Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Moto Guzzi Malaysia Welcomes Idon Pang as Head of Aftersales

Moto Guzzi Malaysia wants to provide the best aftersales service.
Their well-equipped workshop is fully operational.
Well-known aftersales guru, Idon Pang will soon join the workshop as Head of Aftersales.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia is serious about providing the best aftersales service to their customers through their official aftersales centre, called GB Workship (GB stands for Goh Brothers). They have invested heavily into having a well-equipped workshop and they will soon have a complete ensemble of experienced hands to carry out maintenance and repairs.

Fans of Moto Guzzi and Piaggio Group brands should already be familiar with the name Idon Pang. Idon is passionate about motorcycles and aftersales in particular. But the more important point is that he brings much technical experience in the maintenance and repairs of Moto Guzzi motorcycles, something that many Guzzistas in Malaysia could look forward to.

We caught up with him at GB Workshop, Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s official workshop for a short chat.

Bikes Republic (BR): When did you start your career in motorcycles?
Idon Pang (IP): My career started 10 years ago with another brand. During the hiatus of Aprilia distributorship and being an Aprilia owner myself, I noticed a shortage of spare parts. I made arrangements to have the parts imported into the country. I also bought up some of the parts to continue with servicing most of the Aprilias during that time. So, I was a spare part peddler then (laughs).

When Naza took over the Aprilia brand, they were looking for a person who could handle Aprilia aftersales. They saw some other values that I could bring to the table which was motorcycle sales, as well. I did that for a while, I set up Naza Primera, which is what Aprilia and Vespa Malaysia is today.

I took a short break after that, as I got into an accident and needed time to recuperate. I didn’t attach myself to any company during that time.

Instead I worked with a finance company in providing hire purchase facilities; I was with Aeon (Credit). I helped them to set up the Easy Payment Program.

After that, I was offered to set up a Vespa dealership in Kota Damansara which was Motor Aladdin. Did a bit of KTM also. But aftersales was my key – not only for Vespa and KTM – but for all types of motorcycles. That’s when I started having mixed brands coming to Motor Aladdin.

I eventually parted ways with my partners there and took up a few projects here and there, including Shell being one of them. I was doing Masterclass for Shell and Bikes Republic.

BR: What kind of knowledge or experience will you bring to Moto Guzzi?
IP: When I spoke to Juan Chow Wee, we knew that this was going to be a challenging brand. It was just like when Naza acquired Aprilia (distributorship). The global numbers are not as high as other brands. We know we have our work cut out for us.

The advantage I have with Goh Brothers is starting the aftersales from scratch. Aftersales is my niche. Laying out the blueprint for the aftersales for this brand will eventually reflect in sales figures.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia Announces Prices with 0% GST

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has officially released the prices of their motorcycles with 0% GST.
The bikes from Hinckley are now even more attractively priced.
The new price announcement coincides with the arrival of the Tiger 800 XCA and Tiger 800 XRT.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has published the prices of their motorcycles, with 0% GST, in accordance to the Ministry of Finance’s announcement.

The new prices will be effective from 1^st June 2018 until 30^th June 2018. Please refer to the list below. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Reductions for new motorcycles are between RM 3,000 to RM 6,0000, while price reduction for “Clearance Sale” models range between RM 2,937.06 to RM 5,603.77. However, it is safe for you to purchase your favourite Triumph now before 1^st June 2018 as Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia had launched their Price Protection Scheme earlier (please click on the link below for more information).

GST vs SST? Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia says don’t worry!

The new price announcement coincides with the arrival of the first 2018 Tiger 800 XCA and Tiger 800 XRT in Malaysia. The duo are the flagship models of the Triumph Tiger 800 range.

The Tiger 800 XCA and Tiger 800 XRT have extra features and accessories compared to the Tiger 800 XCX and Tiger 800 XRX we tested earlier in a few areas:

Fully LED headlights and distinctive running lights (XCA and XRT).
Heated seats (XCA and XRT).
6 TFT screen styles (XCA and XRT).

