Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

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Wahid Ooi

Triumph Daytona 660 – Sportsbike Terbaik 2025

Menunggang Triumph Daytona 660 adalah suatu pengalaman seperti sebuah kisah cinta.

Memenangi kategori Sportsbike of the Year 2025 dalam Anugerah Motosikal Tahunan Allianz-BikesRepublic.com 2025 bermakna ia mengalahkan beberapa pesaing yang amat canggih dan berkuasa, termasuk sebahagian daripadanya mempunyai latar belakang kejayaan dalam Kejuaraan Superbike Dunia.

Kenapakah Triumph Daytona 660 memang?

Kami sendiri juga menyukai motosikal supersport 1000cc. Namun, kami tidak boleh menunggangnya saban hari, tidak kira seberapa banyak kami mencuba. Keadaan jalan raya tidak semakin baik, dan semakin ramai pemandu yang kurang mahir di luar sana yang mungkin menjadikan anda sebahagian daripada statistik kemalangan jalan raya negara.

Selain itu, bagi 8 daripada 10 motosikal supersport yang dijual tidak pernah ‘turun litar,’ dan sebaliknya tempat yang paling hampir ialah kawasan parkir litar.

Segmen di mana Daytona 660 berada itu sangat kompetitif. Ini adalah motosikal sport “seharian” yang boleh anda gunakan untuk berulang-alik dan melancong, dan kemudiannya ditunggang pada hari litar. Dan inilah pertimbangan terbesar.

Dibina berdasarkan platform Trident 660 yang sangat popular, ia menawarkan pengendalian yang hebat, keyakinan, pengedalian yang mudah dikawal, dan enjin yang sangat bertenaga. Rekabentuknya bahkan membolehkan pemasangan beg sisi sekiranya anda ingin melancong. Posisi tempat duduknya tidak meletakkan punggung anda terlalu tinggi, dan hendal (handlebar) tidak diletakkan terlalu rendah sehingga membuatkan anda seperti sedang melakukan senaman ‘pumping‘.

Jangan lupa tentang enjinnya. Enjin tiga silinder biasanya mempunyai tenaga yang agresif (disertai dengan bunyi ekzos yang garau). Namun, Triumph sentiasa berusaha keras untuk menghasilkan tindak balas pendikit yang lancar bagi semua motosikal mereka. Oleh itu (bersama dengan pengendalian yang memberi keyakinan), penunggang baharu dan kurang berpengalaman tidak akan merasa gentar, sementara penunggang veteran masih akan merasa terhibur.

Kerana sebab-sebab inilah Triumph Daytona 660 merupakan Sportsbike Terbaik 2025.

Harga jualan asas: RM 49,500

Apa yang kami suka: Boleh ditunggang saban hari, gaya, pengendalian, karakter.

What we did not like: Suspensi tidak boleh dilaras sepenuhnya.

Triumph Daytona 660 – Best Sportsbike of the Year

The Triumph Daytona 660, oh what a love affair.

Winning the Sportsbike of the Year 2025 category in the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025 means knocking out some very advanced and powerful contenders, some of which are of World Superbike Championship winning pedigree.

So why did the Triumph Daytona 660 win?

You see, we ourselves love the 1000cc supersports bikes too. However, we cannot ride them on a daily basis, no matter how hard we try. The roads conditions are not getting any better, and there are increasingly more poorly skilled drivers out there who would add you to the national road accident statistics.

Also, the closest the 8 out of 10 supersports bike get to a track is the parking lot.

The segment in which the Daytona 660 resides is itself hotly contested. These are “everyday” sportsbikes that you can commute and tour on, and then ride on trackdays. And this was the biggest consideration.

Built on the amazingly popular Trident 660 platform, it provides superb handling, confidence, ease of controls, and a super punchy engine. The way it was designed even allows for saddlebags should you want to go touring. The seating position does not have your buttocks in the faces of other road users. And the handlebars are not placed so low that have you doing push-ups.

Let us not forget that engine. Triples usually have an aggressive punchy (along with a rowdy exhaust to it). However, Triumph have always worked hard to produce linear throttle response for all their bikes. As such (along with confidence inspiring handling), new and inexperience riders will not find it intimidating, while veteran bikers will still find it entertaining.

