Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

  • The recent Shell Malaysia “Anda Beli, Kami Derma” Raya Charity campaign raised a total of RM1.92 million.

  • It was the fifth year of such campaign, which ran between 30 May to 8 June 2019.

  • Mastercard also joined Shell Malaysia this year in contributing to the funds.

The Shell Malaysia “Anda Beli, Kami Derma” Raya Charity campaign raised a total of RM1.92 million. In its fifth year, the campaign ran for ten days between 30 May 2019 to 8 June 2019 in an effort to spread the spirit of caring and sharing during the balik kampung season.

During the campaign period, Shell donated 1 sen (RM0.01) for every litre of Shell fuel pumped and 1 sen (RM0.01) for every RM1.00 spent at Shell SELECT stores to the National Cancer Society Malaysia, Food Aid Foundation, and Malaysian Nature Society. Mastercard joined this effort as a valued partner for the second consecutive year and contributed 1 sen (RM0.01) to the Food Aid Foundation for every litre of Shell fuel pumped and every RM1.00 spent at Shell SELECT stores paid for with any Mastercard credit or debit cards.

ShellMalaysia’s‘Anda Beli, Kami Derma’campaign raised a total of RM1.92milfor three (3) organisationsthis year –The National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Food Aid Foundation, and Malaysian Nature Society.Photo 2-From L to R:1. Mr. I.S. Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysian Nature Society2. Dr. Muralli, Medical Directorof National Cancer Society of Malaysia3. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Muez Abd.Aziz, Secretary General, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA)4. Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell
Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd5. Devesh Kuwadekar, Vice President and Head Market Development, Mastercard 6. Rick Chee, Founder of the Food Aid Foundation7. Hayati Ismail, Operations Director of the Food Aid Foundation

This year, motorists were given the option to donate to the organisation of their choice. Additionally, Shell’s agencies and partners came together to support this initiative through contributions in the form of media advertising and resources.

Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd applauded the collection this year and shared, “We are once again humbled by the generosity and support of our Malaysian motorists, in helping us raise a total of RM1.92mil for the organisations in just 10 days. We wish to thank all our customers and partners for contributing to this cause. In line with our mission to make life’s journeys better for all Malaysians, we hope this initiative will continue to inspire others to extend a helping hand for those who are in need.”

Photo 3-From L to R:1. Zharin ZhafraelMohd,National Sales Manager of Shell Malaysia2. Dr. Muralli, Medical Director of National Cancer Society of Malaysia3. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Muez Abd.Aziz, Secretary General, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA)4. Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd5. Devesh Kuwadekar, Vice President and Head Market Development, Mastercard5. Rick Chee, Founder of the Food Aid Foundation6. Mr. I.S. Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysian Nature Society

Perry Ong, Country Manager of Malaysia and Brunei, Mastercard said, “This partnership has been instrumental in encouraging Malaysians to use cashless payments for their everyday purchases, while at the same time, giving back to the community and impacting the lives of the less privileged. Contributions made through this campaign will support local causes, including the provision of meals for children in need. Driven by its philosophy of ‘doing well by doing good’, Mastercard is committed to collaborating with partners like Shell who share the same philosophy.”

The continuous support and generosity of Malaysian motorists has encouraged Shell to run this campaign annually to impact more lives. In the spirit of caring and sharing, the funds collected from this year’s ‘Anda Beli, Kami Derma’ campaign will go towards supporting the organisations’ efforts in building a brighter future for the communities they serve.

For more details, please visit: www.shell.com.my/CSR

  • The GIVI Explorer Adventure will be held in Malaysia this year.

  • Called the GIVI Malaysian Adventure, participants will ride from 20th to 29th July, covering 2500 km of Peninsular Malaysia.

  • The ride includes witnessing the GIVI Rimba Raid 2019 at Janda Baik, Pahang.

Called the GIVI Malaysian Adventure, the prestigious ride comes to our beautiful Malaysia this year. For 10 days from 20th to 29th July, the convoy consisting of worldwide GIVI dealers and riders will enjoy the best of what this amazing country has to offer.

The adventure is also held conjunction with GIVI Asia Sdn. Bhd.’s 25th Anniversary in Malaysia. As such the event will begin from GIVI Asia’s headquarters and factory in Bukit Beruntung, Selangor. It is here that most of GIVI’s polymer motorcycle cases are made. The participants will tour the facilities prior to the flag off.

Participants will ride a host of motorcycles including the Triumph Tiger 800 XC and XR variants, the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and XE, Ducatis, Moto Guzzis and Kawasakis.

Particular attention is given to the Scrambler 1200 XE as one of the riders will race it in the GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019.

The adventure’s itinerary includes riding to Malaysian landmarks such as the leaning tower in Teluk Intan, Kelly’s Castle, Belum Rainforest and Temenggor lake, Pulau Redang, before heading back to the historic city of Melaka to visit A’ Famosa, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Stadthuys, Jonker Walk among others.