5 riding modes including an extra rider customizable mode (XRT).
6 riding modes including an extra rider customizable mode (XCA)

A pair of high-powered LED fog lamps (XCA only).
Off-road style footpegs (XCA only).
Adjustable front forks (XRT vs. XRX. The XCX and XCA have adjustable WP forks as standard).

Centre stand (XCA and XRT).
Aluminium radiator guard (XCA).

Now is the best time to bring home that Triumph you’ve been lusting for.

BMW Motorcycles Expected to be Cheaper

All manufacturers are gearing up for setting GST to 0% from 1^st June 2018.
These are the expected new prices of BMW motorcycles in Malaysia.
Time for a new BMW, perhaps?

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has revised the prices of BMW motorcycles in accordance with the Government’s directive to set the Goods & Services Tax (GST) to 0% beginning 1^st June 2018, in the interim before reimplementation of Sales & Services Tax (SST).

While we have not received an official line from BMW Motorrad Malaysia, reduction in price is definitely on the cards for every manufacturer.

Please refer to the table below. Please note that the prices are speculative at the moment in view of the said reinstatement of the SST later. BMW Motorrad lists their prices previously as “on-the-road without insurance with 6% GST,” thus we arrived at those figures below by subtracting 6% off the current price.

The S 1000 RR HP4 Race notwithstanding, we see a reduction of between RM 1,614.00 (G 310 R) to RM 10,194.00 (K 1600 GTL) in reduction across the board. But perhaps more interesting are the R 1200 GS lineup which sees a drop in prices between RM 6,174 (R 1200 GS) to RM 7,194.00 (R 1200 GS Adventure TFT).

Is this the best time to buy a new BMW? Yes, it is.

Another interesting note: In an interview earlier today, Tun Abdul Daim bin Zainuddin mentioned that the government is targeting an annual revenue of RM 30 billion through SST, against the RM 42 billion collected in 2017 through 6% GST. Does this mean SST will not be set at 10% as expected?

We do hope so.

2018 Harley-Davidsons Have Arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya

More of Harley-Davdison’s 2018 lineup have arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya.
There are three Softails and one Sportster.
Harley fans will now have a wider choice to choose from.

More long-awaited 2018 Harley-Davidson models have arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya today.

The new arrivals will give those who are interested in the thumping V-Twins of Milwaukee more choices to choose from. Most are from the Softail family but there is also a new Sportster, they are:

SOFTAIL SLIM

The Softail Slim is harked as a raw, vintage style Harley.
Blacked-out styling, ready for customization.
New LED headlamp.
All-new Softail frame that’s lighter and stiffer for better handling and comfort.
New high-performance forks and rear monoshock.
Now 16 kgs (35 lbs.) lighter than last year’s model.
Powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic inch (1753 cc) engine which produces 149 Nm of torque.
Low-slung seat at 650 mm when laden.

SOFTAIL LOW RIDER

Low-slung and stretched stying of 70’s choppers.
Same iconic look of the Dyna Low Rider but on the all-new Softail frame.
New LED headlamp.
New high-performance forks and rear monoshock.
Cast alloy wheels.
Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic inch (1753 cc) engine with 149 Nm of torque.
665 mm seat height when laden.

SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC

True nostalgia cruiser and original bagger.
Electronic cruise control.
Detachable windscreen.
LED headlamp.
Lockable and sealed soft saddlebags.
New high-performance forks and rear monoshock.
New high-performance forks and rear monoshock.
Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic inch (1753 cc) engine with 149 Nm of torque or Milwaukee-Eight 114 cubic inch (1868 cc) engine with 161 Nm of torque.
680 mm seat height when laden.

ROADSTER

The most aggressive-looking Sportster.
Harley calls it the “tucked in” look.
1200cc air-cooled Sportster Evolution engine with 103 Nm of torque.
Blacked-out styling for a more sinister look.
“Slammed” handlebar for a more sporty riding position and new gauge.
New upside-down cartridge forks.
Dual floating front brake discs.

