Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Castrol Partners with Honda for Malaysian Cub Prix and MotoGP

Honda racing motorcycles have adorned several famous liveries in the past, but there is one which is no less iconic: The Castrol colours. As such, the tradition continues with Castrol as the title sponsor of a Honda factory team. It extends to Malaysia as Castrol and Honda partner up for the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, besides extending their support to the Honda HRC Castrol Factory Team in MotoGP.

Castrol and Honda

Before going further, we are sure old-timer World Superbike fans fondly remember the Castrol liveried Honda RVF750 (RC45) battling in the World Superbike Championship in the mid-90s. John Kocinski then delivered a world title on that bike in 1997.

Colin Edwards would follow that feat with two titles, in 2000 and 2002, on the Castrol-liveried Honda VTR1000 SP1 (RC51). Those were arguably the Golden Age of Superbike racing.

Back to the present day

Coming back to the present day, Castrol and Boon Siew Honda Malaysia has collaborated to be the title sponsor of the CASTROL POWER1 HONDA YUZY RACING team, competing in the 2025 PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship.

Over to the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing, Castrol and Honda are partners for the Honda HRC Castrol factory team.

From the Press Release

Castrol, a global leader in advanced lubricant technology, kicks off 2025 with high-impact developments in its motorcycle racing portfolio: a new rider lineup for the CASTROL POWER1 HONDA YUZY RACING team in the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and an exciting global collaboration with the Honda HRC Factory MotoGP Team.

These parallel initiatives reinforce Castrol’s commitment to innovation, performance, and supporting talent on both local and international tracks.

Castrol will serve as the main sponsor and technical partner of the Honda HRC Factory MotoGP Team starting from the 2025 MotoGP season. Under this collaboration, Castrol will supply lubricants, fuels, and technical support, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two motorsport powerhouses.

The newly named Honda HRC Castrol team made its on-track debut at the MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang International Circuit on 5 February 2025, with the season having officially kicked off on 2 March in Buriram, Thailand.

“Castrol has a long history of using motorsport to showcase its technical capabilities and co- engineer new technologies. This collaboration is a great opportunity to connect even more closely with motorcycle racing fans and bike enthusiasts worldwide,” said Sandeep Sangwan, Chief Marketing Officer, Castrol.

“HRC and Castrol share the same vision and drive. We’ve had great success together in the past, and this renewed partnership is a natural fit,” added Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation.

Closer to home, CASTROL POWER1 HONDA YUZY RACING is proud to unveil its new rider lineup ahead of the 2025 Petronas MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, which kicks off on 19 and 20 April at Sepang (North) International Circuit, Selangor.

The team welcomes two new additions—Muhammad Haziq Hakimy Kamaruddin and Aisy Izz Hafiy Hairul Hafiz—who join returning rider Aqeel Danish Zaiermanhady to compete in the fiercely contested CP125 category.

Both Haziq Hakimy and Aisy bring proven credentials from the Honda One Make Challenge, with Hakimy placing third in 2022 and Aisy finishing runner-up in 2021. Their arrival signals a refreshed and ambitious push for podium finishes this season, following Md Haziq Hamdan’s third-place success in the ninth round of the 2024 season.

“We are optimistic about the new lineup this season and believe that all three riders can handle the job well and be main competitors for podium finishes,” said Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini, Team Manager of CASTROL POWER1 HONDA YUZY RACING. “Their recent training performances were impressive, and we’re confident this team will deliver exciting results throughout the season,” he added.

Keow Mei-Shan, Marketing Director of Castrol Malaysia & Singapore, added, “The new lineup reflects our commitment to nurturing young talents while continuing to strive for success on the track. We are thrilled to have Aqeel, Haziq Hakimy, and Aisy representing CASTROL POWER1 HONDA YUZY RACING. Their passion for racing and potential align with everything Castrol stands for.”

From the premier stage of MotoGP to the national circuits of Malaysia, Castrol POWER1 continues to be the driving force behind racing excellence—delivering superior engine protection, optimized performance, and confidence on every ride.

