Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Nicola Dutto: First Paraplegic in Dakar Rally

Nicola Dutto is the first paralyzed motorcycle rider in the Dakar Rally.
His KTM EXC-F 450 is specially modified for the task.
His team consists of another three riders for assistance.

We know how tough the Dakar Rally is on able bodied athletes, but Nicola Dutto is out to prove to himself that a paraplegic can compete in the event.

Dutto was the 2008 and 2009 European Baja Champion. Unfortunately, a crash in the 2010 European Baja in Italy left him paralyzed.

But he bounced back to race in the 2011 event in a Polaris buggy. Yet he knew that there was nothing like the man and machine synergy of riding a motorcycle. He experimented with roll cages to protect his lower body. Entering Spain’s Baja Aragon four months later, he finished 24^th.

This achievement inspired Dutto to compete in the Dakar Rally as the first paraplegic.

To help with his disabilities, Dutto made a number of modifications to his KTM 450 EXC-F. The clutch is electric, and the rear brake lever is moved to the handlebar. wheelchair cushion specialists Vicair build a seat for support. Dutto needed protection from the punishing shocks as he is unable to stand up while off-roading in rough terrain. A roll cage is fitted to protect his lower body, while his legs are secured with a three-point harness.

However, Dutto needs to rely on his team to ride effectively. It consists of his one-time rivals Julián Villarrubia, Pablo Toral and Victor Rivera. One rider will ride ahead to scan the terrain and be Dutto’s spotter when he stops. The other two riders will help to pick Dutto up in case he falls.

Dutto is still going strong at the end of the Dakar 2019 Stage 2. Let’s look out for this extraordinary rider and his team.

MotoGP: Pedrosa to Miss KTM Shakedown Test at SIC

Dani Pedrosa has rebroken his right collarbone.
As such, he will miss the shakedown test at SIC.
The bone was rebroken in physical exertion, not a crash.

Fans of Dani Pedrosa will not see him during the shakedown test at SIC (Sepang International Circuit) in February astride a KTM RC16.

He rebroke his right collarbone without a crash of physical impact but through a “gesture of strength” as reported in the press release. It meant that the rider was probably just exercising.

The injury is the result of having broken the bone twice before and required surgery to fit plates. Consequently, the collarbone has sclerotic lesion which slows regrowth. Furthermore, osteoporosis has set in due to lack of blood flow resulting in a brittle bone.

He rebroke his right collarbone which will require another surgery and long recovery process before being able to test the KTM again.

Dani Pedrosa has retired from the Repsol Honda team and MotoGP competitive racing last year. He later announced that he will take up the roll of test rider for the KTM factory team. He managed to ride the KTM RC16 in the Valencia and Jerez post-season tests and provided some feedback to the team.

Q&A: An International Student in TOC Automotive College

We spoke to an international student at the TOC Automotive College.
We had wanted to see how foreign students could adapt to the other students and syllabus.
The college’s learning style opens up the way for students to learn teamwork, regardless of which country they are from.

While some admire those who study abroad, it may not be as easy as it seems. Apart from monetary concerns, there is always the difficulty of cultural and language barriers. But there are international students at the TOC Automotive College.

We sat down for a short Q&A session to garner his perspective.

Bikes Republic (BR): Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Ahmed Mohamed Frah Idris (AM): I’m from Sudan. I started out in the Certificate Course before progressing to Diploma in Automotive Technology (DAT). I came to TOC through the April 2017 intake.

I’m currently in my first year in Diploma in Automotive Technology. I’ll be doing my Supervised Industrial Training (SIT) after completing 5 subjects. It’ll happen in four months’ time.

BR: What made you choose this college and subject?
AM: I picked this college as I prefer hands-on learning. I’m interested in learning about the practical side about an engine and how it works.

BR: What do you find unique about TOC Automotive College?
AM: What I found unique is like our dress code, the discipline in classes, the stress on punctuality. More importantly, TOC gives us the opportunity to work in different workshops and getting more work experience to ready us for the workplace when we graduate.

BR: How do you like it so far? What’s your impression of being an international student here?
AM: So far, it’s really good, especially for me and other international students to know more about different cultures. Malaysia has a lot of different cultures that I learn from. I also get to meet other international students and learning about their cultures.

