Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

Valentino Rossi Wins His Seventh Monza Rally

Valentino Rossi won his seventh Monza Rally over the weekend.
It was also his fourth victory in a row.
Rossi has proclaimed his love for rally racing since 2005.

Valentino Rossi has at last won a race in 2018 in the Monza Rally, but behind the wheels of a rally car.

He secured his seventh Monza Rally win, the fourth in a row, by beating Teemu Suninen by 1 minute 27 seconds. Rossi and his navigator/co-driver Carla Cassina won eight of the nine asphalt stages. They tied Finnish rally star Suninen for the win of the ninth stage.

Rossi didn’t win the final head-to-head “Master Show” race, however. He was beaten by compatriot and nine-time Grand Prix motocross world champion Antonio “Tony” Cairoli but a mere 0.59s.

The top four drivers of the Monza Rally drove the Ford Fiesta WRC Plus, while Cairoli was the top non-Ford finisher in fifth overall in his Hyundai I20. The Top 5 finishing order was Rossi, Suninen, Roberto Brivio (brother of Ecstar Suzuki MotoGP team boss Davide Brivio), Alessio Salucci and Cairoli.

The Italian suffered through the 2018 MotoGP without a win, so this victory must’ve been something sweet for him.

Rossi’s first foray into rally racing was in 2002 at the WRC Rally Great Britain in 2005, driving a Peugeot 206 WRC but he crashed out in the second stage.

His World Racing Championship (WRC) idol, the late Colin McRae taught him the basics of rally car control afterwards. Rossi went on to race against McRae at the 2005 Monza Rally Show. He who drove a Subaru Impreza WRC and beat McRae who drove a Skoda Fabia WRC.

Rossi also tested a Ferrari Formula 1 car in 2006 at Valencia. He eventually finished 0.5s behind Michael Schumacher on the third day. However, Rossi announced that he will continue with MotoGP. Schumacher was disappointed but supported Rossi’s decision.

Hafizh Syahrin Conferred Excellence in Sports Award

Malaysian MotoGP rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah was conferred the Excellence in Sports Award.
The award was presented by the DYMM Sultan of Selangor on the occasion of His Excellency’s birthday.
Hafizh Syahrin is the country’s first full-time MotoGP rider.

Malaysian MotoGP rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah has been conferred the Anugerah Darjah Kebesaran Bintang Kegemilangan Sukan (Excellence in Sports Award) today. However, the award does not carry the title of “Dato’.”

The award was presented by His Excellency DYMM Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj today as part of His birthday celebrations.

Hafizh Syahrin distinguished himself as the country’s first full-time MotoGP rider when he was picked to join the Monster Tech3 Yamaha MotoGP team this year. He partnered two-time Moto2 Champion, Johann Zarco.

The rider will move onto a factory KTM RC16 works MotoGP bike next year following Tech3’s move to the new camp. Partnering Hafizh is Moto2 frontrunner Miguel Oliveira.

Hafizh began racing on pocket bikes. His exploits earned him the title “King of Pocket Bikes.” He moved on to Cub Prix racing before moving to Spain for the CEV series. It was there that he picked up the “El Pescao” nickname. “Pescao” means “fish” in Spanish as the rider had always excelled during wet races.

Ducati Malaysia Offers Rebates up to 80% this Ducati Red Christmas!

Ducati Malaysia is making this holiday extra merry by offering rebates of up to 80%.
The Ducati Red Christmans Year-End Special promotions will have Ducati fans seeing 2018 out on a sweet note.
There are savings on bikes, accessories, besides promos on Desmo service and free 15-point check.

Ducati fans are in for a merry year-end treat as Ducati Malaysia is offering rebates up to 80% during the Ducati Red Christmas Year-End Special promotion.

