Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

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.

Things You Cannot Claim for in an Accident

There are things one can claim from the responsible party after an accident.
However, there are conditions and limits to what one can claim.
The claims are to cover for the status quo if the accident didn’t happen, not enrich the victim.

Getting into an accident is not something anyone looks forward to, unless you’re one of those folks in the movie Crash. But you might be familiar with the word “claim,” as in claiming for the damages caused by the guilty party.

Claiming from the other person is to cover for damages above what their insurance is willing to pay for, usually for the cost to treat your injuries.

While that sounds like one can claim for the most expensive form of treatment, there are conditions to be met and things that one can’t claim for.

1. Expenses at a private hospital

The general rule covers the full cost of seeking treatment at a government hospital. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t seek treatment at a private hospital.

The court may allow your claim if:

Your situation was urgent and had no choice but a private hospital.
The government hospitals didn’t have the required doctor or equipment.
The government hospitals couldn’t treat your type of injuries.

2. Traditional medication

It means you can’t claim for that jamu or minyak gamat you used to fix yourself. However, the court may consider your claim if:

Reliable advice was given to seek traditional treatment.
Reasonable to seek traditional treatment and medication.

3. Loss of income if above retirement age

Retirement age here means 55 years and above, regardless if you are still working. As such, one could not claim for loss of future income.

4. Loss of income from illegal means

As outlined in point 3 above, one can claim for loss of future income as long as he is below 55 years old, but with one caveat. His source of income must be legal. So, if you’re making an earning from an illegal massage centre, the claim is off.

5. Pain and suffering when unconscious

We’ve had motorcycles accidents ourselves and we know how much it hurts. But does one feel the pain when unconscious? That’s why the court allows one to claim for pain and suffering only during the period he is conscious.

Source: askegal.my

Being Blind is Not Impossible for Azhar Ibrahim

Azhar Ibrahim was born blind but his disability didn’t stop him.
He has repaired motorcycles at his workshop for 10 years.
It was his love to hear motorcycle sounds that drove him.

It’s inspiring to see how some people have pushed through their barriers and thrive. Stories like this ought to spur us into action rather than wallow in excuses, because not being blind stopped Azhar Ibrahim from being a motorcycle mechanic.

Azhar was born visually impaired. He started loving to hear motorcycle sounds since he was seven and it drove him to start his own business. Now 36, he has operated his workshop for the past 10 years. He started repairing motorcycles after learning how from his friend in 2008.

Azhar started servicing motorcycles in front of his house, but the business took off after a number of friends and customers posted his story on Facebook.

He received an RM 11,000 aid under the Business Incentive Assistance Scheme for Disabled Persons in 2013 which enabled him to obtain more tools and build a proper workshop.

Many customers wondered how Azhar could perform under such disability but to him, “All I can say is I’m grateful for this gift from God. My mother didn’t raise me any differently from my siblings and I didn’t use a walking stick.”

While his workshop is located in front of his parents’ house, he lives along in the shop.

Azhar works along but gets his friends’ assistance to buy tools or spare parts.

He has this piece of advice, “To everyone out there, whether they have disabilities or not, keep going and never give up. We need to learn to be independent.”

Azhar’s workshop is located at Batu 6, Jalan Tanjung Tualang, Perak.

Source: The Star Online

Lightning LS-218 – 200bhp, 228Nm, 351km/h and It’s Electric

The Lightning LS-218 electric motorcycle is the world’s fastest production motorcycle.
It hit 351 km/h at the Bonneville Speedweek in 2010.
It finished more than 20 seconds ahead of a Ducati Multistrada 1200 at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2013.

If there’s still any fear in anyone about electric motorcycles being slow, the Lightning LS-218 should not only bat those misgivings out of the ball park but launch it into Pluto’s orbit.

That is because the Lightning LS-218 boasts these figures: 200 bhp, 228 Nm, 351 km/h.

But it’s not just a bunch of fantastical numbers on paper.

Lightning brought the bike’s prototype to the Bonneville Speedweek in 2010. It beat out all other purpose-built Bonneville bikes by clocking 218 mph (351 km/h) and set the new record as the world’s production motorcycle, both gasoline- and electric-powered.

Hence, the bike became known as the LS-218.

However, Bonneville was all about straightline speed. The manufacturer wanted to build a bike that handles well, too.

Carlin Dunne on a Lightning LS-218 at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Photo credit Asphalt & Rubber

So, they entered the Lightning LS-218 in the prestigious Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) race. The bike charged up the 20-km (12.42-mile) long, 156-turn hill in 10 minutes, 00.694 second and decimated the record. The second competitor to cross the line was the Ducati Multistrada 1200 in 10 minutes 21.323 seconds. Yes, the Lightning finished the race more than 20 seconds in front. By comparison, the majority of electric bikes ran the course in the mid-12 minute range. The Lightning was the King of the Hill among gasoline and electric motorcycles.

A number of LS-218s have been delivered to customers since 2014 but they were still built in small numbers. But the American manufacturer has since expanded their distributor network and is now mass producing of the bike.

The Lightning LS-218 boasts great componentry throughout. The froks are from RaceTech with Öhlins NIX30 internals. At the rear shock is an Öhlins TTX36 shock. Both items are fully adjustable. Braking duty is handled by a pair Brembo GP4-RX calipers and Brembo 320mm T-Drive discs up front.

