Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

KTM RC16 MotoGP Racebike for Sale

KTM is putting up the former RC16 MotoGP racebike for private sale.
The owner will receive a number of attractive gifts in the process.
Only two are available at €250,000 each.

Step right up, step right up! Your wish of owning a MotoGP bike is now answered. Just place your entire life savings for this KTM RC16 MotoGP racebike!

KTM’s CEO Stefan Pierer did announce that a road-legal bike based on the RC16 MotoGP racer will be available someday. The Austrian factory has yet to launch one, probably pending success in the series first.

But! You can now own a KTM RC16 MotoGP racebike. The factory is selling two former RC16 for private purchase.

KTM will throw in a dream goodie bag. It includes a full set of riding gear from Pol Espargaro (racesuit, gloves, boots, etc.) and a signed AGV helmet.

Additionally, the owner can choose to be apart of the Red Bull KTM MotoGP factory team for one weekend of his or her own choice. Goodies include paddock tour, pitbox tour, meet and greet with Johann Zarco and Pol Espargaro, and a set of Red Bull KTM team apparel.

It is still a good deal because a special weekend pass like that could cost at USD 10,000 (RM 41,865.00). RC16 not included.

Interested? Please prepare €250,000 (RM 1,190,273.23). Oh, they’re not street legal, of course.

New MIPS Liner Helmet Technology May Save More Lives

The MIPS liner allows more space for the head to move inside the helmet in the event of a crash.
Consequently, the wearer’s head does not absorb the impact energy directly.
The creators hope more helmet manufacturers will pick up on the technology.

The EICMA show is not just about new bikes but also new technologies. The MIPS liner was one such highlight at the 2018 edition..

MIPS stands for “Multi-directional Impact Protection System.” It allows the wearer’s head to move inside the helmet should there be an impact.

Wait, allows the head to move around? We have to remember that the extent of injuries resulted from not how one crashed, instead they are dependent on how one stopped after the crash.

That is exactly what the EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner in a helmet addresses. The EPS liner is that thick, white-coloured liner which sits between the comfort liner (cushion) and the hard helmet shell. It crushes to absorb the impact energy by extending the distance for the head to move inside the helmet. The head does not stopped abruptly, as a result. This is the same concept behind crush zones for cars.

However, according to the MIPS Board, the EPS liner is not in doing its job enough. The origins of the MIPS liner go back to the 1990s when a neurosurgeon (brain surgeon) found many brain injuries despite the patients wearing helmets.

Helmet tests involve assessing how much energy is transferred to sensors or a head form within the helmet. The impact results from striking the helmet directly at 90^o. In the real world, however, contacting an object perpendicularly is a rarity. Instead, it’s usually a glancing blow (due to the helmet’s round shape, among other things).

Striking an object at an angle other than perpendicularly sends a rotational force through the helmet. The soft tissue in the brain is subjected to shearing forces. It is like tearing raw meat away from the bone. It is this very factor which causes the worse brain injuries.

With the MIPS liner in place, the head has another 10- to 15mm of movement. The MIPS Board claims that it reduces force transmission by up to another 40%.

There are eight different MIPS liners for different applications in motorcycling, cycling and snowboarding. The MIPS Board aims to push the technology to present helmet makers, but they admit that the take up is slow. However, professional riders have shown much interest.

Source: MCN

Be a Smart Consumer When Choosing Tyres

A workshop wanted to con me by selling an old Bridgestone Battlax BT23 front tyre.
That was after he said that the new Bridgestone Battlax T31 front tyre causes the front to wobble.
It turned out that he was talking about the GT version which is meant for heavyweight bikes.

“Be a smart consumer.” That’s what I always tell my friends.

The tyres on my 2012 Kawasaki ER-6f had worn smooth. I was using the Bridgestone Battlax T-30 Evo prior so it’s only natural that I selected the new Battlax T31.

When I went hunting for the Battlax T31 about two months ago, it was out of stock at my regular workshop for more than 20 years, Sunny Cycle. But I needed a new rear desperately as the old tyre’s carcass was starting to show.

But another shop along Jalan Ipoh had them in stock.

