Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

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Wahid Ooi

BMW Motorrad Cruiser Range to Debut This Year

BMW Motorrad are planning to debut a whole cruiser range this year.
They showed off the R18 Concept as a precursor.
The new bikes should be powered by a new 1800cc Boxer engine.

The BMW Motorrad cruiser range is set to debut this year.

The Bavarian manufacturer has already provided the new 1800cc Boxer engine to Custom Works Zon and Revival Cycles to build custom motorcycles around it, but they had not built their own motorcycle during that time.

But BMW now shows off the R18 Concept which was designed and built in-house. They are keen to entice cruiser and custom fans to think German, rather than American.

The R18 Concept harks back to the 1936 R5. Running on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, the bike is stripped of superfluous parts, leaving a pure motorcycle. Some nice touches are the chromed cylinder head covers, chromed R18 badge on the engine’s transmission case, final drive shaft, teardrop tank, pinstriped fork covers, cantilever rear shock and chromed fishtail exhausts, among others.

The frame takes the appearance of the R5’s “hardtail” but there’s actually a working rear frame for the rear wheel. (Think Triumph Bonneville Bobber.)

“This bike is not about being the fastest,” says Edgar Heinrich, BMW Motorrad Head of Design. “This bike is about making an analogue statement in a digital age. BMW has a rich history of iconic motorcycles and they bear the same design characteristics. We believe that this can still work well today, together with current technology.”

Will this spark another cruiser revolution in Malaysia? We certainly hope so.

Source: MCN

Ducati Diavel 1260 S Malaysia Sneak Preview

Next Bike treated members of Desmo Owners Club Malaysia to a sneak preview of the Ducati Diavel 1260 S.
Members of the media were also treated to the same preview.
All attendees were treated to iftar after the preview.

Ducati owners and members of the exclusive Desmo Owners Club (DOC) Malaysia were treated to an exclusive sneak preview of the soon-to-be-launched Ducati Diavel 1260 S this evening, hosted by Next Bike Sdn. Bhd., the official distributor of the Ducati Brand in Malaysia.

Awed by the Diavel 1260 S’s powerful and muscular aura, the invited guests were among the privileged few in Malaysia to view the scene-stealing bike in the flesh and are already looking forward towards its official launch later in the year.

“Our customers have always been our priority and this sneak preview gives us the opportunity to reward our customers for their continuous support towards the Ducati brand. More customer events will be organised to provide our loyal fanbase with exclusive privileges to the ultimate Ducati customer experience, especially the Desmo Owners Club (DOC) Malaysia,” said Nazman S.H.C. Yusof, Head of 2-Wheel Division, Naza Automotive Group.

Unconventional, unique and absolutely unmistakable, the Diavel 1260 S is an absolute scene-stealer with its personality, design, sport naked handling and thoroughbred engine. Built for the Malaysian urbanite who loves being at the centre of attention, the stunning new bike draws attention with its maxi-naked performance and muscle cruiser ergonomics. Its sophisticated yet muscular design with world-class innovation also won the Diavel 1260 S’ base model the prestigious title “Red Dot Award 2019: Best of the Best”.

Perfect for everyday riding and touring the Diavel 1260 S is powered by a Testastretta DVT 1262cc engine capable of delivering 159 hp at 9,500 rpm and 12 Nm acceleration with a low-rev smoothness. Equipped with an upgraded chassis set-up, the bike is more responsive on mixed-road routes and its top-drawer technology and electronics provides braking performance which are on par with a sport bike. The award-winning bike is also fitted with Bosch Cornering ABS and user-friendly engine performance control as well for added peace of mind.

The Diavel 1260 S also features a fully adjustable Öhlins suspension at both front and rear dedicated wheels, and an even higher-performance braking system. Additionally, the sporty superbike mounts Ducati Quick Shift up & down (DQS) as standard to allow clutch-less shifting.

Expected to launch within the second quarter of 2019, the Diavel 1260 S is now available for viewing and booking at authorised Ducati dealerships nationwide. Please follow the official Facebook page for more information.

Members of DOC Malaysia and the media were also treated to an iftar (breaking fast) dinner after the event.

