Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

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Wahid Ooi

Photos of 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Leaked!

Picture of the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin have emerged.
They were part of submissions for certification in Australia.
The regular and Adventure versions have slightly different looks.

Here’s how the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin looks like.

The grayscale photos were part of the file submitted for vehicle certification documents in Australia and shared by Motorcyclist.com.

2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure

The details also confirmed the speculation that the engine will be enlarged to gain more power in face of stifling Euro 5 regulations. It’s learned that displacement goes up to 1084cc from 998cc, bringing power output to 101 hp at 7,500 RPM. Motorcyclist didn’t disclose the torque figure.

Honda is offering the bike with their proprietary dual clutch transmission (DCT) and manual gearbox.

2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure – rear view

Perhaps more importantly, the low-resolution photos show that the manufacturer has reworked the bike’s styling. The dual headlights and distinctive radiator flanks are retained but updated.

The Adventure version retains the “google headlamps” and has a taller windscreen and aluminium panels as on its fuel tanks’ flanks. The side panels are also different but there is a large passenger grab bar and luggage rack at the back.

The regular, non-Adventure model, on the other hand, looks to be more streamlined and the headlamps are made more angular than the current model. There’s noticeably fewer details than its Adventure counterpart.

2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin – rear view

The new Africa Twin may be launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in October or EICMA in November 2019.

Source: Motorcyclist.com

All-New 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade to Debut in October?

A German magazine reported that the all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade will debut in October 2019.
The date puts it at the Tokyo Motor Show, instead of EICMA.
The new bike may prove to be the world-beater in WorldSBK.

A German magazine reported that the all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade will debut in October 2019.

If what Speedweek magazinesaid was true, the bike will be introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show instead of at EICMA in November.

Lending credibility to the rumour is rider Alvaro Bautista purportedly signing a two-year deal to ride for the HRC factory team in WorldSBK from 2020. There was “news” that the bike he will ride is the all-new CBR1000RR.

The Honda CBR1000RR is the best-handling and easiest to ride superbike we’ve tested thus far but the current model is lacking in top-end horsepower, at least on paper, anyway. However, superbike buyers are always looking at the specs sheets and the CBR’s 189 hp “isn’t enough” when compared to its peers.

As such, the new ‘Blade may have the most powerful naturally-aspirated roadgoing inline-Four.

It may also feature the “active aerodynamics” shown in a patent filing. The system features ECU-controlled winglets in addition to “aerobodies” seen in MotoGP.

The news should bode well for the WorldSBK team, as well. The riders are at the deep end of the field, finding themselves outgunned and unable to mount any serious challenge to the top runners.

Honda and CBR1000RR Fireblade fans will likely rejoice at the news too.

Alvaro Bautista Back to MotoGP with KTM?

Alvaro Bautista is rumored to return to MotoGP to ride with KTM.
The rumors came to light despite another rumor linking him to Honda in WorldSBK in 2020.
Which way will he go?

Spanish rider Alvaro Bautista is rumored to return to MotoGP to ride with KTM.

Bautista was earlier rumoured to be moving to the Honda’s HRC factory team and remain in WorldSBK 2020. It was also heavily speculated that he will be riding a new Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. Honda is expected to unveil the all-new bike at the Tokyo Motor Show this October, and the team will be based in Barcelona.

He had migrated to the WorldSBK for the 2019 season, riding the new Ducati Panigale V4 R for Ducati Corse. However, his form fell by the wayside despite having dominated the field earlier in the season by winning 12 races in a row.

His relationship with the Italian team soured since then. Alvaro then revealed that he would be leaving the team at the end of the season but did not mention where he was going to. His boss, the Ducati Corse Sporting Director, Paolo Ciabatti confirmed that the rider has signed a two-year deal with a “rival manufacturer.”

But now as KTM is searching for a rider to fill the vacancy left by Johann Zarco in the factory Red Bull KTM Racing Team, Bautista’s name came to the fore.