And that was why the Triumph Daytona 660 is the Sportsbike of the Year.

Nett selling price: RM 49,500

What we liked: Everyday usability, styling, handling, character.

What we did not like: No fully adjustable suspension.

Vespa Sprint 150 S – Skuter Terbaik 2025 (Bawah 250cc)

Kategori Skuter Terbaik 2025 (Bawah 250cc) adalah satu lagi segmen yang terbukti sangat sukar untuk menentukan pemenangnya bagi Anugerah Motosikal Tahunan Allianz-BikesRepublic.com 2025, kerana terdapat lebih daripada 10 model. Dan semuanya layak. Namun, satu model menonjol dan ia adalah Vespa Sprint 150 S.

Kenapa Vespa Sprint 150 S menang?

Pertama sekali, Vespa Sprint 150 S bukanlah skuter yang paling laju. Ia juga bukan yang paling berkuasa.

Namun, sesebuah motosikal adalah satu gaya hidup. Ia melangkaui sekadar berapa banyak HP dan Nm. Ia mengatasi kelajuan maksimum sesebuah motosikal. Ia bukan tentang berapa harga motosikal itu atau kos penyelenggaraannya. Kadang-kadang, ia tidak semestinya tentang sama ada motosikal itu mempunyai ciri-ciri terkini.

Motosikal ini membangkitkan emosi, walaupun mungkin yang berbeza bagi mereka yang muda dan tua. Generasi muda melihatnya sebagai sesuatu yang trendy, manakala golongan umur lanjut seperti saya melihatnya melalui kacamata nostalgia. Ada yang sanggup menghabiskan ribuan lebih daripada harga motosikal itu sendiri untuk menyesuaikannya mengikut citarasa peribadi. Ada pula yang hanya mahu menikmati angin di muka dan rambut, seperti dalam filem Roman Holiday (versi 1953). Anda tidak perlu memahaminya sepenuhnya: Cintai bahagian terbaiknya, dan terima kekurangannya.

Model ini meneruskan tradisi Vespa yang pertama, seperti bentuk badan yang menyerupai tebuan, papan lantai yang luas, dan posisi duduk, tetapi ia tetap moden tanpa mengabaikan ciri-ciri lama yang telah bertahan lama.

Ia tentang La Passione (keghairahan dalam Bahasa Itali).

Dan itulah, kawan-kawan, yang diwakili oleh Vespa Sprint S dengan sempurna.

Harga jualan: RM 20,900

Apa yang kami suka: Gaya yang tidak ditelan masa, cara tunggangan santai.

Apa yang kami tidak suka: Orang ramai yang suka menyentuh motor ini untuk membuat selfie ketika ia diparkir.

Vespa Sprint 150 S – Best Scooter of the Year 2025 (Below 250cc)

The Best Scooter of the Year (Below 250cc) category is another segment that proved supremely difficult to determine the winner for the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025, as there are more than 10 models. And all of them are worthy. However, one stood out and that was the Vespa Sprint 150 S.

Why did the Vespa Sprint 150 S win?

Firstly, the Vespa Sprint 150 S is not the fastest scooter. Nor is it the more powerful.

But motorcycling is a way of life. It goes further than about how many HP and Nm. It transcends the top speed of a motorcycle. It is not about about how much a motorcycle costs to buy and maintain. Sometimes, it does not even matter if the motorcycle has the latest features.

The bike evokes emotions, albeit differently, to those young and old. The younger generation sees it as hip, while oldies like me look at it behind nostalgic glasses. Some spend thousands more than the price of the bike to personalise it. Some just want to enjoy the wind on their faces and hair, just like in the Roman Holiday (the 1953 version). You do not even have to understand it: Love the best parts, and live with the flaws.

This model continues the traditions of the very first Vespa, such as the wasp-like body, wide floor boards, seating position, but is as modern as it can be without trampling on those long-lived features.

It is about La Passione (the passion – make sure to include the hand gesture).

And that, our friends, is what the Vespa Sprint S embodies to a tee.

Nett selling price: RM 20,900

What we like: Easy going, undying style.

What we did not like: We will be missing the point is there was something we did not like!