BR: What are your plans when you finish your studies?
AM: Am hoping to get more work experience in Malaysia then I can develop what I learned here and bring it back to my home country.

Conclusion

TOC Automotive College provides an atmosphere which is conducive learning regardless if you are a local or from other countries. This is achieved through lots of hands-on work which requires the students to work closely, hence opening the opportunity to better interpersonal relationships. People skills are important in the workplace if one hopes to succeed.

We would also like to stress that each student that we interviewed loved the hands-on approach to learning, rather than too sitting through too many mind-numbing lectures in the classrooms.

Please click here to find out more about the TOC Automotive College. Please click here if you are interested in the Superbike Technician Course. TOC has a programme called Bina Bakat to assist potential students in need of an education loan.

TOC Automotive College can be reached at (+603) 7960 8833

BMW Motorrad Malaysia Introduces 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance

BMW Motorrad Malaysia launched two new programs.
They are the 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance.
The company also released the prices of their motorcycles effective 1^stJanuary 2019.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has launched a 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance programs. The programs set the benchmark for premium motorcycle ownership in Malaysia.

Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl said that the programs offer a complete peace of mind to customers, as part of an ownership experience. Additionally, it is how the company differentiate themselves from other makers in the industry.

The all-new BMW Motorrad 3-Year Warranty Program is supported by BMW Group AG. It covers free repairs and parts replacement for manufacturer or material defect, regardless of mileage.

On the other hand, the Roadside Assistance Program allows customers to get hold of a team of specialists who are on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are in the form of professional and expert support during emergencies, including towing should there be a breakdown.

The program is applicable to all BMW motorcycles registered from 1^stJanuary 2019 onwards. However, it does not apply to the HP4 Race.

Please log on to https://www.bmw-motorrad.com.my/en/service/services/warranty.htmlfor more information on the new programs.

BMW Malaysia also released the latest 2019 prices of their motorcycles, including projected monthly repayment figures under BMW Credit financing.

Shell Malaysia Wants to Send You to New Zealand, South Korea or Italy

Shell Malaysia officially launched their Win a Trip with Shell contest.
A winner is picked every week.
The winner can choose among New Zealand, South Korea or Italy for their dream holiday.

Shell Malaysia announced the first winner of the Win a Trip with Shell contest during its official launch today. A winner is chosen each week and they can request a holiday package among New Zealand, South Korea or Italy.

The first winner, Wan Muhammad Fathi Bin Wan Nik Kamal chose New Zealand as his dream destination.

To qualify for this contest, a customer needs to do the following:

Spend a minimum of RM40 at Shell retail stations nationwide.
Choose your favourite holiday destination among Italy, New Zealand or South Korea.
Submit the form with valid and eligible receipt(s).

Customers can purchase any of the following products:

Shell fuels.
Shell lubricants.
Products sold in Shell Select and Kedai (not including tobacco products, top-up via e-Pay, or Touch N Go top-up).

Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. and Shell Timur Sdn. Bhd. said, “Customers are our priority here at Shell and we aim to make life’s journeys better for all. We recognize Malaysian’s love for gaining new experiences through travelling and from that, we derived the Win a Trip with Shell contest as a way for us to turn everyday journeys into a memorable and rewarding experience that our customres can look forward to this new year.”

Additionally, there will be roadshows across the nation featuring interactive set-ups to showcase the grand prizes. Customers who choose Italy can try their hands on an F1 simulator. On the other hand, customers who opt for New Zealand can try a Haka chant. As for customers who choose South Korea, they can dance-off to K-Pop music.

The roadshows are happening at Tesco Kepong (11^thto 13^thJanuary), Sunway Pyramid (17^thto 20^thJanuary), East Coast Mall, Kuantan (31^stJanuary to 3^rdFebruary), KSL City Mall, Johor Bahru (15^thto 17^thFebruary), Queensbay Mall, Penang (21^stto 24^thFebruary), and AEON Station 18, Ipoh (26^thFebruary to 3^rdMarch).

Please visit https://www.shell.com.my/percutianimpianfor more details.

Free Motorcycle License in Terengganu from 1st February

The Terengganu state government is offering free motorcycle licences.
The programme starts from 1^stFebruary and ends on 1^stMarch 2019
It is open for residents from 16- to 40-years-old.