As you can see, the new Harley-Davidson models are not only drop dead gorgeous to look at, but the Motor Company have taken many steps to bring them on par with contemporary motorcycles as well. So, make your way to Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya to view these awesome bikes. You may also check out their Facebook page and official website.

Suzuki GSX-R300 Patents Leaked

Suzuki has filed a 300c sportbike’s patents, speculated to be call GSX-R300.
The sub-500cc segment is the most hotly contested in the market.
Suzuki feels that the motorcycle market is moving towards smaller capacity and cheaper bikes.

Suzuki is making a comeback into the sub-500cc segment. These 200cc, 250cc, 300cc, 390cc, 400cc motorcycles appeal to a large cross-section of enthusiasts, due to reasons covering:

The next capacity level to step up to after owning a kapchai or scooter.
More affordable for a large section of the populace.
Easier to learn on, easier to ride.
Lightweight and simpler – good as daily commuters, especially for those who already own a bigger bike.

This battleground has been fought by almost all manufacturers for a long time. You could find almost all the brands here, even BMW has joined the fray with the G 310 R and G 310 GS. Similarly, Triumph had tied up with Bajaj to work on a 400cc bike in the future.

Triumph Bajaj partnership announced to conquer middleweight bike segment

Now, Suzuki has decided to fight back after being ominously missing.

Suzuki’s patents drawing for their 300cc sportbike was recently leaked online and is rumored to break covers at EICMA later this year.

They already have the GSX-250R in circulation, but they bike is a woefully underpowered single-banger, while their rivals continue to build high performance lightweights such as the KTM RC 390/390 Duke, Kawasaki Ninja 250 /300 and now 400, Yamaha YZF-R25/R3, Honda CBR250RR, and so on.

From the patents, the engine appears to be a parallel-Twin. If Suzuki sticks to the dimensions of their GSX-R150’s engine architecture, the bore should be 62 mm and a stroke of 48.1 mm. That’s in the same league of its rivals and should produce around 40 bhp.

Also from the drawings, the 300 looks to have the design theme and lines of its GSX-R1000R big brother. The front wheel has a single, radially-mounted brake caliper and disc; the swingarm looks to be of aluminium, corresponding to that type of design. Tying everything together is a tubular steel frame.

Biggest question is if I’ll ever make to Malaysia. And if it did, will it be the full 300cc version or sleeved-down 250cc variant that we always see happening in our country?

Time will tell.

Hari Raya Special!: GB Workshop Service Campaign

Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s authorized aftersales center, GB Workshop, is having a Service Campaign in conjunction with Ramadhan and Hari Raya Puasa.
Moto Guzzi up north may also visit the Moto Guzzi Service Centre at Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn. Bhd. in Penang.
The campaign runs from 16th May to 17th July 2018.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s official service centre, GB Workshop, has launched a service campaign in time for the holy month of Ramadhan and Hari Raya Puasa. What better way to make sure your Moto Guzzi is in tip-top condition before you head home to celebrate Raya with your loved ones.

The campaign runs from 16th May to 17th July 2018.

The GB Workshop Service Campaign consists of such as:

Multipoint safety checks tailored for each model and according to your riding needs.
Free air filter for selected models when you service your Moto Guzzi, while stocks last.
15% promotion for selected parts and accessories.

GB Workshop is well-equipped with the latest Piaggio Advanced Diagnosis System (PADS), as well as the special tools necessary for working on Moto Guzzis. The personnel are also trained professionals who are experienced in working on that brand. Please bear in mind that you are travelling home for Hari Raya Puasa.

To check if the air filter besides parts and accessories are available, please visit the official GB Worskhop or Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn. Bhd. (refer to the maps below). You may also contact the workshop at 03-7932 1229 or 018-962 1229 for more details or to book an appointment.

BMW R 1250 GS to be Released in 2019?

