Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

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Wahid Ooi

2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R Launched

The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R were launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Only the S 1000 RR with M Sport Package is available at the moment.
The R 1250 R and R 1250 RS adds to BMW’s Boxer family.

The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R were launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

2019 BMW S 1000 RR (from RM 138,500.00 for M Sport Package)

The 3rd-generation S 1000 RR has been long-awaited even before its official launch at EICMA 2018. Suffice to say that it was one of BMW Motorrad’s worst kept secrets!

It’s easy to see why BMW’s superbike is so popular these days. It’s one bike that would go fast as you dare and as slow as you want it to without complaining. It’s also a superbike that you could ride to track, whack off the mirrors and indicators, tape up the headlamps and taillamp, blast around the track, and ride it to work the next day.

The bike launched today is the M Sport Package variant.

Highlights:

999cc, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC, inline-Four with ShiftCam.
The new lump produces 207 bhp (152kW) at 13,500 RPM and 113 Nm of torque.
The ShiftCam technology varies both valve opening timing but also lift.

Hollow-stem lightweight titanium intake valves.
This allows the bike linear and good spread of power.
But also good fuel consumption at 6.4 litres per 100 km.
Oil pump and water pump integrated as one — saves weight and width.

Suspension is handled electronically by next generation of DDC (Dynamic Damping Control).
The rear shock is moved further back, away from exhaust and engine heat.

A new frame called Flex Frame — with specifically tuned zones of stiffness — provides better grip in corners and feedback.
Leaner fuel tank, narrower midsection for better knee grip and support.

The bodywork has short overhangs — the entire bike sits between the wheels.

More compact dimensions are the goal including engine, frame, tank, bodywork.
Revised exhaust system, engine, and M-lightweight battery.

The M Sport package includes M sport seat, country-specific taillamp, M carbon fibre wheels and lightweight M battery.
The revisions cut weight down to just 193.5 kg from the standard bike’s 208 kg.

Standard electronic rider aid include Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race.
Options are the “Pro Modes” — Pro 1, Pro 2, Pro 3 which includes DTC, ABS Pro, DTC Wheelie Detection, engine torque and engine braking adjustments.

Also available are race assistance modes such as Launch Control and Pit Lane Limiter.
Signature S 1000 RR smooth gearshifts are handled by the HP Shift Assistant Pro (standard).
New 6.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia brought in the M Sport package as the introduction as the S 1000 RR is of limited stock worldwide. As such, BMW Motorrad Malaysia will send a bike to each dealer for customers to view and place orders.

The base S 1000 RR will arrive in Malaysia in 2020.

2019 BMW R 1250 RS (from RM 106,500.00) and 2019 BMW R 1250 R (from RM 102,500.00)

The R 1250 RS and R 1250 R completes the BMW Boxer family. The RS is the sport-tourer (the R 1250 RT is the luxury sport-tourer), while the R is the Roadster (naked street bike). We feel that the R 1250 RS’s smaller size will make it easier to ride as a daily commuter, as well.

Highlights:

Features the new 1254cc Boxer with BMW ShiftCam technology.
Produces 136 bhp and 143 Nm of torque.

The engine is also economical, consuming only 4.75 litres of fuel per 100 km.
Two standard riding modes that adapt to riding style.

Automatic Stability Control is standard, as is Hill Start Control.
They also feature Riding Modes Pro which includes Dynamic and Dynamic Pro.

The Dynamic Traction Control ties in with the Riding Modes Pro selection.
New 6.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

BMW Financing

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia provides financing for these new bikes. You can ride the S 1000 R from RM 1,690 per month, R 1250 R from 1,250 per month, and the R 1250 RS RM 1,300 per month. These amounts are based on estimates 80 percent loan for 4-year tenure.

Shell and Ducati Celebrate 21st Year of Collaboration with Renewal of Technical Partnership

Shell and Ducati have collaborated for 21 years.
They started in World Superbike before joining MotoGP, as well.
They renewed the partnership to celebrate.

Shell and Ducati are two brands symbiotic with each other.

