Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Where is the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR?

The new 2019 BMW S 1000 RR has yet to arrive in Malaysia.
The delay is due to the great demand for the M Package S 1000 RR worldwide.
BMW Motorrad is currently working on clearing the supply bottleneck.

Besides the just-launched new 2019 BMW R 1250 GS and GS Adventure, one has to ask where in the world is the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR?

Even we at BikesRepublic.com were hoping to see it launched during the BMW Motorrad Night Fuel Kuala Lumpur lifestyle event a few weeks ago.

Alas, the bike didn’t appear. So, we decided to post the question to BMW Motorrad Malaysia.

Apparently, it turned out that BMW Motorrad’s factory in Munich is overloaded with orders for the “M Package.” Based on the standard S 1000 RR, the M Pakcage adds motorsport paint, carbon fibre wheels, lightweight battery, M Chassis kit which includes rear seat height and swingarm pivot adjustment, sport seat and Pro Mode.

It has to be said that this is the first time BMW Motorrad is offering an M Package for their bikes. BMW cars have had the M option for a long time, in contrast.

It’s due to this demand for the M Package that reduced the number of the standard S 1000 RR.

This delay is worldwide and affects not Malaysia alone.

In any case, you can bet that BMW Motorrad is working to clear the supply bottleneck.

VIDEO: Tiger Chases Motorcyclists

It’s not everyday that motorcyclists get chased by a tiger.
This video came from the Pambra, Wayanad region in India.
The region is surrounded by tiger sanctuaries.

This news may have gotten around somewhat, but it’s not everyday that motorcyclists get chased by a tiger.

In the video, the pillion spotted something moving in the bushes parallel to the road, which suddenly turned out to be the striped apex predator. You can hear him screaming in panic as the big cat lunges out onto the road and started chasing the motorcycle. They got away, fortunately, otherwise this would’ve been a real-life “found footage” news.

The video was shot in the Pambra, Wayanad region in India. The area is flanked by the Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve to the north, and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park to the east. The former is reported to house 9 tigers for every 100 square kilometres, while the latter is home to another 231 of the majestic cats.

The Nagarhole Park is completely wild, meaning the animals are not caged and allowed to roam freely. This is why two-wheeled vehicles are not allowed to travel through. Instead, they need to go around the sanctuary. However, there are safari tours by jeep and boat.

We don’t know about how these guys felt afterwards, but we’d need new underwear if it were us.

BMW R nine T/5 Commemorates BMW 5 Series

The BMW R nine T/5 commemorates the classic BMW /5 series which made its debut in 1969.
It also happens to be the 50^th anniversary of BMW Motorrad’s Berlin Spandau factory.
There are many classic touches and a badge on the bike.

The BMW R nine T/5 commemorates the classic BMW /5 series which made its debut in 1969. It also happens to be the 50^th anniversary of BMW Motorrad’s Berlin Spandau factory.

As such, the R nine T/5 is finished in Lupine Blue with white pinstripes and features many other classic touches. They include silver and black finishes smattered throughout the bike, such as the chrome mirrors, exhaust manifolds and silencer.

The seat is reminiscent of the BMW /5 with white lining, grab strap and embossing. The forks are covered with rubber gaiters. The aluminium silver wheels and spokes are definitely vintage looking. The footpegs and fork brace are anodized aluminium. The black knee pads on the fuel tank is a nice classic touch, too.

The R nine T is BMW Motorrad’s modern-classic line-up hence they are modern bikes, of course. There are heated grips, instrumentation that combines classic and modern features, ABS and ASC (Stability Control) are standard.

Sure, one could take a standard R nine T Pure and build it too look exactly like the R nine T/5, but the latter comes with a commemorative badge on the tank.

2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory: Ten Things You Should Know

Didi Resources launched the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory today.
It’s the most powerful normally-aspirated and non-race homologation superbike.
It’s also the lightest of the lot.

Didi Resources launched the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory today. The price is from RM 159,900 but Didi Resources will include the optional carbon fibre front brake ducts worth RM 4,000 for the first batch of buyers.