The 1200cc Boxer engine and bikes that it powers have been revised through each generation.
With stiff competition from all corners, it is rumoured that BMW will debut the R 1250 GS in 2019.
A new R 1250 RT has been spotted undergoing road trials.

BMW’s venerable boxer engine has come a long, long way and there’s no end in sight for it. the German giant may produce the superb S 1000 RR inline-Four superbike, but what is BMW Motorrad if not for the flat-Twin or Boxer, as it’s affectionately known.

It is likewise the scenario for the Boxer-engine GS, since the first R80GS.

But the competition has been aggressive in the large-capacity adventure segment. KTM, Ducati and now Triumph are carving out large pieces of the pie and BMW has been updating the R 1200 GS with each generation.

And now we have received news via https://riders.drivemag.com that BMW may be working on a 1250cc Boxer.

You see, the current wasser-Boxer produces 125 bhp of power and 125 Nm of torque but the competition has gone 160 bhp and 140 Nm thereabouts. While BMW owners will tell you that 125 bhp is enough, that is not going to cut it on the spec sheets.

It is also rumoured that the “new” Boxer will include variable valve timing. Along with other changes, it should be good for 140 to 150 bhp.

All this talk started when photos of a new R 1250 RT undergoing road trails surfaced in MCN. Looking at the photo below, you could see that it’s a new bodywork, but what is more telling is the appearance of a new engine.

However, as BMW owners know, if there is a new RT, there is a large likelihood that a GS is also in store. Plus, since the GS is the flagship BMW Motorrad, it will be launched first than the RT.

2019 is just a few months away. Who is waiting with baited breath?

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship: Round 1 Wrap-Up

Round 1 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) got off to a great start.
The long holiday did not deter teams from competing without much time for set ups.
Competition was close and exciting in a few classes.

The country may still be having a hangover from a people’s victory from the General Elections, but the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) got off to a rousing and positive start, nonetheless.

The General Elections and subsequent holidays had shortened the time available to the teams to set up their bikes for the race. Yet, all teams showed up and used the practice sessions to speed up the process.

But it was refreshing to see that it was very much a family-oriented race series. Most riders and team members had brought along their family along with their spouse and children to the paddock. They ate together. They shared the victories, defeats together. They prayed together.

There are four classes contested this year: Superbike, Superstock, Supersport, and Super 250. Each class is further subdivided into Open and Rookie categories, run together in each race.

Saturday had started warm and proceeded to being blistering hot even before the noon hour. The riders who came back after practice all look beat, yet there are fitter than most of us. There were a few teams that set up inflatable pools behind their pits as contingency in case their riders suffer heatstroke.

Qualifying was subsequently run in scorching heat, yet lap times were surprisingly quick. For example, Chia Motor PJ’s new signing, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman locked down the Superbike pole position with a time of 2:09.506, more than 0.8 second quicker than 2^nd placed qualifier Ramdan Rosli of TOC HKMTOYO Racing Team.

Ex-MSBK champion, Rajini Krishnan who runs his own Team RACR now, returned to MSBK competition on a Yamaha R-1M qualified third with a time of 2:11.157.

Qualifying times in all other classes also followed the same template.

However, all the qualifying effort almost amounted to nothing for a few competitors on race day.

A heavy shower in the morning inundated had the track. With heavy cloud cover ahead, the track stayed wet for most parts of the day until later in the afternoon.

For anyone who had ever ridden or driven around the Sepang International Circuit before, the track may look dry as if unmolested by a single drop of rain, only to discover it’s actually soggy.

The first race of the day, Superbike Race 1 got under way under after been declared a WET RACE. While the leaders slipped and slid all over the track, there were six crashers behind them on parts of the track where there was no standing water.

Rajini pushed as hard as he could at the front and won the race commandingly from Ramdan Rosli and Azlan Shah.