However, the head mechanic said, “T31 rear is okay, but the front causes the bike to goyang (wobble).” I was surprised because apart from the old BT21, the subsequent BT23, T30 and T30 Evo didn’t cause any “wobbles.”

“You sure you still want the T31 front?” he pressed. “I recommend that you use T31 at the back and BT23 in front,” he continued.

That set the alarm bells in head my ringing. I rejected the BT23 insisted on the T31 front. Bridgestone had stopped producing the BT23 more than 5 years ago! It was succeeded by the excellent Battlax T30.

He went into his store and came back with a set of T31. I was surprised to find the Battlax T31 GT for the front! Now wait a minute. The T31 GT version is meant for heavyweight sport-tourers such as the BMW R 1200 RT, Kawasaki 1400GTR, Yamaha FJR1300, Honda VFR1200, …. You get the idea.

The carcass and sidewalls of the GT version are stiffer to support the weight of such heavy bikes. On the other hand, middleweight bikes such as the ER-6, Versys 650 and all the way to the 900cc sport-tourers lack the weight to deflect the GT tyre into their intended form. Consequently, the tyre doesn’t have enough contact patch with the road. Apart from that, the compound on GT tyres are slightly harder, again to compensate for the extra weight. Both these factors will cause the front end to goyang if fitted to lighter bikes!

So, I decided to stick with the worn T30 Evo in front and mount the new T31 at the back. I later found out that there were stacks upon stacks of new BT-23 tyres in his store when I went to the bathroom!

There’s more heartache to come.

The mechanic laid the wheel on the bare concrete floor and pried out the tyre. I’ve now got scratches all around the rim. He then used an impact wrench to pound in the rear axle’s nut. I’m going to have trouble unlocking that nut to adjust the chain.

I paid for the tyre and got the heck out of there.

I got a call from Sunny Cycle when the T31 arrived. JS, the head mechanic tended to my bike.

He removed the wheel and stuck his fingers into the hub cavity to check if the bearings were still good. He then used a tyre change machine to remove the old tyre. He followed up with balancing the tyre.

He locked the wheel and brake calipers in place with a torque wrench, instead of the dreaded pneumatic impact wrench. Finally, he checked everything one more time before inflating the pressure to my preference.

I rode the bike with the new tyre to Jitra, Kedah and back, for a total of 912 kilometres. We even rode in the type of rain which obscures almost all our vision. We rode at crawling speeds all the way up to more than 180 km/h.

Did the Battlax T31 front tyre goyang? NOT ONE BIT!

I hope you got the message. I found out about the T31 GT through research and reading and insisted that I didn’t want it.

So, please do your research. Read more. Be a smart consumer instead of trusting some unscrupulous mechanic.

JPJ Warns Motorcycle Workshops Against Modifications

The Perlis state JPJ sent a warning to motorcycle shops and owners against illegal modifications.
The Department caught fifteen modified Yamaha Y15ZRs during an operation.
Among the modifications are to increase top speeds and excessively loud exhausts.

The JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan or Road Transport Ministry, in English) has warned motorcycle workshops against modifying motorcycles.

Shahrul Azhar Mat Dali, Director of JPJ Perlis sent the warning after catching a number of modified motorcycles. 15 modified Yamaha Y15ZRs discovered during an operation on the night of 26^thNovember 2018. The department is aware there are a number of workshops carrying out the illegal modifications in the state.

“The customers who request modifications and the workshops agreeing to it are both complicit,” he continued.

“If we catch any more individuals who modified their bikes, the owners will be investigated under Section 114 of the Road Transport Act 1987. If found to be true, the motorcycles will be confiscated, and the owners charged under Section 64(1) of the same Act.”

The Director further added that the JPJ has identified three main active locations of carrying out the modifications. They are Beseri, Serian and Arau. The main offences are modifying motorcycles for more speed and using exhausts that are excessively loud.

The operation is part of JPJ’s advocation program to educate motorcyclists to adhere to road laws. This is in view of the high number of fatalities among motorcyclists in the country.

He also advised all road users to report offences to the JPJ. The Department in Perlis can be reached at 04-9763995 or through email p.perlis@jpj.gov.my.

