Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Massive Turnout for 2019 Yamaha MotoGP Convoy

1,300 Yamaha owners joined the 2019 Yamaha MotoGP convoy.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) co-operated with PETRONAS to organise a convoy to the 2019 Malaysia MotoGP.
The participants were given privileges at the Yamaha booth and PETRONAS Experience at SIC.

It is an annual tradition expected by Yamaha motorcycle owners in Malaysia. Once again, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) co-operated with PETRONAS to organise a convoy to the Malaysia MotoGP on 3rd November 2019.

Participants, 1,300 of them to be exact, rode in to the Klang Valley specifically to join the convoy. They rode in on every Yamaha model including the Lagenda 115, 135LC, Y15ZR, 125ZR, NMAX, NVX, XMAX, all the way up to the XJ6, MT-07, MT-09, MT-09 Tracer and so forth. It was here during the convoy that one can see just how numerous is HLYM’s lineup.

The huge group congregated at the TSI Arena in Cyberjaya since 6.30 am.

PETRONAS Vice President of Downstream Business, Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Tahir was on hand to address the crowd. The attendees were expecting great results from the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team riders Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli, of course. The pair had qualified first and third on the grid, after all.

HLYM was represented by Managing Director Dato’ Jim Khor, who thanked the riders for choosing Yamaha.

The convoy was later flagged off by both Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal and Dato’ Jim Khor.

All riders rode in orderly fashion until the Sepang International Circuit. A specially-prepared parking area was allocated for the riders and was guarded by HLYM’s staff throughout the duration of the race.

Participants were welcomed at the Hong Leong Yamaha booth and the PETRONAS Experience “mini mall”.

The 2019 convoy was another huge success. We could only see an even bigger convoy next year.

PHOTO GALLERY

2020 Triumph Tiger 900 to Debut in December 2019

The 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 is set to debut in early December 2019.
There will two new models called Tiger 900 Rally and Tiger 900 GT.
The rally is for off-road and GT for sport-touring.

We expected to see the 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 at EICMA 2010 but were surprised to not see it there. However, the manufacturer has released a teaser that it’ll be unveiled in early December 2019.

But it isn’t just an updated model for Euro5 compliance, instead pictures of the prototype do show an entirely new bike. Also, there are two new models, called the Tiger 900 Rally and Tiger 900 GT.

As the names suggest, the Rally will be more off-road oriented while the GT is more for sport-touring. This marks a departure from the XC and XR naming schemes.

From the pictures we saw earlier, the new bikes will feature LED headlamps and lighting. Also, we are certain that they will receive the new TFT screens, just like how the 2020 Street Triple RS has shown.

Other “updates” are abound, for example, the passenger footpeg carriers are no longer welded to the rear subframe. Off-road riders of the previous generation complained that the carrier will bend, sometimes along with the subframe should they encounter a hard fall. Kudos, seems like Triumph always listens to what consumers want.

The 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally and Tiger 900 GT are said to be unveiled on 3rd December 2019.

Jorge Lorenzo Announces Retirement

Jorge Lorenzo announced his retirement from racing.
The shock announcement was made together with Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.
The five-time world champion’s form has dropped after breaking his vertebrae in Assen.

Jorge Lorenzo announced his retirement from racing.

The five-time world champion made the shock announcement in an “exceptional press conference” just prior to the start of the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix. He was accompanied by Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

While the announcement shocked some, it may not be so to others. Lorenzo switched over to the Repsol Honda team this year to replace the team’s long-time rider Dani Pedrosa.

He knew that it would be an uphill task to adjust his riding style to a bike which is suited to his teammate Marc Marquez, but maintained a positive outlook although he couldn’t finish higher than 11th.

However, Lorenzo was fast as soon as he found his rhythm in Catalunya. However, an over-enthusiastic lunge took out Andrea Dovizioso, Maverick Vinalez and Valentino Rossi along with himself.