The Terengganu state government is offering free motorcycle license beginning 1^stFebruary 2019.

The offer assists residents aged 16- to 40-years-old in the state to obtain their B2 motorcycle license. An estimated 25,000 candidates are expected to take part in the Lesen Motosikal Terengganu Sejahtera (LMTS).

Registration via an online portal and manual means will open from 1^stFebruary until 1^stMarch 2019.

The Chairman of the state’s Youth Development and Sports, and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Committee Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah told Harian Metro that Terengganu’s youth will reap the benefits of the programme.

“We will hold a meeting with the agencies involved, besides promoting and sending the forms to each state legislative assembly (DUN), Institute Modal Insan Terengganu Sejahtera (i-MiTS) and Majlis Pengurusan Komuniti Kampung (MPKK),” said Wan Sukairi.

He added, “Candidates can send the filled forms to the nearest MPKK, DUN’s office and MPKK. There, the applications will be vetted against the set conditions.”

The offering of free motorcycle licenses is part of the state government’s 14^thGeneral Elections Manifesto and promise if they win the state. A total of RM 7 million will be allocated for the programme following the tabling of state’s budget.

Man Fails Driving Test and Threatens JPJ Officer with Knife

An 18-year-old man threatened a JPJ Officer with a knife after failing his driving test.
He had committed numerous traffic offences including running a red light during the test.
He had failed the fourth time.

A man who failed his driving test threatened the JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan – Road Transport Ministry) Officer with a knife. The incident happened in Batang Benar, Mantin, Negeri Sembilan.

According to the Nilai District Chief of Police, Superintendent Mohd. Nor Marzukee Besar, the 18-year-old man had committed a number of traffic offences, including not stopping at a red light. As such, the JPJ tester instructed the man stop the vehicle after the traffic lights junction. While switching seats, the suspect pulled out a 30-centimetre knife from his backpack.

The suspect pushed the knife against the JPJ Officer’s right rib cage, demanding to be allowed to pass the exam. Fortunately, the Officer managed to open his door and leave the car. He then called his supervisor who notified the police.

The police arrested the suspect and brought him into the Mantin Police Station. The Police Chief said that the suspect tested negative for drugs. He will be charged under Section 506 of the Penal Code (Seksyen 506 Kanun Keseksaan) for criminal intimidation, if found guilty.

He had failed the test the fourth time.

Source: Info Roadblock JPJ/Polis

MotoGP Surgeon: “I don’t understand how Marquez won the title”

Marc Marquez is undergoing a six-week recovery after a surgery to his left shoulder.
MotoGP Surgeon, Dr. Xavier Mir was amazed at how the rider won the championship with his damaged shoulder.
The pre-season HRC shakedown run is from 1^stto 3^rdFebruary.

Marc Marquez had another crazy MotoGP season in 2018 but sealing the championship was what mattered most.

He then went a surgery to correct his left should which he first dislocated in 2013 after the post-season tests at Valencia and Jerez. Dr. Xavier Mir, MotoGP’s surgeon found that the damage required complex surgery to fix. Dr. Mir said after the surgery, “I do not understand how Marc was able to win the world title like that.”

Marquez is now working hard on the road towards full fitness as part of his six-week recovery plan. He needs to be in shape for the first 2019 HRC shakedown test from 1^stto 3^rdFebruary. The first official pre-season test (Winter Test) is from 6^thto 8^thFebruary. Both tests will be held at the Sepang International Circuit.

The 5-time World Champion is currently working with physiotherapist Carlo Garcia who is part of the Clinica Mobile medical team.

Marquez suffered recurring shoulder dislocation throughout 2018, including when Scott Redding congratulated him during the celebrations at Motegi.

Avanzando en la recuperación. Primeros ejercicios de estabilidad!
Recovery in progress. First stability exercises!?? pic.twitter.com/j2jKRMdLWQ

— Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) January 7, 2019

New Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Tech for new Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade?

Honda filed for a patent for their new variable valve timing technology (VVT).
Could this be fitted to the new CBR1000RR Fireblade?
VVT offers both power and adherence to emissions standards.

Honda filed for a patent for a new variable valve timing (VVT) technology recently. Could it be for the new Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade most probably due in 2020? Or could it be fitted over other ranges of models, as well?