Sourced from Bernama.

Norton Superlight Ready for Racing

The Norton Superlight was introduced after the Atlas.
This new bike uses the same 650cc engine as the Atlas but has been tuned for racing.
The 650cc engine makes 105 bhp and the bike weighs only 158 kg dry.

The British manufacturer follows up with the Norton Superlight after introducing the scrambler type Atlas Ranger and Atlas Nomad.

The Norton Superlight is based on the same platform as the two scramblers. However, the Superlight is truly as race bike.

Yes, its engine is shared with the Atlas. It’s a 650cc parallel-Twin but with a 270^ocrank. But instead of making 85 bhp and 63.7 Nm of torque, the Superlight’s engine is tuned to 104.5 bhp (78 kW) and 74.6 Nm of torque.

The Superlight weighs only 158 kg dry, thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre. The bodywork and wheels are made of the black gold stuff. The polished frame is by the British frame expert, Spondon.

The bike employs Öhlins NIX forks at the front and an Öhlins TTX GP at the rear. A pair of Brembo M50 monobloc calipers clamp a pair of 320mm discs. The Superlight also has a up and down quickshifter.

Traction control is IMU assisted which provides wheelie control and launch control, additionally.

The bike is street-legal and conforms to Euro 4 regulations. It costs £19,950 in the UK, if you want to have one.

Brutal Crash Videos Serve to Educate Us

There are many brutal crash videos on the internet.
Instead of using them for morbid entertainment, let us learn from them.
Try to identify their mistakes and stay away from them.

All videos copyright DirtBike Lunatic YouTube Channel

Beware: This is a compilation of some nasty crashes and injuries. But let’s learn from what we shouldn’t do from this brutal crash video.

The compilation is packed with bikers trying to perform stunts to grevious results. However, there are also other clips demonstrating the classic mistakes we could very well make in everyday riding.

For example, watch the clip of a supermoto rider running wide and hitting the side of a car on the opposite side of the road. That’s what happens when target fixation and ineffective steering takes hold. The rider should’ve kept his eyes through the turn. Had the corner been blind, he needs to keep drawing a line through it, regardless. Remember the principle: Look at where you want to go.

There’s another in which the rider must’ve been daydreaming. The car in front of him had signaled very early to turn into an intersection to the right but our rider just kept riding down the inside (right side) of the car.

A later clip showed a riding buddy and his motorcycle almost going over a cliff. That’s the result of entering a corner too early with too much speed. The rider would’ve target fixated the outside of the road in the resulting panic. A later entry with less speed would’ve seen him arriving safely at his destination.

The second video above opens to a famous crash in Taiwan. The rider low-sided his bike which slid into the patch of an incoming bike. Later investigations showed that the first rider had used inferior tyres, besides leaning over too much, causing his rear tyre to lose traction.

The next clip showed one of the most common dangers we are faced with. A car pulled through the intersection and our rider had nowhere to go. The lesson here is to be extra careful at intersections and don’t blast through them.

There are so many more in here. See if you could spot their mistakes and learn from them.

How Much Power Does the 2019 Triumph Moto2 Engine Make?

Moto2 riders have tested the 2019 Triumph Moto2 engines.
The Moto2 teams then build frames around the engine.
But how much horsepower does the race engine produce?

The Moto2 field has successfully tested their 2019 Triumph Moto2 engine powered bikes.

But which model was the engine was sourced from? Or more specifically, how much power it produces?

We have already touched on this subject, but a refresher is always good. That’s because Dorna has revised a couple of regulations since we published that article.

First and foremost, the Moto2 and Moto3 categories are considered “feeder classes” to MotoGP. That means the two classes are the breeding grounds for future MotoGP riders.

As such, a single spec-engine is supplied to all Moto2 teams. The teams such as KTM, MV Agusta, Kalex, NTS, Speed Up then develop and build their own frames and chassis around around the engine.

The previous sole engine supplier had been Honda. The powerplant was based on their CBR600RR road bike.

