Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

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Wahid Ooi

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 – Modern Classic Bike of the Year 2025 (Above 500cc)

Ah, the modern classic motorcycle. It harks back to the days when all motorcycles were of this form whether you rode them on the streets, raced them at the track or even off-road (modified suspension, of course). They were pure motorcycles without the modern-day segmentation, hence they could be called “standards.” And the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 embraces that spirit perfectly to win the Modern Classic Bike of the Year 2025 category in the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year 2025 Awards.

Why did the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 win?

The Shotgun 650 has sportier ergonomics compared to the Interceptor 650. Additionally, the Shotgun has a custom bike feel to it. In fact, Royal Enfield stresses that they offer a large selection of accessories for this particular model (including the passenger seat).

Riding the Shotgun 650 is an experience of its own. As with other REs, it is not about going fast. Instead it is about feeling the thumps from the parallel-twin engine with a 270° crank. (It was a 360° crank which has the pistons rise and fall as a pair in the past.) The motor has a longer stroke, so it is all about torque.

Riding it up Genting Highlands was a joy as it thumped-thumped-thumped from corner to corner without bogging down and requiring multiple gear changes, apart from the two hairpins. Again, it is not about setting the fastest climb, but to destress on your off day on a bike.

It is of course a great bike for the daily commute, too, which returns us to the subject about the standard motorcycle.

What we liked: Thumping engine, good torque.

We we did not like: A little heavy.

Nett selling price: From RM 34,900

PETRONAS Sprinta is now Ducati Official Club Malaysia’s Strategic Partner

PETRONAS Sprinta is now the strategic partner of the Ducati Official Club Malaysia (DOCM).

This collaboration was announced during the club’s 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM). This event also marked the largest gathering for DUCATI in Asia, signifying a significant milestone in the club’s legacy since its establishment in 2016. The AGM brought together DOCM members and avid Ducati enthusiasts to discuss the club’s achievements, future direction, and upcoming initiatives.

DOCM boasts a membership of 1,600 individuals under 13 wings/chapters, each representing different regions and Ducati models. DOCM has become a highly prestigious club, trusted by Ducati fans across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand.

The meeting was chaired by Hishamuddin Md Sani, the 2024 President of DOCM, who shared the club’s progress over the past year, including activities, collaborations, and strategic partnerships. A key highlight of this year’s AGM was the announcement of PETRONAS Sprinta as the primary strategic partner of DOCM for 2025, a collaboration that will elevate DOCM’s status and strengthen its position as a leading Ducati community in Malaysia and Asia.

The event was also graced by YB Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar bin Haji Nasarah, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, as the guest of honor.

Today’s Annual Gathering successfully assembled 301 Ducati motorcycles of various models. DOCM organizes this event annually, solidifying its reputation as a premier platform for Ducati enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their passion for the brand.

“DOCM continues to grow as a premier Ducati rider community in Malaysia, thanks to the unwavering support of our members and partners. We are committed to further developing the club, strengthening the spirit of camaraderie, and promoting safe and thrilling riding experiences for all Ducati enthusiasts,” said 2025 President Datuk Seri Nazir Hussin Akhtar Hussin.

Collaboratio with PETRONAS

Zameer Zahur Hussain, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia (PLMM), expressed his excitement about the new partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with DOCM and become their primary partner for 2025. Our goal is to enhance our brand’s presence in the local two-wheeler community and showcase the superior quality of PETRONAS Sprinta products. Through this partnership, we aim to support the Ducati community while strengthening the market penetration of our Malaysian-made products domestically.”

Moving forward, DOCM plans to organize more exclusive events, convoys, and international collaborations to enhance its global presence.

Ducati Official Club Malaysia Instagram: docmducatiofficialclubmalaysia

PETRONAS Sprinta: www.facebook.com/PETRONASSprintaAsiaPacific

PETRONAS Sprinta Rakan Kini Strategik Kelab Rasmi Ducati Malaysia

PETRONAS Sprinta kini merupakan rakan strategik kepada Kelab Rasmi Ducati Malaysia (Ducati Official Club Malaysia – DOCM).