Competitors in subsequent categories raced on a wet track, but it was the Race 1 of the Super 250 class which proved to be the most entertaining. The rulebook did not separate the single-cylinder and two-cylinder bikes but it was the former that were faster despite Sepang’s long straights. A six-way battle for the lead developed in the closing stages with some hard passes and kamikaze dives inside each other. And it was that which decided the final results at the last turn on the final lap, when one rider misjudged his brake marker and torpedoed the 2^nd-place runner into the dirt. 16-year-old Indonesian rider Surya Narayana fought hard with all comers and came out tops in all three races. On a borrowed bike.

The track started to dry out by Supersport Race 2 and it was the first time that slick Pirelli tyres made their appearance of the day on the Superbikes. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of Hong Leong Yamaha Racing won Race 2, following his crash in Race 1. The team worked throughout the interim to fix his bike.

Azlan Shah showed the way in Superbike Race 2 as Ramdan ran into brake problems, while Rajini crashed at the start of Lap 3. Rajini managed to remount and fought his way back up to 5^th at the flag.

In the Superstock 1000 races proceeding the superbike races, Azrol Hakeem of Fastthrottle Motorsports rode in commanding fashion to dominate both races.

In closing, it was a great weekend of great racing. Unfortunately, as many were still making their way back into the Klang Valley following the long holiday, there were not as many spectators as expected. They had missed a great spectacle.

Until Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship, Selamat Berpuasa dan Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship: TOC HKMTOYO Racing Team Leads

TOC HKMTOYO Racing Team leads the Superbike standings.
The team is formed through the TOC Technical College and HKMToyo Racing Team.
Round 1 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship marked the first outing for the team.

The TOC HKMTOYO Racing Team was recently constituted, concurrently with the launch of TOC Automotive College’s (TOC) Motorcycle Technician Training course. (Please click here for our coverage.)

As TOC believes that technical training does not only involve repairing vehicles, as motorsports is seen as the ultimate way for the school to impart knowledge and training to their students in a fun way to face the challenges associated with racing. As such, they have also a racing division called School of Motorsports. This division has spawned four-wheeled racing champions in the past and it is only natural that they extend it to two-wheeled motorsports as well.

Headed by Team Principal Mohd. Najuib Alias, HKMTOYO Racing Team is the defending MSBK champion from 2017. The team had also worked with MARA for industrial training in the past thus the tie-up with TOC Automotive College for the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship makes sense, if not inevitable.

The newly formed team combines the technical skills, knowledge and experience of the HKMTOYO Racing Team and personnel from TOC. TOC had also secured the services of Malaysian GP legend and current MX trainer at Most Fun Gym “Foreman” Oh Kah Beng as the Motosports Director to supervise the team and provide MX training.

Four riders are contracted to the team for the Superbike and Superstock classes.

In the Superbike category, Ramdan Rosli raced in the FIM CEV Moto2 Championship in Spain. He was also a wildcard rider in the World Moto2 championship between 2014 to 2016. He rides the BMW S 1000 RR.

The second rider is Muhammad Jamalul Tarmizi, riding the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

As for the Superstock category, Amirul Hafiq Azmi and Nasarudin Mat Yop are the riders.

In Race 1 of the Superbike class, Ramdan took it easy at start of the wet race, falling behind Rajini Krishnan of Team RACR and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of Chia Motor PJ. Soon, he was able to find his rhythm and started stalking the second-place man, and eventually passing Azlan Shah with 4 laps remaining to finish 2^nd.

Muhammad Jamalul rode a steady race to finish 5^th, for a tally of two TOC HKMTOYO bikes in the Top 5.

As for Race 2, Ramdan had started strong and was in a three-way battle among Rajini and Azlan Shah. However, Rajini crashed at the start of Lap 3, leaving the two other riders to fight it out. Unfortunately, Ramdan had started to slow from that point with brake problems and allowing Azlan Shah to ride away 2 seconds faster per lap.

As for Muhammad Jamalul, he went one better this time and came home in fourth.