Honda’s new VVT system is akin to the BMW ShiftCam system which switches cams.

Each cylinder is fitted with two distinct cam lobes, one for low revs and another for higher revs. Like BMW’s system, the camshaft is slid back and forth to allow the appropriate cam to act on the finger followers, which in turn push open the valves. However, Honda’s system differs by having the system on the exhaust cam, as well.

This new system is different from Honda’s own iconic Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control (VTEC). It engages or disengages one set of cam lobes depending on engine load, whereas the new system’s cam lobes all spin at the same time.

Variable valve timing technology is not new in the world of motorcycles. As emission standards become tougher while the demand for more power grows at the same time, VVT is the only way to go. (Please click here to learn more about VVT and DVT.)

Almost all manufacturers employ VVT technology nowadays, although it is starting to be a trend among sportbikes. Heck, even the Yamaha N-Max, NVX and X-Max scooters feature VVT.

But it was Honda who first introduced VTEC to the in the 1989 Integra. It took another decade before it was adopted by the Honda CB400 Super Four VTEC in 1999. Since then, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 and its successor the Multistrada 1260, Kawasaki 1400GTR, Suzuki GSX-R1000 employ one form of VVT or another.

Harley-Davidson Shows off Electric Moped and Scooter Concepts

Harley-Davidson is keen to take the lead in electric motorcycles.
Their electric moped and scooter look like the concept drawings we saw last year.
These are still prototypes.

Besides announcing the LiveWire going on sale in August 2019, Harley-Davidson also introduced their electric moped and scooter concepts.

Remember, many countries will see only electric vehicle being produced in a few years’ time.

Both look similar to the concept drawings shown last year.

Electric Moped

Looking more like a mountain bike, Harley’s moped is a cross between an e-bicycle and motorcycle.

Its design definitely has some of the Motor Company’s heritage. Check out that flat-track inspired tail and “tank.”

The battery could be a 2 to 3 kWh type, similar to those fitted to pedal e-bikes that you can find in Japan. It ought to give the rider a few hours of riding. Being of lower capacity also means faster charging times.

Electric Scooter

It may not look it, but this is an electric scooter.

The long seat and footboards mean it should be able to accommodate two occupants. The space between the seat and battery pack offers lots of carrying space.

The battery pack looks large, allowing for lots of running time between recharge. It ought to fit into the role of a daily runner pretty well.

Its front forks are upside down items but we are worried about it being a hardtail. However, this is just a fleshed-out prototype.

Then again, if it does make production in this form, then it ought to the fill the roll as a pit scooter. Tired of walking around at MotoGP? This is your answer.

2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire Available from August 2019

The 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire Available from August 2019.
It is the Motor Company’s first electric motorcycle among many.
The bike features many new technologies.

The 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric bike will be available from August 2019. The Motor Company unveiled the news along with two other electric concepts.

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire’s price is USD 29,799.

Apart from the high-end chassis componentry we reported earlier, the bike uses an all new “Revelation” electric drivetrain. The manufacturer says that it will produce a new Harley-Davidson sound as it accelerates and gains speed. This new futuristic sound represents the smooth, electric power of the LiveWire motorcycle.”

Apart from the drivetrain and chassis, the bike features LTE (4G)-equipped media centre, and IMU-based traction control and ABS.

We’ve tested the LiveWire concept before, and it sounded like a pulse-jet rather than the usual whirring sound you’d get from a “normal” electric drivetrain. It’s nice and it’s not from a speaker.

We also like to add that it was the LiveWire which changed our perception about electric motorcycles. We had expected it to be tame like electric scooters but it both surprised and impressed us. Acceleration was instantaneous and there’s no clutch and transmission to sap the motor’s power, unlike in petrol engines.

Exclusive: Harley-Davidson Project Livewire test ride

It can be charged by using standard household socket (Level 1). Other charging options are via Level 2 charge unit (21 km per hour of charge), and through a Level 3 DC Fast Charge which provides 309 km range from a one-hour charge.

The bike can now be pre-ordered online in certain countries. We are still awaiting confirmation from Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya.