Time flies and it’s been 21 years of collaboration between the petroleum giant and maker of exotic motorcycles. To celebrate that union, Shell and Ducati announced the renewal of their technical partnership, on the eve of the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The partnership began in 1999 during Ducati’s age of dominance in the World Superbike Championship. Since then, they have celebrated championship titles together. Shell followed Ducati when the manufacturer ventured into MotoGP in 2003.

The technical partnership extends beyond the racetrack. Each motorcycle that leaves the Ducati factory at Borgo Panigale in Bologna, Italy is filled with Shell V-Power petrol and Shell Advance engine oil. As such, Ducati recommends Shell fuels and Shell Advance engine oils to Ducati owners.

Back on the track, the awesomely powerful (the most powerful MotoGP bike, in fact) Desmosedici GP uses Shell Advance engine oil. Shell then introduced the new Shell Advance with PurePlus Technology to the bikes four years ago.

MotoGP organisers limit fewer and fewer engines year after year, in an effort to cut down on spending to encourage more teams to join. The effect of this ruling is that manufacturers must make their engines more reliable. Using more engines than the allocated units will result in penalties, which no team regardless of position needs.

Releasing the full potential of the fierce Desmosedici GP’s engine is one thing, but the engine oil must also play an essential and critical role of ensuring reliability. How many times have we seen Ducati MotoGP bikes break down due to engine trouble? Virtually none.

The partnership has secured more than 200 wins in both WorldSBK and MotoGP and they will continue to win more.

Is This How the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade Looks LIke?

More renders of the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade are going viral.
One is aggressive, the other an evolution of the current model.
The new bike may be unveiled at EICMA 2019.

It’s probably blasé to say that many are anticipating the arrival of the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.

While the world held a collective breath and anticipated its unveiling at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, it was a no-show. The only other big show event would be EICMA next Tuesday.

Then, pictures of a prototype howling around the Suzuka circuit began circulating the very next day. We could see a number of revisions although the prototype was wearing a camouflage. Even then we wondered if all those changes will end up on the production bike.

Now there two renders by artists have shown up and going viral in social media ahead of EICMA.

One was posted by BikeThrottle. It’s apparent that the tail section and exhaust pipe arrangement mimic Marquez’s RC213V.

As breathtaking as it is, I feel that it may be stretching the truth a little too far. For one, Honda confirmed that the 2020 CBR1000RR will continue to have an inline-Four engine, thus the “stacked” exhaust system makes no sense. Why do you need to route another exhaust under the tail when there’s no Vee engine configuration? Certainly, Honda could do so like in the CBR600RR, but I think the need for simplicity and compactness would overrule this concept.

2020 Honda CBR1000RR render – BikeThrottle

Apart from that, Honda prefers to design bikes that are pretty by having curvy and clean lines. But we would like to point out that the new bike will feature “aerobodies” on both sides of the fairings, instead of winglets. Those aerobodies were clearly seen on the prototype.

Next, Japanese motorcycle magazine, Young Machine rendered this image below, ahead of its anticipated launch at EICMA. Young Machine had always provided renders that closely match the production bikes. The best example was the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R which was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Their rendering shows a bike that is a evolution rather revolution of the current bike. The profile of the nose, air intakes and windscreen matches the Suzuka prototype closely. The aerobody is also present in this rendering. However, the gills at the bottom of the fairing are missing.

2020 Honda CBR1000RR render – Young Machine

You can read up about it here if you are Japanese literate.

So which one can we believe? I pick Number 2.

Anyway, there are also rumours that the new bike’s engine will produce between 212 to 220 bhp. Honda took the direction of having lower horsepower on their road bikes somewhere along the way. There were those days when they built the fastest street bikes. But it’s time that the manufacturer consider more ponies especially in this, their flagship sportbike. I hope it dawns on them that it’s time to stop getting owned in superbike racing, and that great handling alone isn’t enough to bring home the silverware.

Rumours and renderings of a new CBR1000RR have been running rampant almost more than any other motorcycle. It shows just how popular the bike is. Besides that, you can just sense the hope for Honda to produce a revolutionary new bike to regain its superbike crown.

EICMA 2019 is just four days away.