With its newly forged global partnership with Honda HRC and an energized domestic racing team, Castrol is poised to make 2025 a landmark year in motorcycle motorsports.

Police are Investigating Group of Motorcyclists not Using Motorcycle Lane on Second Penang Bridge

Police are investigating an incident involving a group of high-powered motorcyclists who were not riding in the designated motorcycle lane at Kilometer 0.4 of the Second Penang Bridge here, which went viral on social media.

South Seberang Perai District Police Chief, Superintendent Jay January Siowou, stated that investigations revealed the incident occurred at 4:35 PM last Friday.

According to him, the group of high-powered motorcyclists was riding from Batu Kawan toward Batu Maung.

“Their actions were extremely dangerous, not only to themselves but also posed a threat to the safety of other road users.

“This case will be investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act for reckless driving that endangers others.

“The police would like to emphasize that the safety of all road users is a shared responsibility,” he said in a statement.

He added that members of the public with further information regarding the incident are urged to come forward and assist in the investigation by contacting the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division of the South Seberang Perai District Police Headquarters (IPD) at 04-5858222.

Previously, a 33-second video went viral on Facebook (FB), showing a group of high-powered motorcyclists convoying and riding in lanes designated for cars and trucks.

Polis Siasat Pemilik Motosikal Besar tidak Gunakan Lorong Motor di Jambatan Kedua Pulau Pinang

Polis sedang menyiasat kejadian sekumpulan penunggang motosikal berkuasa tinggi yang tidak menunggang di lorong motosikal yang dikhaskan di Kilometer 0.4 Jambatan Kedua Pulau Pinang, di sini yang tular di media sosial.

Ketua Polis Daerah Seberang Perai Selatan, Superintendan Jay January Siowou, berkata berdasarkan siasatan mendapati insiden berlaku pada jam 4.35 petang, Jumaat lalu.

Menurutnya, sekumpulan penunggang motosikal berkuasa tinggi itu menunggang dari arah Batu Kawan menghala Batu Maung.

“Perbuatan mereka ini adalah sangat berbahaya, bukan sahaja kepada penunggang itu sendiri, malah turut mengancam keselamatan pengguna jalan raya lain.

“Kes ini akan disiasat mengikut Seksyen 42(1) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan iaitu kesalahan memandu secara melulu dan membahayakan keselamatan orang lain.

“Pihak polis ingin menegaskan keselamatan semua pengguna jalan raya adalah tanggungjawab bersama,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan.

Katanya, orang awam yang mempunyai maklumat lanjut berkaitan kejadian itu diminta tampil membantu siasatan dengan menghubungi Bahagian Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) Seberang Perai Selatan di talian 04-5858222.

Terdahulu tular di media sosial Facebook (FB) video berdurasi 33 saat memaparkan sekumpulan penunggang motosikal berkuasa tinggi berkonvoi dengan menunggang di lorong yang dikhaskan untuk kereta dan lori.

FRU Truck Tragedy – Arrest Warrant Issued for Truck Company Owner

An arrest warrant has been issued for the owner of the lorry company involved in the accident that killed nine members of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU).

The owner of Tashveen Trading, a man named “Ravi”, failed to appear in court for the trial. Deputy Public Prosecutor Izzuddin Fakri Hamdan applied for the arrest warrant before Magistrate Naidatul Athirah Azman due to the company owner’s absence at the Teluk Intan Court today.

Naidatul Athirah granted the prosecution’s request and set 29 July as the next mention date for the arrest warrant.

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) had reportedly sent a summons notice to the company owner yesterday to attend the prosecution proceedings.

The owner was supposed to appear in court today to face charges under Sections 57 and 58 of the Land Public Transport Act (APAD) 2010, related to the lorry carrying a load that violated license conditions and exceeded the permitted gross vehicle weight (BDM).

In a statement on 30 May, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) announced the cancellation of the operating license for the gravel-carrying lorry company following the crash that killed nine FRU members on Jalan Sungai Lampam, Simpang Tangki Air, Langkap, on 13 May.

The revocation of the company’s operator license took effect on 29 May 2025, prohibiting the company from operating or providing any services using vehicles registered under the license.