Then, a huge tumble in the gravel following a crash at Assen during the Dutch TT fractured a vertebrae.

He made a comeback at the British MotoGP round exactly two months later, but the pain forced him to finish 14th. He would finish no higher than that position in the next five rounds leading to Valencia. He has collected 25 points after 18 races and lies 14th in the 2019 championship.

The rider apologised to Honda and team manager Alberto Puig for having to stop a year earlier than his stipulated contract. He cited that he had lost the motivation to compete. But before one criticises his move, breaking one’s back isn’t something anybody likes to do.

Lorenzo’s retirement opens up a spare seat at the factory team. There’s no word from HRC yet but Cal Crutchlow or Johann Zarco are heavily touted to replace Lorenzo.

D3O Ghost Ultra-thin Limb Protector Launched

The new D3O Ghost ultra-thin limb protector may just revolutionise protection for motorcyclists.
It features Impact Print technology for direct imprinting into fabric.
It allows for freedom of movement and breathability.

The new D3O Ghost ultra-thin limb protector may just revolutionise protection for motorcyclists.

Here’s a little bit of background on D3O. The company’s orange-coloured protectors are already pretty thin, malleable and soft compared to virtually all protectors in the market. That seems to fly in the face of convention where harder armour may be considered as providing better protection.

However, the protectors have a special property: The molecules close the space among them quickly at the point of contact to provide protection. We’ve seen the test where a man places his finger underneath a piece of D3O armour and whacking it with a large hammer.

Being soft and malleable provides comfort to the rider, especially to those who thinks that wearing protective gear is akin to wearing a medieval armour.

Now, the D3O Ghost does it a step better as it features Impact Print technology, which allows the material to be imprinted directly into fabrics and substrates.

The company has already imprinted it into black lycra to provide unrivalled and unprecedented freedom of movement. The fabric will be used for knee, elbow, shoulder and hip protectors for cycling and motorsports.

It bodes well for those who complain about the discomforts of protective gear because the new material is highly breathable. And since it conforms to the limbs and body, style-conscious riders can’t use the excuse of riding gear spoiling the silhouette of their perfect bodies.

No word yet of when it’ll be fully integrated into motorcycle gear but we do hope it’s soon.

There are a number of brands that currently employ D3O protectors (although not the Ghost yet) including Furygan, Klim, Fox, TCX, Held, Scott, Icon, Triumph, Mechanix, among others.

You can check out D3O-equipped Furygan jackets at our store. They will be available on online marketplace soon.

Kasma Danial in 2020 Moto2 with ONEXOX TKKR SAG

Malaysian rider Kasma Danial will contest in the 2020 World Moto2 season with the ONEXOX TKKR SAG team.
He will be the one of two Malaysians in the class next year.
He raced in the Spanish CEV Moto2 and ARRC 600cc SuperSport classes in 2019.

Malaysian rider Kasma Danial will contest in the 2020 Moto2 season with the ONEXOX TKKR SAG team.

The news was shared by team on their website tkkr.my recently. The 19-year-old rider, who the team calls “Dragon Boy,” will replace Tetsuta Nagashima who will join Red Bull KTM Ajo. It means Kasma will partner Remy Gardner, the son of former World 500cc Grand Prix champion Wayne Gardner.

ONEXOX TKKR SAG on the other hand, is a Malaysian team with race teams in the Malaysian Cub Prix, Malaysian Superbike, Asia Road Racing, Spanish CEV Moto2 and World Moto2 championships.

Kasma has been racing in the FIM Spanish CEV Moto2 championship in Spain with the Dynavolt SIC Junior Racing Team. The series is seen as the spawning ground for up and coming Moto2 riders on the world stage. Besides CEV Moto2, Kasma was riding in the 600cc SuperSport category in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship.

His participation in Moto2 brings the number of Malaysian riders to just two at the moment. But it is the highest class the country’s riders are in. The other rider is Hafizh Syahrin who has since signed up with the Angel Nieto team.