Honda ADV350 – Skuter Terbaik 2025 (Atas 250cc)

Skuter, atau lebih khusus lagi skuter pengembaraan adalah jenis yang paling popular hari ini. Populariti ini bermula setelah Honda memperkenalkan X-ADV (750), yang ternyata menjadi kejayaan jualan. Tidak lama kemudian, Honda memperkenalkan ADV160. Sejak itu, hampir setiap pengeluar mempunyai “skuter pengembaraan.” Akhirnya, Honda ADV350 yang digelar “Skuter Pengembaraan Bandar” dilancarkan pada 2022 dan tiba di Malaysia pada 2024.

ADV350 ialah skuter pengembaraan 350cc pertama di pasaran kita apabila ia dilancarkan, dan masih menikmati jualan yang stabil walaupun terdapat beberapa pencabar baharu. Kategori skuter pengembaraan maxi ini pastinya semakin hangat.

Kenapakah Honda ADV350 menang?

Pertama sekali, ia mempunyai persamaan yang ketara dengan saudara X-ADVnya yang lebih besar, berbanding dengan ADV160. Badan bersaiz besar yang juga memastikan ruang maksimum untuk penyimpanan dan tempat duduk, selain menyediakan ciri perlindungan seperti skrin besar daripada unsur-unsur. Ia kelihatan hebat juga, mungkin lebih daripada X-ADV.

Dikuasakan oleh enjin 330cc, silinder tunggal, SOHC, penyejuk cecair yang dilengkapi dengan suntikan bahan api PGM-FI dengan teknologi Smart Power Plus (eSP+) yang dipertingkatkan, ia menghasilkan 28.8 HP pada 7,500 RPM dan 31.8 Nm pada 5,250 RPM. Ia memberikan tork dan kuasa yang kuat, sambil menjimatkan penggunaan bahan api.

Transmisinya ialah CVT, tidak seperti jenis Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) pada X-ADV.

Satu ciri menarik ialah Isyarat Henti Kecemasan (ESS – Emergency Stop Singal) yang mengelipkan lampu brek apabila penunggang melakukan brek mengejut dan keras. Ia adalah yang pertama untuk skuter.

Pencahayaan adalah LED di sekeliling, ruang bahagian bawah pelana boleh memuatkan dua topi keledar muka penuh, skrin TFT menyediakan sambungan Bluetooth, dan kapasiti bahan api ialah 11.7 liter.

Ini adalah aspek-aspek yang membuatkan kami meminati motosikal ini.

Harga jualan yang disyorkan: RM 33,999

Apa yang kami suka: Practicality, great looks, build quality, torque.

Apa yang kami tidak suka: The waiting period!

Yamaha Y16ZR – Anugerah Kapcai Terbaik 2025

Kejayaan Yamaha Y16ZR memenangi kategori Kapcai Terbaik dalam Anugerah Motosikal Terbaik Allianz-BikesRepublic.com 2025 bukanlah sesuatu yang mudah.

Ini adalah kategori yang sukar kerana ia dipenuhi dengan motosikal yang benar-benar berkemampuan, danmembuktikan kepada kita sejauh mana kemajuan motosikal kapcai. Dahulunya kapcai hanyalah satu cara untuk bergerak dari A ke B, tetapi terdapat begitu banyak kapcai yang penuh dengan ciri hebat sekarang. Tidak hairanlah terdapat juga penunggang motosikal veteran yang membeli kapcai untuk memenuhi naluri mereka sambil menikmati kepraktisan motosikal itu.

Menyokong kategori motosikal ini ialah industri pasaran selepas jualan yang matang dan menyediakan semua penyelesaian untuk menyesuaikan kapcai seseorang daripada standard kepada diperibadikan, dan sudah tentu, peningkatan prestasi motosikal daripada jinak kepada liar.

Jadi kenapakan Yamaha Y16ZR menang?

Dilancarkan pada 2021, model itu membawa kategori kapcai berprestasi ke tahap baharu, malah membayangi sepupunya yang sudah lama beroperasi, Y15ZR, lebih dikenali sebagai YSuku.

Pusat kepada peralihan ini ialah enjin Yamaha Y16ZR. Loji kuasa 155cc, disejukkan cecair, SOHC dengan Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) menghasilkan 17.7 HP pada 9,500 RPM dan 14 Nm pada 8,000 RPM. Ia kekal sebagai satu-satunya kapcai yang menggunakan enjin dengan VVA, dan merupakan yang pertama menampilkan klac slipper and assist.