APAD’s investigation found that the company failed to comply with the Industrial Safety Code of Practice (ICOP), did not ensure the Global Positioning System (GPS) was functional (and had expired), and carried cargo that did not match the type specified in the vehicle permit.

In the 8:50 a.m. incident on 13 May, an FRU truck carrying 18 personnel from Unit 5 based in Sungai Senam, Ipoh, collided with a gravel-laden lorry, resulting in 9 deaths, 2 critically injured, and 7 others wounded.

On 16 May, the lorry driver was charged with nine counts in the Sessions Court here.

Tragedi Trak FRU – Waran Tangkap Dikeluarkan kepada Pemilik Syarikat Lori

Waran tangkap telah dikeluarkan kepada pemilik syarikat lori yang terbabit dalam nahas yang menyebabkan kematian 9 anggota Pasukan Simpanan Persekutuan (FRU).

Pemilik syarikan Tashveen Trading yang bernama “Ravi” tidak hadir di mahkamah untuk perbicaraan kes tersebut. Perintah waran tangkap itu dimohon oleh Timbalan Pendakwa Raya, Izzuddin Fakri Hamdan kepada Majistret Naidatul Athirah Azman atas kegagalan pemilik syarikat itu hadir ke mahkamah Teluk Intan hari ini.

Naidatul Athirah membenarkan permohonan pihak pendakwaan itu sebelum menetapkan tarikh 29 Julai depan sebagai tarikh bagi sebutan waran tangkap berkenaan.

Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) dilaporkan sudah menghantar notis saman kepada pemilik syarikat itu semalam bagi menghadiri prosiding pendakwaan.

Pemilik syarikat itu sepatutnya perlu hadir ke mahkamah hari ini bagi menghadapi pertuduhan di bawah Seksyen 57 dan Seksyen 58 Akta Pengangkutan Awam Darat (APAD) 2010.

Ia berkaitan dengan kesalahan jumlah muatan yang dibawa oleh lori yang tidak selaras dengan syarat lesen dan didapati melebihi had berat dengan muatan (BDM) ditetapkan.

Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat (APAD) menerusi kenyataan pada 30 Mei lalu memaklumkan mengenai tindakan membatalkan lesen pengendali syarikat lori muatan batu kerikil susulan kemalangan mengorbankan sembilan anggota FRU di Jalan Sungai Lampam, Simpang Tangki Air, Langkap, di sini yang berlaku pada 13 Mei lalu.

Pembatalan lesen pengendali terhadap syarikat itu berkuat kuasa 29 Mei 2025, menyebabkan syarikat terbabit tidak dibenarkan untuk mengendali atau mengadakan sebarang perkhidmatan menggunakan mana-mana kenderaan yang dilesenkan di bawah lesen pengendali itu.

Hasil siasatan agensi itu mendapati syarikat berkenaan gagal mematuhi keperluan Kod Amalan Keselamatan Industri (ICOP), gagal memastikan Sistem Kedudukan Sejagat (GPS) berfungsi dan sudah tamat tempoh, selain membawa muatan menyalahi jenis barang yang ditetapkan dalam permit kenderaan.

Dalam kejadian 8.50 pagi, 13 Mei lalu, sebuah trak FRU dinaiki 18 anggota pasukan dari Unit 5 yang berpangkalan di Sungai Senam, Ipoh terbabit kemalangan dengan lori membawa muatan batu kerikil, yang mengakibatkan sembilan maut, dua parah manakala tujuh lagi cedera.

Pada 16 Mei lalu, pemandu lori membawa muatan batu berkenaan sudah didakwa atas sembilan pertuduhan di Mahkamah Sesyen, di sini.

203 Kemalangan Bas sejak 2023

Sejumlah 203 kemalangan bas telah berlaku di Malaysia dari Januari 2023 hingga Mei tahun ini. Kemalangan-kemalangan ini mengakibatkan 39 kematian, 68 kecederaan serius, dan 197 kecederaan ringan. Jumlah 304 mangsa ini memberi purata hampir 1.5 kadar mangsa bagi setiap kemalangan.