Kerjasama ini diumumkan ketika Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan Ke-8 kelab tersebut. Acara kali ini juga merupakan perhimpunan terbesar untuk DUCATI di Asia, menandakan satu pencapaian penting dalam legasi kelab sejak penubuhannya pada tahun 2016. AGM ini menghimpunkan ahli DOCM dan peminat tegar Ducati untuk membincangkan pencapaian kelab, hala tuju, serta inisiatif masa depan.

Ahli DOCM menjangkau seramai 1600 orang bernaung dibawah 13 wings / chapter, masing-masing mewakili kawasan dan model Ducati. DOCM menjadi kelab yang berprestij tinggi, dan dipercayai oleh seluruh peminat DUCATI di Malaysia, Singapura, Brunei dan Thailand.

Mesyuarat ini dipengerusikan oleh Hishamuddin Md Sani, Presiden DOCM 2024, yang berkongsi perkembangan kelab sepanjang tahun lalu, aktiviti, kerjasama, dan perkongsian strategik. Satu sorotan utama AGM tahun ini ialah pengumuman PETRONAS Sprinta sebagai rakan strategik utama DOCM bagi tahun 2025, kerjasama yang menarik yang akan meningkatkan lagi taraf DOCM dan memperkukuhkan kedudukannya sebagai komuniti DUCATI terkemuka di Malaysia dan Asia.

Majlis ini turut dihadiri oleh YB Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar bin Haji Nasarah, Timbalan Menteri Dalam Negeri sebagai tetamu terhormat.

Perhimpunan Tahunan hari ini berjaya mengumpulkan sebanyak 301 buah motorsikal jenama DUCATI pelbagai model. DOCM menganjurkan acara ini setiap tahun, mengukuhkan reputasinya sebagai platform utama bagi peminat Ducati untuk berhubung, berkongsi pengalaman, dan meraikan minat mereka terhadap jenama ini.

“DOCM terus berkembang sebagai komuniti penunggang Ducati yang unggul di Malaysia, hasil sokongan tidak berbelah bahagi daripada ahli dan rakan kongsi kami. Kami komited untuk terus membangunkan kelab ini, memperkukuh semangat kekeluargaan, serta mempromosikan pengalaman menunggang yang selamat dan mengujakan untuk semua peminat Ducati,” kata Presiden 2025 Datuk Seri Nazir Hussin Akhtar Hussin.

Kerjasama dengan PETRONAS

Zameer Zahur Hussain, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia (PLMM) menyatakan kegembiraannya mengenai kerjasama baru ini: “Kami sangat teruja untuk bekerjasama dengan DOCM dan menjadi rakan utama mereka untuk tahun 2025. Matlamat kami adalah untuk meningkatkan kehadiran jenama kami dalam komuniti dua roda tempatan dan menunjukkan kualiti unggul produk PETRONAS Sprinta. Melalui kerjasama ini, kami berhasrat untuk menyokong komuniti Ducati sambil memperkukuhkan penembusan produk buatan Malaysia kami di pasaran domestik.”

Melangkah ke hadapan, DOCM merancang untuk menganjurkan lebih banyak acara eksklusif, konvoi, serta kerjasama antarabangsa bagi meningkatkan kehadirannya di peringkat global.

Ducati Official Club Malaysia Instagram: docmducatiofficialclubmalaysia

PETRONAS Sprinta: www.facebook.com/PETRONASSprintaAsiaPacific

Honda Transalp 750 – Motosikal Adventure Terbaik 2025 (Bawah 800cc)

Terkejut bahawa Honda Transalp 750 memenangi kategori Motosikal Pengembaraan Terbaik Tahun 2025 (Bawah 800cc)? Kami juga! Ia berjaya mengatasi banyak pesaing dalam kelasnya, ada yang mempunyai kejayaan dalam perlumbaan, dan ada juga yang termasuk dalam motosikal paling laris.