While eyes are on another Italian bike, the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory promises to be even faster and focused on outright performance.

But rather than bore you with a long write-up, here are ten things you should know about this bike.

1. 10^th Year of the RSV4

The 2019 RSV4 1100 Factory actually commemorates the 10^th year of the Aprilia RSV4. The 2009 bike won a number of accolades including Best Sportbike of the year not only for its power and performance but also the groundbreaking APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) electronic suite.

2. Most powerful sportbike

The RSV1100 Factory is 100cc up from previous models. The 1078cc 65-degree V-Four powerplant sees the increase of 16 hp and 6.8 Nm to 217 hp at 13,200 RPM and 122 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM. That makes it the most powerful normally-aspirated and also non-homologation special sportbike.

3. New APRC package

The APRC rider aid package has been expanded to include extra features to rein in those 217 horses. Together, they are Aprilia Traction Control (ATC), Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC), Aprilia Launch Control (ALC), Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) and Aprilia Pit Limiter (ALC). These features were brought over from the RSV4 RR.

4. The lightest

It is also the lightest among its peers (apart from the race-homologated Panigale V4 R). The RSV4 1100 Factory weighs 5 kg lighter than its predecessor, resulting in a lithe 199 kg, fully fueled and ready to ride.

5. Weight-loss regiment

A Bosch lithium-ion battery and Akrapovic exhaust system contributes to the low weight.

6. Special Akrapovic exhaust

Speaking of the exhaust, the system was specially designed developed together with the famed maker, Akrapovic. The new system is not only responsible for the power increase but also yielding smoother power and torque curves.

7. Redesigned frame

The aluminium frame has been redesigned for even more cornering prowess that Aprilias are famous for. New steering bushings steepen the rake angle by 2-degrees. Additionally, there is a 2mm less offset of the triple clamps for less trail. The changes to the steering geometry results in a 4mm shorter wheelbase. Aprilia also stiffened the swingarm. These changes ought to make the bike even more nimble.

8. Öhlins, of course

The bike is suspended by fully-adjustable Öhlins NIX forks and Öhlins TTX rear shock. The forks have 5mm more travel. They are non-electronic, however.

9. “Stylo” Brembo Stylema

Hauling the RSV4 1100 Factory down from speed are Brembo’s latest Stylema brake calipers. These are smaller, lighter yet stiffer for a better feel at the lever. (Make sure you secure them!) As we mentioned earlier, owners can fit the optional carbon fibre ducts to channel cooling air to the calipers.

10. MotoGP-inspired aerobody

There are two spoilers mounted on each side of the fairing. They generate up 8 kg of downforce at 300 km/h to keep the front tyre on the road.

Danilo Petrucci Confirmed at Ducati in 2020 MotoGP

Ducati confirmed that Danilo Petrucci will ride for the Ducati factory team in the 2020 MotoGP season.
The decision follows his consistent podium finishes and victory at Mugello.
Jack Miller will likely continue with Pramac Ducati.

Ducati confirmed that Danilo Petrucci will ride for the Ducati factory team in the 2020 MotoGP season, continuing his partnership with Andrea Dovizioso.

Petrucci did not have the expected start to the 2019 MotoGP season, hence rumours started circulating that Pramac Ducati rider Jack Miller may replace him for the 2020 season. Then everything took a 180-degree turn and Petrucci scored a victory at manufacturer’s home ground in Mugello. It was an emphatic first MotoGP win for the cheerful Italian.

It’s also a great thing for the team to continue with Petrucci’s services since continuity allows for easier development of the Desmosedici. As all riders ride differently, a new rider will only introduce a set of variables to the motorcycle’s development. And given MotoGP’s freeze of too many development throughout the season, the affair will turn into a difficult task.

Having Petrucci also opens up more funds for the factory and team. As reported by Asphalt and Rubber, Petrucci is earning between € 700,000 and € 1,000,000 per season, compared to the king’s ransom of € 12,500,000 paid to Jorge Lorenzo. That extra moolah could well be used for research and development, plus other things.

