Testastretta DVT engine.
  • It produces 158 hp (116 kW) at 9,500 RPM and 128 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM.
  • Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts.
  • Redesigned chassis reduces suspension travel and seat height to 860mm.
  • Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO (DSS) semi-active electronic suspension. It can be tuned to 400 configurations.
  • Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control.
  • Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) with 8 levels.
  • Vehicle Hold Control allows the bike to move off a slope of up to 24.5 degrees.
  • Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) utilize LEDs to illuminate the inside of corners when the bike is leaned over.
  • The bike weighs 225kg, dry.

2019 Multistrada 950 S – From RM 95,900

The Multistrada 950 S offers great versatility, comfort, performance and fun at a much more accessible level.

The 2019 models is redesigned to follow the Multistrada 1260’s family resemblance and is full of many great features.

Highlights:
  • 937cc, 90V-Twin Testastretta 11engine.
  • It produces 113 hp (83 kW) at 9,000 RPM and 96 Nm of torque at 7,750 RPM.
  • Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts (Multistrada 950 S only).
  • Hydraulically-actuated clutch for reduced lever effort.
  • Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO (DSS) semi-active electronic suspension. It can be tuned to 400 configurations.
  • Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control.
  • Vehicle Hold Control allows the bike to move off a slope.
  • Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) illuminates the inside of corners when the bike is leaned over.
  • Cruise control.
  • The bike weighs 204 kg, dry.

2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 – From RM 75,900

The hooligan is back! The Hypermotard 950 embodies the essence of fun on two wheels, letting nothing stand in your way. It’s a bike for being thrown around through traffic and into corners, then pulling a massive crossed-up wheelie on the way out.

Highlights:
  • 937cc, 90V-Twin Testastretta 11engine, with higher 13.3:1 compression ratio (up from 12.6:1).
  • It produces 114 hp (84 kW) at 9,000 RPM and 96 Nm of torque at 7,250 RPM.
  • Clutch with self-servo and anti-hop (slipper) functions.
  • A Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides data to the ECU for traction and chassis control strategies.
  • Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO.
  • New 45mm, fully-adjustable Marzocchi forks.
  • The bike weighs a lithe 178 kg, dry.

2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 S – From RM 139,900

The leading muscle cruiser, bar none. It combines the looks and attitude of a cruiser with Ducati’s superbike to deliver high performance and imposing street cred.

Highlights:
  • 1262cc 90V-Twin Testastretta DVT engine.
  • It produces 159 hp (117 kW) at 9,500 RPM and 129 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM.
  • Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts.
  • High-handlebar and central footpegs power cruiser ergonomics.
  • Fully-adjustable forks.
  • Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO and Ducati Power Launch (DPL) EVO.
  • The bike weighs 218 kg, dry.

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