Beginning now until 31^stDecember, customers will enjoy savings up to RM50,000 on selected Ducati bikes (exclusively for Ducati PJ customers):

The fun and versatile Multistrada 950 from only RM76,000 which comes with a free Touring Pack;
Customers can now own a Diavel Diesel at just RM115,000 onwards.The Diesel edition embodies the timeless and Diesel’s hard rock DNA, complete with a Termignoni full-system exhaust package.

Ducati Malaysia is also offering amazing storewide discounts:

Up to 70% on Ducati and Scrambler Ducati apparel until 2^ndJanuary 2019 at the official Ducati merchandise shop in Ducati PJ.
To celebrate the jolly season, customers are encouraged to take this opportunity to gift their loved ones with festive Ducati merchandise gift sets.

Additionally, Ducati fans can usher in the New Year with brand new Ducati Performance Parts and accessories (at all authorised Ducati stores and dealerships nationwide):

Up to 80% for Ducati accessories and spare parts from 10^thDecember 2018 to 13^thJanuary 2019.
Customers will also be treated to a 25% rebate for Desmo service parts as part of its pre-purchase program.
To sweeten the deal, customers with minimum spend of RM600 in a single receipt will bring home a complimentary authentic Ducati T-shirt worth RM250!

As a token of appreciation for the continuous support from Ducati fans and owners:

Ducati Malaysia will also be providing a free 15-point check at the Ducati Service Clinic Ducati Malaysia from 21^st– 23^rdDecember.
This special value added service is available from 10am to 5pm and is open to all Ducati models, including official imports and grey import bikes.

So head over to Ducati Malaysia for this great Ducati Red Christmas!

For more information, fans can visit Ducati Malaysia’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DucatiMY/ or Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/ducati_my/.

Chia Motor PJ Kawasaki Appreciation Night

Chia Motor PJ Kawasaki Appreciation Night paid homage to those who brought the team to success.
The team captured the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship with rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman.
They had also won the Teams’ Championship.

Chia Motor PJ held a special event called Chia Motor PJ Kawasaki Appreciation Night.

The occasion celebrated their success of their rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman capturing the premier Superbike Category in the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK). The Chia Motor PJ Kawasaki team had also won the Teams’ Championship.

The event began with Chia Motor PJ’s proprietor, Keith Chia thanking the sponsors and contributors to the team. It started with Dato’ Jeffery Lim, General Manager and Director of Kawasaki Motor (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Keith mentioned that Kawasaki Malaysia had been instrumental the team’s success throughout the years. Indeed, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R was the weapon on which Azlan Shah destroyed the competition.

Next up was Kratos Motorsports Sdn. Bhd. who are the official distributor of K-Tech suspension systems in Malaysia. Kratos works hand-in-hand with Chia Motor PJ to supply K-Tech suspension solutions to motorcycle owners who demand the best in suspension technology and handling from their bikes. Azlan Shah’s racebike was fitted with K-Tech suspension components, consequently.

An award of appreciation was also handed to Bikes Republic and Moto Malaya as we covered the team’s journey through the entire 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship season. It was a real honour observing the professionalism of the team in carrying out their duties. Managing Editor Keshy Dillon received the award from Keith Chia.

Next up was Mr. Edmund Lim, the Director of Octo Galaxy Sdn. Bhd. Octo Galaxy is the official distributor Eurol Lubricant and products. Eurol sponsors the lubricants used in the team’s Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

Lastly, a special appreciation award was handed to Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman. Keith was full of respect for the rider MSBK lap record when he qualified on pole for the two final rounds. His lap of 2:07.708s was only 2 seconds away from the times recorded in the full-blown World Superbike Championship round at SIC.

Keith also iterated on how proud he is to be a Malaysian for having a team consisting of all races and religions working together to achieve the highest accolades.

Scores of Kawasaki owners showed up for the evening, too, despite the heavy rain.

The night continued with dinner, a live band and lucky draws.

Biker Volunteered his Yamaha R1 to Thai Cop in Chase

A biker volunteered his Yamaha R1 to a cop to chase down a hit-and-run suspect.
He decided to help after seeing the pickup driver smash through a police roadblock.
He and the policeman chased down the truck and stopped it.

