Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team Wins Independent Team Honours in Malaysia

The PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team won the 2019 Independent Team title at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Franco Morbidelli finished in sixth ahead of Quarataro in seventh.
It was the perfect venue to win the title.

The PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team won the 2019 Independent Team title at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Team riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo’s results at the Malaysian round meant that the team heads the independent teams (better known as “satellite teams”) standings with a 77-point lead over the nearest challenger. The points lead is unassailable with just one more round to go.

It was certainly a poetic win since Malaysia is the team’s home ground and their first homecoming race.

The patriotic Malaysian crowd showed their all-out support not only for the MotoGP team, but for the riders in all three classes. However, hopes were high for Quaratararo’s first MotoGP victory as he had demolished the fastest lap record that had stood for four years. There were also great hopes for Morbidelli to capture another podium finish since he began the race in third position.

Alas, it was not to be.

Morbidelli finished sixth ahead of Quaratararo who was in seventh.

The former struggled with lack of acceleration with a bike in race trim, and was forced to make up time by braking harder for each turn. “We can’t complain,” he later said and was happy to finish in sixth, plus his teammate’s seventh to close out the independent teams title.

The latter lamented, “It was a really tough race, and I struggled a lot. My first lap was a disaster and I couldn’t stop the bike – which is an issue we haven’t had all weekend.”

The pair are now looking forward to scoring great results again at the closing race in Valencia.

Kawasaki KGO Torq R7 4T Fully-Synthetic SAE 10W-40 API SN and KGO Torq R9 4T Fully-Synthetic SAE 10W-50 API SN Engine Oils Launched

Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. launched the KGO Torq R7 4T Fully-Synthetic SAE 10W-40 API SN and KGO Torq R9 4T Fully-Synthetic SAE 10W-50 API SN engine oils.
Both are 100% PAO-based lubricants.
They also have the latest API SN service grade.

Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. launched two new engine oils in conjunction with the 2019 Malaysian MotoGP. They are called the KGO Torq R7 T fully-synthetic SAE 10W-40 API SN and Kawasaki KGO Torq R9 4T fully-synthetic SAE 10W-50 API SN. “KGO” stands for “Kawasaki Genuine Oil.”

The main difference (and advantage) of the KGO Torq lubricants is that they are derived from 100% PAO base oil.

PAO (poly-alpha-olefin) is made by polymerising alpha-olefin. As such, the American Petroleum Institute (who sets most of the oil standards in use) classifies PAO as Group IV and are 100% synthetic.

By 100% synthetic it means that the oil is made in the lab, rather than refined from crude petroleum. Mineral and semi-synthetic engine oils break down sooner due to free radicals in the base oil. 100% synthetic base oils are thereby made without these free radicals.

thus means that the base oil can be made to specific properties to enhance engine protection, oil longevity, retain sheer resistance, retain oil viscosity under stress and extreme heat, and so forth.

The base oil is then mixed with an “additive package” to tune it to specific properties such as to enhance flow, longer lasting, sheer resistant, ability to retain viscosity despite be subjected to high stress and extreme heat.

Besides being 100% PAO based, the KGO Torq R7 and KGO Torq R9 are of the API SN service grade. The SN service is currently the highest grade.

The KGO Torq R7 and KGO Torq R9 are placed as the premium addition and will be sold alongside the KGO 4T Semi-Synthetic 10W-40 SL and KGO 4T Fully-Synthetic 10W-40 SL launched last year.

The KGO Torq R7 4T SAE 10W-40 API SN is priced at RM 76.00 per 1-litre bottle and the KGO Torq R9 4T SAE 10W-50 API SN is priced at RM 78.00 per 1-liter bottle.

Two other Kawasaki products were launched softly.

First is the Kawasaki Super Long Life Coolant and secondly the Kawasaki Platinum DOT 4 Brake Fluid. Both are OEM products that were filled into new Kawasaki motorcycles before the leave the factory. It means that Kawasaki owners can enjoy and assured of the best quality products that were formulated for their bikes.

Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Rider Afridza Munandar Passes Away

Afridza Munandar, an Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC) rider passed away moments ago.
He sustained mortal injuries in a crash at Turn 10 on Lap 1 at the Sepang International Circuit.
Munandar was set to challenge for the IATC title this weekend.

We are saddened to learn and share that Afridza Munandar, an Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC) rider passed away moments ago.

20-year-old Munandar was involved in accident at Turn 10 on Lap 1 of the race. The race was immediately red-flagged. Spectators saw the medical emergency helicopter land near the corner thereafter. The helicopter flew the stricken rider to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries later despite the valiant efforts of the medical staff at the circuit and in the hospital to save his life.

