Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

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Wahid Ooi

Ernie Vigil to Race Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE at Mexican 1000 Rally

Ernie Vigil will now race the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE at the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally.
He was injured before the Baja 1000 Rally and the program was shelved.
The Triumph Scrambler 1200 line-up is the most off-road capable among all scramblers.

Ernie Vigil is back and will race a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE at the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally.

Triumph announced their plans to return the Baja 1000 Rally following the launch of the Scrambler 1200 XE and XC as they were keen to show that the Scrambler 1200 line-up is the most off-road capable among all scramblers. This was why it is dubbed the “Real Deal”.

Additionally, the rally is a homecoming of sorts for the manufacturer as Steve McQueen and Bud Ekins won there numerous times on the TR6 Trophy.

However, an injury befell rider Ernie Vigil (who’s also Triumph’s stunt rider) and the plans were shelved.

But Vigil has now fully recovered and the program is back online. He has since trained on the Scrambler 1200 for more than 9,000 kilometres in off-road conditions.

The Scrambler 1200 XE that vigil rides will be mostly stock. The only additions are to make the bike safe for desert rallying such as a desert racing seat, lights, grips and extreme profile sand tyres. The suspension, engine, electronics are all stock.

While the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally doesn’t sound as glamorous as the Baja 1000 Rally, it actually uses the same route as the Baja Rally in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. As the name suggests, it covers 1,000 miles (1600 kilometres) through the desert strewn with deep sand, rocks and quicksand.

BMW 1800cc Boxer Engine Cruiser Coming in 2020

A BMW 1800cc Boxer engine cruiser is confirmed for 2020.
The news was confirmed by BMW Motorrad.
The prototype engine is now used as the powerplant for custom bikes.

It’s confirmed. A BMW 1800cc Boxer engine cruiser is coming in 2020. The news was confirmed by Timo Resch, Vice President Sales and Marketing for BMW Motorrad.

Resch made the statement during the Handbuilt Show in Austin, Texas where Revival Cycles showed off a custom bike called Birdcage which features an 1800cc Boxer engine.

While we revel at the Birdcage’s welded titanium frame, the built was actually contracted by BMW Motorrad to tease the new engine. The massive pushrod engine will be the platform for an upcoming cruiser in 2020.

The Birdcage was the second motorcycle to use the 1800cc engine, following the Departed R18 built by Japanese Custom Works Zon.

“We will also be showing a BMW Motorrad developed concept bike featuring this engine in the first half-year of 2019. BMW Motorrad will present a series production motorcycle with the Big Boxer for the Cruiser segment in the course of 2020,” said Resch.

An 1800cc, air-cooled, pushrod valve actuation engine surely means that the German manufacturer is taking aim at Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles. However, riders of the two brands are fiercely loyal so it’ll be interesting to see how BMW Motorrad can win them over.

Viral Video: Singaporean Bikers Refused to Stop Smoking at Petrol Station

A video showed Singaporean bikers smoking at a Petron station at the Pagoh R&R.
According to the person who posted the video, he had told them to stop smoking.
However, the group retorted that he couldn’t do anything against them.
But equally worse were Petron and PLUS workers not wanting to assist.

A viral video surfaced in which a group of Singaporean bikers refused to stop smoking at petrol station despite being told to. The incident took place at the Petron station at the Pagoh R&R.

In the video, a biker was seen smoking in the petrol station’s compound directly beneath a “No smoking” sign. The person who posted the video went by his Facebook account name as Thiagarajah Nesan. According to him, he had admonished the group for smoking in a petrol station but was told the group retorted that Thiagarajah could not do anything against them and continued with their dangerous act.

But what happened next was equally shocking.

Thiagarajah informed the workers at the station, but they told him that the manager was away at the time and it was not their responsibility.

Failing to raise any concern with the station staff, Thiagarajah reported the incident to PLUS workers. The PLUS workers also told him that they could not do a thing about it. However, they suggested that Thiagarajah video the offence and share it on Facebook.

Now, the surely the bikers know that smoking at a petrol station is dangerous. But Petron and PLUS should also answer for their workers’ “inability” to act. The government was serious in fining smokers at eateries and prohibited areas, but why couldn’t anyone act against these miscreants?

Source: Thiagarajah Nesan

Allianz Motorcycle Plus Offers Extra Benefits at No Extra Cost

Allianz Motorcycle Plus offers protection for the motorcycle and accident protection for the rider.
One could look at it as a 2-in-1 insurance scheme.
The Comprehensive coverage also covers the bike for natural disasters.
The product is only available for motorcycles from 245cc and below.

Allianz Motorcycle Plus insurance will offer the additional benefits of a personal accident insurance under one package at no added cost.