The operative word here is “road bike.” Dorna wanted Moto2 machines to be as close to road bikes as possible, hence the engines were drawn from bikes you and I could buy. Consequently, the engine also has its power output limited to a certain degree.

Triumph’s Moto2 engine is based on the Street Triple RS’s 765cc triple, launched in 2017. The street engine produces 121 bhp at 11,700 RPM and 77 Nm of torque at 10,800 RPM. There are 80 new parts in the new 765cc triple compared to the previous 675cc triple.

So, how much does power the race engine produce and what was done to it? Triumph has published an official press release.

Engine Testing and Development

Triumph has conducted a multi-phase testing programme to maximize the engine’s performance, durability and drivability. The programme included:

2-year development program of factory-based dynamometer and multiple track locations for testing.
Completed more than 2,500 laps at race pace.
Application of high-performance engine coatings.
Development of key engine internals.

Among the changes to the engine are:

Modified cylinder head with revised inlet and exhaust ports to optimize gas flow.
Higher compression ratio (the pistons are standard).
Titanium valves and stiffer springs.
Revised cam timing for higher peak RPM.
High flow fuel injectors.
Low inertia racing alternator.
Revised 1^stand 2^ndgear ratios.
Revised engine covers to reduce width.
Revised sump to improve exhaust pipe routing.
The revisions yield 138 bhp.

By why not higher horsepower? Because more exotic parts need to be employed to raise the power higher. Additionally, the engine’s structure as well as other stock parts need to be developed. Doing so will raise the costs which needs to be absorbed by the teams. Dorna wants to encourage higher participation through lower costs.

ECU Development and Testing

All Moto2 bikes will employ the standard Magneti Marelli ECU provided by Dorna. The ECU was made in collaboration with Triumph. Dorna is forgoing the traction control feature for Moto2 in 2019, despite announcing otherwise earlier this year. Having traction control would require teams to employ dedicated data analysts which will drive costs up, in turn.

Chassis Development and Testing

Triumph supplied early development engines through Externpro to the teams to conduct tests. The tests were carried out by Moto2 riders.

Results from post-2018 season tests at Jerez

All riders commented that they were familiarizing themselves to the new bike, engine characteristics and ECU. The weather at Jerez was cold over the test period with only brief moments of sunshine and rained on the third day.

Still, the tests revealed that the new bikes were already on the same pace as the previous year’s. Indeed, all riders gave positive feedback at the end of the tests especially with regards to smooth power delivery and higher torque, compared to the previous engine.

They should be faster by the first official Moto2 tests starting 20^thFebruary 2019 at Jerez.

Adiva AD3 400 Launched (from RM38,800)

The Adiva AD3 400 three-wheeled scooter has been launched.
It features two front wheels and a foldable roof.
The AD3 is used by the Singapore Police since 2014.

The Adiva AD3 400 was launched over the weekend to a warm reception.

It is the latest 3-wheeled motorcycle to hit Malaysian roads, but it was not just the case of slapping a roof and trunk over a standard scooter. We discovered that the mother company had performed a great amount of engineering before offering the AD3 400 to the market.

Highlights of the Adiva AD3 400 are:

2-wheeled front end with wishbone struts and independent suspension.

Retractable roof, which folds into a compact size and stored in the trunk.

Large windscreen protects the rider from UV rays, the weather and debris.
A windscreen wiper with integrated windshield cleaner fluid jet.

90L trunk can accommodate two helmets, rider gear and bag (when roof is deployed).

Powerful 399cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine.
The fuel injected powerplant produces a healthy 36.7 bhp (27.4 kW) at 7,250 RPM and 38.1 Nm at 5,500 RPM.
Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a constantly variable transmission (CVT).

Dual analog gauges with central LDC screen.

The Adiva company began in Italy in 1996 and began production in 2001. It then started a production in Taiwan in 2008, while the HQ and R&D facility remains in Italy. A Japanese distributor was established in 2015. Two years later, in 2017, Adiva opened another manufacturing base in China. Finally, the company opened a manufacturing facility in Malaysia in 2018 to support sales in the Asian region.