The question was brought up during the Tank Slappers podcast. Motorsport.com Global MotoGP Editor Oriol Puigdemont and Autosport’s Motorcycle Racing Correspondent Lewis Duncan discussed the compelling possibilities.

Please click on the link below to listen to the podcast.

Listen to “Shock MotoGP return for World Superbike sensation?: Episode #3” on Spreaker.

JPJ Warns Not Only Yamaha Y15ZR Besides Celebrities Supporting Modifications

The JPJ warned that they are not only targeting the Yamaha Y15ZR for illegal modifications.
They are also paying attention to all vehicles that are modified.
They also warned celebrities to not encourage illegal vehicle modifications.

The Director of the Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department (better known as Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan or JPJ) warned that his department is not paying attention to only modified Yamaha Y15ZR but also all other vehicles that have undergone similar alterations.

His issued his statement two days after Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement deputy director warned the police may confiscate motorcycles that are illegally modified and pointed to the popular Y15ZR.

“We will issue a compound of RM150 for each infraction found on the vehicle as per Section 6 of the Road Transport Act 1987,” he said when met by Harian Metro.

“Motorcycles are modified according to the owners’ tastes. Some made the exhaust louder; there are those who remove the rearview mirrors; in addition to or using non-regulation number plates and installing skinny tyres that are too narrow.”

He added that while modified motorcycles represent all brands, the trend is most popular with the Yamaha Y15ZR. He is aware that the model looks the sportiest in its category and there are many modified for illegal racing.

“Each modification must be within the confines of the law. Owners can refer to JPJ is they are unsure.”

He also warned celebrities to stop displaying their interest in vehicle modification on social media as that will be indirectly misconstrued as encouragement. “It is the wrong thing to do,” he concluded.

New Helmet Tech Koroyd May Replace EPS Liners in Helmets

A new helmet liner called Koroyd make take over from the current EPS material.
It’s absorbs more shock and allows more airflow.
The lead scientist studied crash data for 40 years before developing it.

A new helmet liner technology called Koroyd make take over from the current EPS material. All current helmets use EPS (expanded polystyrene) as the impact absorbing liner.

Look inside your helmet and lift the top comfort padding. You can then see the EPS liner which looks uncannily like the stuff on polystyrene cooler boxes that are used to keep the BBQ meat cool. In the case of helmets, on the other hand, the EPS is shock absorbing material underneath the hard outside shell. EPS is favoured because each node contains lots of air and acts to soften the blow by deforming.

Arai EPS liner for different helmets. The different colours denote different densities for different zones

However, the material is can be easily damaged and susceptible to erosion by chemicals. This is why you need to replace your helmet every five years.

Scientists and helmet manufacturers have long sought to produce something better than EPS. But behold, there’s a new liner called Koroyd which made its debut in Klim K5 adventure helmet.

Instead of layers of poly, Koroyd is made up of polymer tubes. The tubes are then attached together, forming a honeycomb. As such, it’s able to absorb shocks but will bounce back from low-impact ones. It means that dropping the helmet may not deform the liner.

Koroyd deforms up to 84%, compared to EPS’s 60%. This translates to higer shock absorption thereby providing higher protection to the wearer’s head and brain.

Besides being more shock absorbent, the new material provides better cooling to the head as there are much more open spaces to allow for better airflow. Conversely, EPS granules are packed tightly together hence doesn’t flow air unless punched/drilled through like in all current helmets.

Koroyd’s lead scientific consultant Dr. Priya Prasad studied accident data for 40 years. “The current safety standard are over 20 years old. This new liner is a major step in the right direction that will improve rider safety significantly,” he said.

But as with most new tech, it isn’t cheap. In the UK, the Klim Krios Pro with Koroyd costs £525 compared to £375 for the standard model.

The price will drop given widespread use, if it finds industry-wide acceptance.