Munandar was one of the hottest talents in the championship this year and was set to duel for the title this weekend at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix, held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC). He has won two races, finished second twice and third also twice this season.

The FIM, FIM Asia, Dorna Sports and all involved in the IATC extended their condolences to Munandar’s family, friends and loved ones.

BikesRepublic.com calls for a minute of silence for the fallen rider and his grieving loved one.

Fabio Quartararo Destroys Lap Record on Way to Pole Position for the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP

Fabio Quartararo of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team smashed the lap record he set yesterday to secure pole position ahead of tomorrow’s 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP.
Maverick Vinalez overhauled Franco Morbidelli for second fastest.
Marc Marquez high-sided out of the session and finished 11th.

Rookie sensation Fabio Quartararo of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team smashed the lap record he set yesterday to secure pole position ahead of tomorrow’s 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP.

He had already set a blistering time of 1m 59.027s in FP1 on Friday, which was just 0.004 second slower than the outright lap record set by Dani Pedrosa in 2015. In FP2, he flew to a new record of 1m 58.576s.

But he was determined to put the target out of his rivals’ reach today and set an almost unbelievable 1m 58.303s lap to be fully certain.

The Q2 session was run under overcast skies and cooler conditions. Consequently, virtually all riders improved on their earlier times and the top 15 dipped below the 2m 00.000s mark.

Quartararo’s teammate Franco Morbidelli had been strong through all practice sessions but was overhauled by factory Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider Maverick Vinalez. The latter’s time of 1m 58.432s was 0.103 second slower than the pole sitter and merely 0.26 second faster than Morbidelli.

Jack Miller put in another strong qualifying effort, ending up fourth on the grid at 1m 58.725s. LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow moved up five spots after finishing FP3 in 10th. Valentino Rossi will start his career 401st race in sixth after posting 1m 59.000s. Alex Rins ended in seventh, while Danilo Petrucci moved up through Q1 to finish eighth.

Johann Marco continues to impress on the other LCR Honda by getting straight into Q2 after F3. A crash on Friday and another one earlier today didn’t deter him to score ninth on the grid.

Rounding out the top ten is Andrea Dovizioso who posted a time of 1m 59.173s.

2019 World Champion Marc Marquez high-sided out of the session at Turn 2 and ended up as being eleventh fastest — his lowest starting position of the season.

Qualifying was incredibly close as the top fifteen qualifiers were covered by less than 1 second.

What to Expect at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix

The 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix will be the best yet.
Some 180,000 to 200,000 spectators are expected.
Here are some of what you could expect to see there.

The 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix is going to be the biggest Malaysia MotoGP yet. Some 180,000 to 200,000 spectators are expected to descend upon the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) over the three-day weekend.

We’ve put together a pictorial of what you can expect to see this year.

The Racing

The main highlight is of course the action on the track. The Moto2 series is still open with just this and another race to go. Still, you can expect to witness close in battles in the MotoGP and Moto3 classes as riders have nothing to lose and everything to gain in terms of personal glory now.

Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team finished 1st and 2nd fastest in FP1 and FP2 giving Malaysian fans plenty to cheer about. The former even smashed the lap record — despite nursing an injured ankle.

The Vendors

Ah, the vendors truly breathe in an atmosphere of festivities at the track. One could sometimes find rare items that aren’t sold or promotions outside of MotoGP. Virtually all vendors are crowded into the mall area as spectators enter SIC.

The Shell Advance Ride Thru pavilion is set in PA1 parking lot opposite the main entrance to the track’s mall area. Here, motorcyclists only have spend a minimum of RM 30 to enjoy free parking while train mechanics change your bike’s engine oil.

2019 sees the return of Aprilia Malaysia under new management. Apart from the usual meet and greet sessions with riders, they’ve also unveiled the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory. However, the focal point of the booth is the RSV4 1100 Factory.

Triumph Malaysia is also back, since this is the first year that the brand is supplying engines to Moto2 teams. They’ve just launched the 2020 Street Triple RS on Friday afternoon. You’d find some special deals for Triumph merchandises here. Apart from that, the booth also incorporates an Arai showcase and items from Cardo, X-Mount and Five Gloves. Do check out the special edition Bonneville Bobber placed in a box like a 1:1 scale model. Don’t miss the 765cc triple Moto2 replica engine.

Further in is the Shell pavilion which consists of racing simulators, special activities and games. One could stand to win some nice prizes here.