Pulau Redang

From Melaka, the convoy heads to Janda Baik, Pahang for the GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019.

You are welcome to witness the international event. It will be held from 26th to 28th July at the Rimba Valley Motorcamp (please see the map below).

The adventure will end at Genting Highlands on 29th July.

We have participated in the GIVI Explorer Adventure on two previous occasions: South Africa in 2015; Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in 2017. Apart from those, the adventure had covered the Patagonia region in Chile, Colombia, and Morocco last year.

The GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure in 2017

While it may seem like vacations in exotic places (indeed, the bywords for the ride are “Explore, Enjoy”), the GIVI Explorer Adventure is the rolling test lab for the company’s new products. This is about taking R&D onto the road, in the real world, before they are further refined, manufactured and finally sold to bikers like you and I. Thus, the GIVI Explorer Adventure is an important event.

So see you on the road!

  • The Malaysian Customs Dept may confiscate your helmet at points of entry.

  • It is to stop non-regulated helmets entering the country and made available for sale.

  • We called the Customs Dept for clarification; details below.

Our friends at Ministry of Superbike posted a picture at a Malaysian airport regarding motorcycle helmets. The Malaysian Customs Dept and JPJ (Road Transport Ministry of Malaysia) are working together on this new ruling.

The poster warned that helmets imported and brought into Malaysia without the UN R22 (ECE22.XX) or SIRIM MS1 standards will be confiscated.

This helmet has a SNELL print but is also a SIRIM MS1 sticker, so it’s okay

BikesRepublic.com made a few (urgent) calls to the Customs Dept. regarding this matter. That’s also because we bring our own helmets and riding gear for overseas test rides.

Firstly, the Customs Dept. recommends that Malaysians leaving the country with a helmet or two to declare the items. We may do so at the Customs office at points of disembarkation.

That’s because we may have a hard time convincing the officers that it was our personal helmet(s) that we brought overseas in the first place. We’ll have to pay a Customs Duty if we couldn’t convince them otherwise.

Secondly, for Malaysians, if we are question regarding a helmet in a box, it needs to comply with the said regulations, even if it’s for personal use. For example, it’s a DOT certified helmet with no other certifications. It will be confiscated if you did not seek prior permit from JPJ. (Due to suspicion of importing it for sale.)

Thirdly, if you are a foreigner travelling to Malaysia with a helmet that doesn’t meet those regulations, make sure it is for personal use. If you bring one together with a box, you may have it detained while seeking approval from JPJ or confiscated outright.

So please bear these points in mind lest you have your MotoGP star autographed helmet end up in the bin at the airport.

These steps by the ministries involved have been a long time coming, since many irresponsible parties have been illegally importing helmets that do not meet Malaysian safety regulations.

You may also reach the Malaysian Customs Department’s enquiry hotline at 1-300-888-500.

  • A German court judge ruled that Sikh bikers in the country must wear helmets.

  • The decision was in response to an appeal for Sikh bikers to continue riding in their dastaar.

  • The judge cited safety concerns.

A German court has decided to rule that Sikh bikers are not exempt from the country’s helmet laws.

The ruling was in response to a Sikh man’s appeal that a helmet could not fit over his dastaar (the traditional turban worn by Sikhs).

Federal Administrative Court of Leipzig judge Renate Philip said that the law does not excuse a motorcyclist not wearing a helmet on grounds of religion. He also added that a helmet protects the rider and avoid head trauma. Additionally, riders who do wear helmets can assist others in accidents.

Several countries have exemptions for wearing a motorcycle crash helmet. Malaysia is one among other countries which includes India, the United Kingdom, et al.

Similar appeals have been made by the Sikh biker community in Australia in 2017, where even cyclists are required to wear helmets.

Over in the United States of America, the New York Police Department (NYPD) ordered the Sikh Motorcycle Club members to wear helmets during the Sikh Day Parade in 2017, although they rode a slow, parade pace. The club members decided to park their motorcycles and parade by foot. They cited that it served as a great way to educate children on riding with helmets.

Source: RideApart

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

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

  • BMW Motorrad is currently working on clearing the supply bottleneck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This delay is worldwide and affects not Malaysia alone.

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

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

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

  • The region is surrounded by tiger sanctuaries.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Didi Resources launched the 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory today.

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

  • It’s also the lightest of the lot.

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

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

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

1. 10th Year of the RSV4

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

2. Most powerful sportbike

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

3. New APRC package

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

4. The lightest

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

5. Weight-loss regiment

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

6. Special Akrapovic exhaust

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

7. Redesigned frame

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

8. Öhlins, of course

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

9. “Stylo” Brembo Stylema

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

10. MotoGP-inspired aerobody

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

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

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

  • Jack Miller will likely continue with Pramac Ducati.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Photo credit Fox Sports Asia

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

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

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

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

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

  • A same occurrence happened at the same location last year.

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

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

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

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

He has since reported the case to the police.

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

We urge the authorities to act before something serious happens.

Source: Harian Metro

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