Volkspod VW Minibike — Fancy Something Different?

The Volkspod VW Minibike was build as an homage to the VW Beetle Type 1.
The creator took the fenders of VW and placed them over a minibike chassis.
It results in something cute and radical at the same time.

Remember the end of the movie “Cars” when the credits showed the characters in “A Bug’s Life” as Volkswagen Beetles? Well, the Volkspod VW Minibike definitely reminded us of that scene all too well.

The Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 enjoys a cult status shared among vintage car collectors and customisers everywhere. For Brent Walker it was an opportunity to unit both two sides into the VW Mini Bike, which he fondly calls “Volkspod.”

Brent took the bulbous fender from each end of the car as the bodywork of the minibike. Each piece is equipped with both headlight and taillight, so it’s almost like a complete car when you put two Volkspod together.

There wasn’t much technical detail but the source quoted the engine at 79cc. It looks like one of those found in lawnmowers or gas-powered generators. The engine drives a chain final drive. Brent built a compact steel tube frame around the engine to tie all parts together and support the “bodywork.” There are also footboards and brakes. The creator thoughtfully installed the VW logo on the engine case.

The result is something cool and a whole lotta cute. Hmm… the green one kinda looks like Mike Wazowski.

Can we see this at Art of Speed?

Source and photos: Yanko Design

2020 Honda Dash 125 Features New Colours and Stripes

Boon Siew Honda announced new colours and stripes for the 2020 Honda Dash 125.
The Dash 125 is economical to own and maintain.
Prices start from RM 5,999.

Boon Siew Honda announced new colours and stripes for the 2020 Honda Dash 125.

The Dash 125 is a great bike to those who want economical and ease of ownership but with a slightly sporty edge. Equipped with a smooth 125cc engine, it may not be the fastest, but it certainly isn’t the slowest out there.

Honda calls the new graphics brings out a more striking appearance and makes the bikes look a lot sportier than a nondescript daily commuter.

There are two new colours, namely Clipper Yellow and Candy Scintillate Red. They join the now restyled Pearl Nightfall Blue. The current Repsol edition continues to be sold alongside, albeit in dual disc brake version only.

New features include LED headlight and new visor atop.

Prices begin from RM 5,999 for the single-disc brake edition for the three colours; RM 6,299 for the double-disc brake variant for the three colours; and RM 6,499 for the Repsol edition (dual disc brakes as standard).

Please visit Honda dealers nationwide or log on to www.boonsiewhonda.com.my for more information. Customers can also call Boon Siew Honda’s toll-free number at 1-800-88-3993.

PETRONAS Hosts Inaugural Electric Vehicle Fluids Symposium

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) organised the inaugural Electric Vehicle Fluids Symposium in Turin, Italy recently.
The symposium discussed several issues including the sustainability of e-mobility and climate “challenge.”
Electric vehicles (including motorcycles) do require lubrication in several crucial areas.

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) organised the inaugural Electric Vehicle Fluids Symposium in Turin, Italy recently.

Perhaps many are unaware, but electric vehicle motors and batteries do require lubrication, especially since the motor can speed up to 15,000 RPM. Hence, lubrication is crucial for cooling the motor, as well as in several areas such as the gear reducer (electric vehicle’s transmission).

These fluids have specific properties compared to the usual engine oil since they are subjected to high voltages and temperatures in places such as the coils. The fluid must protect them from corrosion and prevent short circuits.

Held at their Global Research and Technology (R&T) Centre, the one-day event saw the attendance of more than 120 participants consisting of industry-leading experts from across the world. The participants discussed and featured EV innovations to support a cleaner, energy-efficient and more sustainable e-mobility future. It was also a platform for these experts to share future EV technology trends, respective market relevance and the role of fluids in the evolution of e-transmission and battery technologies.