Source: MCN

Andrea Dovizioso Shows How Alpinestars Airbag Suit Works

Here’s Andrea Dovizioso testing the Alpinestars airbag suit off his bike.
The suit saved him and Fabio Quartararo in a horror crash in the British MotoGP.
The airbag works on a very sophisticated algorithm.

We wrote about how the Alpinestars airbag suit saved Andrea Dovizioso and Fabio Quartararo in a horrific crash at the start of the British MotoGP.

Alpinestars published the data recorded by both men’s suits, as well.

But in this video, Dovizioso stands in and shows how it looks like when the suit inflates. As you can see in real motion, the airbags inside the suit expand quickly in anticipation of an impact.

However, bear in mind that the airbag ECU has a sophisticated algorithm to inflate a single airbag or airbags to different capacities. The ECU also determines when is the best time to inflate.

For example, a lowside triggers the inflation of a single airbag, leaving the other as a spare. The rider may choose to carry on riding. The inflated bag will deflate in short order, as well.

At the Silverstone round however, the sensors would’ve picked up that Dovizioso was flying through the air and inflate the both bags a little later so that he’d have a softer landing. Inflating too soon would mean the airbags could be below optimum inflation.

We’re thankful that the FIM mandated that airbags are compulsory in all three classes.

Check out the video below.

Testing the leather airbag outside the track with @alpinestars @redbullmotors @VanessaCarlotta??#dovi04 #desmodovi #AD04 #missionwinnow #forzaducati #motogp #alpinestars #suomyhelmets #redbull #oldwildwest #biotekna #mondottica #DucatiEyewear pic.twitter.com/9mQuNEHt1b

— Andrea Dovizioso (@AndreaDovizioso) May 10, 2019

Honda Promises “Secret Model” at AIMExpo 2019

Honda promised to unveil a “secret model” at the AIMExpo 2019.
They are secretive about it so we could only speculate.
There are a number of segments that we could look at.

Honda promised to unveil a “secret model” at the AIMExpo 2019.

While the AIMExpo takes place in the United States, no one is sure whether the new bike will be meant for specifically for the US or worldwide market.

The intrigue is due to Honda missing in number of segments, which their rivals have been running away with for some time. Additionally, the models that do occupy those core segments are due for upgrades.

Here are to name a few:

Lightweight sport

There were rumours suggesting that Honda will upsize the CBR250RR to 300cc and selling it worldwide. The current 250 is being sold only in Indonesia, Japan and Thailand.

Middleweight adventure/dual-sport bike

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin render – Photo credit MCN

This is a huge gap that Honda has yet to fill. They’ve the CRF250L and CRF250 Rally on the lightweight end and the CRF1000L Africa Twin on the heavyweight side, but nothing in between. The manufacturer has acknowledged this, lending to rumours that they will work on an 800cc Africa Twin. No, the CB500X is not a true-blood dual-purpose bike.

Middleweight sport-tourer

This segment is currently filled by the VFR800F. The bike still has a wonderful V-Four soundtrack but it’s kinda long in the tooth and doesn’t show up in buyers’ radars.

Heavyweight sport-tourer

The VFR1200F currently occupies this range. It’s the first Honda bike equipped with their proprietary Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). But like the VFR800F, it should be due for a replacement.

Superbike

Ah, the CBR1000RR Fireblade. The Fireblade used to be the most popular superbike on the planet. That was until BMW unleashed their S 1000 RR. While the current CBR1000RR is arguably the best handling 1000cc sportbike, it’s outgunned in terms of outright power (at least on the spec sheets). In the face of 200+ hp rivals, its 189 hp has pushed it into the background. Will the next-gen Fireblade be a V-Four? Or an inline-Four with more power and active aerodynamics?

X-Adv

The super scooter could make its debut in the US market. This would be great news for Americans but a kind of letdown for the rest of the world since the model is already available elsewhere.