Other main concerns about electric motorcycles are the range and charging time. Lightning offers three options of battery packs. The 12 kWh pack has a range between 161 to 193 km, the 15 kWh option provides 193 to 241 km range, and a new 20 kWh pack offers up to between 257 to 290 km, per charge.

Charging time is as fast as 30 minutes on a DC fast charger, and 120 minutes on a level 2 charger.

Lightning says there are more models on the way.

So, there you go. Not all electric bikes are like those KFC Delivery scooters.

Another Child’s Limb Trapped Due to Loose Clothing

A child’s limb was trapped at a motorcycle’s back wheel of a motorcycle.
His loose jacket was caught by the motorcycle’s rear wheel.
This was one of many motorcycle accidents resulting from loose clothing.

The nation was shocked by in June 2018 when a 5-year-old lost her arm. Another case followed in July when a 7-year-old girl lost her leg when I got stuck in the rear wheel of a motorcycle.

Yet another child had his limb stuck in similar fashion just hours ago in Bandar Sunway.

The boy was riding pillion on a motorcycle when the jacket he was wearing was entangled in the rear wheel. The force pulled him off the motorcycle, and his left arm into the space between the shock absorber and the wheel. Eyewitnesses reported that his jacket was too large, hence too loose for the boy.

Onlookers hurried to assist the stricken boy and managed to free him arm. He did not suffer further injuries, thankfully.

There have been many motorcycle accidents involving loose clothing of late. In September 2018, a 35-year-old man and his 69-year-old fell off their motorcycle when the pillion’s loose jacket was caught in the sprocket of their motorcycle. The former died on the spot due to head injuries.

Another child broke his arm in April 2017 when riding pillion with his mother.

Please ensure that your clothing is not too loose and securely fastened before your ride. The rider should always check if his passenger’s wearing proper safety gear and that they are secured.

Source: Harian Metro

Sayonara Suzuki GSX-R750 and GSX-R600

The Suzuki GSX-750 set the template for the modern superbike.
But Euro4 regulation has stopped it and the GSX-R600 from being sold in Japan and Europe.
There is no foreseeable replacement for both models.

The first “superbike” might have been the 1969 Honda CB750, but the real superbike in the true modern sense was the 1985 Suzuki GSX-R750.

There have been a number of iconic models along the model’s 33-year history. Suzuki contested in the World Superbike Championship and other race series around the world.

The 1985 “Slabside” laid down the foundation of what is to be the quintessential modern superbike: twin-spar aluminium frame, four-cyliner engine, fully-faired bodywork, and race replica graphics.

Three years later, Suzuki upgraded the GSX-R. It included the Mikuni BST36S carburetors which used vacuum operated slides. These slides resembled slingshots, hence the GSX-R750 “Slingshot” was born.

In 1992, the bike started to be water-cooled and became the WN (“W” for water). This was also the year when the sleeved-down GSX-R600 was launched.

The GSX-R750 SRAD (Suzuki Ram Air Direct) was introduced in 1996. It had an aluminium frame derived from the RGV500 GP bike. Suzuki put it on a diet resulting in a weight of only 179kg, which meant it was lighter than the GSX-R600.

2001 saw the K1, the first of the K-series.

While the bike did not find as much success in racing as the other brands, there was a steady stream of customers who knew that the 750 was the best compromise between the 1000cc and 600cc models.

Then, in 2003, the World Superbike Championship declared that all four-cylinder machines of up to 1000cc can compete in the series. The 750 started to fall by the wayside, but there were still customers driving its sales.

Other manufacturers kept building 750s for a few more years before abandoning them completely, yet Suzuki carried on stoically. It was probably that they wanted to maintain the heritage as the first manufacturer to begin the modern superbike revolution.

But no more. The 2018 GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 will not pass the Euro4 emissions standard. As with the Hayabusa, they are no longer available in Japan and Europe. They are being sold in USA until the end of 2019.

Unlike the Hayabusa, however, Suzuki has no plans for the replacement 750 and 600.

Sayonara, Suzuki GSX-R750 (and GSX-R600).

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

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.

There are things one can claim from the responsible party after an accident.

However, there are conditions and limits to what one can claim.

The claims are to cover for the status quo if the accident didn’t happen, not enrich the victim.

1. Expenses at a private hospital

2. Traditional medication

3. Loss of income if above retirement age

4. Loss of income from illegal means

5. Pain and suffering when unconscious

Azhar Ibrahim was born blind but his disability didn’t stop him.

He has repaired motorcycles at his workshop for 10 years.

It was his love to hear motorcycle sounds that drove him.

The Lightning LS-218 electric motorcycle is the world’s fastest production motorcycle.

It hit 351 km/h at the Bonneville Speedweek in 2010.

It finished more than 20 seconds ahead of a Ducati Multistrada 1200 at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2013.

A child’s limb was trapped at a motorcycle’s back wheel of a motorcycle.

His loose jacket was caught by the motorcycle’s rear wheel.

This was one of many motorcycle accidents resulting from loose clothing.

The Suzuki GSX-750 set the template for the modern superbike.

But Euro4 regulation has stopped it and the GSX-R600 from being sold in Japan and Europe.

There is no foreseeable replacement for both models.

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

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