Dalam temu bual dengan Utusan Malaysia, Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik Bukit Aman, Datuk Seri Mohd. Yusri Hassan Basri, menyatakan bahawa tingkah laku pemandu dan keadaan kenderaan antara punca utama kemalangan.

“Antaranya, pemandu keletihan akibat memandu terlalu lama tanpa rehat, hilang tumpuan, atau melebihi had laju — terutamanya di jalan curam atau licin,” katanya.

Beliau menambah bahawa kurang pengalaman, kemahiran kawalan bas yang lemah, dan memandu di bawah pengaruh alkohol atau dadah juga menyumbang kepada kejadian tersebut.

Daripada jumlah kemalangan, 104 berlaku pada tahun 2023, 61 pada tahun 2024, dan 38 dalam lima bulan pertama tahun ini.

Masalah mekanikal seperti kegagalan brek atau stereng secara tiba-tiba, tayar haus, atau lampu tidak berfungsi turut dikenal pasti sebagai punca.

“Sesetengah kemalangan berlaku akibat tekanan daripada pengendali yang mengejar jadual ketat, dengan sesetengah bas tidak menjalani pemeriksaan sewajarnya sebelum bertolak,” kata Mohd. Yusri.

Beliau juga menyenaraikan keadaan jalan yang buruk, cuaca tidak baik, bas yang terlalu sesak, dan pengawasan syarikat yang lemah sebagai faktor penyumbang.

203 Bus Accidents since 2023, say Police

There a total of 203 bus accidents in Malaysia since January 2023 to May this year. These bus-related accidents caused 39 deaths, 68 serious injuries, and 197 minor injuries. The total of 304 casualties averages close to 1.5 casualty rate per accident.

Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Director Datuk Seri Mohd. Yusri Hassan Basri said driver behaviour and vehicle condition were among the main causes of the crashes.

“Among them, drivers become fatigued from long hours without rest, lose focus, or exceed speed limits — especially on steep or slippery roads,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that inexperience, poor bus handling skills, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs also contributed to the incidents.

Of the total accidents, 104 occurred in 2023, 61 in 2024, and 38 in the first five months of this year.

Mechanical issues such as sudden brake or steering failure, worn-out tyres, or non-functioning lights were also identified as causes.

“Some accidents happened due to pressure from operators chasing tight schedules, with some buses not undergoing proper checks before departure,” Mohd Yusri said.

He also cited poor road conditions, bad weather, overcrowded buses, and weak company oversight as contributing factors.

CFMOTO 675NK Dilancarkan, Dari RM33,888

Versi naked CFMOTO 675NK telah dilancarkan di Malaysia, selepas pelancaran motosikal sportbike CFMOTO 675 SR-R. Pelancaran ini telah berlangsung semasa Majlis Perasmian Pembukaan CFMOTO Flagship Store oleh Men Huat Motors Sdn. Bhd. di Ipoh, Perak.

Ciri-ciri utama CFMOTO 675NK

Enjin 675cc, tiga silinder, 4-lejang, DOHC, penyejukan cecair yang menghasilkan 94 hp (70kW) pada 11,000 RPM dan tork 70Nm pada 8,250 RPM.
Spesifikasi enjin ialah seperti gerek dan lejang 72mm x 55.2mm, nisbah mampatan 11.5:1, dengan suntikan bahan api Bosch EFI.

Kuasa enjin dihantar melalui klac slipper ke transmisi 6-kelajuan.
Quickshifter merupakan ciri standard.

Kerangka tiub besi.
Sistem suspensi terdiri daripada fork terbalik 41mm boleh laras sepenuhnya di bahagian hadapan, dan monoshok di bahagian belakang.

Sistem brek menggunakan komponen J.Juan, termasuk dua cakera 300mm dengan kaliper 4-piston di depan, dan satu cakera 240mm di belakang.
ABS dwi-saluran merupakan peralatan standard.

Roda diperbuat daripada aluminium ringan, dilengkapi tayar CST bersaiz 120/70-R17 (depan) dan 180/55-R17 (belakang).
Ketinggian pelana penunggang 810 mm, panjang 2020 mm, lebar 849 mm, tinggi 1155 mm, jarak roda 1400 mm.