Pass the arch and the first thing you’d see on your right is red. As in GIVI’s signature red. This is an important year for the brand as they celebrate the 25th anniversary in Malaysia. GIVI’s pavilion is as large and grand as ever. Look out for the new Vista open-face helmets that will be launched in January 2020. Other items on display are a small range of motorcycle luggages and rain suits GIVI is famous for. There are also bikes dressed up in GIVI cases and accessories.

But the biggest and most awe-inspiring pavilion definitely belongs to PETRONAS. It’s a building onto itself! It showcases the Malaysian petroleum giant’s involvement in motorsports and the many products offered.

Directly opposite are Yamaha and ENEOS. ENEOS is the technical partner to the factory Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Team. Not as many bikes on display this year but the main draw is the Yamaha T7/Tenere 700 adventure bike. When will come to Malaysia? There’s also a Niken resplendent in Yamalube colours. You can also find original Yamaha merchandise here.

Next is Honda. The manufacturer is celebrating their 25th constructor’s title from Marc Marquez’s win at Motegi besides 60 years of Grand Prix racing. Displayed on the main stage are the RC171 from 1959, the current RC213V and NSR500. Honda’s latest bikes to the sides and behind this stage. There is also an RC213V “lean machine” staged in front of green background. Participants need to strike their best poses like Marquez cornering at 70 degress. There are also official Honda merchandise on sale.

KYT and Suomy helmets display two giant helmets outside their booth. Inside are the racers’ replica helmets placed in transparent cases. Other colourful helmets grace the walls.

The Kawasaki booth is as impressive as ever. Focal point are the Ninja ZX-10RR and Ninja ZX-10R in KRT (Kawasaki Racing Team in WorldSBK) colours. Jonathan Rea and the manufacturer have just won their fifth WorldSBK title in a row. Also on display is the H2SX SE supercharged sport-tourer.

Hodaka Motorworld’s pavillon was extra busy when we visited yesterday, especially in the Scorpion helmets section. Fans stopped by to check out Fabio Quartararo’s replica race helmet. The mega distributor carried 60-plus brands including RS Taichi, TCX boots, Komine, UClear, Oxford and Vrooam lubricants. You can see Hafizh Syahrin’s actual RS Taichi race suit here.

There’s one booth which sells licensed VR46 products. We speculate that it’ll be very busy soon!

KTM Malaysia displayed their latest road and off-road bikes. The new Six Day Portugal EX-C/F enduro is there, as well as the 790 Duke, 790 Adventure, 1290 Super Duke GT, and more. Adiva and Zontes were next door. A new adventure-ready Z310-T complete with wire-spoked wheels is on display, as well as the new Z310-X and Z310-R with single-sided swingarm.

There’s a new concept for BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s pavilion this year with the launch of the 2019 S 1000RR superbike. Inside, there’s a mini pit lane complete with mini rolling shutter doors to store the S 1000 RR. On display are also the newly launched 2019 R 1250 RS and R 1250 R, among other models such as the R 1250 GS, K 1600 GT, R 1250 RT, R nine T and many more.

The SHARK Helmets and Furygan booth was doing brisk business today. Look our for great deals for the professional-grade helmets and beautiful Furygan riding gear.

HJC Helmets Malaysia has a much bigger booth today. The graphics and design of the Korean helmets have definitely picked up over the last few years. The Marvel Comics and Star Wars tie-in helmets are also on display. HJC Helmets Malaysia has a special deal over MotoGP weekend.

There are many more exhibitors on both sides of the mall. They are of well-known brands such as Idemitsu, GoPro, Tissot, NGK, Motul, Maxxis, Shoei and Alpinestars, Benelli and SYM, Suzuki, Red Bull, and many many more.

The Shell Hillstand is on the right side of the main entrance, overlooking Turns 12, 13 and 14. As advertised, this huge expanse is served by many vendors including Ducati, Kedai Ayamas, Baskin Robbins, Costa Coffee, Tealive, Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM), and so forth. There are also suraus. The Monster Energy pavilion is here, staffed by truly hot models. At the end of the long walk is the huge stage and Shell VIP Lounge.

Conclusion

These are only some of the attractions you’ll find at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix. The vendors are too many to list, similarly the activities and games, promotions. You need to attend to soak in the atmosphere.

Lest we forget, you can also hop onto a Rapid KL shuttle bus to get there and back. It’ll save you time and expensive parking fees.

See you there!

Thieves Stole from Angel Nieto Team Pits

Thieves stole items from Angel Nieto team’s pits.
The items included computer, parts and tools for Moto3.
Losses are estimated between € 40,000 to € 50,000.