In what seemed like a scene out of a action movie, a Thai cop chased down a hit-and-run suspect on a Yamaha R1 in Phang Nga, Krabi Province.

Ao Lueak Police Chief Col. Kritsanat Wongklaharn said that they received a call by the Phang Nga police that a pickup truck was fleeing to Krabi after a hit-and-run incident. The Ao Lueak police set up a checkpoint but the truck broke through the roadblock at Na Nuea.

A Yamaha YZF-R1 rider saw what happened and offered a policeman to jump on the back. The other policemen followed behind.

The pair on the R1 managed to chase down the truck and the policeman shot the front tyre but the former kept going. The policeman fired more warning shots and the driver was eventually stopped by police at the Seaboard Road in Krabi.

Drug tests on the 21-year-old suspect was came up positive. He told his captors that he had had an argument with his wife prior to the rampage.

He was subsequently charged with driving under the influence of drugs, driving with disregard for others’ safety, driving through stop signs and reckless driving.

The biker should receive a medal, in our opinion.

Foggy-Petronas FP1 – Malaysia’s Own Superbike

Malaysia had our own superbike called the Foggy-Petronas FP1.
Built for WSBK racing from 2003, homologation called for 150 units.
Petronas and Momoto got into a legal case and importation stalled.

Did you know Malaysia did have our own superbike? Yes, we had the Foggy-Petronas FP1.

Background of the Foggy-Petronas FP1

Produced between January to July 2003, it was a homologation model for World Superbike Racing. Petronas and Sauber Petronas Engineering originally developed the Petronas 989cc GP1 prototype for MotoGP racing. However, the decided that they should try in Superbike racing first. The Suber Petronas F1 venture shot Petronas into international fame.

The FIM capped at 750cc for four cylinders, 900cc for triple, 1000cc for twins, however. In order to comply, the FP1’s engine capacity became 899.5cc. Petronas needed to produce 150 road-legal bikes for FIM Superbike homologation. The 899.5cc inline-Triple produced 127.4 bhp @ 10,000 RPM and 92.0 Nm @ 9,700 RPM. (The 300 PM space between max torque and max horsepower makes the engine peaky.) The FP1 is reputed to weigh only 181kg, giving the bike a good power-to-weight ratio, on the other hand.

Check out how it sounds like in Malaysia (possibly at Naza).

MSX International built the first 75 units in the UK by January 2003. They passed homologation inspection to contest in that year’s WSBK championship. Modenas needed to assemble the last 75 units by July 2003. Plans called for 100 for the public and 50 for racing.

World Superbike Racing

The Malaysian petroleum giant then secured the services of four-time WSBK Champion Carl “Foggy” Fogarty to run the team and the bike became better known as Foggy-Petronas FP1. The riders were WSBK Champion Troy Corser and James Haydon.

Unfortunately, the FIM shafted the entire FP1 racing concern. Suddenly, a new rule allowed ALL engine formats up to 1000cc. Sadly, everyone else outgunned the FP1, as a result.

In 2004, the FIM required that all bikes use Pirelli control tyres. In retaliation, the Japanese factory teams pulled out, leaving the Ducatis to run amok during the season. However, that allowed Corser to finish 2^ndin San Marino. New signing Chris Walker finished 3^rdat the Valencia season opener.

Momoto sues Petronas

In 2010, Motor Cycle New (MCN) discovered 60 FP1s in storage at Basildon, Essex. They were part of the first 75-unit batch to be shipped to Malaysia.

Malaysian motorcycle distributor bought them plus another 69 derelict ones and rebranded them as the Momoto MM1 in 2012. Unbeknownst to Momoto, Petronas had not paid for the approved permits (AP), customs and excise duties, which led to the Malaysian government seizing all 129 bikes.

Momoto sued Petronas for USD 83 million in 2013. The bikes ended up being forgotten.