Tangki minyak 15 liter.
Keberatan 189 kg.

Panel meter TFT dengan sambungan melalui CFMOTO Ride App.
Ciri-ciri elektronik termasuk kawalan cengkaman tayar (TCS) dua tahap, dan Sistem Pemantauan Takanan Udara Tayar (TPMS).

Pencahayaan LED sepenuhnya.
Port pengecas Type-A and Type-C.

Harga jualan yang disyorkan untuk CFMOTO 675NK ialah RM33,888 (bukan atas jalan) dan boleh didapati dalam dua warna iaitu Glacier White and Tundra Grey. Pembeli boleh menikmati waranti 2 tahun tanpa had kilometer, serta akses untuk membeli alat ganti asli secara dalam talian melalui CFMOTO Malaysia.

Galeri foto

CFMOTO 675NK Launched in Malaysia, From RM33,888

Hot on the heels of the CFMOTO 675 SR-R sportbike, the naked version CFMOTO 675NK has been launched in Malaysia. The launch took place at the Grand Opening of the CFMOTO Flagship Store by Men Huat Motors. Sdn. Bhd., in Ipoh, Perak.

Highlights of the CFMOTO 675NK

675cc, triple-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine which produces 94 hp (70kW) at 11,000 RPM and 70Nm of torque at 8,250 RPM.
The engine has 72mm x 55.2mm bore & stroke with a 11.5:1 compression ratio, and Bosch EFI.

Engine power is sent through a slipper clutch to a 6-speed transmission.
The quickshifter is a standard feature.

Tubular steel frame.
The suspension comprises of fully adjustable 41mm inverted forks in front, and a monoshock at the back.

Braking duties are handled by J.Juan components, including twin 300mm discs gripped by four-piston calipers up front, and a 240mm disc at the back.
Dual-channel ABS is a standard feature.

The wheels are lightweight aluminium, fitted with CST tyres of 120/70-R17 (front) and 180/55-R17 (rear).
Low ride height of 810 mm, length of 2020 mm, 849 mm width, 1155 mm height, and 1400 mm wheelbase.

15-litre fuel tank.
189 kg curb weight.

TFT display with connectivity through CFMOTO Ride App.
Electronics include two-level traction control (TCS), and real-time Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Full LED lighting.
Type-A and Type-C charging ports.

The recommended selling price for the CFMOTO 675NK is RM33,888 (not on-the-road) and are available in two colours namely Glacier White and Tundra Grey. Buyers can enjoy a two-year unlimited mileage warranty and access to genuine parts for online purchase through CFMOTO Malaysia.

Photo gallery

Indian Motorcycle Kembali ke Malaysia di bawah Spirit Lake Sdn. Bhd.

Kita telah disajikan dengan berita bahawa Indian Motorcycle akan kembali ke Malaysia. Ia sekarang menjadi nyata dan jenama itu berada di bawah naungan Spirit Lake Sdn. Bhd.

Daripada siaran akhbar rasmi

Indian Motorcycle, jenama motosikal pertama daripada Amerika Syarikat yang diasaskan pada tahun 1901 telah secara rasminya dilancarkan di oleh Spirit Lake Motor Sdn. Bhd., sebuah syarikat di bawah kumpulan AFY Mobility Industries (AMI). Majlis pelancaran telah ini berlangsung di Shizuku Coffee, B.Land, Petaling Jaya dan sekalgus menandakan satu pencapaian penting dalam perkembangan jenama Indian ke rantau Asia Tenggara.

Nama Spirit Lake Motor diambil sempena penghormatan kepada warisan dan komitmen jenama ini terhadap mutu kerja dan seni pembuatan motosikal lagenda ikonik yang beroperasi di lokasi kilang Indian Motorcycle di Spirit Lake, Iowa, Amerika Syarikat. Spirit Lake Motor kini sah sebagai pengedar tunggal dan eksklusif motosikal Indian Motorcycle di Malaysia. Ia bukan sahaja menawarkan rangkaian produk premium, malah turut menyediakan pelbagai manfaat pemilikan menyeluruh termasuk perkhidmatan selepas jualan, alat ganti, sokongan teknikal, jaminan, dan pelesenan barangan aksesori rasmi. Pendekatan ini adalah untuk memastikan pengalaman pemilikan penuh yang lancar dan sempurna buat semua pemilik Indian Motorcycle di Malaysia.