“Traditional” motorcycle insurance covers only the vehicle in the case of accidents or theft. Vehicle owners purchase this insurance when he renews his road tax. However, that insurace does not cover for personal injuries, disability of death.

Thus, in order to protect oneself, the vehicle owner needs to purchase another personal accident insurance policy.

This is where Allianz Motorcycle Plus differentiates itself. One could call it a 2-in-1 product which insures the motorcycle as well as the rider. However, the premium (price) remains the same as the same insurance for your motorcycle only.

There are two types of cover, of course – Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Comprehensive) and Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Third Party).

Aliianz Motorcycle Plus (Comprehensive)

Accident Cover of RM 5,000 for permanent disability or death.
Hospital income of RM 50 per day for up to a maximum of 60 days.
All Special Perils Full Sum-Insured Protection which provides protection for flood, landslides and other natural disasters.

Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Third Party)

Accident Cover of RM 5,000 for permanent disability or death.
Hospital income of RM 50 per day for up to a maximum of 60 days.

What drew our attention was the protection for “acts of god” (industry speak for natural disasters). None – if any – insurance covers your motorcycle for natural disasters.

While the accident cover and hospital income aren’t as high as provided by personal accident insurance, Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Comprehensive) makes it easy for riders to have such coverage. Many people, much less riders, in Malaysia aren’t covered by personal accident insurance or any type of insurance at all.

Including those benefits under one insurance also makes it easier for the policy holder to claim for injuries. There are many cases where the accident victim’s family members forget or are unaware of claiming from the insurance provider.

Allianz Malaysia will roll out Allianz Motorcycle Plus beginning 1^stMay 2019. The insurance covers motorcycles from 245cc and below, only.

Please visit https://www.allianz.com.my/ for more information.

Kawasaki Jumps on Radar Bandwagon

Kawasaki is the latest manufacturer to work on equipping their bikes with radar.
Their patent filings show a system with front and rear radars.
The system works together with the brakes and throttle.

Kawasaki is the latest manufacturer to work on equipping their bikes with radar.

It is learned that Kawasaki’s system will either warn the rider or engage automated braking if it senses an imminent collision. In their patent filing, the system utilizes a front and rear radar detector. In turn, the radars control the brakes and throttle.

The front radar will scan the road ahead and apply the brakes if there are hazards. The rear radar, on the other hand, will detect fast approaching vehicles and alert the rider to take evasive action.

Kawasaki isn’t the first maker to develop a radar system.

Suzuki is working on equipping their bikes with radar reflectors to make them more visible to radars in other vehicles. Whereas Honda may equip the next Gold Wing with automated braking. All 2020 Ducatis will have front and rear radars in addition to cornering ABS. KTMs will feature adaptive cruise control and blind spot awareness system by 2021.

Vehicle radar technology isn’t merely experimental, as all new European-made cars are mandated to be fixed with automated or emergency braking systems in 2020. The decision follows joint studies by European NCAP and Australasian NCAP that automated brakes can reduce collisions by 38%.

So yes, bikes will definitely be equipped with radars soon.

Honda is Developing a Facial Recognition Helmet

Honda submitted the patents for a facial recognition helmet.
It serves as the security “key” to the bike’s ignition.
How soon will we see this technology in the market?

First it was the mechanical key, then electrical key, followed by keys embedded with microchips and now, a facial recognition helmet. That’s what Honda is working on for motorcycle security.

It works pretty much like the current proximity key – or better known as the keyless system. The security system is available on more and more motorcycles from scooters all the way up to tourers.

But that still means we need to rely on remote key fobs. Worse, thieves have the ability to scan the signal propagating from the key to the receiver on the bike. (This writer’s car was broken into that way.)

The helmet has a camera embedded in the crown’s inner lining. The wearer looks into the helmet in the process of putting it on, the facial recognition camera sends a signal to a control unit in the helmet. From there, another signal goes to the motorcycle’s security control unit which unlocks the handlebar lock.

It’s a novel idea but it also means that you can’t lock your helmet under your scooter’s seat. Locking it inside a top case is fine since you use a separate key.

Will we see this tech soon? Who knows? Honda is pushing out new tech all the time and they make it to the market in short order from their introduction.

Convoy to a Vacation and… Robbing Rampage

Four friends rode in a convoy of Yamaha Y15ZRs for a holiday and robbing rampage.
A CCTV footage showed woman being dragged at high speed.
Three of the four were caught by the police.

Four friends rode in a convoy of Yamaha Y15ZRs for a holiday and robbing rampage.

The four buddies rode more than 100 kilometres from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur and Rawang, Selangor to Muar in Johor to commit their crimes. However, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) busted the gang in less than 72 hours.

PDRM caught three of the suspects, but the fourth perpetrator is still at large. PDRM revealed his name as 27-year-old Mohd. Fariezzuan Shah Che Arif, better known by his “Toncet” nickname. His last known address is at the Sri Kota Flats in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras.