Kenapakah Honda Transalp 750 menang?

Tahukah anda bahawa Honda melancarkan XL600V Transalp pada tahun 1986, dua tahun sebelum XRV650 Africa Twin? Africa Twin dibangunkan berdasarkan konsep Paris-Dakar Rally dan pemenang seterusnya, menjadikannya ikon motosikal pengembaraan. Sementara itu, Transalp, walaupun merupakan motosikal yang berkemampuan dan serba boleh, tidak mendapat perhatian yang sama daripada pembeli. Walaupun begitu, Honda telah mengeluarkan dua versi baharu Transalp pada tahun 2000 dan 2008, mengekalkan model ini dalam barisan pengeluaran mereka. Kebangkitan semula Transalp pada tahun 2023 dengan XL750 Transalp menandakan bab baharu untuk nama klasik ini.

Menjelang tahun2020-an, Honda mendapati diri mereka dengan kekosongan dalam segmen motosikal pengembaraan pertengahan. Pembeli hanya boleh memilih antara CRF250 Rally atau XL1000 Africa Twin (sebelum ia menjadi XL1100). Jadi, pada tahun 2023, Honda melancarkan semula Transalp 750.

Dan ia ternyata berbaloi untuk ditunggu.

Walaupun dilengkapi dengan roda depan 21 inci dan roda belakang 18 inci, Honda berjaya menjadikannya sebuah motosikal serba boleh, dengan keupayaan untuk memudahkan penunggang pengembaraan baharu dan memberikan kemampuan yang mencukupi kepada penunggang berpengalaman. Tempat duduknya tidak terlalu tinggi, badan motosikalnya ramping, dan ergonomiknya mesra untuk pelancongan. Dengan berat basah yang didakwa hanya 208 kg, ia juga sesuai digunakan sebagai motosikal harian.

Enjinnya ialah 755cc parallel-twin dengan engkol 270°, menghasilkan 90.5 HP pada 9,500 RPM dan 75 Nm pada 7,500 RPM. Jadi, ia bukanlah motosikal yang lembap.

Akhir sekali, ia kelihatan hebat. Harganya juga berdaya saing, dan jauh lebih rendah berbanding beberapa model lain dalam segmen yang sama.

Apa yang kami suka: Ia sebuah motosial serba boleh.

What we did not like: Bolehkah Honda lancarkan versi road 19/17 inci?

Harga Jualan asas: RM 56,800.

Honda Transalp 750 – Adventure Bike of the Year 2025 (Below 800cc)

Surprised that the Honda Transalp 750 won the Adventure Bike of the Year 2025 (Below 800cc) category? So were we! It beat out a whole wave of contenders in its class, some with racing success, some are among the best selling motorcycles.

Why did the Honda Transalp 750 win?

Did you know that Honda launched the XL600V Transalp in 1986, two years before the XRV650 Africa Twin? The latter was built upon Honda’s Paris-Dakar Rally concept and subsequent winner, thus it went on to become an icon. The Transalp meanwhile escaped buyers’ radars, although Honda did debut two new versions in 2000 and 2008.

Come the 2020s, Honda found themselves with midrange adventure bike vacuum. Buyers could either opt for either the CRF250 Rally or the XL1000 Africa Twin (before it became the XL1100). So, in 2023, Honda launched the Transalp 750.

And it was worth the wait.

Despite having 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, Honda made it a solid all-rounder, with the ability to coddle new adventure riders and provide ample capabilities to veteran riders. The seat is not too tall, the body is slim, and the ergonomics is touring friendly. With a claimed wet weight of just 208 kg, it works as a daily commuter, too.

The engine is a 755cc parallel-twin with a 270° crank, producing 90.5 HP at 9,500 RPM and 75 Nm at 7,500 RPM. So, it is no slouch.

Last but not least, it looks great. It is priced competitively too, and well below some of the players in the segment.

What we liked: Very good all-rounder.

What we did not like: Needs a 19/17-inch version, perhaps?

Nett selling price: RM 56,800.

Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro – Motosikal Adventure Terbaik 2025 (Atas 800cc)

Kita hidup dalam zaman motosikal adventure (pengembaraan) dan oleh itu, hampir setiap pengeluar – termasuk yang paling berfokus pada motosikal sportsbike – mempunyai sekurang-kurangnya satu model pengembaraan. Terdapat banyak sebab untuk fenomena ini, tetapi kita mulakan dengan mengatakan bahawa Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro telah memenangi kategori Motosikal Pengembaraan Terbaik Tahun 2025 (Melebihi 800cc) di Anugerah Motosikal Terbaik Allianz-BikesRepublic.com 2025.

Kenapakah Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro menang?

Keluarga Tiger 900 terdiri daripada dua varian yang berbeza, iaitu satu yang berfokus pada jalan raya dan satu lagi yang lebih cenderung ke arah off-road. Varian pertama mempunyai gelaran ‘GT’ dan dibahagikan lagi kepada dua, iaitu Tiger 900 GT asas dan Tiger 900 GT Pro. Ya, anda tahu bagaimana mulut sesetengah netizen – ada yang mengkritik Triumph kerana menamakan barisan produk tersebut seperti iPhone…

Tidak mengejutkan bahawa Tiger 900 GT Pro adalah varian yang lebih tinggi spesifikasinya. Ciri-ciri tambahan termasuk Triumph Shift Assist (nama yang menarik untuk quickshifter), paparan TFT berwarna 7 inci, sistem pemantauan tekanan tayar (TPMS), dan pemegang yang dipanaskan. Ketiga-tiga varian Tiger 900 dilengkapi dengan kaliper brek Brembo Stylema.

Seperti semua motosikal Triumph, kelebihan terbesar Tiger 900 GT Pro adalah pengendaliannya. Malah, ia berasa seperti menunggang motosikal sportsbike yang tinggi dengan posisi menunggang yang tegak. Nampak selekoh itu? Setel. Nampak bonjolan itu? Bonjolan apa? Kerangkanya, walaupun diperbuat daripada tiub keluli, menghubungkan anda seolah-olah anda adalah sebahagian daripadanya, dengan memberikan maklum balas tentang apa yang dilakukan oleh tapak tayar.

Bercakap tentang menjadi sebahagian daripada motosikal, kawalan pendikit terasa seolah-olah jari anda secara langsung membuka injap dalam badan pendikit.

Menambah lagi kelebihan ini adalah keupayaannya untuk menangani laluan off-road (yang ringan) dengan mudah, dan memastikan kebun durian kegemaran anda tidak pernah di luar jangkauan.

Apa yang kami suka: Casis dan pengendalian yang amat baik, enjin yang menghasilkan tork yang kuat.

What we did not like: Pemasaan baharu untuk enjin ini hasilkan gegaran pada RPM yang tinggi.

Harga jualan asas: RM 82,100

Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro – Adventure Bike of the Year 2025 (Above 800cc)

We live in the age of adventure bikes and as such, virtually every manufacturer – even the most sportsbike-centric ones – has at least one adventure model. There are many reasons for this phenomena, but let us begin by saying that the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro took home the Adventure Bike of the Year 2025 (Above 800cc) category win at the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025.

Why did the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro win?

The Tiger 900 consists of two distinct variants, one which is road-centric and another which is off-road biased. The former variant has the ‘GT’ moniker attached and is further split in two, namely the base Tiger 900 GT and Tiger 900 GT Pro. Well yeah, you know how some netizens can be, some one them calling out Triumph for naming the line up like iPhones…

No surprise here that the Tiger 900 GT Pro is the higher-specification variant. Extra features include Triumph Shift Assist (fancy name for a quickshifter), 7-inch colour TFT display, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and heated grips. All three Tiger 900 variants get Brembo Stylema brake calipers.

As with all Triumphs, the Tiger 900 GT Pro’s strongest suite is its handling. In fact, it rides like a tall sportsbike with an upright riding position. See that corner? Done and dusted. See that bump? What bump? The chassis, although made of venerable steel tubing connects you, the rider, like you are a part of it, communicating what the tyre contact patches are doing.