Of note, the 2001 to 2006 Adiva were considered to handle better than BMW’s C1 roofed scooter. In 2014, the AD3 was acquired by the Singapore police, while the AR3 was adopted by the Singapore postal service.

That means the Adiva AD3 is not some fly-by-night novelty. Instead, it is an established model in other countries before making its way here.

The launch on Saturday, 24^thNovember was witnessed by its official dealers. They were given the opportunity to test ride the bike and their feedback was positive. Adiva Distribution (M) Sdn. Bhd. had also employed the services of a Japanese stunt rider to demonstrate the AD3 400’s agility.

The base Adiva AD3 400 is priced from RM 38,800 (basic selling price, not on-the-road). Front sport rims are a RM 1,650 option.

We hope to take the bike out into the real world soon, so stay tuned!

PICTURE GALLERY

KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival 2018 @ Sungai Petani – “Last Party”

The KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival 2018 at Sungai Petani heralded the closing of the year.
KTM Malaysia organized many fun activities for the attendees.
The lucky draw’s Grand Prize was a 200 Duke.

The KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival 2018 shifted to Sungai Petani, Kedah for the final time of year. The event was held on Saturday, 24^thNovember 2018.

The day started out with a lazy morning under cloudy skies and cool weather. Soon, bikers started showing up on all brands of machinery. They were followed by the Northern Dukers on KTMs. The parking lot was soon filled with KTM Dukes and RCs of every customized look.

A large number of riders belonging to bike clubs of other brands also arrived later on.

KTM Malaysia organized a day full of activities for every visitor.

The fun and games included:

Test rides of KTM’s latest bikes.
Fun-Hana (gymkhana) which is open to all brands.
Stunt shows.
Service campaign for KTM motorcycles.
Lucky draw.

As expected, many took part in the test rides. KTM Malaysia had lined up almost every model they are offering. Among the bikes were the 250 Duke, 390 Duke, RC 250, 1050 Adventure, 1290 Super Duke GT, 1290 Super Duke R.

Meanwhile, the competition was starting to heat up at the Fun-Hana track. Participants tried their best to negotiate the tight slalom course and record the fastest time.

The Service Campaign received plenty of attention too. KTM Malaysia not only serviced the bikes, but they also rain diagnostics with KTM’s official electronic diagnostic tool. Addition, the technicians performed safety inspections of the bikes. Owners were informed of items that need attention.

Every participant who purchased an official KTM Orange Carnival Pack was entitled to the lucky draw. there was plenty of interest since the grand prize was a brand-new 2018 KTM 200 Duke.

Finally, there were also many exhibition booths on that day. KTM displayed and provided special pricing for their PowerParts accessories and PowerWear clothing collection. Gracshaw helmets, Elf Lubricants and KTM dealers were also present.

PICTURE GALLERY

A New BMW F 850 GT or XR Middleweight Sport-Tourer Being Tested?

Is a new BMW F 850 GT or XR middleweight sport-tourer being tested?
The engine is clearly a parallel-Twin most likely the 853cc unit in the F 850 GS.
This model will fill BMW’s middleweight sport-tourer gap.

Is Motorrad testing a BMW F 850 GT or XR middleweight sport-tourer? BMW Motorrad understands that they need a bike to fill the void of a more accessible middleweight sport-tourer in terms of performance, weight and especially price.

From the pictures, we can deduce that the new bike is equipped with new 853cc parallel-Twin which powers the F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure. The prototype bike has a sharp styling like that of the S 1000 XR sport-tourer.

You can also see large side cases (panniers) and top boxes fitted to them. So, could this be the future F 850 GT or F 850 XR to replace the current F 800 GT?

Panniers and top boxes akin to those on the S 1000 XR

The spy shots also show a lowered seat height, complementary of the 17-inch road wheels and shorter, road-oriented suspension. The F 850 GS, on the other hand, wears a 21-inch wheel up front and longer suspension for off-road duties.

Another observation is the taller windscreen with a TFT screen below it. The new sport-tourer ought to feature traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, quickshifter, Dynamic ESA and LED lighting should it follow the premium F 850 GS’s specs.

We’re guessing that BMW is gunning for the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer GT, but will the German manufacturer match the Japanese’s low price?