Platform enjin ini begitu bagus sehingga ia menggerakkan tiga lagi motosikal Yamaha yang amat popular, iaitu motosikal sport YZF-R15/R15M, motosikal naked MT-15 dan skuter NVX.

Ciri-ciri VVA memastikan bahawa motosikal memecut dengan kuat dari keadaan berhenti, dan terus memecut sehingga ke garis merahnya. Memintas juga mudah, kerana terdapat tork dan kuasa yang tersedia sepanjang julat putaran enjin.

Walaupun kini terdapat beberapa kapcais yang lebih berkuasa di pasaran, Y16ZR mempunyai watak yang lengkap, dari segi prestasi, pengendalian, keselesaan (bolehlah), praktikal dan ciri. Kualiti binaan keseluruhannya juga agak baik.

Akhir sekali, walaupun ia bukan sesuatu yang kami cadangkan, terdapat banyak alat ganti dan aksesori selepas jualan untuk menyokong model ini.

Inilah sebab-sebab mengapa Yamaha Y15ZR adalah Kapcai Terbaik Tahun Ini dalam Anugerah Motosikal Terbaik Allianz-BikesRepublic.com 2025, walaupun telah dilancarkan 4 tahun lalu.

Apa yang kami suka: Flexible engine, sportiness, handling. Enjin dengan julat kuasa yang luas, tunggangan sporty, pengendalian yang tangkas.

Apa yang kami tidak suka: Pelananya perlukan span yang lebih tebal.

Terbaik Antara Terbaik – Anugerah Motosikal Terbaik Allianz-BikesRepublic 2025

Anugerah Motosikal Terbaik Allianz-BikesRepublic.com 2025 ialah anugerah motosikal yang tiada di Malaysia. Daripada hanya mengumumkan pemenang dalam portal media sosial kami, trofi telah dianugerahkan kepada pemenang dalam majlis makan malam yang berprestij.

Berlangsung di Hotel Saujana Kuala Lumpur malam tadi (19 Februari), pemenang terdiri daripada 16 kategori berbeza – 12 untuk motosikal, 2 untuk personaliti motosikal Malaysia, 1 untuk syarikat berkaitan industri motosikal, dan 1 untuk penyedia perkhidmatan motosikal.

Setiap motosikal telah diuji secara terperinci, data dikumpulkan secara sistematik, dan akhirnya, keputusan dibahaskan di kalangan ahli panel untuk menentukan pemenang. Anda boleh yakin bahawa tiada siapa yang mendapat anugerah yang tidak sepatutnya.

Pemenang-pemenang

Jadi inilah apa yang anda tunggu-tunggu.

Kapcai Terbaik: Yamaha Y16ZR
Scooter Terbaik (Atas 250cc): Honda ADV 350
⁠Scooter Terbaik (Bawah 250): Vespa Sprint S 150
⁠Sportsbike Terbaik: Triumph Daytona 660
⁠Motosikal Touring Terbaik: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
⁠Cruiser Terbaik: Harley-Davidson Road Glide
⁠Motosikal Naked Terbaik (Bawah 1000cc): Yamaha MT-09
⁠Motosikal Adventure Terbaik (Atas 800cc): Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro
⁠Motosikal Adventure Terbaik (Bawah 800cc): Honda Transalp 750
⁠Motosikal Klasik Moden Terbaik (Atas 500cc): Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
⁠Motosikal Klasik Moden Terbaik (Bawah 500cc): Triumph Speed 400
⁠Juara Keseluruhan Motosikal Terbaik: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
⁠Personaliti Motosikal Malaysia: Ahmad Faez Bin Tan Sri Yahaya
⁠Tokoh Motosikal Malaysia: Dato’ Ahmad Azhar Othman (Awie)
⁠Peneraju Industri Motosikal Terbaik: RCB
⁠Pembekal Insuran Motosikal Terbaik: Allianz Insurance

Seperti yang anda lihat daripada senarai, jenama yang diedarkan oleh Kumpulan Didi mempunyai sekurang-kurangnya satu pemenang, dengan menyapu bersih 6 daripada 12 kategori yang dicalonkan.