Speaking of being part of the bike, the throttle control is as if your fingers are directly opening the butterfly valves in the throttle bodies.

Adding to this is its ability to tackle (light) off-road trails with ease, ensuring that your favourite durian orchard is never out of reach.

What we liked: Superb chassis and handling, torquey engine

What we did not like: The engine’s new firing order is buzzy at higher RPMs.

Nett selling price: RM 82,100

Allianz General Insurance Wins Motorcycle Insurance of the Year 2025 Award

It is said that the best partnerships makes things work, and the smoother the work, the stronger the partnership is. This was certainly true about recent and inaugural Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025. Held at the Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur, it was the first time that such awards had been held for the two-wheel industry.

It was only made possible by Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad, who was the title sponsor the event.

Mr. Sean Wang, CEO of Allianz General said it best, “After more than a decade of being involved in the popular VOTY (Vehicle of the Year) awards, we are glad to now sponsor the Malaysian Motorcycle of the Year awards. This event will recognise and celebrate the achievements of motorcycle manufacturers in the country and provide riders with more insight into the various types of motorcycles out there in the market.”

Thanks to the partnership, there are now 11 motorcycles of various categories that are the best of the best in Malaysia. In turn, it will result in a better informed consumers when making their choices. The motorcycle industry players will also benefit from the awards, which goes beyond marketing the particular winning model. The awards will be an impetus for manufacturers to produce better motorcycles to again benefit the consumers and themselves.

The Malaysian Motorcycle Of The Year Overall Champion went to the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX. Other than that award, Suzuki also picked up the Touring Bike of The Year.

“We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to win this award. It was really an unexpected surprise and this is our first motorcycle award win. I am confident with this victory, our sales will shoot up and we will use this platform to market our brand further,” said Leong Kam Yew, Senior Manager, Sales and Marketing department, Suzuki Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

Beyond the Awards

The awards was not just about specific motorcycle models, however, as there were four categories to recognise companies and individuals as movers of the motorcycle industry. The Motorcycle Insurance Provider Of The Year award was won by Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad.

The MMOTY awards were judged by a panel of distinguished experts and enthusiasts including Keshy Dillon, a motoring journalist with over 18 years over experience in the industry, Datuk Captain Nik Huzlan, organiser of the iconic Rimba Raid, and former actor and motorcycle enthusiast, Jehan Miskin.

Title sponsors, Allianz General, offers the Allianz Motorcycle Plus coverage which has recently been enhanced to provide extensive coverage for both riders and pillion passengers at no additional cost. This plan is specifically designed for motorcycles with engine capacities of 250cc and below.

Key features include accident coverage which provides a benefit of RM10,000 in the event of death or permanent disability resulting from a road accident, roadside assistance – complimentary roadside assistance for distances up to a 50km roundtrip and under the Rahmah Insurance Initiative, Allianz Motorcycle Plus now offers a complimentary one-time flood relief of RM1,000 if the motorcycle is damaged due to flooding.

Allianz General is the number one general insurer in the industry with a market share of 14.6%.

You can refer to the Roll of Honour of the Allianz Bikes Republic Malaysian Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025 here.

To learn more about Allianz Malaysia, visit:

Website: allianz.com.my
Facebook: facebook.com/AllianzMalaysia/ | Instagram: instagram.com/allianzmalaysia/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/allianzmalaysia/

Yamaha MT-09 – Motosikal Naked Terbaik 2025 (Bawah 1000cc)

Ini adalah kategori yang sukar kerana mana-mana motosikal yang tidak ‘berpakaian’ fairing boleh dianggap sebagai motosikal naked pada tahap tertentu. Walaubagaimanapun, setelah banyak perbincangan dan perdebatan, Yamaha MT-09 muncul sebagai pemenang dalam kategori Motosikal Naked Terbaik 2025 (Bawah 1000cc) di Anugerah Motosikal Tahunan Allianz-BikesRepublic.com 2025, tetapi hanya dengan kelebihan yang tipis.