As the excitement builds up to the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP, we received alarming and sad news that thieves had broken into the pits belonging to Angel Nieto team and stole valuable items.

The pits of these teams are not allocated in the two paddock areas due to lack of space. As such, they are located in tents that attached to parking area PA1.

Team Manager Gino Borsoi described the items missing as Moto3 shock absorbers, calipers, brake discs, computers, tools, tyre heaters (tyre warmers), fork springs. He called the heist a “break-in job.” They have since spoken IRTA (International Road-Racing Teams Association) and are awaiting Sepang International Circuit’s response.

Borsoi also stated that the thieves were targeting Moto3 components as the Moto2 parts were left almost untouched. “The opened the spare parts drawers but didn’t take Moto2 items except for specific things. They were tools for dismantling wheels and disc screws of street motorcycle brakes. And tyre warmers.”

Thankfully, they found support from SKY VR46 team — Valentino Rossi’s team but led by Angel Nieto’s son Pablo Nieto. “We have extra two complete WP shock absorbers. How can I not help them if the team bears my father’s name?” The shocks are valued at nearly € 3,000 (RM 13,951) each.

It wasn’t the first time such theft occurred. Three computers were stolen three years ago. The loss this time was estimated between € 40,000 to € 50,000 for parts, tools and computers.

The team managed to assemble the bikes and completed their runs on the track. The team will have a problem in more serious crashes.

Souce: lalasport.com

PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team Riders Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli to Receive A-Spec Yamaha YZR-M1 in 2020

Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team will receive A-Spec Yamaha YZR-M1 bikes for the 2020 season.
The deal was struck at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Both riders rewarded Malaysian fans with 1-2 fastest lap times in FP1 and FP2.

Both Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (PETRONAS Yamaha SRT) will receive A-Spec Yamaha YZR-M1 bikes for the 2020 season.

The team is currently running factory bikes. However, one is A-Spec and the other B-Spec machine. The arrangement is without doubt due to the stellar performances shown by both riders this season.

Although the spotlight had mostly been on Quartararo, Morbidelli has also performed well to score front row starts as well as important points for the team. He was only unlucky to have been taken out a number of times by other riders.

As such, PETRONAS Yamaha SRT is currently lying fourth in the Teams Championship. They are also leading the Independent Teams scoreboard with 58 points clear over the next team.

Running an extra pair of A-Spec bikes is also a positive move for the factory team, consisting of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinalez. Yamaha will have extra data to speed up development of the factory team, which will also benefit the satellite team.

It’s a homecoming race for the PETRONAS teams (including the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Teams in Moto2 and Moto3) and the partisan Malaysian fans will definitely support them over the weekend.

They weren’t disappointed. Both riders recorded the fastest times in both FP1 and FP2.

Quartararo was the fastest of the pair. First, he set a blistering time of 1m 59.027s in FP1, which was just 0m 00.004s off Dani Pedrosa’s outright lap record of 1m 59.023 set in 2015. Proceeding to FP2, he destroyed the record with a time of 1m 58.576s. The Frenchman could’ve gone faster but appeared to have been held up by Hafizh Syahrin on the next lap.

Quartararo’s feat was even more impressive considering that he’s still recovering from the ankle injury he sustained at Philip Island, Australia last week.

2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory Unveiled at 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix

Aprilia Malaysia unveiled the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory at their booth at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix today.
The Tuono V4 1100 has a firm standing in the supernaked segment.
The engine punches out 175 bhp and 121 Nm of torque.

As promised, Aprilia Malaysia unveiled the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory at their booth at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix today.

The Aprilia Tuono has always basked in the reputation as one of the original supernaked sportbike. In fact, a new name has been coined, called “hypernaked.” It provides pure 4-Four perfromance: Mountain-high torque, a soul-piercing V-Four soundtrack and handling that’ll make other bikes cry.

Some highlights:

The Tuono got bigger as the engine is derived from its RSV4 1100 brother.
The Tuono V4 1100 Factory is the more exclusive version.
It’s fitted with the most advanced semi-active electronic suspension from Öhlins.

It’s not a plug-’n’-play kit, but was developed and tuned through close cooperation between Aprilia and Öhlins.
The Smart EC 2.0 suspension system has a dedicated ECU to handle suspension functions.
Using the OBTi (Objective Based Tuning Interface), rider can tune the suspension to how it reacts in different situations when riding.