Chief of Police of the Muar District, Assistant Commissioner Zaharudin Rasip said that all four were involved in three cases of snatch theft in the district last Saturday. One of the incidences involving a woman at Jalan Pesta were caught on video and went viral in social media.

The police acted on public information and a detachment from the District Headquarters (IPD) in Muar launched two separate raids which netted a 22-year-old and 24-year-old male in Cheras on 15 April. Another raid in Rawang caught another 24-year-old suspect.

All three will are put on remand until 22 April.

Social media went wild after a video of a woman was dragged at high speed after her handbag was snatched. The footage was caught on CCTV and residents of Muar voiced their concern over the violent crime.

The police added that the four suspects rode their bikes in convoy to Muar for a holiday but switched their mode to a rampage of robbery upon reaching the city.

“The first case was at a petrol station in the city centre but the robbers obtained nothing. The second happened at Jalan Pesta in Bakri but they also achieved nothing. However, the female victim sustain minor injuries.”

“In their third attempt at Jalan Mega, Bakri, the suspects made off with RM 4,500 in cash.”

The police also stated that three of the four have criminal records of past crimes.

They will be investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code and face 20 years in prison and fine or whipping.

Source: Harian Metro Online

First Women Riders in JPJ Motorcycle Enforcement Unit

The Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department (JPJ) now has three women riders in their Motorcycle Enforcement Unit.
The department is starting out with three women riders.
The ladies underwent the same training as their male counterparts.

The Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department (JPJ) has the distinction of being the first to include women in their Motorcycle Enforcement Unit (UPB – Unit Penguatkuasaan Bermotosikal).

The department starts with three women, Wah Moliz Bah, 28; Asma Shafie, 24; Siti Syazwani Hajizin, 27; in the UPB among an all-male force prior to this.

KL JPJ director Datuk Ismail Mohd. Zawawi felt it was time for women to join the UPB and called upon those in their ranks to join the unit.

Wah Moliz took on the director’s call as she had always wanted to ride large capacity bikes.

“The UPB consists of only had men so far, but now the JPJ has opened opportunities for female members to join. It also proves that women are just as competent in operating big bikes,” she told reporters after the 73rd Kuala Lumpur JPJ Day celebrations on Wednesday.

“The courses and training that we underwent were the same as our male counterparts, but the main challenge is the high level of stamina and strength we need because the bikes are heavy,” she said.

On the other hand, Siti Syazwani expressed surprise that she had the opportunity to join the unit.

“The thing that I remember most when I attended the course was when we were asked to lift the Kawasaki Versys 650cc motorcycle that weighs almost 200kg.” (It’s actually more than 200 kg – Ed.)

“We need to know how to lift the motorcycle and if it falls, we have to learn the technique of picking the machine back up. So far, we have been riding our motorcycles to Melaka but there will be more training and courses for us to strengthen and hone our skills,” she said.

Ismail added, “It was an idea that came up early this year and I challenge women to join the UPB because they can do it,” he said.

Source: The Star Online, Bernama

Franco Morbidelli Happy to Take PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team to First Top 5

Franco Morbidelli was happy to finish fifth in the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas over the weekend.
His teammate and rookie Fabio Quartararo crossed the line in seventh.
It was a great for the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.

While everyone was transfixed by Marc Marquez’s early departure and the subsequent battle between Valentino Rossi and Alex Rins, Franco Morbidelli rode to fifth in the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas over the weekend. It the first Top 5 finish for him and the new PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.

Morbidelli fought hard against a resurgent Andrea Dovizioso of Mission Winnow Ducati but had to give way at the end. Dovizioso had qualified 13^thon the grid and fought his way up the field to eventually finish fourth. However, Morbidelli managed to defend his fifth position from Dovizioso’s team Danilo Petrucci.

It was Morbidelli’s best MotoGP result to date since joining the premier class last year.

“I’m very, very happy about this fifth position. We were starting a bit too far, because yesterday we had not a great qualifying. But I was confident that I could be fast in the race today” said the Italian.

His team was also very happy when MotoGP rookie Fabio Quartararo finished in seventh place, one behind Petrucci.

It was excellent results for the Malaysia-based team which didn’t exist a mere six months before the start of the 2019 season.

However, Morbidelli kept his pragmatic approach, saying that the team has to keep improving. “We need to work, we need to improve to get those 8 seconds here. Couple of seconds in Argentina. So we are missing something to get on the podium.”

Confirmed: Dakar Rally Moving to Saudi Arabia in 2020

The Dakar Rally is moving to Saudi Arabia beginning 2020.
The move is due to political and monetary concerns in South America.
Stay tuned for the press conference on 25^thApril.