Additionally, the event aimed to encourage discussions on managing the climate challenge through EV technological developments and operational discipline.

“At PLI, we’ve pledged to double our investments and dedicate 75 per cent of our R&T expenditure in projects that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. PLI’s venture into the EV market that was announced earlier this year through PETRONAS iona range of e-fluids reinforces our commitment to the development and deployment of fluid technology. The EV Fluids Symposium is our next initiative to work together, deliberate possibilities and set a shared agenda towards a cleaner future,” said PLI Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe D’Arrigo.

During the symposium, PLI also shared the findings of the industry’s first global study in EV Technology and Fluids focusing on Electric Drive Units and Batteries. The study, carried out in collaboration with FEV Consulting, concluded that innovation is crucial in advancing EV performance and durability, and continued improvement is needed to promote increased adoption rates of electric transportation by consumers.

Commenting on the state of the industry, Electric Vehicle Outlook Founder & Event Host, Roger Atkins said, “Change is a challenge, and with the rapid integration of electric vehicles into the global mobility eco-system, that challenge is being met with unprecedented and active collaboration between OEMs, academia, and the world’s smartest engineering teams. I am encouraged to see the focus and ambition here at the EV Fluids Symposium. The twin imperatives of climate change and air quality can only be tackled by truly maximising the efficiency of our planet’s mobility machines, amongst others.”

Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal, Vice President DOWNSTREAM Marketing PETRONAS and Chairman of PLI

At the PETRONAS Global R&T Centre, attendees enjoyed the opportunity to tour the productdevelopment laboratory and mechanical testing facilities to understand the experimental work that goes into developing PETRONAS e-fluids.

Since the introduction of PETRONAS Carbon Commitments in 2012, the company has decreased its monitored carbon footprint by 13% from 2017, which is a cumulative 12 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions reduction. PETRONAS is also collaborating with Daimler Automotive in green projects towards low-carbon fuel and vehicle emissions control.

More recently, PETRONAS’ efforts towards a sustainable future included the establishment of PETRONAS Carbon Commitments Guidelines and a New Energy unit to enhance capabilities in the renewables sphere.

Source and photographs: PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI)

Triumph-Bajaj Prototype Undergoing Tests, Formal Agreement to be Signed Before December

Triumph says the Triumph-Bajaj prototype is currently undergoing tests.
The formal agreement between the two companies will be signed in December.
The bike is wholly developed by Triumph and will be marketed as Triumph.

The Triumph-Bajaj joint venture bike prototype is undergoing tests and the long-awaited agreement will be signed before December 2019.

According to Money Control, Chief Product Officer of Triumph Motorcycles, Steve Sargent said, “We have been working with Bajaj for a couple of years now and we are close to finalising an agreement with them. Our cooperation on product development has been progressing well.”

He also confirmed that Triumph has built a prototype which has been making rounds of testing. Bajaj Managing Director, Rajiv Bajaj visited the factory in Hinckley, United Kingdom in October and was pleased to see the progress.

In the deal, Triumph will not use existing platforms by Bajaj, KTM or Husqvarna but will instead use their own engine and bike design. Bajaj will then manufacture the bike and market it domestically as well as throughout parts of South East Asia.

The bike will bear the Triumph marque. Triumph didn’t provide the specifics but mentioned only that the capacity ranges between 250cc to 750cc. The smallest engine capacity for Triumph is currently 765cc — the triple found in the Street Triple.

Triumph as well as other premium motorcycle brands are making the move to produce lower capacity bikes for the Asian and other emerging markets. KTM was the first to do so by producing the smaller Duke models in India, while Harley-Davidson is expecting a 338cc model from China. Even MV Agusta will build smaller capacity models in China.

It’ll be interesting to see if the bike will be Bonneville-like modern retro or the Street Triple-like naked sportbike.

The manufacturer added that the bike will be ready by 2022.