EXCLUSIVE: Max Biaggi says “I Would Ride the Aprilia Tuono if I Live in KL”

Aprilia Malaysia hosted multiple Grand Prix and World Superbike champion and Aprilia brand ambassador Max Biaggi tonight for a meet and greet session with Aprilia owners and fans.
The event was held in conjunction with the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix, which begins tomorrow.
BikesRepublic.com and our sister site, MotoMalaya.net was given an exclusive interview with the GP legend and also the new Aprilia Racing Team CEO Massimo Rivola.

Multiple Grand Prix and World Superbike champion Max Biaggi says he would ride the Aprilia Tuono if he lived in Kuala Lumpur.

Aprilia Malaysia hosted multiple Grand Prix and World Superbike champion and Aprilia brand ambassador Max Biaggi tonight for a meet and greet session with Aprilia owners and fans. The event was held in conjunction with the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix, which begins tomorrow.

Held at The Beach Club, Kuala Lumpur, the event was attended in masse by the Aprilia Central Riding Club (ACRC) who organised a convoy there. They were rewarded with Q&A, autograph and photography sessions with the GP great and WorldSBK legend.

BikesRepublic.com and our sister site, MotoMalaya.net was given an exclusive interview with the GP legend and also the new Aprilia Racing Team CEO Massimo Rivola.

We spoke about Aprilia and the factory’s effort in MotoGP, plus other things, but also we felt that there ought to be a connection from the Aprilia track bike to the road bikes.

Here’s the transcript of the interview:

BikesRepublic.com (BR): You’ve been to Malaysia many times. How often do you visit the country nowadays?
Max Biaggi (MB): I normally only visit once every year. In the past it was two, three times a year because also we did Winter Tests.

BR: What do you think about the country?
MB: It’s cool, you know. It’s one of my favourites since when we were racing in Shah Alam (the Batu Tiga Circuit) a long time ago. It was really, really one of my favourite places.

Even Sepang (International Circuit) which is a much bigger track, it’s a nice place to be.

BR: How has Malaysia changed, in your opinion?
MB: Big difference. Motorsports has really stepped up. I remember 24 years ago, there were no more than 20,000 to 30,000 people watching. But now, the weekend last year was over 100,000. I know there’s a big investment in motorsports and you can see the results now.

BR: Do you come here for holidays?
MB: No, normally for racing activities in January or February to work with Aprilia Malaysia.

BR: How has 2019 for you with your venture into Moto3 (race team)?
MB: This is another part of my life. To be on top of this thing (running a Moto3 team), the first time in the World Championship was very new for me. But I have good people and I can work with them, and we have one of the best riders in Moto3. So, we have an excellent year one. We didn’t win the title, but I didn’t expect that, really. But I see good performances for the rider and team so I’m looking forward to 2020.

BR: If you could’ve done anything differently, what would it be, since it’s the end of the season?
MB: It’s difficult to change something when the thing’s already done. A few changes here and there but nothing really big. Next year will be two riders and again a new story. We’ll see.

BR: We have one very important question — some of our readers are curious to know. If you were living KL (Kuala Lumpur), what motorcycle would you ride?
MB: Whoa, very difficult question! Here I don’t see big bikes very often. Maybe (I’ll ride a scooter). Scooters can be one of the possibilities (the Piaggio group produces many models of scooters – Editor).

But maybe the future here would change and become more like European cities. So, big scooter, big size motorcycles.

BR: If you could choose just one model?
MB: If it was up to me here in KL, I would use the Tuono (Aprilia Tuono V4). It’s because the handlebars are higher, straighter riding position, easier to ride, nice torque. This would be my favourite.

BR: Since you’re not riding competitive anymore? Do you still ride as a leisure activity?
MB: Yes, I use the Aprilia RSV4 X. Aprilia only produced 10 of them. It’s one of the most fun bike to ride — it was the closest to the RSV4 World Superbike but you can use it. When it ride the bike, I ride it only on the track because that’s what I like the most.

BR: Most professional competitive riders don’t ride on the road but they are really fast on the track. Why do you think it’s so?
MB: Maybe it’s because when you became a pro rider, you know the street is not that safe and safety is important. The track has a permanent track, you know the people who you are riding with. Of course it’s nice to travel on a bike. I would use the bike to go travelling far away.