We shall see.

Boon Siew Honda Launches 2019 Honda PCX Hybrid, 2019 Honda Forza 300, 2019 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

Boon Siew Honda has launched the 2019 Honda PCX Hybrid, 2019 Honda Forza 300, 2019 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
The launch was at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS).
The bikes are part of BSH’s pledge to introduce 12 new models in 2018.

They are among the bikes we’ve waited a long time for but they are finally here. That’s right: Boon Siew Honda launched the 2019 Honda PCX Electric, 2019 Honda Forza 300 and 2019 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. The launch was at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS), in the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

2019 HONDA PCX HBRID

Launched at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show alongside its EV (electric vehicle) sibling, Honda Japan had planned to market it around Asia this year. The prospect of having a hybrid motorcycle from a major manufacturer is thus exciting. We reported on its initial launch in 2017.

Highlights:

Powered by a 150cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder petrol engine.
The engine is mated to an electric motor.
The motor is assisted by a high-output Lithium-ion battery, in turn.
Besides that, the motor assist system is coupled to an ACG starter.
The petrol engine delivers 14.5 bhp (10.8 kW) at 8,500 RPM and 13.6 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM.
On the other hand, the electric motor produces 1.9 bhp (1.4 kW) at 3,000 RPM and 4.3 Nm at 3,000 RPM.
The Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) and Idling Stop System (ISS) features provide additional fuel economy.
The 2019 PCX Hybrid features 3 riding modes: Drive (D), Sport (S), Idling OFF (deactivates ISS and maintains D mode power level).
Other features are Combined Braking System (CBS), Honda SMART KEY, full-LED lighting, fully digital console, DC socket for charging devices, large underseat compartment, 8-litre fuel tank.
Only the Pearl Dark Night Blue colour option is available at the moment.

BSH prices it at RM 13,499 (retail selling price exclusive of road tax, insurance, registration fee).

2019 HONDA FORZA 300

The Forza 300 has been Honda’s best-selling maxi scooter in Europe for many years running now. The 2019 model has a new, more aggressive styling with a number of convenient features.

Highlights:

Its 279cc, four-valve, SOHC, water-cooled engine produces 24.8 bhp (18.5 kW) at 7,000 RPM and 27.2 Nm of torque at 5,750 RPM.
31 km/L fuel consumption.
11.5-litre fuel tank.
12 kg lighter than the 2015 model.
Wheelbase is 35mm shorter at 1510mm.
First Honda automatic scooter to feature Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) – equivalent to traction control.
LCD screen with analogue gauges.
ABS is standard.
Honda SMART KEY.
Underseat storage space for two full-faced helmets.
12V charging socket.
Electrically adjustable windscreen.
All-around LED lighting.
The 2019 Forza 300 is available in Pearl Horizon White, Sword Silver Metallic, Asteroid Black Metallic.

BSH prices it from RM 30,999.00 (retail selling price exclusive of road tax, insurance, registration fee).

2019 HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE

The “Fireblade” stands for low weight hence higher power-to-weight ratio since the introduction of the groundbreaking CBR900RR in 1992. Honda says the new CBR1000RR was inspired by the “Next Stage Total Control” concept.

Highlights:

The 998cc, DOHC, 16-valve, inline-Four engine produces 189 bhp (141 kW) at 13,000 RPM and 114 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM.
Harnessing that power are Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), Selectable Engine Braking (SEB), ABS, Power Selector, and optional quickshifter with Downshift Assist.
A 3-mode Riding Mode Select System (RMSS) combines with HSTC, SEB and engine power.
Mode 1 is for track use, Mode 2 is for winding roads, and Mode 3 for street riding.
There are also 2 rider-customizable modes.
It is available in Grand Prix Red and Matt Ballistic Black Metallic.

Boon Siew Honda prices the 2019 CBR1000RR Fireblade from RM 91,999.00 (retail selling price exclusive of road tax, insurance, registration fee).

2019 Kawasaki W800 Introduced at EICMA 2018

The 2019 Kawasaki W800 was unveiled at EICMA 2018.
Kawasaki claims the bike is 90% new.
It is offered in Street and Café variants.