Jack Miller will like continue with his present team as well as Pecco Bagnaia. The duo will also receive the Desmosedici GP20 next year.

Shell Malaysia Launches Two New Variants of Shell Advance AX7

Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd has launched two new variants of Shell Advance AX7 semi-synthetic motorcycle engine oil.
They are the Shell Advance AX7 10W-30 and Shell Advance AX7 15W-50.
Both are priced at RM 33.90 for a 1-litre pack.

Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd has launched two new variants of Shell Advance AX7 semi-synthetic motorcycle engine oil.

The new Shell Advance AX7 10W-30 and 15W-50 are both priced at RM33.90 per 1-litre pack (recommended retail price) and complement the existing Shell Advance AX7 10W-40.

According to Shell Lubricants Marketing General Manager May Tan, the popular Shell Advance AX7 now offers three viscosity grades (in addition to the Shell Advance AX7 10W-40).

“This enables motorcyclists to choose a premium semi-synthetic engine oil from Shell Advance that best suits their riding needs,” she said.

All three grades feature Shell’s proprietary Active Cleansing Technology that provides complete protection for your bike. The benefits include:

33% cleaner engine;
29% better protection at high temperatures;
3 km further in travel distance per litre of fuel;
36% better wear protection against industry limit; and
No power loss even after 12,000 km of travel.

The new, thicker Shell Advance AX7 15W-50 promises smoother power delivery and better protection for engines that run for long periods under high stress conditions.

The new and thinner viscosity Shell Advance AX7 10W-30 provides excellent engine protection and offers better fuel economy, enabling your motorcycle to go for up to 3 km further compared to mineral oils.

The existing Shell Advance AX7 10W-40 has a well-balanced formulation that meets the needs of almost all types of motorcycles in daily riding conditions. It is ideal in providing the necessary protection for frequent stop-and-go traffic conditions.

However, it is advised that consumers follow OEM recommendations on the viscosity grade and quality rating of engine oils, as stated in the respective owner’s manual for optimal performance.

The new products are blended and packed in Malaysia and come with ‘Made for Malaysia’ front labels that identify them as genuine Shell Advance products meant for sale in Malaysia.

The new front label can be peeled to reveal a unique QR code for quick product authentication, while the label at the back features product information in English and Bahasa Malaysia.

“This is part of a strategic investment by Shell Malaysia to protect the interests of both motorcyclists and trade partners by enabling them to clearly identify official and genuine products. The presence of counterfeit and unauthorised products in the market is affecting customer confidence. The on-going introduction of the new ‘Made for Malaysia’ Shell Advance range is a key step to address this issue,” added Tan.

For information on the new Shell Advance AX7, visit www.shell.com.my/advance or call the Shell Customer Service Hotline at 1300 88 1808.

Hafizh Syahrin to Use Carbon Fibre Swingarm on his KTM in Germany

Hafizh Syahrin will be the next recipient of the carbon fibre swingarm for his KTM RC16.
The change will take place at the German MotoGP round in Sachsenring.
It’s hoped that the new swingarm with have the flex characteristics to enable better cornering.

Hafizh Syahrin will be the next recipient of the carbon fibre swingarm for his KTM RC16. The change will take place at the German MotoGP round in Sachsenring.

It’s no secret that Hafizh is finding it difficult to adapt to the KTM after his Tech 3 team switched over from Yamaha to the Austrian manufacturer. Hafizh is not alone in his suffering, though. His ex-teammate and two-time Moto2 champion Johann Zarco is also facing a difficult prospect.

However, the carbon swingarm seems to yield better results for the other three KTM riders, namely, Pol Espargaro, Johann Zarco and Miguel Oliveira. Oliveira, Hafizh’s Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Racing teammate had gone well in the early parts of this season, but has now dropped down the order. He finished just ahead of Hafizh in succession in the past number of races. Hafizh, meanwhile, has finished in the points twice thus far.