Mechanic Loses Hand for Refusing to Upgrade a Motorcycle

A mechanic had his right hand chopped off for his refusal to upgrade a motorcycle.
He also suffered a multitude of other injuries.
His wife was also injured in the attack when he stopped the suspects from attacking their children.

A mechanic in Changlun, Kedah had his right hand chopped off when he refused to upgrade a motorcycle.

The 36-year-old Thai national from Patani almost lost his left hand too, after being attacked by four masked men. He also suffered severe chopping wounds to his head, neck, waist and left ankle. Unfortunately, the severed limb could not be located and was believed to have been brought along by the suspects.

His 33-year-old wife also suffered injuries to her left hand when she stepped in to protect her sons aged eight and thirteen from being attacked. Thankfully, both children escaped unhurt by hiding in a rubber plantation with their mother.

District Police Chief, Superintendent Mohd. Ismail Ibrahim said that three of the four masked suspects broke into the mechanic’s house and attacked the occupants with machetes (parang).

The incident was believed to have been triggered by the mechanic’s refusal to modify one of the suspect’s motorcycle for illegal racing. The suspect had visited the house a number of times previously.

The victim is stable condition although he is still weak and treated at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar.

Royal Malaysian Police have picked up one of the suspects and are hunting for his other three conspirators.

Source: Utusan Online

Jack Miller Tests Ducati Panigale V4 R

Pramac Ducati rider Jack Miller tested the Ducati Panigale V4 R superbike recently.
He was present at an open track session in Barcelona, Spain.
The Panigale V4 R is currently dominating the WorldSBK championship.

Colourful and outspoken MotoGP rider Jack Miller tested a Ducati Panigale V4 R recently.

The Pramac Ducati rider swapped his Desmosedici GP19 for the superbike at an open track day in Barcelona, Spain. The track was open for Moto2 and Moto3 riders, but Miller grabbed the opportunity to ride Ducati’s superbike.

In the hands of ex-MotoGP rider Alvaro Bautista, the Ducati Panigale V4 R has dominated the World Superbike Championship this year. The pairing saw a total of 11 victories in 14 races, thus far. Reigning world champion Jonathan Rea and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R was able to pip Bautista only once at Imola.

No official lap times were recorded. Miller nor his team issued any official comments, either.

The Australian rider is currently having a good run in MotoGP. He has grabbed a podium and two top four finishes in five races, thus far. He has 42 points in the championship standings, just 15 less than Mission Winnow Ducati factory rider Danilo Petrucci.

Shell Launches ‘Anda Beli, Kami Derma’ Raya Campaign

Shell Malaysia continues its annual 1-sen-per litre contribution to various causes for the fifth consecutive year.
The campaign incorporates spending at Shell SELECT to provide motorists more opportunities to contribute during their ‘balik kampung’ journeys.
Collection days increased from previous years.

Shell marks its Raya CSR Campaign for the fifth consecutive year, making the ‘balik kampung’ experience for fellow motorists more meaningful by spreading the spirit of caring and sharing during the blessed Raya festivities with its 2019 ‘Anda Beli, Kami Derma’ campaign.

Extending the duration from previous years, this year’s collection runs for 10 days, from 30 May 2019 to 8 June 2019, and contributions will be donated to National Cancer Society Malaysia, Food Aid Foundation and Malaysian Nature Society. During this period, every one litre of Shell fuels pumped will see the company donating 1 sen (RM0.01) to these selected organisations. On top of every 1-sen-per-litre, Shell will also donate 1 sen for every 1 Ringgit (RM1.00) spent in all Shell SELECT stores (excluding E-Pay products i.e. mobile reloads, Touch N Go purchases and other In-Store services i.e. utility payments).

“The ‘balik kampung’ experience is a meaningful journey for everyone. It’s about loved ones coming together, safely, to celebrate the festivities. This year, we decided to add to the ‘balik kampung’ journey by spreading a little more cheer to those in need. That is why to mark our fifth year of running this campaign, we have increased our collection timeline to 10 days and incorporated spending at Shell SELECT to give our customers more opportunities to contribute to organisations in need. We have also chosen relevant causes that we believe are close to the heart of Malaysians, in line with our efforts to make life’s journeys better for communities in which we operate,” shared Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. and Shell Timur Sdn. Bhd.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail commended Shell’s campaign, “With simple acts of kindness, we can go a long way in doing our part during this giving season of Ramadan and Raya. I would like to commend Shell for working to make giving back so seamless and flexible. Customers will now be able to easily share their blessings with those in need and give everyone a ‘balik kampung’ journey worth celebrating even more.”