JPJ: More Enforcement Needed Regarding Retreaded Tyres

More than 10,000 road accidents resulted from the use of retreaded tyres.
The JPJ will work closely with JKR and SIRIM for enforcement.
We motorcyclists must watch out for pieces of tyre retread at all times.

One of the biggest dangers for us motorcyclists is hitting a piece of separated truck tyre tread. They are usually the carcasses of retreaded tyres.

There’s not much to cause a motorcycle to lose control and hitting a large piece of tough rubber invariably sends us off the road. We can look forward to extensive bodywork or motorcycle component damage even if we don’t crash.

Apart from that, The Mythbusters conclusively tested that a piece of retread flying off a tyre at speed can decapitate a person standing directly behind.

Last Friday, the Minister of Malaysian Public Road Works, Baru Bian said that more than 10,000 road accidents resulted from retreaded tyres.

JPJ officers checking tyres – The Sun Daily

When contacted by MyMetro, the Chief Director of the Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan – JPJ) Datuk Seri Shahruddin Khalid said that the department will work closely with the Malaysian Public Works Department (Jabatan Kerja Raya – JKR) and Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM).

The cooperation will look into the issue of enforcement and revision of the quality of retreaded tyres being sold in Malaysia, especially among heavy trucks.

He added that currently available retreaded tyres adhere to the standards set by SIRIM. Only SIRIM can determine if the tyres conform to their standards.

Datuk Seri Shahruddin claims that the problem arises when operators use tyres retreaded by non-licensed retreaders. As such, SIRIM officers ought to perform the checks and enforcements as they are familiar with the standards set by their organisation.

Truth is, Malaysia isn’t the only country with large numbers of retreaded tyre failure, instead it occurs worldwide.

In the meantime, you and I as motorcyclists need to stay vigilant at all times when riding. Besides that, keep your distance from trucks that are travelling at speed on the highways.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

Nicola Dutto is the first paralyzed motorcycle rider in the Dakar Rally.

His KTM EXC-F 450 is specially modified for the task.

His team consists of another three riders for assistance.

Dani Pedrosa has rebroken his right collarbone.

As such, he will miss the shakedown test at SIC.

The bone was rebroken in physical exertion, not a crash.

We spoke to an international student at the TOC Automotive College.

We had wanted to see how foreign students could adapt to the other students and syllabus.

The college’s learning style opens up the way for students to learn teamwork, regardless of which country they are from.

Conclusion

BMW Motorrad Malaysia launched two new programs.

They are the 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance.

The company also released the prices of their motorcycles effective 1stJanuary 2019.

Shell Malaysia officially launched their Win a Trip with Shell contest.

A winner is picked every week.

The winner can choose among New Zealand, South Korea or Italy for their dream holiday.

To qualify for this contest, a customer needs to do the following:

Customers can purchase any of the following products:

The Terengganu state government is offering free motorcycle licences.

The programme starts from 1stFebruary and ends on 1stMarch 2019

It is open for residents from 16- to 40-years-old.

An 18-year-old man threatened a JPJ Officer with a knife after failing his driving test.

He had committed numerous traffic offences including running a red light during the test.

He had failed the fourth time.

Marc Marquez is undergoing a six-week recovery after a surgery to his left shoulder.

MotoGP Surgeon, Dr. Xavier Mir was amazed at how the rider won the championship with his damaged shoulder.

The pre-season HRC shakedown run is from 1stto 3rdFebruary.

Honda filed for a patent for their new variable valve timing technology (VVT).

Could this be fitted to the new CBR1000RR Fireblade?

VVT offers both power and adherence to emissions standards.

Harley-Davidson is keen to take the lead in electric motorcycles.

Their electric moped and scooter look like the concept drawings we saw last year.

These are still prototypes.

Electric Moped

Electric Scooter

The 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire Available from August 2019.

It is the Motor Company’s first electric motorcycle among many.

The bike features many new technologies.

More than 10,000 road accidents resulted from the use of retreaded tyres.

The JPJ will work closely with JKR and SIRIM for enforcement.

We motorcyclists must watch out for pieces of tyre retread at all times.

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The company also released the prices of their motorcycles effective 1^stJanuary 2019.

The programme starts from 1^stFebruary and ends on 1^stMarch 2019

The pre-season HRC shakedown run is from 1^stto 3^rdFebruary.