The carbon fibre swingarm is both strong and light at the same time. More importantly, however, is the amount of tuned flexure especially when the bike is leaned over into corners. A bike’s suspension works best when it’s straight up, but its performance starts to drop off until about 45 degrees off vertical. MotoGP riders, on the other hand, constantly lean more than 50 degrees. Something has to give in order to absorb the bumps in midcorner. Engineers will need to “tune” the frame and chassis for this. It is believed that the RC16’s steel-lattice framework is too stiff, hence riders like Hafizh and Johann find it difficult to turn the bike.

Let’s hope to see Hafizh improve on his results throughout the year.

Another Case of Wire Strung Across Motorcycle Lane

Another motorcyclist had his finger cut by a wire strung across a motorcycle lane.
The location is at the entrance from Taman Greenwood to the DUKE highway.
A same occurrence happened at the same location last year.

In September 2018, a motorcyclist was almost beheaded by a wire strung across the motorcycle lane. Since then, another motorcyclist almost met the same fate at the same location.

Harian Metro reported two days ago that 28-year-old Mohamad Syazwan Mohd. Jelani, was riding from Sri Gombak to Kuala Lumpur when he encountered the booby trap. The location of the trap was at motorcycle lane entering the DUKE Highway from Taman Greenwood.

Syazman recounted that he felt something on his face which then travelled downwards to his neck. He almost lost control of his motorcycle at the time, but managed to grab his neck out of reflex. His fingers found a piece of wire. He managed to push it above his head and helmet, but the offending material cut into his fingers, almost taking it off.

“The motorcyclists behind stopped to help and one of them told me it could be a kite string,” said Syazman. “But there weren’t any kites flying and it didn’t snap when I pulled on it. Instead, it cut into my fingers.”

He has since reported the case to the police.

In the same incident last year, Mohamad Afiq Izwan Ismail suffered a cut on his neck when it came into contact with fishing wire strung across the bike lane.

We urge the authorities to act before something serious happens.

Source: Harian Metro

2020 Husqvarna FS 450 supermoto, Sexy in its Purity

The 2020 Husqvarna FS 450 supermoto has been unveiled.
It is the only race-ready supermoto direct from the factory.
Updates are in the suspension department, using WP’s top-of-the-line components.

Here’s the 2020 Husqvarna FS 450 supermoto – make that the ultra-sexy factory supermoto.

In fact, it’s the only ex-factory and read-to-race supermoto in the market. On the other hand, other brands of supermoto bikes taking part in competition were invariably modified from motocross or enduro bikes. As such, on could say they lack the FS 450’s purity.

However, changes on the 2020 FS 2020 are in the suspension department, since Husqvarna had done plenty of upgrades for the 2019 bike.

The new bike features 48mm WP XACT forks and rear shock and doing away with the WP AER items. Compared to the AER it replaces, the XACT forks units combines two of WP’s best technologies. Whereas the AER are air forks, the XACT forks use both cone valve damping and air spring systems.

As a race-ready supermoto, the bike is fitted with a 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear Alpine wheels. The Bridgestone racing slicks are standard.

The engine is carried over from last year. It produces 63 hp of teeth clenching power. That doesn’t sound a lot to road riders but try riding one of these babies and you’d soon understand that big horsepower stands for naught. The Husqvarna FS 450 weighs only 102.8 kg dry, after all.

Oh, the anti-hop/slipper clutch is from SUTER, while the hydraulic unit is from Magura.

Electronics are pretty basic, of course. There’s launch control and traction control but don’t expect IMU-based strategies.

Will we see this bike in the FIM Asia Supermoto Championship? We hope so!

A Hydration Backpack Can Save Your Life (and Headaches)

Riding with a hydration backpack keeps you hydrated along the ride.
There are plenty of options to choose from.
Once you start using one, you’ll never stop using it.

We wrote an article with tips about staying hydrated when you ride. In it, we mentioned about a hydration backpack by the name of CamelBak.

I’ve always wanted one but I didn’t know where to find it. I know, you’re probably shouting “LAZADA!” now, but let’s come back to that

Then, KTM Malaysia sent me to Morocco to test ride the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure. KTM handed each of us a small Ogio backpack (in KTM colours, of course) and a 2-litre bottle of mineral water. It turned out to be that the backpack is a hydration pack! Yippeee!