The AIMExpo begins on 26^thSeptember and we’re eager to find out, too!

Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Enters 8th Edition to Build Future Champions

The Yamaha VR46 Master Camp enters its 8^thedition in the important step to build future champions.
Students include 16-year-old Yamaha Motor Malaysia’s Muhammad Alif Ashraf Bin Tahiruddin.
They were taught by champions from the very first day.

The Yamaha VR46 Master Camp enters its 8^thedition in the important step to build future champions.

Students include Yamaha Motor Malaysia’s Muhammad Alif Ashraf Bin Tahiruddin (16); among Yamaha Motor Thailands’s Sawapol Nilapong (16) and Suttipat Patchareetorn (18); Yamaha Motor Philippines’ McKinley Kyle Paz (18) and Yamaha Motor Canada’s Jake LeClair (18).

The first day held a special surprise for the students with PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team rider Franco Morbidelli, fitness trainer Carlo Casabianca, VR46 Academy Moto3 rider Andrea Migno, and multiple flat track champion Marco Belli helping them to ride faster.

The participants were elated to find Morbidelli and Migno waiting for them at the Fisio Gym. The riders showed the students the proper work out regime of professional racers including stretching, spinning, Pilates and trying out the race simulator.

“In the morning the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp riders and I did some stretching, which is what we usually do at the VR46 Riders Academy. It’s important to do this, so you feel better with your body. Being supple is always important,” said Morbidelli afterwards.

“At the end, we did some Pilates, which is again something that will make your body more flexible. It’s important to keep this up, because it helps prevent injuries.”

The riders went to the Bar, Ristorante e Pizzeria da Rossi in Tavullia and spent time in Valentino Rossi’s hometown. They visited the Official Fan Club Valentino Rossi Tavullia and were handed presents by the Vice President, Flavio Fratesi, and shopped at the VR46 Store.

It was back to training afterwards at the VR46 Mtor Ranch. Marco Belli is the three-time English Flat Track, two-time American and European Flat Track Champion. He taught the students on correct riding position and bike control for their first flat track session aboard the YZ250F dirt bikes.

“The first day is always used to teach the guys about the correct body position and how to control the throttle. We got some very good feedback from them. There were no crashes, nobody got hurt, we saw a lot of speed, and – most importantly – they listened to the advice they’ve been given and put it into practice, which makes all the difference. They all have a good starting level. Therefore, starting from the next flat track training session, we will be riding on the oval and the full track – so we’re really happy!”

You may follow the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp website, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP website, Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Facebook, Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Instagram, Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Twitter, and YouTube for the latest updates.

Source: Yamaha MotoGP

Will Ducati Corse Join with Ducati Panigale V4 R in the Endurance World Championship and Suzuka 8-Hour?

Will a Ducati Corse factory team join the Endurance World Championship and Suzuka 8-Hours?
The manufacturer is now supporting privateer teams in the championship.
Ducati didn’t shoot down the idea but outlined that it’ll be a large challenge should they decide to.

Ducati obtained significant results in their comeback bid in the WorldSBK with the Ducati Panigale V4 R (Alvaro Bautista’s cock ups notwithstanding) this season. But will a factory Ducati Corse team join the Endurance World Championship and Suzuka 8-Hours?

The designer of the Ducati 916, the late-Massimo Tamburini had envisioned to race his creation in endurance events including the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hours. That’s why he gave the bike a single-sided swingarm. In fact, he admitted that the 916’s swingarm was heavier than the regular twin-spar swingarms of its contemporaries, but it facilitates faster rear wheel changes.

The design became a Ducati signature and tradition which is carried on all the way to the latest high-end Panigales including the Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Point is, endurance racing is missing in Ducati’s motorsports dossier.

Italian magazine GPOne.com spoke to Ducati Corse Sporting Director, Paolo Ciabatti about such prospects. Ciabatti didn’t kill the idea outright but gave a “not yet.”