Enter Lazante Motorsports

Fortunately, there seems to light on the horizon as the British race car restoration firm, Lazante Motorsports has acquired the bikes and will refurbish them to the original Petronas-green colour. It’s got the older-style four-piston Brembo brake calipers and Öhlins forks.

How will Petronas and Momoto react? We don’t know, but we do know that the intriguing Foggy-Petronas FP1 will be available at USD 32,000.

View this post on Instagram

Foggy Petronas FP1 World Super bikes. A rare two wheeled project we are working on with @andy74b. All bikes being put into full working order and made available with all spare parts backup. #lanzante #fp1 #wsbk #carlfogarty #petronas #roadlegal #2wheels, images by @gilesrozier17

A post shared by Lanzante (@the_real_lanzante) on Dec 4, 2018 at 2:39pm PST

Shadowfax Motorcycle Club Malaysia Hosted Deepavali Open House

Shadowfax Motorcycle Club Malaysia celebrated Deepavali by hosting an open house.
Motorcycle clubs and groups from all over Malaysia and Brunei attended.
Shadowfax also invited underprivileged kids.

Shadowfax Motorcycle Club Malaysia held their annual Deepavali Open House on 25^thNovember 2018.

Since founded by Dato’ Anand in 2015, the MC has been racking up the mileage on their beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The group are pure Harley enthusiasts. The founder himself started riding in 1998 and has been collecting Harley-Davidson’s anniversary models including the recent 115^thAnniversary CVO Limited.

Motorcycle clubs and groups from Brunei, Johor, Penang, Perak and Central Malaysia attended the open house. The scene was of harmony while rolling thunder from Harleys echoed through the street of Damansara Perdana. It was a display of brotherhood and sisterhood irrespective of race and religion.

Shadowfax MC also invited 27 children from Pusat Kanak-kanak Istimewas, Lagenda Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-kanak Istimewa Klang, Selangor. The MC distributed gifts of school necessities and red packets to the younglings.

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ) participated in the joyous occasion of being the rendezvous point for Harley riders before heading to the open house. A pack of 25 Harleys left the dealership for the celebrations.

“HDPJ always supports band of brothers and sisters from all over the winding road. As long as it is a Harley, we are family,” according to HDPJ’s Press Release.

BMW Motorrad Working on 1800cc Boxer Platform?

BMW Motorrad teases with a new 1800cc Boxer engine.
The manufacturer contracted Custom Works Zon built a custom bike around it.
Rumors say BMW will build a cruiser.

It seems like BMW Motorrad is working on a new model platform based on a new 1800cc Boxer engine.

However, rather than producing a teaser video, BMW contracted Yuichi Yoshizawa and Yoshikazu Ueda of Custom Works Zon to build a show bike called “R18” around the new engine. The build has already picked up multiple awards on the custom bike circuit.

The new engine is reputed to feature pushrod valve actuation and retaining air/oil-cooling. BMW Motorrad is mum apart from that information.

But what bike would they fit it into? BMW has every segment covered except for a true heritage-style cruiser. It would make sense because BMW could capitalize on the shrinking segment by introducing their iteration of the cruiser.

The manufacturer has already shown that they could utilize the older air/oil-cooled Boxer in the r nine T heritage platform. However, as the impending Euro5 regulations close down on emissions, the 1800cc displacement would make up for the lost power. Additionally, the large capacity would also bring BMW up to challenge heavyweight cruisers from Harley and Indian.

It’ll be interesting to see, whatever will come.

2019 Yamaha NVX with Improved Suspension and New Colours

The 2019 Yamaha NVX features improved suspension and new colours.
Its rear shocks now have remote reservoirs.
The 2019 model is available from mid-December 2018 onwards.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has released the 2019 Yamaha NVX.

There is no doubt that we have seen many Yamaha NVX on the road. Malaysian scooter enthusiasts love it for its aggressive looks, performance, handling and of course, convenience. We have personally encountered heavily modified ones that could keep up with big bikes on the highways.