BR: Compared to when you were racing 20 years ago, how has motorsports changed?
MB: Big changes. Here we are it’s gone from two-strokes to four-strokes and bigger bikes, and now the world of electronics. A lot is controlled by electronics. A good electronic system can make difference performance from one bike to the other. The lean angle now is near 70 degrees (from vertical) which 20 years ago you cannot imagine going near that far. But it nice, they do a lot of trick. New riders, new technique but you can always see the same speeds. They compete for the title but are very close.

BR: So, riding has changed and not just the bikes?
MB: Riding style has definitely changed and it’s changed in a good way because they can go faster. If they used the old style, they couldn’t. Also the tyres have changed. Everything’s changed.

BR: A question for (Massimo) Mr. Rivola. How has 2019 been in your opinion?
Massimo Rivola (MR): 2019 has been an interesting year. Really challenging. But I have to say overall it’s a positive year. The good thing that I can say for sure is that I feel a lot of respect for Aprilia. I feel that more and more the respect is increasing.

The history of Aprilia is quite unique and nobody has our history. Thanks to Max, in fact. There’s a hope that our history can come back. My mission is that one, actually.

BR: Coming to Malaysia from four wheels to two wheels (racing), is it the same or is it different… How do you experience Malaysia differently?
MR: My first time in Malaysia was in 2000. It was when the new track was open for Formula 1 racing. In the beginning at the Sepang track the grandstand was not fully occupied and that now, yes. The spirit around MotoGP is even more passionate than Formula 1.

I think motorbikes are closer to spectators and public. The spirit is different. Formula 1 and MotoGP are different but the latter is more special from this point of view.

BR: Maybe it’s because Malaysians love their motorcycles more than their cars?
MB: Yeah maybe almost everybody here rides a scooter or moped or motorbike, but yes it’s something you can see the riders on the bikes up close.

BR: One last question for Max. We are now seeing many riders in Malaysia. Is there any advice that you can give to our riders — those who are casual riders (not racers)?
MB: You can more and more people using bikes in this part of the world than 20 years ago. I see many people come to MotoGP so they passion for the sport. I hope to see them riding big bikes in a few years because this is the way to go up. In Europe and America the bikes are 600cc, 1000cc. They need to try these bikes. If they try they will surely like.

Interview conducted by: Keshy Dhillon

Winnows Ducati MotoGP Team Takes Over Shell KLIA Station

The Winnows Ducati MotoGP team held a meet and greet at Shell KLIA station.
Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci held an autograph and photography session.
Ducati riders also attended the event.

The Winnows Ducati MotoGP team took over a Shell station for their meet and greet the fans session.

Shell is the sponsor and technical partner to the Winnows Ducati MotoGP team, so it was appropriate that a meet and greet session with Ducati fans and Shell consumers at a Shell petrol station. One fuel pump island was fully dressed in Ducati branding.

Customers who were driving out of the station couldn’t help slowing down and snapping quick shots of the riders from their cars.

Factory Ducati riders Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci attended the event. They spoke about Shell’s role in helping them to attain great results in MotoGP. They also answered a number of questions fielded by the contingent of Ducati owners. A few owners showed up on rare Ducatis including a 999R and the new Panigale V4 R super-superbike.

The riders then proceeded to sign autographs for the fans. The Ducati riders had the items they needed to be autographed at the ready including helmets, caps, t-shirts and even their motorcycles. Some Shell station customers also took the opportunity to obtain autographs.

The aforementioned Ducati Panigale V4 R rider was elated to have Andrea Dovizioso autograph his bike’s fuel tank.

All the excitement is part of the build up to the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix, from 1st to 3rd November 2019.

Production-Ready Aprilia RS 660 Teaser

The production-ready Aprilia RS 660 appeared on social media.
It may well be real supersport machine.
Rumoured to have more than 100 bhp and weigh a little more than 100 kg.

Remember the Aprilia RS 660 concept which made its debut at EICMA 2018? Well, Aprilia is now teasing with the production-ready form on social media.

Click here to read: Aprilia RS 660 Concept Unveiled at EICMA 2018

Harked as the beginning of a new age, it points to the Noble-based manufacturer creating a true supersport machine, instead of a sport-tourer/commuter machine like the Kawasaki Ninja 650.

Indeed there are rumours that the bike will produce more than 100 bhp and weight just north of 100 kg. Such power-to-weight ration would make any bike fly. Which is fine by us.