2020 Bikes We Can’t Wait to Ride

2020 will be a watershed year for motorcycles.
The push to comply with Euro5 resulted in awesome bikes.
These are among the many 2020 bikes we can’t wait to ride.

It goes without saying that 2020 bikes will be a watershed.

Manufacturers need their products to conform with the new Euro5 emissions regulations which takes effect from 2020. As such, while there are updated models held over from previous years, most are totally new from the ground up.

The real initial concern was that the new bikes will lose power as Euro5 is much more restrictive than the already-strict Euro4. Euro5-compliant vehicles need to produce very low emissions, while being fuel efficient and produce less noise.

But the manufacturers worked around the challenge and produced bikes that are more advanced, lighter, more powerful and faster. Kudos!

So, here are the bikes we can’t wait to ride in 2020, in alphabetical order.

1. Aprilia RS 660

Aprilia created the RS 660 to “revolutionize” the middleweight sportbike category. The obvious place to start was to lob off the two rear cylinders of the RSV4 1100 engine, and giving 100 bhp. On top of that, the bike weighs only 168 kg.

We want ours in the classic purple and red paint scheme, please.

2. BMW S 1000 XR

The 2020 S 1000 XR may not have the ShiftCam VVT/L technology found in the S 1000 RR, but power remains the same despite having two catalytic converters. The new bikes is 10 kg lighter and there’s more power in the midrange. There’s also the Flexi Frame adopted from the S 1000 RR which would provide better feel when riding.

3. Ducati Streetfighter V4

This list would’ve been more interesting if we counted down but then again, we love all bikes. But the one highest on our list is definitely the Streetfighter V4. It’s essentially a Panigale V4 in bikini with a higher handlebar. 208 bhp makes it the most powerful hypernaked but wait, the “S” version does 126 bhp. We want to see if it’s the most thrilling ride or one that scares our TCX off.

4. Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade

Oh yes! The big CBR earns an extra “R” and more horses courtesy of HRC — 215 bhp, to exact, way up from 189 bhp. But that’s not all, Honda made the new bike more track-focused as they attempt to wrest the WorldSBK title away from Kawasaki. Other features include aerobodies, new TFT screen Öhlins S-EC 2.0 suspension (for the SP), Brembo Stylema calipers (SP), 200mm wide rear tyre amongst many other new stuff.

5. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R

Welcome back! Kawasaki builds an inline-Four 250cc sportbike again after the Ninja ZXR-250 in 1989. But the new bike isn’t all engine only, as the manufacturer threw the best components in the 250 segment. They include Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) forks, radially-mounted monobloc front brake caliper, Kawasaki Traction Control, Power Mode Selector.

Oh, don’t forget the up- and downshift quickshifter!

6. Kawasaki Z H2

We relished at the thought of a supercharged naked “Z” bike being the most powerful hypernaked. And the Z H2 did just that.

For a few hours. Its 200 bhp was quickly eclipsed by the Streetfighter V4’s 208 bhp (216 on the Streetfighter V4 S) on the same day.

But no matter, the Z H2 will be exciting to ride due to that stupendous kick from the supercharger. We want to see how we could hang on!

7. KTM 390 Adventure

The 390 Adventure is a model that took 7 years to come by. But it’s probably worth the wait. It’s styled after the 790 Adventure, is lightweight and more affordable. We hope it’ll spur more off-roading among Malaysian bikers.

8. KTM 1290 Super Duke R

A piece of advice: Don’t tout you product over the top when you can’t fight back years later. That’s exactly what happened to the 1290 Super Duke R. KTM shouted from the rooftops and pounded their chest, calling it the “Beast” and all. Suddenly, its 177 bhp looks meh when compared to their over-200 bhp behemoths, and the bike was unveiled quietly.

Nah, we shouldn’t look at it that way. Although KTM had done much to calm the Beast’s demeanour in the 2018 1290 Super Duke R, it was one kick-a** motorcycle. 177 bhp, while not the highest in 2020, is still bloody fast on any motorcycle, let alone a naked bike.