We tested the bike back in August 2017 and had so much fun on it. Please click this link for the review.

TESTED: Yamaha NVX – “Hoot of a Scoot”

Most of the fun results from the Blue Core Technology engine. Blue Core is Yamaha’s performance and fuel economy “package.” It consists of Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), optimized cooling efficiency, Start & Stop system, amongst others. The bike is certified as an energy efficient vehicle (EEV). The 2019 model also retains the 5.8-inch LCD meter panel and SMART key features.

The 2019 model is now equipped with rear shocks with remote reservoir. This type of shock absorber means there is more oil or gas stored in the reservoir. As the oil circulates back and forth between the shock body and reservoir, it is kept cooler thereby providing a more consistent damping performance. Additionally, it makes the bike look sportier!

The 2019 Yamaha NVX comes in three new colours called Race Blu, Fiery Red and Active Yellow with new graphics.

It will be available from mid-December 2018 and priced from RM 9,988 (basic selling price but not on-the-road).

2019 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup Grid, Regulations, Schedule Confirmed

The 2019 Enel MotoE World Cup grid, regulations and schedule have been confirmed.
18 riders will take part in the inaugural series.
There are five rounds next year.

The 2019 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup grid, regulations and schedule are confirmed.

Next year’s MotoE championship is the inaugural international electric motorcycle racing competition. It is set up in view of electric vehicle rulings in the coming two decades.

The FIM has published the full 2019 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup 18-bike grid, regulations and schedules.

Motorcycle

All riders will ride the same Energica Ego Corsa.
Battery capacity approximately 20 kWh.
Battery power 120 kW (160 bhp).
Maximum speed 270 km/h.
Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, Marchesini wheels.
Michelin tyres.
The motorcycles are identical but certain parts are adjustable to riders’ preferences.
All bikes are charged with solar panels supplied by Enel.

Race Schedule

FP1 and FP2 practice sessions on Friday.
Qualifying on Saturday.
Race on Sunday begins before Moto3 race.
The inaugural season features five rounds at Jerez, Le Mans, Sachsenring, Spielberg and Misano (two races).

Sporting Regulations

MotoE riders are not allowed to race in any Grand Prix class during the five dates.

Tyre regulations

Michelin are supplying one front and rear slick, plus one front and rear wet tyres per race weekend.
Total tyres per year will not exceed four front and five rear slicks, plus three front and four rear rain tyres.

Teams and Riders

LCR – Randy de Puniet, Niccolo Canepa
Angel – Nico Terol, Maria Herrera
Avintia – Xavier Simeon, Eric Granado
Pramac – Josh Hook, Alex de Angelis
Tech3 – Kenny Foray, Hector Grazo
Gresini – Matteo Ferrari, Lorenzo Savadori
Pons – Sete Gibernau
One Energy Racing (SIC) – Bradley Smith
Intact GP – Jesko Raffin
Ajo – Niki Tuuli
SIC58 – Matteo Casadei
EG 0,0 Marc VDS – Mike de Meglio

2019 BMW S 1000 RR Features Hollow Stem Titanium Valves

BMW Motorrad reveals that the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR uses hollow stem titanium valves.
The hollow core lightens the valves.
Lighter valves allow higher RPM ceiling reliably.

BMW Motorrad reveals that the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR uses hollow stem titanium valves.

Everyday Life of Valves

Engine valves are subjected to some of the harshest environments inside an engine. Compared to pistons, they are not lubricated by engine oil hence they are not cooled by it. The valve head – the surface which faces the combustion chamber – is exposed to extremely hot combustions gases of around 700^oC.

If that’s not tough enough, each valve is slammed open and then slammed shut multiple times within a space of time. At the 14,200 RPM redline of the old S 1000 RR, each valve is opened and closed at 118 times persecond. The 2019 S 1000 RR is equipped with ShiftCam and has its rev limit increased to 14,600 RPM, on the other hand. Each valve now opens and closes 122 times per second at maximum revs.