There were many cries of disbelief when the W800 was axed in 2016. But mourn no more as the 2019 Kawasaki W800 broke cover at EICMA 2018.

The previous model was dropped as it did not comply with the Euro4 emission standard.

Launched back in 2011, the W800 replaced the W650. They were considered ahead of time, before the modern retro revolution. However, Kawasaki dealers were without a modern-retro when production stopped. Compared to the Z900RS and Z900RS Café, the W800 was a “true” classic and was a cheaper option.

Kawasaki says the 2019 bike is 90% all-new. The engine remains a 773cc, air-cooled, SOHC parallel-Twin, though. Its most distinguishing feature is the bevel gear operated cam, like old-fashioned Ducatis. The crank is 360^o(both pistons rise and fall together), instead of the traditional 180^o(one piston up, the other down) or more contemporary 270^o. Power output is 47bhp. A slipper clutch connects the engine to a five-speed gearbox.

Rolling stock consists of 41mm forks and twin rear shocks. A rear disc brake is new.

The 2019 Kawasaki W800 is offered in two forms. The Street is a “standard”-type modern-retro. The Café is a café racer complete with a headlamp cowling, lowered handlebar, solo-type seat.

Modern equipment include LED headlight, multifunction LCD screens in dual round gauges, and standard ABS.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

KTM is putting up the former RC16 MotoGP racebike for private sale.

The owner will receive a number of attractive gifts in the process.

Only two are available at €250,000 each.

The MIPS liner allows more space for the head to move inside the helmet in the event of a crash.

Consequently, the wearer’s head does not absorb the impact energy directly.

The creators hope more helmet manufacturers will pick up on the technology.

A workshop wanted to con me by selling an old Bridgestone Battlax BT23 front tyre.

That was after he said that the new Bridgestone Battlax T31 front tyre causes the front to wobble.

It turned out that he was talking about the GT version which is meant for heavyweight bikes.

The Perlis state JPJ sent a warning to motorcycle shops and owners against illegal modifications.

The Department caught fifteen modified Yamaha Y15ZRs during an operation.

Among the modifications are to increase top speeds and excessively loud exhausts.

The Norton Superlight was introduced after the Atlas.

This new bike uses the same 650cc engine as the Atlas but has been tuned for racing.

The 650cc engine makes 105 bhp and the bike weighs only 158 kg dry.

There are many brutal crash videos on the internet.

Instead of using them for morbid entertainment, let us learn from them.

Try to identify their mistakes and stay away from them.

Moto2 riders have tested the 2019 Triumph Moto2 engines.

The Moto2 teams then build frames around the engine.

But how much horsepower does the race engine produce?

Engine Testing and Development

Among the changes to the engine are:

ECU Development and Testing

Chassis Development and Testing

Results from post-2018 season tests at Jerez

The Adiva AD3 400 three-wheeled scooter has been launched.

It features two front wheels and a foldable roof.

The AD3 is used by the Singapore Police since 2014.

Highlights of the Adiva AD3 400 are:

PICTURE GALLERY

The KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival 2018 at Sungai Petani heralded the closing of the year.

KTM Malaysia organized many fun activities for the attendees.

The lucky draw’s Grand Prize was a 200 Duke.

The fun and games included:

PICTURE GALLERY

Is a new BMW F 850 GT or XR middleweight sport-tourer being tested?

The engine is clearly a parallel-Twin most likely the 853cc unit in the F 850 GS.

This model will fill BMW’s middleweight sport-tourer gap.

Boon Siew Honda has launched the 2019 Honda PCX Hybrid, 2019 Honda Forza 300, 2019 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.

The launch was at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS).

The bikes are part of BSH’s pledge to introduce 12 new models in 2018.

2019 HONDA PCX HBRID

Highlights:

2019 HONDA FORZA 300

Highlights:

2019 HONDA CBR1000RR FIREBLADE

Highlights:

The 2019 Kawasaki W800 was unveiled at EICMA 2018.

Kawasaki claims the bike is 90% new.

It is offered in Street and Café variants.

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