Mastercard, joining in as a valued partner for the second consecutive year, will also be making additional contributions to the campaign. For every litre of Shell fuels pumped and every RM1 spent at Shell SELECT, paid with any Mastercard credit or debit card, an additional 1 sen will be contributed to the Food Aid Foundation.

“Mastercard is honoured to continue the collaboration with Shell to encourage cardholders to contribute to a worthwhile cause each time they spend using their Mastercard card at Shell stations nationwide. The funds raised will go towards the provision of meals for children in need, especially during the Hari Raya festivities. This initiative aligns with both Mastercard’s philosophy of ‘doing well by doing good’, as well as efforts to increase e-payments usage for everyday transactions. Mastercard cardholders can create a positive impact in the community while enjoying the benefits of a safe, swift and convenient payments experience,” said Perry Ong, Country Manager of Malaysia and Brunei, Mastercard.

With its 2019 ‘Anda Beli, Kami Derma’ campaign, Shell is giving motorists who pump at Shell or spend at Shell SELECT the option to choose the cause they believe in and influence contribution to their organisation of choice.

To select their preferred choice of beneficiaries, customers must submit either the original or duplicate copy of their receipt at a Shell station and indicate their choice.

Every contribution matters. Motorists are invited to take part in this initiative beginning Thursday, 30 May 2019 until Saturday, 8 June 2019 by simply fuelling up at any Shell station nationwide or purchasing selected items at Shell SELECT stores. Be sure to mark these dates in your calendar to show your support for these communities in need.

For more information and details on the campaign, please visit www.shell.com.my/CSR

LIST OF BENEFICIARIES:

ORGANISATION	FOCUS AREAS
National Cancer Society Malaysia	The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), also known as Persatuan Kebangsaan Kanser Malaysia, is the first not-for-profit cancer organisation in Malaysia that provides education, care and support services for people affected by cancer. Over the last 50 years, it provides holistic cancer support to patients and caregivers.
Food Aid Foundation	Food Aid Foundation is a food bank that salvages surplus food from producers, manufacturers, distributors, food operators and retailers for re-distribution to the needy. The organisation’s mission is to alleviate hunger and malnourishment.
Malaysian Nature Society	The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) is Malaysia’s largest and oldest non-government environmental organisation. The organisation’s key role is to conserve Malaysia’s diverse habitats by protecting the natural heritage, especially ecologically sensitive landscapes.

Check Out This Mugen Shinden Hachi Electric Isle of Man TT Racer

John McGuinness and Michael Rutter will ride the 2019 Mugen Shinden Hachi electric bike at the Isle of Man TT Zero race this year.
Last year’s Mugen bike set the fastest electric bike record at the TT.
This year’s bike promises better aerodynamics and power.

John McGuinness and Michael Rutter will ride the 2019 Mugen Shinden Hachi electric bike at the Isle of Man TT Zero race this year.

According to Visordown, the Mugen Shinden Hachi is the uprated version last year’s bike. Rutter won the TT Zero race last year on the previous Mugen (called “Nana”), setting the fastest lap record for the class along the way. He averaged 196.056 km/h around the TT course, which was only 20.922 km/h slower than the record-setting superbike.

So, for this year, Mugen is back with a bike that promises to be better and faster.

Mugen gave Visordown unlimited access to their facilities in Milton Keynes, thus all credit goes to Visordown.

The 2019 Mugen has better aerodynamics and increased power. It weighs a somewhat heavy 248 kg (due to the batteries) but the engine… sorry, motor, produces the equivalent of 160 hp. The 370-volt lithium-ion battery powers the 120kW oil-cooled brushless electric motor. Torque is rated at 210 Nm.

The fairing is sharper and wraps tightly around the bike. The front suspension consists of the Showa Carbon Fibre prototype forks. The chassis is a monocoque.