Majlis pelancaran pada kali ini menampilkan barisan penuh model-model ikonik Indian Motorcycle seperti Chieftain Dark Horse, Springfield Dark Horse, Scout, Scout Bobber Twenty, Scout Rogue, dan Scout Bobber.

Amanah dan Pengalaman

Secara global, Indian Motorcycle kini memasuki era baharu yang lebih stabil di bawah prinsipal semasa yang berdaya saing dan inovatif. Dengan kemasukan jenama ini ke pasaran Malaysia, ia bukan sahaja mendapat sokongan rangkaian antarabangsa, tetapi turut didokong oleh legasi pengurusan serta edaran tempatan yang dipercayai.

*Indian Scout Bobber Twenty – Maroon Metallic*

Sebagai anak syarikat AFY Mobility Industries (AMI), Spirit Lake Motor membawa bersama kredibiliti pasukan pengurusan dengan puluhan tahun pengalaman dalam industri dua roda di Malaysia. Amanah ini adalah satu misi berasaskan warisan, kebolehpercayaan dan penghormatan yang semestinya akan terus menjanjikan penawaran produk berkualiti serta memperkasakan pengalaman pemilikan, penghargaan jenama dan legasi Indian Motorcycle.

Gaya Hidup Baharu Dalam Perancangan

Indian Motorcycle Malaysia ketika ini sedang beroperasi secara rasmi dari ruang pameran khas AMI Showroom di PJ222, Petaling Jaya. Rancangan sedang giat dijalankan oleh Spirit Lake Motor untuk membuka sebuah pusat pameran utama yang baru serta lengkap dengan penyediaan pakej Jualan, Servis dan Alat Ganti (3S) secara menyeluruh di bawah satu bumbung, sekaligus menjanjikan pengalaman pemilikan yang lebih lancar dan eksklusif kepada para pelanggan.

Ruang pameran utama yang bakal dibina menjelang hujung tahun ini kelak bakal menjadi destinasi yang mempromosikan gaya hidup Indian Motorcycle yang memfokuskan kepada elemen semangat kebersamaan dan aktiviti komuniti penunggang jenama ini.

Warisan Inovasi Moden

Diasaskan di Springfield, Massachusetts, Indian Motorcycle bermula dengan penghasilan basikal berkuasa motor dengan dilengkapi enjin V berkembar yang turut digunakan dalam perlumbaan seawal tahun 1900-an. Selain itu, Indian juga turut menjadi sebahagian daripada simbol kejuruteraan dan semangat penuh jiwa Amerika dengan pembekalan 50,000 unit motosikal yang digunakan dalam perkhidmatan Tentera Amerika Syarikat semasa Perang Dunia Pertama.

Komitmen Jangka Panjang Untuk Penunggang Indian Malaysia

Spirit Lake Motor berhasrat untuk terus komited dalam membina hubungan yang kukuh dengan komuniti penunggang ‘cruiser’ dan akan terus bersama dengan peminatnya dalam aktiviti yang bakal merancakkan jenama Indian di Malaysia.

*Indian Springfield Dark Horse – Dark Smoke*

“Kami percaya pada legasi Indian Motorcycle serta kesepaduan semangat komuniti penunggang motosikal ini di Malaysia. Ini merupakan satu perjalanan penuh kami dalam mengadaptasi sebuah warisan, keberanian dan semangat cruiser – Indian Motorcycle. Kami mengalu-alukan semua untuk merasai sendiri karya legenda Amerika ini,” menurut Lai Wai Keat, Pengurus Jenama Indian Motorcycle Malaysia, mewakili Spirit Lake Motor Sdn. Bhd.

www.IndianMotorcycle.com.my

Indian Motorcycle Officially in Malaysia under Spirit Lake Sdn. Bhd.