RS 660: a new era begins.#Aprilia #RS660 #eicma2019 pic.twitter.com/tj1owDZJc1

— Aprilia (@ApriliaOfficial) October 29, 2019

If you haven’t been following our updates, the RS 660 takes the RSV4’s engine and cuts off the rear two cylinders, leaving behind a parallel-Twin. But knowing Aprilia, it will not be “just any” parallel-Twin. Add in their Factory APRC package and you have a real sportbike ready to do battle.

Not much can be seen in the picture. However, with some Photoshop work by our friends at Asphalt & Rubber, we could just make out fairing sides that are a little different to the concept’s. There appears to be an aerobody as the manufacturer suggested.

We could also see that it has upside-down forks with lowers for radial-mounted brake calipers.

There are also rumours that suggest the price to be around USD 13,000, which equates to RM 54,342.60. However, it would end up being more expensive than that, given our tax structure.

Still, we couldn’t wait to see it when unveiled at EICMA 2019 next week.

ARCH Motorcycle Debuts 2019 ARCH KRGT-1

The ARCH KRGT-1 isn’t the usual custom power cruiser.
The new bike features 20 major changes and 150 newly-designed components.
Power is supplied by a 124 cubic inch (2032 cc) V-Twin.
ARCH Motorcycle Company was co-founded by Keanu Reeves.

First and foremost, California-based ARCH Motorcycle was co-founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves.

Yes, Keanu Reeves a.k.a. John Wick a.k.a. Neo.

What’s different about ARCH Motorcycle and the ARCH KRGT-1 is that each bike is tailored to the ergonomic and aesthetic wishes of each customer in close partnership throughout a 90-day process.

But that’s just part of the the bike’s appeal. It’s a power cruiser that’s created to charge, brake and steer.

The new KRGT-1 includes 20 major changes and more than 150 newly-designed and manufactured components. The changes include a redesigned bodywork, upgraded suspension, ergonomic enhancements, updated brake components and safety features.

Let’s take a look at some of them.

ENGINE

Substituting guns, lots of guns, the real firepower comes from 124 good ol’ American cubic inches.
To us cubic centimetre devotees, that’s 2032 cc, courtesy of the ARCH X S&S V-Twin engine.
It started as an S&S block but was custom-engineered by ARCH to feature an in-house designed downdraft induction and proprietary K&N filter.
The ARCH 2-into-1 stainless steel header and exhaust ends with a Yoshimura silencer.
The engine is EPA (Environmental Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) certified.

CHASSIS

It’s a cliché to say a powerful bike that couldn’t handle makes for a good artificial reef, but not the KRGT-1.
Race-inspired aluminium swingarm manufactured from billet — increases rigidity and reducing unsprung weight for better handling.
The frame utilises billet aluminium side plates where the updated swingarm pivot and engine isolation mounts are attached.

The rear suspension uses a fully-adjustable Öhlins shock which was made specifically for ARCH.
The front suspension consists of 48 mm Öhlins NIX cartridge forks. (Öhlins developed the NIX technology for World Superbike and World Supersport racing.)
The forks are held by new billet aluminium aluminium triple clamps.

BRAKES

The KRGT-1 uses ISR 6-piston monobloc front brake calipers.
The diameter of the pistons were increased for even better stopping power and feel.
ARCH worked directly with Bosch to develop the dual-channel ABS.

BODYWORK

Redesigned fuel tank, tail section and seat to increase rider comfort.
The billet aluminium fuel tank has a 19 litre capacity.
Base of the seat is composite.
Redesigned, reshaped and resized cowling (flyscreen) to reduce wind buffeting.

Also to accommodate a new instrument panel.
It also complements the new J.W. Speaker Adaptive 2 headlamp.
Front and rear mudguards are carbon fibre.

CONTROLS

Updated hand and foot controls, using Magura clutch and front brake levers.
Black Tek (BST) five-spoke carbon fibre wheels.

Michelin Commander II tyres — 120/70ZR19 front, 240/40ZR 18 rear.

“The KRGT-1 was originally designed to realize the potential and push the boundaries of what an American V-twin motorcycle could offer,” says ARCH Motorcycle co-founder Gard Hollinger. “Our new KRGT-1 stays true to the original objective while further developing and refining the motorcycle’s design and performance elements to enhance the overall riding experience.”