Mengapakah Yamaha MT-09 menang?

Motosikal ini adalah perwujudan apa yang sepatutnya dimiliki oleh sebuah motosikal naked: Ringan, mudah dikawal, dan bertenaga. Tetapi Yamaha telah mengarahkannya ke arah spektrum ‘streetfighter’. Bahagian yang tidak perlu ‘dibuang’ dan diberikan rupa yang unik dan berfungsi.

Malah, MT-09 direka dari mula untuk untuk menjadi motosikal yang ‘jahat’. Jika anda menunggangnya seperti seorang warganegara yang mematuhi undang-undang, maka anda tidak menunggangnya dengan betul. Motosikal ini menggalakkan anda untuk menjadi nakal. Ia mahu anda meluru dari lampu isyarat sambil melakukan wheelie, memotong lalu lintas seperti rambut anda terbakar, dan membelok ke selekoh seperti supermoto.

Sebagai ringkasan, “MT” bermaksud Monster Torque, dan itulah yang disampaikan oleh enjin ini dengan banyak. Bagaimana anda boleh melakukan wheelie tanpa tork?!

Tidak menghairankan bahawa ramai penunggang stunt di luar negara menggunakannya, termasuk seorang di Australia yang memasang turbocharger.

Apa yang kami suka: Tork yang kuat, badan yand ramping dan ringan, karakter yang nakal.

Apa yang kami tidak suka: Terpaksa memikirkan alasan kenapa menunggang seperti pelesit.

Harga jualan asas: RM 57,900

Yamaha MT-09 – Best Naked Bike of the Year 2025 (Below 1000cc)

This is another difficult category as any motorcycle that is not ‘clothed’ in a fairing can be considered as a naked bike to some degree. However, after much gnashing of the teeth and rising voices (no, just joking), the Yamaha MT-09 won out as the best Naked Bike of the Year 2025 (Below 1000cc) category in the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025, but only just.

Why did the Yamaha MT win?

The bike is the embodiment of what a naked bike (sportsbike) should be: Light, flickable, and rowdy. But Yamaha pushed it toward the ‘streetfighter’ end of the spectrum. Stripped of superfluous parts but given an outlandish and purposeful look.

In fact, the MT-09 was designed from the ground up to be a hooligan bike. If you are riding it like a law-abiding citizen, the you are not riding it right. It is the bike encourages you to cut loose and be naughty. It wants you to blast off the lights while pulling a wheelie, scythe through traffic like a bat out of hell, and chucked into corners like a supermoto.

To recap, “MT” stands for Monstrous Torque, and that is what the engine delivers in spades. How do you wheelie without torque?!

It is of no surprise that many stunt riders overseas use it, including one in Australia who fitted a turbocharger.

What we liked: Monster torque(!), lithe body, madcap character.

What we did not like: Running out of excuses why we rode like maniacs.

Nett selling price: RM 57,900

Harley-Davidson Road Glide – Cruiser Terbaik 2025

Motosikal cruiser, ya, jentera yang direka khusus bagi tunggangan yang mengusik qalbu dan emosi. Dan tiada yang sesuai dengan status itu kecuali Harley-Davidson Road Glide yang memenangi kategori Cruiser Terbaik 2025 di dalam Anugerah Motosikal Terbaik Allianz-BikesRepublic.com 2025.

Mengapa Harley-Davidson Road Glide menang?

Kita akan mulakan dengan mengatakan bahawa ia bukanlah soal usia, kerana panel penilai kita terdiri daripada individu yang muda serta yang berusia. Ia juga bukan kerana sesorang itu ingin menjadi ‘gengster’ ala Sons of Anarchy. Tidak, ia mungkin lebih halus dan misteri.