We were prompted with the news that Indian Motorcycle will be back in Malaysia. And it is official now, under the tutelage of Spirit Lake Sdn. Bhd.

From the official press release

Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company founded in 1901, officially launches its presence in Malaysia under Spirit Lake Motor Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of AFY Mobility Industries (AMI). The brand launch event took place in at the Shizuku Coffee, B.Land, Petaling Jaya, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion into Southeast Asia.

The name Spirit Lake Motor, pays tribute to the renowned Indian Motorcycle factory located in Spirit Lake, Iowa, USA. Defining a nod to the brand’s deep heritage and commitment to craftsmanship.

The launch event showcased an impressive lineup of Indian Motorcycle models, including Chieftain Dark Horse, Springfield Dark Horse, Scout, Scout Bobber Twenty, Scout Rogue, and Scout Bobber.

With this debut, Spirit Lake Motor, as the exclusive and sole distributor of Indian Motorcycle in Malaysia, offering not just a premium product range, but a comprehensive suite of ownership benefits including after-sales service, spare parts, technical assistance, warranty coverage, and official merchandise licensing. This full-service approach ensures worry-free ownership for both current and future Indian Motorcycle riders nationwide.

A Trusted Stewardship Backed by Experience

While Indian Motorcycle under its current principal, signifies a new era of stability and innovation. With its entry into Malaysia now led by Spirit Lake Motor, the brand gains not only global backing but also a local legacy of trust. As a subsidiary of AFY Mobility Industries (AMI) and supported by a leadership team, Spirit Lake Motor, brings decades of proven experience in the 2-wheel industry.

This stewardship promises to preserve the brand’s integrity while elevating the ownership experience for Malaysian riders as a mission anchored in heritage, reliability, and respect for the Indian Motorcycle legacy.

A New Lifestyle Destination in the Making

While Indian Motorcycle Malaysia is currently operating from the AMI Showroom at PJ222, Petaling Jaya, plans are well underway to open a dedicated flagship showroom and 3S lifestyle hub within this year. This new establishment will offer Sales, Service, and Spare Parts with the comprehensive ‘all under one roof’ concept delivering a seamless ownership journey for all Indian Motorcycle customers.

The new flagship showroom is envisioned as a lifestyle destination, crafted to reflect the rich heritage, bold spirit, and close-knit community that define the Indian Motorcycle brand. It will serve as a central hub where riders and enthusiasts can gather, connect, and celebrate their passion for the American legend.

Spirit Lake Motor is also preparing to roll out enhanced customer appreciation initiatives and set new benchmarks in service excellence across the Malaysian market.

Heritage Meets Modern Innovation

Founded in Springfield, Massachusetts, Indian Motorcycle began with motorized bicycles used to pace cycling races and rapidly became known for its powerful V-twin engines. From building factory race bikes in the early 1900s to supplying nearly 50,000 motorcycles to the U.S. Army during World War I, the brand has remained a symbol of American engineering and grit.

Indian Motorcycle has undergone a renaissance of combining modern innovation with its legendary DNA. Today, it delivers a globally admired lineup of high-performance, authentically styled motorcycles.

A Long-Term Commitment to Malaysian Riders

With this launch, Indian Motorcycle Malaysia enters the market with bold determination.

Spirit Lake Motor, is committed to fostering strong ties with the motorcycle community and industry players to grow the brand sustainably and passionately in Malaysia.

“We believe in the legacy of Indian Motorcycle and the strength of our local riding community. This is more than just a business. It’s a journey of heritage, courage, and embracing the sprit of cruiser bikes – Indian Motorcycle. We welcome all riders to experience the American legendary masterpiece,” said Lai Wai Keat, Brand Manager of Indian Motorcycle Malaysia, representing Spirit Lake Motor Sdn. Bhd.

www.IndianMotorcycle.com.my

Understanding Motorcycle Gearing Ratio

Gearing is an essential factor to extract the maximum potential of your motorcycle – be it for performance or smooth riding.