“The new KRGT-1 delivers on ARCH Motorcycle’s ambition: a beautiful and extraordinary machine that handles like no other motorcycle. Through the curves, down the straights, planted, confident, comfortable, it’s an unsurpassed riding experience,” says ARCH Motorcycle co-founder Keanu Reeves. “The focus on fit and finish, the detail, the execution, the exceptional quality, how the bike is made defines ARCH.”

In short, the ARCH KRGT-1 isn’t just a run-of-the-mill custom motorcycle. It’s a unique machine that oozes appeal and desirability.

No, we don’t think every purchase includes a puppy. (Sorry, we couldn’t help it.)

Please visit ARCH Motorcycle Company’s website for more details.

New Range of PETRONAS Sprinta with Ultraflex Lubricants Launched

A new range of PETRONAS Sprinta with Ultraflex engine oils was launched today.
The lubricant was developed together with the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.
The launch was carried out amidst the PETRONAS Sprint Festival lifestyle event.

A new range of PETRONAS Sprinta with Ultraflex engine oils was launched today, two days ahead of the 2019 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

PETRONAS is the title and technical partner to the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team in MotoGP and PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Teams in Moto2 and Moto3. The Malaysian petroleum giant first tested the new lubricant with the MotoGP team at the Dutch GP in June. Since then, the team and riders have obtained incredible results for a first-year race team, including six podium finishes and scores of pole position and front row starts. The team’s success is attributable to the new lubricant.

The technologies and lessons learned in the highest echelon of motorcycle racing was adopted to the new Sprinta with Ultraflex lubricant for road bikes.

According to PETRONAS, the new oil was formulated to react instantly to the rider’s needs, and looking after critical parts such as the engine internals, clutch and gears. As such, the oil maintains its film strength, sheer stability and viscosity even at high RPMs. Consequently, the rider will feel that he has instant engine response and rapid acceleration.

You can watch the video here.

But the lubricant is also designed to protect the involved parts in unpredictable city traffic, characterised by slow speeds, long idling time, hence high heat.

PETRONAS also formulated the oils to meet stringent global environmental regulations such as Euro 5 and Bharat (BS) VI.

Prices range between RM 15 to RM 67, depending on grade. They will be available from mid-November in PETRONAS Mesra stores and PETRONAS Partner Workshops. The range will also be exported globally, starting with India and Thailand in Q1 2020, followed by Indonesia, Vietnam and other countries.

The launch was carried out during the PETRONAS Sprinta Festival lifestyle event at The Gasket Alley. Fans got up close with Fabio Quartararo’s Yamaha YZR-M1 racebike; met PETRONAS riders such as Franco Morbidelli, John McPhee, Khairul Idham Pawi, Ayumu Sasaki; enjoyed delicious food served by food trucks; awesome “live” band and “basker” performances; and photography with PETRONAS riders on the specially airbrushed Yamaha YZF-R25.

Dispelling Oil Myths with Shell Advance AX7 15W-50 and Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50

The Shell Advance AX7 15W-50 and Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50 are two excellent motorcycle engine oils in the market.
Both are formulated for kapchais all the way to superbikes.
Here’s all you need to know about Shell motorcycle oils.

We’ve written a number of articles about motorcycle engine oil in the past but of course, myths surrounding them are hard to die. At the same time, we’ve found two good oils in the market that dispel the myths. They are the Shell Advance AX7 15W-50 and Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50.

This writer has ridden motorcycles for the past 31 years and owned plenty of bikes along the way. Accordingly, he’s used plenty of brands and types of engine oils in the market, some of them are non-existent anymore.

But first, let’s take a look at the two products.

Shell Advance AX7 15W-50

Shell Advance AX7 15W-50 is a synthetic blend engine lubricant. It complies with the latest API SM service standard. It’s also certified with JASO MA2 for motorcycles with wet clutches. Shell has formulated the oil with Shell Active Cleansing Technology to break dirt and soot particles, preventing them from clumping up and blocking oil passages or scoring engine parts. As such, it is suitable to be used in small capacity motorcycles all the way to superbikes.