I continued using it back in Malaysia and I swear by it ever since.

Hydration pack vs. stopping at petrol stations

Sure, there are plenty of stops along Malaysian highways and small towns if you use the trunk roads for your travels.

So okay, here’s the scenario. We stop at an R&R, charge into the petrol station’s shop like Genghis’s horde. Our faces flushing red like lobsters, tongues hanging out, and heads throbbing like it’s been under a hydraulic press. We shove everyone else aside at the chiller to pull out a bottle or can of cold beverage. Then we gulp the entire content down even before we reach the counter (oh yes, it’s happened).

We get back to riding.

An hour later, we have to stop again to relieve our bladders and for another bottle of water. There goes the fluidity (no pun intended) and rhythm of the ride… We’d feel even more tired from stopping too many times than the actual riding, instead.

A hydration pack on the other hand, allows you to sip on your chosen drink in small quantities at your own disposal. It’s more controlled. So that way, you could concentrate on riding for much longer periods of time. Compare that to suddenly feeling woozy due to dehydration and having no drinks at hand!

Hydration packs can keep you cool in another way.

Remove the water bladder from the backpack and store it in your jacket’s back protector pouch. You don’t have to remove the protector. That liquid you carry will keep your back cool.

What to fill with?

It’s entirely up to you. Personally, I choose between 100 Plus and Glucoline. But please don’t fill it up with beer or alcoholic beverages. Try not to drink Coca-Cola or energy drinks all the way, either, because sugary drinks will dehydrate you even faster. A can here and there is fine but do not replace water for it.

Oh! And don’t forget to wash the bladder and tubing once you’re done. Rinse and clean them with a set of special tools (not expensive).

Where can I buy a hydration backpack?

If you want the original and the best, go for a CamelBak. It’s expensive but there are endless numbers of spare parts for it, hence worth the investment. You can find them here.

Okay, now Lazada. There are plenty of options here, from the ridiculously cheap to the most expensive ones. There’s no guarantee based on price so rely on the customer ratings. One with a 1.5 or 2.0-litre bladder is good because it won’t be too heavy when you fill it up.

Conclusion

Go for one today, I promise that you’ll never ride without one again.

Let’s Go Camping with the Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Ride

The grand finale of the Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” ride will take participants camping.
It will be held from 13^th to 14^th July 2019.
The ride will begin from Juru Auto City to Cameron Highlands and finally the Rimba Valley Motorcamp for camping.

The Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Ride reaches its grand finale next weekend. To end the epic program on a high note, Modenas has something grand in store for the participants.

For this edition, the ride will begin in the early morning of 13^th July 2019 from Juru Auto City, Perai then head to Cameron Highlands for some cooling air. The convoy will then head down towards Bentong via the beautiful Cameron Highlands – Sungai Koyan road. The ride will finally end at the Rimba Valley Motorcamp site in Janda Baik where the participants will camp beside a crystal-clear stream and beneath the stars.

The Rimba Valley Motorcamp is also the site of the Rimba Raid event a week later.

Refreshments, food and lodging costs are provided by Modenas, while riders pay for fuel only.

The “Explore the Unexplored” initiative began not long after the Modenas Dominar D400 was launched in Malaysia. As the name suggests, it isn’t merely a single model ride to exotic places around Peninsular Malaysia. It also allows riders who ride there to share the locations with international Dominar 400 riders, as well.

As for the Malaysian Dominar owners, there is a contest for the best picture captured. Also, participants get to participate in fun and games at the destinations and win attractive prizes.

Please register by sending an email to safrin@modenas.com.my. Please note that only riders are allowed to enter, thus pillions are not allowed.

The Stolen Triumph Tiger 1200 Has Been Returned

The stolen Triumph Tiger 1200 test bike was been returned early this morning.
The bike was returned by the thief’s father and brother.
We were informed that he had done so on a number of prior occasions.