The Dakar Rally is moving to Saudi Arabia beginning 2020, after months of speculation.

Rumours of the end of the series in South America began within weeks after the completion of the 2019 edition. There were also rumours of the race heading back to Africa, albeit in the south. Soon, an Instagram post claimed that the Saudis were lobbying to hold the race.

Confirmation of the move was confirmed by a Dakar Rally’s official Facebook post.

Africa had hosted the rally since the beginning but political upheavals in Mauritania forced the cancellation of the 2008 edition. The organizers decided to move to the South American continent, where the rally was held in Argentina, Bolivia and Peru.

However, more political and financial concerns dogged the Dakar, forcing it to be held in Peru along earlier this year.

That’s when rumours began circulating that it might head back to the African continent, but will take place in South Africa, Namibia, Angola and Botswana instead of in the historic northern regions.

But an Instagram post by a competitor identified the Saudi kingdom as the next venue. The rally will now cover part of the 3.6 million square kilometre Arabian desert.

The Dakar’s organizer Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) confirmed that they have inked a five-year deal with Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is now an addition as a motorsport venue in the Arabian Peninsula along with Qatar, Oman and United Arab Emirates.

A press conference will be held on 25^thApril to reveal the details of the 2020 Dakar Rally.

What Bikes do John Wick aka Keanu Reeves Own?

There are many celebrities who ride but John Wick a.k.a. Keanu Reeves had his own brand of motorcycles.
He also owns a number of rare motorcycles.
His company Arch Motorcycle builds futuristic custom bikes.

There’s no secret that that John Wick a.k.a. Keanu Reeves er… or is it Keanu Reeves a.k.a. John Wick loves motorcycles. But what bikes does he own?

There are many celebrities who love motorcycles and actually ride instead of just posing with them. The list is long and distinguished including Tom Cruise, Ryan Reynolds, Ewan McGregor, Orlando Bloom, Bear Grylls, Pink, Justin Timberlake, Alanis Morissette, Bradley Cooper, Michael Fassbender, Hugh Laurie, Richard Hammond, Jay Leno, Brad Pitt, David Beckham.

But there is only one among them who owns his brand of motorcycles, and that’s John… er.. Keanu Reeves.

In this interview with GQ Magazine, gives us an insight to Reeves’ passion. He showed us the 1973 Norton Commando 850 MK2A which he bought in 1987. The second bike is the 2004 Ducati 998 Reloaded Edition which was the feature bike in The Matrix: Reloaded. Ducati presented him the bike after to commemorate the film, resplendent in dark green.

He also listed the movies that he rode in such as Chain Reaction, My Own Private Idaho, and the upcoming John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum. (We’ve featured the article about the film’s trailer where John Wick battles assassins on a fleet of Yamaha MT-09s.)

Over to the motorcycle brand he co-founds and co-owns, Arch Motorcycle. It began as a customization contract for a Harley Dyna Wide Glide. The bike became the prototype of the first Arch Motorcycle model – the KRGT-1. Arch Motorcycle produces more than 200 machined aluminium components for the bike themselves, and only outsources the suspension, exhaust and engine.

He also spoked about the company’s next model called the Arch 1S. The bike is a sportier version of the KRGT-1. Reeves went on to show the Method 143 concept which utilizes a carbon fibre monocell chassis.

What other bikes does Reeves hope to own? The 1955 Vincent Black Shadow and Brough Superior. He also hopes to ride a MotoGP bike.

Group of Motorcyclists Hog Road and Refuse to Give Way

A group of motorcyclists were caught on video slipstreaming in a pack.
They also refused to give way to other traffic.
Needless to say, such acts are foolish.

We received some kurang ajar (read: barbaric) responses when we wrote an article about how us motorcyclists can irritate the public and other road users. But look at these guys. They hog the entire road and refuse to give way to other traffic.

A car driver caught the footage of a large group of motorcyclists on the East Coast Highway (LPT) pulling off this stupid stunt. The riders in the group seemed to relish in riding prone in each other’s slipstream to gain higher top speeds.

The poster also said that they refused to heed his warning after he sounded his horn. The video was posted to Info Roadblock and shared by another popular gossip portal. Consequently, it has since gone viral. This is not the way to achieve 15 seconds of fame. Predictably, Malaysians are well-known for their caustic comments including a few which threatened to “run over” such groups with their vehicles.

It’s a dangerous act to carry out even without blocking the traffic. A slip by one rider or a couple of guys hitting each other will send the whole group down. Needless to say, everyone will get hurt or worse, getting hit by other traffic. Say, a truck.

Not only that, it sullies the name of all motorcyclists. Drivers of other vehicles wouldn’t give a second wink to differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys: Everyone is the same! That’s the human nature to generalize everything he sees or hears about.

So, stop it, you fools!