Bagaimanapun, pengeluar tunggal yang memenangi anugerah terbanyak ialah Triumph, namun Suzuki merangkul anugerah Juara Keseluruhan Motosikal Terbaik Malaysia ialah Suzuki GSX-S1000GX.

Dua lagi pembuat Big Four Jepun, iaitu Yamaha dan Honda masing-masing merangkul dua kategori.

Apakah Manfaat Anugerah ini untuk Pembeli Motosikal

Perbandingan motosikal di media motosikal Malaysia bukanlah perkara biasa, tidak seperti di kalangan media luar negara. Anugerah ini bertujuan untuk membawa ulasan motosikal ke tahap yang lebih tinggi untuk memberi manfaat kepada pembeli motosikal dalam membuat pilihan mereka.

Anugerah Motosikal Terbaik Allianz-BikesRepublic 2025 juga bertujuan untuk menyediakan pemain industri suatu platform bagi mengukur keberkesanan produk mereka di negara ini. Ia juga merupakan peluang yang baik untuk mereka memasarkan produk mereka dengan bangga.

Ulasan Pemenang

Teruskan bersama kami di BikesRepublic.com untuk ulasan pemenang MOTY Allianz-BikesRepublic.com dalam beberapa hari akan datang.

Anugerah itu dianjurkan oleh BikesRepublic.com bersama DSF.com, dan ditaja oleh Allianz Malaysia Berhad.

Galeri foto

Honda ADV350 – Best Scooter of the Year (Above 250cc)

Scooters, well, more specifically adventure scooters are all the rage these days. It all began when Honda introduced the X-ADV (750), which turned out to be a sales success. Before long, Honda scaled things down to the ADV160. Since then, almost every manufacturer has an “adventure scooter.” Finally, the Honda ADV350 “Urban Adventure Scooter” was launched amidst heady anticipation in 2022 and arrived in Malaysia in 2024.

The ADV350 was the first 350cc adventure scooter in market when it was launched, and continues to enjoy steady sales despite several new challengers. This maxi adventure scooter category is definitely heating up.

Why did the Honda ADV350 win?

First and foremost, it bears striking resemblance to its bigger X-ADV brethren, more so that the ADV160. A big sized body, which also ensures maximum space for storage and the seats, in addition to providing protective features such as a large screen from the elements. It looks great, too, maybe even more so than the bigger bike.

Powered by a 330cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine equipped with PGM-FI fuel injection with enhanced Smart Power Plus (eSP+) technology, it produces 28.8 HP at 7,500 RPM and 31.8 Nm at 5,250 RPM. It provides punchy torque and power, while maintaining frugal fuel consumption.

Its transmission is CVT, unlike the X-ADV’s trick Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).

One nifty feature is the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS – Emergency Stop Signal) which flashes the brake lights when the rider apply sudden and hard braking. it is the first for a scooter.

Lighting is LED all-around, the underseat ‘trunk’ can accommodate two full-faced helmets, the TFT screen provides Bluetooth connection, and fuel capacity is 11.7 litres.

These are the aspects that endeared us to the bike. Talk about having your cake and eating it.

Nett selling price: RM 33,999

What we liked: Practicality, great looks, build quality, torque.

What we did not like: The waiting period!

Yamaha Y16ZR – Best Kapcai of the Year

Winning the Best Kapcai of the Year category for the Yamaha Y16ZR in the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025 is no easy feat.

This is a hard-fought category, chock-full of motorcycles that are truly capable, showing us just how far kapcais have come. It used to be that kapcais were just a means of getting from Points A to B, but there are so many these days that are full of great features. It is no surprise that even veteran bikers buy kapcais to get their adrenaline fix while revelling in the bike’s practicality.

Supporting this category of motorcycles is a fully mature aftermarket industry that provides all the solutions to customise one’s kapcai from bog stock to personalised, and of course, the upgrade the bikes’ performance from mild to wild.

So why did the Yamaha Y16ZR win?

Launched in 2021, the model took performance kapcai category to a new level, even overshadowing its long-running cousin, the Y15ZR, more commonly known as the YSuku.