“There was no front brake. The lever came all the way back to the handle grip,” lamented Ramdan. “The only I could make it work was to hold the lever back slightly but I still didn’t have full braking power.”

That was amazing feat considering the monumental challenge.

In the Superstock category, Amirul Hafiz Azmi finished in 5^th in Race 1 but forced to retire in Race 2, while his teammate Nasarudin May Yusop picked up 3^rd in Race 2.

The TOC HKMTOYO Racing Team now leads the riders’ and teams’ championship in the Superbike Category of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) as the series heads into the Ramadhan and Hari Raya Puasa break.

PICTURE GALLERY

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship: Positive Results for Chia Motor PJ

Chia Motor PJ has been involved with racing for many years.
Recently signing on Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, this was their first race together.
With one 3^rd place and one win, Chia Motor PJ heads into Round 2 in second place.

It had been a start of sorts for Chia Motor PJ but what mattered at the end was the win they had expected in Round 1 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK).

The team’s new rider, Azlan Shah Kamarulzaman, who also races in the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and previously Moto2, had dominated practice and qualifying before the start of today’s proceedings.

But a heavy downpour in the morning prior to the start of Race 1 of the Superbike category made the going around the Sepang International Circuit tricky. As anyone who had ridden at SIC before could attest, while the rain had stopped when the pitlane opened, the track was still wet with many unseen wet patches. One corner may be dry but charging into the next one could have you highsided into space.

The race was declared a WET RACE and pit crews hurriedly mounted full wet Pirellis onto their motorcycles.

As the crew took to the starting grid, there were cautious smiles, if you could call it that, since this was Azlan’s first ride for the team. Each rider has a peculiar riding style, hence settings to the next guy and it takes time to develop a trust: for team, the rider, the bike, the equipment.

As soon as the lights turned to green, Azlan’s rear tyre was clearly spinning away and fishtailing. It was also apparent that his bike was squirming around under braking. There was even speculation that Azlan had gone out on slicks.

The affable rider was forced to slow down.

In the pits, worried faces crowded around a TV monitor as MSBK ex-champion and ex-Chia Motor PJ rider, Rajini Krishnan overtook Azlan and pulled a healthy lead. Even the ever-smiling Team Boss, Keith Chia (better known as “Ah Kit”) was glum. The entire team was quiet – dropping a spanner now would sound like an IED going off, despite the howls of bikes passing at high speeds.

Afterwards, Team TOC HKMToyo rider, Ramdan Rosli managed to catch and pass Azlan into second position the closing stages.

Azlan was soon on the verge of falling into the grasp of the fourth-placed runner, but managed held on.

At the checkered flag, it was Rajini first, Ramdan second and Azlan third.

“We couldn’t get the proper level of traction control dialed in for the first race. The Kawasaki ZX-10R is a really powerful bike and the rear tyre started to slide around as soon as Azlan touched the throttle,” said Keith after the race. “It’s better to finish and earn some points,” he continued.

That’s right, to win you have to first finish the race.

Later in the afternoon, all eyes in the Chia Motor PJ pits were again glued to the TV monitor in the pits during the SuperSport race, which preceded Superbike Race 2. The did so to observe the track’s condition and behavior of the bikes currently racing, in order to base their last-minute set up and tyre choice for Race 2.

Some sunshine filtered through the clouds halfway through SuperSport Race 1, sending the Superbike teams into another frenzy of activity to replace the wets with dry tyres.

Azlan, Ramdan and Rajini aced their starts and pulled away from the rest of the field almost immediately. Azlan led past the line to start Lap 2, but suddenly Rajini was missing and the camera picked him up in the gravel trap at Turn 1.

Ramdan tried to give chase at that point but the combination of Azlan’s riding skill and the Kawasaki prepared by Chia Motor PJ proved too much – Azlan went 2 seconds faster per lap to claim the checkered flag.

Chia Motor PJ was elated at the results and Azlan stands in second place in the championship as the Malaysia Superbike Championship breaks for Ramadhan and Hari Raya Puasa.