Peraturan emisi masa kini semakin membatasi motosikal, dan menyebabkan kehilangan karakter. Daripada memberikan sesuatu yang dapat dirasai, motosikal mula terasa sangat mekanikal. Jiwa mereka telah dirampas dan semakin senyap. Ia seperti seseorang telah memasang program AI dalam otak anda dan ia mula mengambil alih. Ya, ya, terdapat banyak motosikal cruiser yang telah diperhalusi di pasaran, tetapi Harley “buat derk”.

Jangan salah faham, Road Glide yang baharu telah diperhalusi dengan banyak. Kualiti binaan dan pemasangan dapat dilihat dan dirasai. Sistem audio kini jauh lebih baik, suis lebih responsif dan tidak terasa murah, dan suspensi tidak lagi terasa seperti anda melanggar gunung apabila melepasi bonggolan jalan.

Nadi Road Glide disediakan oleh enjin Milwaukee Eight 117. Itu adalah 117 inci padu yang diterjemahkan kepada 1917cc untuk kita yang menggunakan sistem Metrik. Ia menghasilkan 115 HP dan 188 Nm. Ia berputar pada kurang daripada 1,500 RPM pada kelajuan 110 km/j. Sebagai perbandingan, sebuah motosikal sportsbike dengan enjin empat dapur 1000cc akan berputar hampir 5,000 RPM atau lebih pada kelajuan itu.

Getaran? Sudah tentu Harley bergetar. Tetapi, perbezaannya ialah enjin Road Glide berdenyut seperti jantung mekanikal yang besar, manakala getaran inline-four akan membuatkan tangan dan lengan anda kebas.

Dan tork, tork, banyak lagi tork! Enjin ini tidak mempunyai kuasa kuda spesifik yang tinggi, tetapi torknya sangat berguna dalam dunia sebenar. Buka throttle dan jantungnya berdegup lebih laju tetapi masih terasa malas pada masa yang sama, ketika anda memotong satu barisan kereta.

Dan itulah sebabnya Harley-Davidson Road Glide menang.

Harga jualan asas (model asas): RM 211,900

Apa yang kami suka: Karakter!

Apa yang kami tidak suka: Kami tidak akan faham falsafah Harley jika kita tidak dapat menerima kekurangnya.

Harley-Davidson Road Glide – Cruiser of the Year 2025

Cruisers, yes, motorcycles that do everything it in style. Some of them can be considered the queens (or kings) of motorcycles, and none more so than the Harley-Davidson Road Glide which won the Cruiser of the Year category.

Why did the Harley-Davidson Road Glide win?

We shall start off by saying that it was not an age thing, because our judging panel consisted of both young and older individuals. Nor was it because of being wannabe ‘bad boys’. No, it is more subtle possibly enigmatic.

As regulations choke motorcycles more and more, they start to lose their character. Instead of providing something palpable, bikes are starting to feel very machine-like. Their souls have been robbed and are increasingly muted. It is like someone installed an AI program in your brain and it is starting to take over. Yes, yes, there are more refined and comfortable cruisers in the market but the Harley sticks two fingers in their faces.

Make no mistake, the new Road Glide has been refined a lot. The build quality, fitting, can be seen and felt. The audio system is now much better, the switches are more tactile instead of feeling cheap, and the suspension does not feel like you hit a mountain instead of a speed bump.

The heart of ‘Glide is the Milwaukee Eight 117. That is 117 cubic inches which translates to 1917cc to us Metric people. It produces 115 HP and 188 Nm. It rumbles along at less than 1,500 RPM at 110 km/h. By comparison, a 1000cc inline-four sportsbike would be turning nearly 5,000-plus RPM at that speed.

Vibration? Of course the Harley vibrates. But, the difference is that Road Glide’s engine beats like a huge mechanical heart, inline-four’s buzziness numbs your hands and arms.

And there is the torque. The engine does not feature high specific horsepower but its torque is useful in the real world. Open up and the heart beats faster but still feel lazy at the same time, while you overtake a whole line of cars.

And that was why the Harley-Davidson Road Glide won.

Nett selling price (base model): RM 211,900

What we liked: Character!

What we did not like: If there was, then we would be missing the plot.