As a follow-up of the Triumph Tiger 1200 test bike stolen yesterday, Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia informed us that the motorcycle was returned early this morning. Triumph also wishes to extend their appreciation to those who shared the news.

The miscreant signed up for a test ride yesterday afternoon at around 3.46pm, but did not return after six hours. Thousands of netizens shared the news in social media.

We were then informed just after 1am that the thief’s father and older brother returned the motorcycle.

There were also netizens who pointed us to the person who rode off with the bike, and we were informed that this person Bro Superbike has done such a thing many times previously. His previous alleged crimes included driving off in his colleague’s car, plus a number of test bikes. Each time, his father and brother returned the vehicle.

His Facebook page shows him on a 2018 BMW S 1000 RR, and purporting to being affiliated to the S 1000 RR and Yamaha MT-07 owners groups in Malaysia and Singapore. There was only 1 posting in that FB account on 13^th June 2019, calling on buyers if they are interested in purchasing a superbike.

The case is now handled by the police.

In our personal opinion, provided that he committed the alleged crimes before, this man is a pathological thief and requires rehabilitation.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

The new 2019 BMW S 1000 RR has yet to arrive in Malaysia.

The delay is due to the great demand for the M Package S 1000 RR worldwide.

BMW Motorrad is currently working on clearing the supply bottleneck.

It’s not everyday that motorcyclists get chased by a tiger.

This video came from the Pambra, Wayanad region in India.

The region is surrounded by tiger sanctuaries.

The BMW R nine T/5 commemorates the classic BMW /5 series which made its debut in 1969.

It also happens to be the 50th anniversary of BMW Motorrad’s Berlin Spandau factory.

There are many classic touches and a badge on the bike.

Didi Resources launched the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory today.

It’s the most powerful normally-aspirated and non-race homologation superbike.

It’s also the lightest of the lot.

1. 10th Year of the RSV4

2. Most powerful sportbike

3. New APRC package

4. The lightest

5. Weight-loss regiment

6. Special Akrapovic exhaust

7. Redesigned frame

8. Öhlins, of course

9. “Stylo” Brembo Stylema

10. MotoGP-inspired aerobody

Ducati confirmed that Danilo Petrucci will ride for the Ducati factory team in the 2020 MotoGP season.

The decision follows his consistent podium finishes and victory at Mugello.

Jack Miller will likely continue with Pramac Ducati.

Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd has launched two new variants of Shell Advance AX7 semi-synthetic motorcycle engine oil.

They are the Shell Advance AX7 10W-30 and Shell Advance AX7 15W-50.

Both are priced at RM 33.90 for a 1-litre pack.

Hafizh Syahrin will be the next recipient of the carbon fibre swingarm for his KTM RC16.

The change will take place at the German MotoGP round in Sachsenring.

It’s hoped that the new swingarm with have the flex characteristics to enable better cornering.

Another motorcyclist had his finger cut by a wire strung across a motorcycle lane.

The location is at the entrance from Taman Greenwood to the DUKE highway.

A same occurrence happened at the same location last year.

The 2020 Husqvarna FS 450 supermoto has been unveiled.

It is the only race-ready supermoto direct from the factory.

Updates are in the suspension department, using WP’s top-of-the-line components.

Riding with a hydration backpack keeps you hydrated along the ride.

There are plenty of options to choose from.

Once you start using one, you’ll never stop using it.

Hydration pack vs. stopping at petrol stations

What to fill with?

Where can I buy a hydration backpack?

Conclusion

The grand finale of the Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” ride will take participants camping.

It will be held from 13th to 14th July 2019.

The ride will begin from Juru Auto City to Cameron Highlands and finally the Rimba Valley Motorcamp for camping.

The stolen Triumph Tiger 1200 test bike was been returned early this morning.

The bike was returned by the thief’s father and brother.

We were informed that he had done so on a number of prior occasions.

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It also happens to be the 50^th anniversary of BMW Motorrad’s Berlin Spandau factory.

1. 10^th Year of the RSV4

It will be held from 13^th to 14^th July 2019.