Source: Visordown

New Ducati Panigale 959 Spied!

A new Ducati Panigale 959 was spotted undergoing road tests recently.
The new bike retains a V-Twin engine instead of a V-Four.
The test mule features a single-sided swingarm.

A new Ducati Panigale 959 was spotted undergoing road tests recently.

While all the ruckus and fanfare surround the Ducati Panigale V4, the Italian marque has not forgotten the baby Panigale 959.

It may sound like a broken record but updating the Panigale 959 is in time for Euro 5 which set to come into force in 2020. Spotting this test mule also confirms that Ducati is sticking with the 90^o V-Twin (which Ducati calls it “L-Twin”) instead of a sleeved-down V-Four.

The current 959 is already a hoot to ride, given its 157 hp and 168 kg dry weight, so the new bike should be even more awesome. Rumours has it that the new Superquadro engine ought to produce in the regions of 170 hp.

Its styling mimics the V4’s, with a more rounded nose and larger “eyes.”

However, the most apparent update is the conventional swingarm being ditched for a single-sided one.

We noticed another interesting thing about this test mule, too. It’s running without exhaust silencers! Now, don’t get your knickers in a knot because the production bike must have silencers.

We should able to see the new Ducati Panigale 959 at Intermot or EICMA later this year.

Source and photo: Ride Apart

Randy Mamola to Race the IndianxWorkhorse Scout Bobber

Grand Prix legend Randy will race this IndianxWorkhorse Scout Bobber in the upcoming Sultans of Sprint series.
Indian Motorcycle and Workhorse Speedshop modified an Indian Scout Bobber.
It’ll celebrate 100 years of the Indian Scout.

Grand Prix legend Randy Mamola will race this IndianxWorkhorse Scout Bobber in the upcoming Sultans of Sprint series.

The bike started out as an Indian Scout Bobber and transformed into the “Appaloosa” for the drag race. The collaboration aims to celebrate Indian’s 100 years of the Scout.

To achieve that end, Indian Motorcycle and Workhorse Speedshop installed a dustbin fairing besides installing a longer swingarm. The fuel tank was also modified to be slimmer hence holds only 2.5 litres – enough for a drag race.

The swingarm is controlled by Ohlins suspension items such as STX 36 piggyback shock absorbers. The forks are Retro 43.

There is also an increase in engine power thanks to an Akrapovic exhaust, racing ECU, Power Commander, direct intake and NOS. The bike is rated at 130 rear-wheel horsepower (approximately 150 hp at the crank). The belt final drive was swapped for a chain. A quickshifter has been added, too.

There are four 230mm brake discs utilizing the Beringer 4D system.

The Sultans of Sprint is basically a hooligan-style drag race series. It’ll be fun to see Randy Mamola competing on the bike, for sure.

GIVI Fields I. Jeremais in Rimba Raid

GIVI will field I. Jeremais in the upcoming Rimba Raid 2019 at Mat Daling.
He has competed in numerous editions of the Dakar Rally for HRC.
We will ride the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE and XC.

GIVI will field I. Jeremais in the upcoming Rimba Raid 2019 at Mat Daling.

As Malaysia’s premier adventure and dual-sport event, Rimba Raid has grown from strength to strength due to the hard work of Dato’ Capt. Nik Huzlan and his team. As of last year’s rally raid event at Mat Daling, almost 200 competitors from around world signed up. It was also the first year in which GIVI played the role as the main supporter.

GIVI is repeating that role in this year’s Rimba Raid. However, it promises to be something more special as the Italian motorcycle luggage, accessories and rider gear maker is organizing their prestigious annual adventure here in Malaysia. The ride will tour West Malaysia and ending at Rimba Raid.

Jeremais will ride along with the participants in the adventure and continue on to join Rimba Raid as a competitor.

Jeremais hails from Chile, the site of the Dakar Rally in recent years. As such, he has competed in the world’s toughest rally in more than one occasion with the factory Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) team. His best finish was fourth place.

He will be riding the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE in the GIVI adventure ride, before switching to a specially-prepared Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC in Rimba Raid, resplendent in GIVI colours.