With the recommended retail price of RM 33.90, it represents great value.

Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50

Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50 is the ultimate in lubricant technology and engine protection.

Shell Advance Ultra products are formulated using unique Shell PurePlus Technology, a leading-edge gas-to-liquids technology process that converts natural gas into base oil with virtually no impurities. This creates a base oil with stronger molecular bonds for long lasting performance as well as providing enhanced viscosity, friction and volatility performance when compared with traditional base oils.

It complies with the latest API SN service standard. It is also certified with JASO MA2 for motorcycles with wet clutches.

At a recommended retail price of RM 68.30, it’s affordable while still providing riders with years of enjoyment.

Myth 1 – All oils are made to degrade quickly

This myth may be true 30 years ago but isn’t quite true in this age of modern engines and better additive packages in engine oil.

Let’s look closer at each aspect.

Motorcycle manufacturers strive to produce more engine power while lowering emissions, extending product reliability and thereby lower maintenance costs for the consumer. As such, even it’s common to find anti-friction materials in kapchai engines, specifically the cylinder lining being finished with diamond-like coating (DLC).

On the lubricant producer’s side, they are also striving for the same performance from their products i.e. to allow the engine to produce more power while providing optimal protection. Consequently, the customer’s bike not only lasts longer but also avoid high maintenance costs.

These days, if you can find a good mineral oil, it can outlast semi-synthetics from years ago due to superior additives and higher quality base oils.

As such, engine oils such as the Shell Advance AX7 and Shell Advance Ultra are formulated through years of experience not only in racing but also through feedback from consumers like you and me.

Thereby, the Shell Advance AX7 15W-50 semi-synthetic provides superb protection for older and the latest small bikes to big bikes for longer periods of time. The Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50 on the other hand, can be used on all bikes from the smallest to the latest high-powered beasts.

Myth 2 – Semi-synthetics require frequent oil change

Again, this was true many years ago. I’ve purposely ran the AX7 15W-50 in my Kawasaki ER-6f past 6000 km with the bike still feeling like it had just undergone an oil change. Sure, certain workshops will say, “Change the oil after 3000km” but the best way is to refer to your user’s manual.

Additionally, semi-synthetics are formulated With a combination of fully synthetic and mineral base oils, giving you some of the protection of fully-synthetic oils.

Myth 3 – Using fully-synthetic oil is a waste of money

This thinking shouldn’t even exist at all. Fully-synthetics are formulated for the best protection for the worst working conditions. Mineral oil breaks down faster when subjected to extreme heat, humidity and shearing forces. Fully-synthetics are formulated to address these very issues resulting in better protection for longer periods of time.

For example, the Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50 is the official engine oil for Ducati and the manufacturer recommends oil changes every 12000km. Again, refer to your motorcycle’s owner’s manual – you’d be surprised that you don’t have to change oil every 5000km.

Myth 4 – Using fully-synthetic causes engine to leak

This myth is especially propounded by owners of older motorcycles. Truth is, seals need to be replaced after a certain period of time because they will wear down. Fully synthetic oils usually come in the thinner viscosity grades with more neatly arranged molecules and tend to find their way through these gaps and leaks much sooner. For a well-maintained motorcycle with regularly changed seals, no leaks should be expected.

A Bit of News

Before we end, Shell Malaysia also announced that Fattah Amin is their New ambassador for Shell Advance motorcycle oils. Visit one of the Advance Branded Workshop today, who knows you might stand a chance of meeting Fattah Amin at the workshop!

Malaysian MotoGP a Driving Force for Tourists to Malaysia

The Malaysian MotoGP is an important driving force in bringing tourists to Malaysia.
It has brought in 1.81 million tourists from 1999 to 2018.
Teams and riders sponsored by Tourism Malaysia were present at a meet and greet event.

The Malaysian MotoGP is an important driving force in bringing tourists to Malaysia.

Director General of Tourism Malaysia Datuk Musa Yusof said that MotoGP had brought in 1.81 million tourists to Malaysia between 1999 to 2018. He presented the statement at the Meet & Greet Session with MotoGP Riders at MaTIC (Malaysian Tourism Centre), Jalan Ampang.