9. Triumph Thruxton RS

As if the 2017 Thruxton R wasn’t already on of our favourite rides. The RS has more power, more torque and is 10 kg lighter. Bling include Brembo monobloc calipers, Öhlins rear shock, Showa BPF forks. Looks like the best factory cafe racer will be “best-er” next year. The Thruxton shows that butt-kicking torque is a whole lot more fun.

10. Triumph Street Triple RS

Again, the best gets “best-er.” Truth be told, we’re a little frustrated about the perception that more horsepower equals more fun. It’s horse manure (that’s the politically correct word)! Because through our experience of testing virtually all bikes in the market, it isn’t necessarily so.

The Street Triple RS shows that the combination of a compact and light bike, with enough horsepower, superb handling is what makes riding so pleasurable. It’s a bike that makes you grin non-stop after riding it.

And don’t start about how it looks. It’s a factory-issue streetfighter.

Honourable mention

BMW S 1000 RR

The S 1000 RR wasn’t included in the list above as it made its debut in 2019. However, the bike will be available in 2020 in Malaysia as the Munich factory was surprised by the overwhelming demand for it. Available in the base version and M Sport package, it’s the latter that’s the most seductive. All new, it’s compact and the new ergonomics will cut down on rider effort and fatigue, while enhancing overall control.

Horsepower was published at 207 bhp but BMW always under-claims their power output.

Triumph Tiger (900?)

This was one bike we were hoping to see at EICMA 2019, but it was a no-show. The 2018 Tiger, especially the XC variants, were amazing bikes that made riders feel like they were heroes. There were so many enhancements from its predecessor that it felt like an entirely new bike. But the new Tiger looks more compact, with many new components and may feature a new 900cc Triple.

Although there’s no indication of when and where it’ll be launched, we do hope it’s in 2020.

Six Parents of Basikal Lajak Kids Arrested

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM – Polis DiRaja Malaysia) arrested six parents over the weekend for letting their children ride basikal lajak.
The parents could face up to RM 20,000 fine and/or up to 5 years in jail.
Police have been cracking down on the activity but this is the first time parents were arrested.

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM – Polis DiRaja Malaysia) arrested six parents over the weekend for letting their children ride basikal lajak.

PDRM have warned last month that parents who allow their children on such contraptions could face fines up to RM 20,000 and/or jail up to 5 years. The measure was put in place after a car crashed into a group of basikal lajak riders on a highway at 3am. The accident took the lives of 8 youngsters.

The police had cracked down on the errand riders since January this year and nabbed some 116, all aged under 18 years old.

The latest crackdown in Ampang caught six kids aged between 11 to 16 years old. Police then hauled in their parents and legal guardians to the Pandan Indah police station.

Fines were handed to the children and their bicycles confiscated with accordance to Section 112(3) of the Road Transport Act 1987. The parents were charged under Section 33 of the Child Act 2001 for negligence but were released on police bail.

Police say that these cases will be handed to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) for further action. The parents could very well face hefty fines and/or jail time.

Basikal lajak refers to bicycles that are modified to ape (for want of a better word) the ergonomics of sport and race motorcycles i.e. head down, arse up in the air for better aerodynamics. The riders then race them downhill using gravity and pedal power. The bikes are usually devoid of brakes. The real problem is that the riders would usually congregate in built up areas, endangering themselves and other road users.

Source: World of Buzz
Photos: China Press

Max Biaggi Moto3 Team to Campaign 2020 Moto3 Season with Husqvarna FR 250 GP

Max Biaggi’s Moto3 Team, Max Racing, will use the Husqvarna FR 250 GP in 2020.
The Husqvarna FR 250 GP was launched at EICMA 2019.
THe Swedish marque is currently under KTM.