How Does a Four-Stroke Engine Work

As light as valves are compared to the heavier reciprocating parts of the engine, they are still subjected to almost 5,000G of forces. That 5000 times their own weight.

Enter the Metal of the Titans

So, how do you reduce those forces resulting from inertia? Lighten the valves, of course. But how do you lighten something without compromising its strength? The answer was titanium. Titanium has the best strength-to-density ratio among all metallic elements.

Titanium valves are not new. They’ve been around from a few decades and were used in extensively in racing car engines before being adopted as aftermarket products for motorcycles in the mid-90’s. Since then, many manufacturers have utilized titanium valves in their high-performance models.

However, they still have mass and subsequently inertia when in motion. The engine needs more energy for the cam lobes to force the valves to open. The results are power wastage, lower maximum revs and lower reliability.

When Less is More

That’s why BMW Motorrad decided to fit hollow-stem valves to the new S 1000 RR.

But again, hollow stem valves aren’t new.

Car manufacturers have used hollow stem valves filled with sodium since the 70’s. Aftermarket valve specialist Ferrea Racing Components have been making titanium ones for many years.

Ferrea Racing Components hollow stem valves

However, the 2019 S 1000 RR has the distinction of being the first production motorcycle to use titanium hollow stem valves.

How are They Made?

A valve is made of two parts. The stem and base are then friction-welded into a single piece.

BMW bores out 2mm in the centre of the 5mm diameter valve, before welding them. BMW says the process is a secret.

Heaven MC Supports Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya in 3Damansara

Heaven MC attended a Harley-Davidson Petaling Jaya (HDPJ) event in 3Damansara.
HDPJ has a showcase in the 3Damansara Mall.
President of Heaven MC Nick Lum confirms their love to support events.

Motorcycling lifestyle needs both the dealership and its customer base to support one another. A failure at either end will inadvertently spell the end of the brand’s presence. This is why Heaven MC showed their support to the Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ) showcase at 3Damansara Mall.

The riders of Heaven MC first met up at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya in The Gasket Alley for some breakfast before riding a short distance to 3Damansara Mall. There, there were provided a preferred parking space. The presence of the bikes and riders gave shoppers the opportunity to view not just the Harleys but also the lifestyle that comes with the brand.

HDPJ also made it possible for us to speak to Nick Lum, the President of Heaven MC.

“The focus of Heaven MC is to support public events, for example, launches, weddings, and so forth, to provide the ‘boom’ effect to the public.”

“Heaven MC has been around for three-and-half years. We noticed wherever the group goes on Harleys, there is a lot of publicity and people would look at the group. Putting that into marketing perspective, there’s impact.”

“We were invited by HDPJ to bring 25 to 30 bikes to show the impact to the public. We did the last event for Skybar in Traders Hotel three weekends ago during MotoGP. The crowd was really excited when they saw Harleys coming. In short, the Harley brand, the soul, the sound, the looks, the culture attract public (attention), so it works. Conventional events as we know (are with) balloons, clowns, fireworks, firecrackers, dancers… To me those are conventional events.”

“As a club, Heaven MC found that it’s a better reason to ride (rather than) going around to eat every weekend.”

“Charities are good but there are so many other clubs doing it already, so we do it once a year.”

“So far so good (for Heaven MC). We have about 120 registered members. We can get up to 25 riders on average with short notice. Given enough time, we can confidently get 50 to 60 riders to join the ride or event. However if the organizer wants a bigger impact, we can invite our friends in other bike clubs to join forces to bring it to 80 to 100 bikes, easily.”

“The biggest impact for Heaven MC was when Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya opened. We joined forces with HOG PJ and managed to put in 500 bikes for the launch event. That was a success. It basically gave us the confidence to hold any other future events.”

“If you need our support during our events, you can look up Heaven MC. We are friendly.”

There you have it. It’s good to have bikers who attend events to lend support to them, while having some fun themselves. But as Nick said, don’t worry, these are friendly bikers.