Riders from the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team, Red Bull KTM Ajo Racing Team, ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team graced the event. Riders present at the event were Franco Morbidelli, Adam Norrodin, John McPhee, Ayumu Sasaki, Khairul Idham Pawi, Brad Binder, Jorge Martin, Can Oncu, Remy Gardner, Tetsuta Nagashima.

The riders were asked about their experiences in Malaysia, as well as which tourism sites they would like to visit. They also carried out autograph and photography sessions.

The teams and riders sport the “Visit Malaysia” logo on their race bikes and race suit, visible to TV viewers the world over.

Viewers in Malaysia also feel proud to see the “Visit Malaysia” logo in the world’s premier racing classes and at the international stage. It also augurs well for next year which ties in with Tourism Malaysia’s “Visit Malaysia 2020” programme.

The 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix will be held from 1st to 3rd November 2019 at the Sepang International Circuit.

Aprilia Malaysia Set for an Amazing 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP Experience

Aprilia Malaysia has lined up a great number of interesting events leading up to the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP.
It includes multiple meet and greet sessions with riders and convoys.
There will also be a booth and Aprilia Tribune at the Rooftop Paddock.

The Aprilia brand name has long been associated with GP racing and as such, Aprilia Malaysia will spice up the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP from 1st to 3rd November even more.

The excitement will begin even before the Free Practice 1 kicks off on the track.

On Thursday, 31st October, there will be a meet and greet session with GP legend and Aprilia ambassador Massimiliano ‘Mad Max’ Biaggi. He will also host a an autograph and photography session for fans. The event will be held at The Beach Club, Kuala Lumpur starting from 7.30 pm.

It marks the first time an Aprilia meet and greet event will be held in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Besides that, members of the Aprilia Central Riders Club (ACRC) will convoy to the venue to show their support.

To further enhance Aprilia riders’ MotoGP experience, this year’s Aprilia Tribune is located at the prestigious Rooftop Paddock, where refreshments will be provided. The 200 tickets allocated to Aprilia riders have been sold out. The participants will convoy from the Gasket Alley to the Sepang International Circuit on race day, 3rd November 2019.

The Aprilia booth at MotoGP will be the first for the brand’s custodian in Malaysia. As such, there will be a welcome centre.

Fans will get the chance to meet and greet Aprilia MotoGP riders there:

Max Biaggi on 2nd November from 4.30pm;
Aleix Espargaro and Andrea Iannone on 2nd November from 6.00pm;
Max Biaggi on 3rd November from 10.15am.

The booth will also feature the full range of Aprilia merchandise such as shirts, caps, umbrellas, keychains, pass holders, backpacks and so forth.

What’s a booth without the bikes, right? Attendees will witness the new 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory and for the first time, the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory which features electronically-controlled semi-active suspension (SAS). Max Biaggi’s infamous RS250 and Sandro Cortesese’s RSA125 GP bikes will also be on display. Fans will also see Andrea ‘The Maniac’ Iannone’s HJC RPHA 11 race helmet for the first time in Malaysia.

Transport Minister — Impractical to Ban Kaphais

Transport Minister YB Anthony Lake said it will be impractical to ban kapchais.
He stressed that it makes up the majority of motorcycles in Malaysia.
The call to ban the type of motorcycle outright was met with outrage.

The Transport Minister, YB Anthony Lake responded to demands that kapchais should be be banned, saying that it would impractical to ban them.

“There are non-governmental groups related to road safety that wants a ban on kapchai motorcycles,” he said.

“But we have to look at it practically as a vast majority of the estimated 16 million registered motorcycles are kapchai motorcycles.”

“Many would be affected if we ban the motorcycles today and my view is that it would be difficult to impose such a ban,” he said when answering a supplementary question raised by Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (GPS-Petrajaya) in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 29).

The suggestion to ban kapchais was made by an individual with MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety). It drew instant flak throughout Malaysia.

Click here to read “Safety activist” Recommends to Ban Kapchais

MIROS scrambled to release a press statement, distancing themselves from the what the individual suggested, saying that it was a personal statement instead of stance adopted by the agency.

YB Loke also stressed that there’s no plan to ban kapchais despite encouraging the switch to electric scooters. There are also no plans to ban them on highways, but dedicated motorcycle lanes will be built as part of the 12th Malaysia Plan.