Unfortunately, this knowledge is lost among many current motorcyclists. Any race team will tell you that the wrong gearing selection will have their rider either struggling with acceleration, or deceleration, or cornering speed, or rear tyre traction, or all of these.

What is “gearing”?

Gearing alludes to the gear ratios. Gear ratios influence the translation of the gearbox’s torque output to the driving wheel. But to simplify, gear ratios influences how your motorcycle accelerates, decelerates (through engine braking), cornering speed, and traction.

Race bikes and sportbikes have “cassette-type” transmissions that can be pulled out quickly and lets the race technician change the sizes of individuals gears inside, in addition to the final drive gearing. We on street bikes, on the other hand, rely on altering the final drive gearing.

By the way, final gearing means the relation between the front and rear sprocket sizes. Gear sizes are determined by the number of teeth.

How does it work?

Gear ratio is calculated by diving the size of the rear sprocket with the front sprocket. For example:

Front sprocket size: 15 (teeth)

Rear sprocket size: 46

So, the ratio = 46 / 15 = 3.066 ≈ 3.07 : 1 (read as 3.07 to 1)

Meaning, the rear sprocket turns 3.07 times in order for the rear wheel to turn once.

Shorter gearing

To illustrate this easier, let us take another example but based on the above.

We keep the front sprocket size the same: 15

We replace the rear sprocket to a bigger one: 50

So, the new ratio is = 50 /15 = 3.33 : 1

Thus now, the sprocket needs to turn more to rotate the rear wheel once around. As such, more engine is required. This known shorter gearing (point below).

From the seat:

The motorcycle now accelerates faster.
Engine back torque (engine braking) is more pronounced when we roll off or shut the throttle.
The bike slows down much faster.
Throttle changes result in more abrupt power delivery.
It can also make the bike feel heavier to steer through corners as speed rubs off much quicker.
Resorting to using a higher gear for corners may result in freewheeling into the corner which scares many riders.
Shorter gearing results in more engine vibrations during cruising due to the higher revs.
Fuel consumption is increased due to higher engine RPM at a given speed.
This is called shorter gearing, as the top speeds achievable by each gear is now lower due to engine needing higher RPMs to turn the rear wheel.
Shorter gearing is great if you stay in an area with many sharp and short corners, such as Ulu Yam, or if you are riding at a track with short corners and straights such as the old Batu Tiga Circuit.

Longer gearing

Let us explore the other end of the spectrum.

We keep the front sprocket size the same: 15

We replace the rear sprocket to a smaller one: 40

So, the new ratio is = 40 /15 = 2.666 ≈ 2.67 : 1

With this change, the sprocket needs to turn more to rotate the rear wheel once around. As such, more engine is required. This known longer gearing (point below).

From the seat:

The motorcycle now accelerates slower.
Engine back torque (engine braking) is less pronounced when we roll off or shut the throttle.
The bike takes longer to slow down.
Throttle changes result in smoother power delivery.
It can also make the bike feels easier to steer through corners as more speed is maintained.
The rider may resort to using a lower gear for corners for more stronger engine braking.
Longer gearing results in less engine vibrations during cruising due to the lower revs.
Fuel consumption is reduced due to lower engine RPM at a given speed.
This is called longer gearing, as the top speeds achievable in each gear is now higher as the engine needs fewere RPMs to turn the rear wheel.
Longer gearing is great if you stay in an area where you need to commute on highways.
Likewise, you can change to a longer gearing if you are going on a long-distance tour which covers highways.
Longer than stock gearing also benefits motorcycles with engines modified for more power.
However, longer gearing results in sluggish acceleration from a standstill, and overly long gearing requires slipping the clutch to avoid stalling the engine.

Front vs. Rear Sprocket

Replacing the rear sprocket is an easier and quicker job as it is attached to the exposed rear wheel, compared to the front sprocket which is hidden behind a cover.

However, replacing the front sprocket for gearing ratio changes is better as the chain does not need to wrap around a small circumference.

Then again, certain motorcycles may not have enough space to permit a larger front sprocket.

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Wahid Ooi