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya “Shop Talk”

Harley-Davidson of Petaling (HDPJ) called upon Harley owners for a “shop talk.”
The talk covered technical, features of the 2018 Softail range.
The talk included the brake service campaign, introduction to the new engine and bikes, and Motorclothes.

Knowing you’re riding the best motorcycle is one thing, learning about what makes it tick is quite another level altogether.

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya decided to impart their knowledge of the brand to owners by holding a “shop talk,” where they interact with Harley-Davidson specialists about their bikes, myths, service campaigns and new products.

The event got off to a start with the presentation of the brake service campaign. As we reported earlier (please click here for the article), the Motor Company had decided to recall 2008 to 2011 Touring, CVO Touring and V-Rod models with ABS to have their brake fluid replaced. Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ) has received the new Platinum Line Brake Fluid and is set to get the campaign rolling.

HDPJ’s Technical Specialist also informed the owners that a motorcycle’s brake fluid has to be replaced every 2 years, regardless of mileage covered.

If you own any of the above models, please get in touch with HDPJ’s Service Department to determine if your Harley is affected.

HDPJ moved on to present the new Milwaukee-Eight engine and 2018 Harley-Davidson lineup. Presentation was first carried out on the screen before being moved to the new Fat Bob and Street Glide on display. Those present had the firsthand view of the new features on the new models, such better suspension, brakes, styling. Harleys are truly much more refined these days, without losing their identity.

Do note that Harley’s Shop Talk sessions aren’t one-way traffic; owners were encouraged to formulate their questions when the invitation was published. Therefore, there were many questions, a few myths and concerns that were raised. HDPJ addressed them expertly and professionally.

Lastly, HDPJ presented the 2018 Motorclothes lineup. Motorclothes is Harley-Davidson’s official range of rider wear which consists of everything a Harley owner could think of, plus plenty of Harley-Davidson paraphernalia and merchandise.

Seeing that the owners adjourned feeling elated, they must’ve gained some new knowledge of their trusty steeds from the shop talk.

PICTURE GALLERY

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya: Same Great Bikes, Now More Affordable

The new Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya is offering great ways to those who want to get into the Harley lifestyle.
Costs of ownership and maintenance are now more viable at HDPJ.
HDPJ has waived the localisation fee for Harleys purchased via parallel importers.

Owning a motorcycle should be a great joy to anyone but owning one from a brand steeped in history and heritage is extra special. It’s through this heritage that the look, feel and sound of the bike, how it rumbles to life and down the road with the wind in your face flies in the face of convention. Additionally, the lifestyle, camaraderie among the owners and convoy experiences are priceless.

But how much does one need to “relinquish” for a “membership?”

We’ve heard great things about the new Harley-Davidson dealership, Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ), and decided to snoop around.

What we found was HDPJ is attracting more riders in Malaysia to experience the world of Harley-Davidson, through more attractive financing, lower costs of ownership and professional aftersales service.

AFTERSALES SERVICE:

Non-discriminatory policy towards all Harley owners, regardless if the bikes were purchased previously through official channels or parallel importers.
No “localization fee” for “recon” Harleys and all owners will enjoy the same labour rates and parts prices.
The showroom is fully stocked but the workshop is extensive as HDPJ is focusing on aftersales.

The previous hourly labour rate was too high, so HDPJ reduced it accordingly.
Parts prices are also lower than before despite the high USD-MYR exchange rate.

A Harley-Davidson Standard Service means a 24-point check all around the motorcycle for functionality and safety, which includes lubing the cables, checking the battery and electrics, electronic diagnostics, inspecting if all fasteners are properly torqued, inspecting the drive belt and pulleys, inspecting the brake pads and discs (with proper tools), etc. etc.

A minimum price to service a Sportster 883 complete with the 24-point check, standard replacement of washers, Harley-Davidson engine oil, and 1.5-hour labour charge adds up to below RM400.