Central to this shift is the Yamaha Y16ZR’s engine. The 155cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) powerplant produces 17.7 HP at 9,500 RPM and 14 Nm at 8,000 RPM. It remains as the only kapcai to utilise an engine with VVA, and was the first to feature a slipper and assist clutch.

Heck, this engine platform is so good that it powers another three of Yamaha’s super popular motorcycles, namely the YZF-R15/R15M sportbike, MT-15 naked bike, and the NVX scooter.

The VVA features ensures that the bike pulls hard from the lights, and continues to pull all the way to its redline. Overtaking is a breeze, too, as there is torque and power available throughout the rev range.

While there is one particularly more powerful kapcai in the market, the Y16ZR boasts a well-rounded character, in terms of performance, handling, (passable) comfort, practicality, and features. Its overall build quality is fine, too.

Last but not least, although it is not something we recommend, there are plenty of aftermarket parts and accessories to support the model.

These are the reasons why the Yamaha Y15ZR is the Best Kapcai of the Year in the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025, despite being launched 4 years ago.

What we liked: Flexible engine, sportiness, handling.

What we did not like: Seats need more cushioning.

Best of the Best – Winners of the Allianz-BikesRepublic Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025

The Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025 is a motorcycle award like no other in Malaysia. Instead of merely announcing the winners in our social media portals, the the trophies were conferred to the winners in a prestigious gala dinner.

Held at the Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur last night (19 February), the winners were from 16 different categories – 12 for motorcycles, 2 for Malaysian motorcycle personalities, 1 for the best motorcycle related company, and 1 for a motorcycle service provider.

The motorcycles were extensively tested, the data collated systematically, and finally, the results were debated among the panellists to determine the winner. You can be assured that there is no one getting superfluous awards.

The Winners

So here we are, what you have been waiting for. (Please click on the links for the brief review of the winners.)

Kapcai of the Year: Yamaha Y16ZR
Scooter of the Year (Above 250cc): Honda ADV 350
⁠Scooter of the Year (Below 250): Vespa Sprint S 150
⁠Sportsbike of the Year: Triumph Daytona 660
⁠Touring Bike of the Year: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
⁠Cruiser of the Year: Harley-Davidson Road Glide
⁠Naked Bike of the Year (Below 1000cc): Yamaha MT-09
⁠Adventure Bike of the Year (Above 800cc): Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro
⁠Adventure Bike of the Year (Below 800cc): Honda Transalp 750
⁠Modern Classic Bike of the Year (Above 500cc): Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
⁠Modern Classic Bike of the Year (Below 500cc): Triumph Speed 400
⁠Malaysian Motorcycle Of The Year Overall Champion: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
⁠Malaysian Motorcycle Personality Of The Year: Ahmad Faez Bin Tan Sri Yahaya
⁠Malaysian Rider of the Year: Dato’ Ahmad Azhar Othman (Awie)
⁠Malaysian Innovator of the Year: RCB
⁠Motorcycle Insurance Provider Of The Year: Allianz Insurance

As you can see from the list, the brands being distributed by Didi Group has at least one winner, sweeping 6 of the 12 categories nominated.

However, the single manufacturer who won the most awards was Triumph, however capturing the ⁠Malaysian Motorcycle Of The Year Overall Champion award was the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX.

Another two of the Big Four Japanese makers, namely Yamaha and Honda captured two categories each.

What the Award Means for Motorcycle Buyers

Motorcycle comparisons in the Malaysian motorcycle media is not a true commonplace, unlike among the overseas media fraternity. This award sought to bring motorcycle reviews to a higher level in order to benefit motorcycle buyers in making their choices.

The Allianz-BikesRepublic Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025 also seeks to provide industry players a yardstick to measure the effectiveness of their products in the country. It is also a great opportunity for them to market their products proudly.

The Reviews

Do stay with us at BikesRepublic.com for the review of the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com MOTY winners in the coming days.

The awards was organised by BikesRepublic.com in association with DSF.com, and sponsored by Allianz Malaysia Berhad.

Photo gallery

How did Synthetic Motor Oil Come About? (Part 2) – Post-WWII

It it probably morbid, but while the Second World War saw more and more new technologies to kill another human being more effectively, the conflict also gave rise to many innovations that fast-forwarded technologies for better everyday living thereafter.