Ernie Vigil had just ridden the Scrambler 1200 XE to a fifth-placed finish among dedicated dirtbikes in the Mexican 1000 rally.

Triumph Bonneville T120 Diamond Edition Coming to Malaysia

The Triumph Bonneville T120 Diamond Edition will soon arrive in Malaysia.
The model commemorates the 60^thyear of the 1959 Bonneville T120.
Only 4 units are available from mid-June in Malaysia.

The Triumph Bonneville T120 Diamond Edition will soon arrive in Malaysia.

The model commemorates the 60^thanniversary of the legendary 1959 Bonneville T120. It replaced the equally legendary TR6 which won many races including the Baja rally and was the bike used in “The Great Escape.”

At the time, the Bonneville T120 was one of the fastest production motorcycles on the planet. It already hit 115 mph (185 km/h) in stock form while slight modifications would see 120 mph (193 km/h) or more. That was how its “T120” name was derived.

As such, the current Bonnie T120 Diamond Edition carries many important features, such as:

Premium one-off Snowdonia White and Aluminium Silver “Union Flag” paint scheme on the fuel tank.
Unique Bonneville T120 “Diamond” side panel branding.
Chrome 4-bar Triumph badges on the fuel tank.
Chrome engine covers and badges.
Chrome chain guard.

It’s not just a matter of a pretty paint scheme and chrome, however. Only 900 will ever be built. Each bike will be accompanied by a numbered certificate, signed by Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor himself.

Only four are available in Malaysia from mid-June 2019. Please follow Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia for more updates.

Shadowfax “Crossing the Borders” Ride – Harley-Davidson Group Rides to Vietnam

Shadowfax MC continues their adventures, this time to Vietnam.
The group will cross into Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
More than 30 Harley riders showed up at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya to send off the group.

Shadowfax MC pushed off for their “Crossing the Borders” ride to Vietnam on the Harley-Davidson motorcycles yesterday.

We chatted with the President of Shadowfax Motorcycle Club, Dato’ Anand in March this year. Dato’ told us that the group is planning to ship their bikes to Japan to ride there this month.

However, the ride to Japan is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. But instead of wasting the time away, a number of members decided to ride to Vietnam.

Speaking to BikesRepublic.com, Dato’ Anand and several of his accompanying buddies told us of their plans. The ride started from Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya at The Gasket Alley. The riders will first cross into Thailand and into Bangkok, Thailand. From there, they will head east into Cambodia and visit Angkor Wat in Siam Riep for two days before riding all the way to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

“We will be visiting the local Harley-Davidson dealerships along the way. It’s a great way to show our goodwill,” said Dato’. “There will also be other bikers who will meet us and ride with us for some distance.”

What about the often-stormy weather these days?

“No problem, we are bikers and we will continue to ride in spite of whatever weather condition,” said Mr. Kumar.

The group will also ride without a support vehile. All the emergency tools and fixes are carried along.

BikesRepublic.com wishes the Shadowfax a safe and fun ride to and back.

MotoGP 2019: Marc Marquez Wins Honda’s 300th Victory

Marc Marquez rode a commanding race to claim the 300^thvictory for Honda.
He was challenged earlier by Jack Miller but never looked back after regaining the lead.
Honda had found more power in the engine.

Marc Marquez put on another dominating show at the French MotoGP 2019 to claim Honda’s 300^thvictory in the premier class.

Marquez had crashed multiple times over the weekend, including sliding off the track on Saturday after setting the pole position time in qualifying.

It turns out that Honda has given the four-time world champion more power from the engine wrapped in the 2019 chassis. According to the Spanish rider, it has allowed him to do away with risky late and hard braking. Consequently, he could use the softest tyre option in the race at the legendary Le Mans circuit.

“Last year we just tried to find the lap time on the brake point. This year maybe we lose a little on the brake point, but we gain in other areas and this is the right way because always the brake point means risk. And risk means it’s difficult to be constant,” he said when interviewed.

Jack Miller had challenged Marquez in the opening stages, but the Australian faded to finish third. Andrea Dovizioso moved in second at the finish line.

The world champion now leads the 2019 MotoGP championship table despite crashing out at Austin. Andrea Dovizioso is relegated to second ahead of Alex Rins.