Compare that to this Editor’s personal experience of servicing his Kawasaki ER-6f (at non-official workshops). Two liters of fully-synthetic engine oil, oil filter and two sparkplugs already cost in the vicinity of RM380 – without the 24-point check.

Besides that, a stator coil for the ER-6f is nearly RM1,300; compared to the stator coil for the Harley-Davidson Softail is RM1,400.

PRICES OF NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES:

HDPJ has also priced the new Harleys more “realistically” by 5% to 25% lower across the board.

The 2018 (base) Sportster Forty-Eight is priced from RM 92,800, instead of RM 109,000 that it once was.

The new Street Bob is from RM 107,200 instead of RM 130K plus.

Attractive financing scheme for buyers – 3.5% per annum – the lowest in the industry.

We also decided to ask a couple of Harley riders hanging around the café at The Gasket Alley. The first person was pleasantly surprised by the much lower price of maintenance. The other person we spoke felt at home at the new Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya, being welcomed and as part of a family.

It looks like Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya is worth visiting. So, book an appointment today for a test ride or service via Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya’s official website. You may also visit their official Facebook page for the latest updates.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

Moto Guzzi Malaysia wants to provide the best aftersales service.

Their well-equipped workshop is fully operational.

Well-known aftersales guru, Idon Pang will soon join the workshop as Head of Aftersales.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has officially released the prices of their motorcycles with 0% GST.

The bikes from Hinckley are now even more attractively priced.

The new price announcement coincides with the arrival of the Tiger 800 XCA and Tiger 800 XRT.

All manufacturers are gearing up for setting GST to 0% from 1st June 2018.

These are the expected new prices of BMW motorcycles in Malaysia.

Time for a new BMW, perhaps?

More of Harley-Davdison’s 2018 lineup have arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya.

There are three Softails and one Sportster.

Harley fans will now have a wider choice to choose from.

SOFTAIL SLIM

SOFTAIL LOW RIDER

SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC

ROADSTER

Suzuki has filed a 300c sportbike’s patents, speculated to be call GSX-R300.

The sub-500cc segment is the most hotly contested in the market.

Suzuki feels that the motorcycle market is moving towards smaller capacity and cheaper bikes.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s authorized aftersales center, GB Workshop, is having a Service Campaign in conjunction with Ramadhan and Hari Raya Puasa.

Moto Guzzi up north may also visit the Moto Guzzi Service Centre at Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn. Bhd. in Penang.

The campaign runs from 16th May to 17th July 2018.

The 1200cc Boxer engine and bikes that it powers have been revised through each generation.

With stiff competition from all corners, it is rumoured that BMW will debut the R 1250 GS in 2019.

A new R 1250 RT has been spotted undergoing road trials.

Round 1 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) got off to a great start.

The long holiday did not deter teams from competing without much time for set ups.

Competition was close and exciting in a few classes.

TOC HKMTOYO Racing Team leads the Superbike standings.

The team is formed through the TOC Technical College and HKMToyo Racing Team.

Round 1 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship marked the first outing for the team.

PICTURE GALLERY

Chia Motor PJ has been involved with racing for many years.

Recently signing on Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, this was their first race together.

With one 3rd place and one win, Chia Motor PJ heads into Round 2 in second place.

Harley-Davidson of Petaling (HDPJ) called upon Harley owners for a “shop talk.”

The talk covered technical, features of the 2018 Softail range.

The talk included the brake service campaign, introduction to the new engine and bikes, and Motorclothes.

PICTURE GALLERY

The new Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya is offering great ways to those who want to get into the Harley lifestyle.

Costs of ownership and maintenance are now more viable at HDPJ.

HDPJ has waived the localisation fee for Harleys purchased via parallel importers.

AFTERSALES SERVICE:

PRICES OF NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES:

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All manufacturers are gearing up for setting GST to 0% from 1^st June 2018.

With one 3^rd place and one win, Chia Motor PJ heads into Round 2 in second place.