WWII also saw the rise of the jet engine. However, these engines did not work like piston engines. Instead, air is pulled in at the front, compressed, burned and expelled out the rear to push the aircraft forward. And they burn much hotter. They lubricants in the engine must withstand this heat in order to keep the bearings turning.

Conventional oils broke down quickly, along with the parts of the jet engine. Hence, synthetic oils became a necessity, especially when the U.S.A. and Soviet Union began to push the envelope on jet aviation along with supersonic flight.

Born to fly

One person who’d come to understand this firsthand was Al Amatuzio, Lieutenant Colonel and squadron commander in the Minnesota Air National Guard. Stationed in Duluth, Minn., Amatuzio had experienced the benefits of synthetic lubricants in his squadron’s jet aircraft.

Amatuzio had taken an interest in aviation from a young age as he watched the Sikorsky mail plane fly over his neighborhood on its way to Lake Superior’s St. Louis Bay. At 12, a short ride in a Piper Cub cemented his love of aircraft.

In 1942, Amatuzio answered America’s call during WWII. He attended Naval Air Corps training until the Navy closed the program. After the war and eager to again pursue his dream of flying, Amatuzio joined the Air Force. He helped usher in the era’s new jet-aircraft technology by flying the F80 Shooting Star.

“If it works that well in aircraft…?”

Seeing synthetic oil in action, Amatuzio wondered why it wasn’t used in automobile engines. He reasoned that the same performance benefits could be applied to the vehicles and equipment people depended on every day for work and fun.

When Amatuzio began researching synthetic oil in the 1960s, motor oil quality was poor and engines didn’t last long.

Then-modern oils were susceptible to breakdown in high heat and contributed greatly to hard-starting in cold weather. Oil industry giants thought conventional oils were good enough and thought synthetic oil was unnecessary for passenger cars.

Amatuzio undertook an intense period of research and development. He experimented with various formulations. He studied chemistry and learned about additives. In 1966, Amatuzio had formulated his first synthetic motor oil. To test his formulation, he asked one of his pilots to use it in his brand-new 1966 Ford station wagon.

Throughout the late 1960s, Amatuzio continued to develop and sell synthetic oils under a variety of names. By 1968, he was commercially selling his synthetic motor oil. He incorporated “Life-Lube, Inc.” on May 23, 1969 and continued to commercially sell various synthetic motor oil formulations.

By 1970, Amatuzio had settled on a single formulation and had renamed his company “AMZOIL” – an amalgamation of his name and “oil” – which he’d later change to “AMSOIL.”

Still serving in the Air National Guard, Amatuzio ran his company in his spare time, working from his basement and warehousing product in his garage.

His financial resources, however, didn’t match his energy, and he nearly bankrupted himself leading his fledgling company. Since no one believed in his idea, no one would lend him money. And few motorists were willing to pay for synthetic motor oil no matter how profound its performance benefits since it cost several times more than conventional motor oil.

Syarikat-syarikat PPKM Baharu Milik Penuh Bumiputera – Anthony Loke

Tiga syarikat termasuk satu daripadanya berusia lapan bulan yang diberikan kelulusan bersyarat melaksanakan Perkhidmatan Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Motor (PPKM) adalah milik penuh Bumiputera. Selain daripada itu, mereka bukan syarikat RM2, sebaliknya memiliki modal berbayar mencukupi, kata Menteri Pengangkutan Anthony Loke.

Beliau berkata syarikat itu adalah syarikat bertujuan khas (SPV) yang ditubuhkan untuk memasuki permohonan PPKM.

“Syarikat yang dikatakan lapan bulan ini ada RM20 juta modal berbayar dan ada perniagaan lain, bukannya syarikat RM2. Mereka ada modal yang cukup dan untuk makluman syarikat ini milik penuh Bumiputera, ketiga-tiga pengarahnya Bumiputera,” katanya pada Waktu Pertanyaan-Pertanyaan Menteri di Dewan Rakyat hari ini.

Beliau menjawab soalan Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN-Jerantut) mengenai relevansi pengalaman dalam industri pemeriksaan kenderaan motor tidak dijadikan sebagai kriteria utama dalam pemilihan syarikat yang bakal bersaing dengan Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer (PUSPAKOM).