The 2020 EWC season has begun and Ducati will participate only in a supporting role.

“In my opinion, if we ever decide to participate in the Suzuka 8-Hours in an official way at Ducati, it will be our own project which will require a great deal of effort,” he told GPOne. “We have to plan test on the track when it is available; we have to field the best riders available in the Ducati family; and then we have to think that to win there, the Bridgestone tyres must be used.”

“A challenge in the challenge. It is fascinating, but if Ducati decides to participate, it will do so to fight for victory.”

What he meant by “our own project” means that it’ll be Ducati Corse factory effort and not in partner with endurance race teams.

Sources: GPOne via Asphalt & Rubber

Franco Morbidelli in PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team for Endurance World Championship Round at Sepang

MotoGP rider Franco Morbidelli will join the PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team squad for the FIM Endurance World Championship round in Sepang International Circuit.
He will join two other riders namely Hafizh Syahrin and four-time Suzuka 8 Hour endurance winner Michael van der Mark.
The round will take place from 13^thto 15^thDecember 2019.

MotoGP rider Franco Morbidelli will join the PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team squad for the FIM Endurance World Championship round in Sepang International Circuit.

Morbidelli’s draft ends months of speculation that he will be one of the riders for the Sepang stint. He will join two other riders namely Hafizh Syahrin and four-time Suzuka 8 Hour endurance winner Michael van der Mark.

The squad will be supported by the YART Yamaha EWC squad who were former winners of the EWC. As such, the three riders will play their parts in riding the Yamaha YZF-R1.

The 2020 EWC opens with the Bol D’or in France before heading to Sepang for the second round from 13^thto 15^thDecember 2019. However, the Sepang round has a large significance to the EWC as it will form the qualifying round for “irregular” EWC teams to qualify for the Suzuka 8 Hour race.

Additionally, the race also features an FIA World Touring Car Cup round back-to-back.

Morbidelli expressed his concerns about riding in an endurance race. “I’m curious to see how an endurance race format suits me, and am really looking forward to it.”

Team Principal Dato’ Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali is confident about the team’s prospects given the two MotoGP riders in addition to a multiple Suzuka 8 Hour winner. “We have faith that Franco, Michael, Hafizh and YART will deliver and we’re targeting the very top step of the podium.”

Source: PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team

Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) Will Confiscate Illegally Modified Motorcycles

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) warned that they can confiscate illegally modified motorcycles.
Attention falls on the Yamaha Y15ZR or better known colloquially as “Ysuku.”
Not all, but there are many thoroughly modified Ysukus.

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) warned that they can confiscate illegally modified motorcycles.

“Illegally modified” in this sense means motorcycles that are modified without having prior or proper permission. PDRM did not say what proper permission means, but one can assume a permission or homologation from the Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ).

The statement was issued by Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department deputy director Mohd. Nadzri Hussain. He made a stern warning that the police will not hesitate to confiscate illegally modified motorcycles.

The attention falls on the Yamaha Y15ZR (some non-motorcycle media reported wrongly as “Yamaha 15ZR”) or better known colloquially as “Ysuku.” “Last time, motorcycles that were often modified were the Honda EX5 but not it’s the Ysuku. This is dangerous because these users like to modify the motorcycle for speed and it is not able to handle it,” said Datp’ Mohd. Nadzri.

The police are aware of this trend especially among the youth.

No one can doubt the model’s popularity which is good for the industry. But like what the cops said, we’ve encountered so many that were so thoroughly modified that they could tail superbikes easily. Adding fuel to fire, many of those caught in illegal races were riding Ysukus.

Sure, motorcycling and modifications are a way of life but if the objectives are to win illegal races and lord about being overtake big bikes, it’s not a lifestyle anymore. It’s a nuisance.

You have been warned.

BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and Tom Sykes to Continue in 2020 WorldSBK

BMW Motorrad WorldSBK will continue with Tom Sykes in the 2020 WorldSBK season.
The rider took the new BMW S 1000 RR to four podiums in its debut season.
He will be joined by Eugene Laverty next year.

BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and rider Tom Sykes will continue their cooperation into 2020 WorldSBK Championship (FIM World Superbike Championship).

While the tie-up has yet to yield a win this season, Sykes had done well to put it on the podium at Misano, Italy; Donington Park (UK); and Laguna Seca (USA).

Those results were truly impressive, considering that BMW Motorrad announced their intention to join the championship with the new BMW S 1000 RR in November 2018. That left the factory, Shaun Muir team, and riders only a few months to prepare.

2013 WorldSBK Champion Sykes will be joined by Eugene Laverty next year, replacing Markus Reiterberger.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers welcomed Sykes’s continuation with the team as it provides stability. “Continuity and stability are critical factors for the success of the project,” he said. “Tom Sykes has consistently moved in a forward direction with the new S 1000 RR.”

Continuity would mean that the bike will follow a steady and somewhat predictable development path as opposed to swapping riders all the time. As different riders have different riding styles, there will be too many variables to consider. There is no luxury of time for such ventures in world championship racing.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

Picture of the 2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin have emerged.

They were part of submissions for certification in Australia.

The regular and Adventure versions have slightly different looks.

A German magazine reported that the all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade will debut in October 2019.

The date puts it at the Tokyo Motor Show, instead of EICMA.

The new bike may prove to be the world-beater in WorldSBK.

Alvaro Bautista is rumored to return to MotoGP to ride with KTM.

The rumors came to light despite another rumor linking him to Honda in WorldSBK in 2020.

Which way will he go?

The JPJ warned that they are not only targeting the Yamaha Y15ZR for illegal modifications.

They are also paying attention to all vehicles that are modified.

They also warned celebrities to not encourage illegal vehicle modifications.

A new helmet liner called Koroyd make take over from the current EPS material.

It’s absorbs more shock and allows more airflow.

The lead scientist studied crash data for 40 years before developing it.

Here’s Andrea Dovizioso testing the Alpinestars airbag suit off his bike.

The suit saved him and Fabio Quartararo in a horror crash in the British MotoGP.

The airbag works on a very sophisticated algorithm.

Honda promised to unveil a “secret model” at the AIMExpo 2019.

They are secretive about it so we could only speculate.

There are a number of segments that we could look at.

Lightweight sport

Middleweight adventure/dual-sport bike

Middleweight sport-tourer

Heavyweight sport-tourer

Superbike

X-Adv

The Yamaha VR46 Master Camp enters its 8thedition in the important step to build future champions.

Students include 16-year-old Yamaha Motor Malaysia’s Muhammad Alif Ashraf Bin Tahiruddin.

They were taught by champions from the very first day.

Will a Ducati Corse factory team join the Endurance World Championship and Suzuka 8-Hours?

The manufacturer is now supporting privateer teams in the championship.

Ducati didn’t shoot down the idea but outlined that it’ll be a large challenge should they decide to.

MotoGP rider Franco Morbidelli will join the PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team squad for the FIM Endurance World Championship round in Sepang International Circuit.

He will join two other riders namely Hafizh Syahrin and four-time Suzuka 8 Hour endurance winner Michael van der Mark.

The round will take place from 13th to 15th December 2019.

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) warned that they can confiscate illegally modified motorcycles.

Attention falls on the Yamaha Y15ZR or better known colloquially as “Ysuku.”

Not all, but there are many thoroughly modified Ysukus.

BMW Motorrad WorldSBK will continue with Tom Sykes in the 2020 WorldSBK season.

The rider took the new BMW S 1000 RR to four podiums in its debut season.

He will be joined by Eugene Laverty next year.

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The Yamaha VR46 Master Camp enters its 8^thedition in the important step to build future champions.

The round will take place from 13^thto 15^thDecember 2019.