Max Biaggi’s Moto3 team, Max Racing, will campaign the 2020 Moto3 season with the newly-launched Husqvarna FR 250 GP.

Husqvarna has made a timely return to grand prix racing, given that the class is as hotly contested as before, and that Max Racing is heading into their second season with Romano Fenati and Alonso Lopez.

Fenati may had been a hothead, but he possesses streaks of raw talent evidenced by his 2nd overall placing in the 2017 Moto3 championship.

Anyway, the FR 250 GP is actually the KTM Moto3 bike. Hardware includes WP suspension and O.Z Racing wheels.

The blue, white and yellow Husqvarna brand is currently under the ownership of KTM through KTM CEO Stefan Bierer’s vision to consolidate two premium off-road brands into one.

While the differences between Husqvarna and KTM motorcycles are just skin (err.. paint) deep, the former does have a number of street models that differ from KTM’s line-up. Take the Svartpilen and Vitpilen, for example.

The biggest question is will we see a road version of the Husqvarna FR 250 GP? Perhaps a road-tuned version with lights. Oh, yes please!

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

1,300 Yamaha owners joined the 2019 Yamaha MotoGP convoy.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) co-operated with PETRONAS to organise a convoy to the 2019 Malaysia MotoGP.

The participants were given privileges at the Yamaha booth and PETRONAS Experience at SIC.

PHOTO GALLERY

The 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 is set to debut in early December 2019.

There will two new models called Tiger 900 Rally and Tiger 900 GT.

The rally is for off-road and GT for sport-touring.

Jorge Lorenzo announced his retirement from racing.

The shock announcement was made together with Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

The five-time world champion’s form has dropped after breaking his vertebrae in Assen.

The new D3O Ghost ultra-thin limb protector may just revolutionise protection for motorcyclists.

It features Impact Print technology for direct imprinting into fabric.

It allows for freedom of movement and breathability.

Malaysian rider Kasma Danial will contest in the 2020 World Moto2 season with the ONEXOX TKKR SAG team.

He will be the one of two Malaysians in the class next year.

He raced in the Spanish CEV Moto2 and ARRC 600cc SuperSport classes in 2019.

The Volkspod VW Minibike was build as an homage to the VW Beetle Type 1.

The creator took the fenders of VW and placed them over a minibike chassis.

It results in something cute and radical at the same time.

Boon Siew Honda announced new colours and stripes for the 2020 Honda Dash 125.

The Dash 125 is economical to own and maintain.

Prices start from RM 5,999.

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) organised the inaugural Electric Vehicle Fluids Symposium in Turin, Italy recently.

The symposium discussed several issues including the sustainability of e-mobility and climate “challenge.”

Electric vehicles (including motorcycles) do require lubrication in several crucial areas.

Triumph says the Triumph-Bajaj prototype is currently undergoing tests.

The formal agreement between the two companies will be signed in December.

The bike is wholly developed by Triumph and will be marketed as Triumph.

2020 will be a watershed year for motorcycles.

The push to comply with Euro5 resulted in awesome bikes.

These are among the many 2020 bikes we can’t wait to ride.

1. Aprilia RS 660

2. BMW S 1000 XR

3. Ducati Streetfighter V4

4. Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade

5. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R

6. Kawasaki Z H2

7. KTM 390 Adventure

8. KTM 1290 Super Duke R

9. Triumph Thruxton RS

10. Triumph Street Triple RS

Honourable mention

BMW S 1000 RR

Triumph Tiger (900?)

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM – Polis DiRaja Malaysia) arrested six parents over the weekend for letting their children ride basikal lajak.

The parents could face up to RM 20,000 fine and/or up to 5 years in jail.

Police have been cracking down on the activity but this is the first time parents were arrested.

Max Biaggi’s Moto3 Team, Max Racing, will use the Husqvarna FR 250 GP in 2020.

The Husqvarna FR 250 GP was launched at EICMA 2019.

THe Swedish marque is currently under KTM.

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