For example, more low-speed compression in the forks under hard braking and vice versa in the rear shock when accelerating.
Suspension settings are calibrated via a switch on the handlebar.
The rider can set the suspension manually, as well.
The steering damping works in tandem with the suspension settings.

Aprilia was one of the first manufacturers to incorporate a holistic approach to traction control in their APRC (Aprilia Performance Riding Control) electronics suite. In fact, it was Aprilia who first introduced a gyro-controlled anti-wheelie and rear-wheel lift mitigation way before IMU-based technology became a common place.

For the 2019 Tuono V4 1100 Factory, it remains unchanged as Aprilia deemed that it was the best in the class, already.

Functions include Aprilia Traction Control (ATC), Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC), Aprilia Launch Control (ALC), Aprilia Quickshift (AQS), Aprilia Pit Limiter (APL), Aprilia Cruise Control (ACC).

Of course, the bike is equipped with cornering ABS, but of the advanced multimap variety. Developed with Bosch, the 9.1MP system monitors everything from motorcycle lean angle to how much lever pressure is applied and how it is being applied, to determine the best braking solution even when cranked gruesomely over into a corner. The Cornering ABS function also works in tandem with the selected ride mode.

Now over to the engine. As in engine power.

Highlights:

Only naked powered by a 65-degree V-Four engine.
The 65-degree Vee-angle was chosen for its compactness.

Exhaust system with exhaust valve and two oxygen sensors.
DLC (Diamond-like Coating) treatment for cylinder walls.
The engine displaces 1077cc and creates arm-yanking 175 bhp at 11,000 RPM and 121 Nm of torque.

There are much more to the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory that will take an entire article to explore. You can view the bike at Aprilia Malaysia’s booth at SIC.

The bike is priced from RM 119,900.

2020 Triumph Street Triple RS Launched

The 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS was launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.
It features many revisions and updates.
It is now lighter and more powerful.

The much-awaited 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS was launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The 2017 models was the most fun motorcycle we’ve ever tested and we wondered even back then how could Triumph possible make it even better. So kudos to the Hinckley based manufacturer in finding ways to make an already great bike greater.

Some of the lessons learned in Moto2 as exclusive engine suppliers were applied to the 2020 ST RS. As we’ve published before, the Triumph Moto2 engines were derived from the standard engine from the 2017 ST RS. From there it was developed only very lightly by Extern Pro.

The results were staggering. Records fell one by one and a Triumph-engined Moto2 bike hit more than 300 km/h at Mugello earlier this year. It was the first a Moto2 bike ever to hit the triple-ton. Then another three bikes went more than 300 km/h at Philip Island, Australia.

Championship organiser and promoter Dorna had wanted a series with closer racing and Triumph’s Moto2 engine delivered the show. The 2019 Moto2 championship is still open with two races to go.

Highlights of the 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS:

Revisions to the engine boost power by 9%, despite having 2 catalytic converters.
Power is up to 121 bhp and 77.3 Nm of torque, up from 116 bhp and 76 Nm.

Engine response tuned to provide fatter mid-range power and torque.
More responsive throttle.

Smoother powerband results from new exhaust cam.
High-precision machining of the crankshaft, clutch and counterbalancer.

Bi-directional quickshift for up and down shifts.
41 mm fully-adjustable Showa forks and Öhlins rear mono shock retained.

Braking handled by the awesome Brembo monobloc calipers up front, with revised master cylinder.

New TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity for phone and multimedia functions.
TFT screen can also pair with and control GoPro action camera.

5 riding modes are provided: Track, Sport, Road, Rain and rider customizable.
New bodywork (or lack of it) — everything unneeded was pared away.

New “eagle-eyed” LED headlamps with Daylight Running Lights (DRL).

New design rear seat.
The result of the revisions results in a bike that weights just 166 kg dry.
That’s the best power-to-weight ration in its category.

No price was given at the moment, as the bike will only be available from January 2020 onwards. But you can already view at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia.

2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R Launched

The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R were launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Only the S 1000 RR with M Sport Package is available at the moment.
The R 1250 R and R 1250 RS adds to BMW’s Boxer family.

The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R were launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

2019 BMW S 1000 RR (from RM 138,500.00 for M Sport Package)

The 3rd-generation S 1000 RR has been long-awaited even before its official launch at EICMA 2018. Suffice to say that it was one of BMW Motorrad’s worst kept secrets!

It’s easy to see why BMW’s superbike is so popular these days. It’s one bike that would go fast as you dare and as slow as you want it to without complaining. It’s also a superbike that you could ride to track, whack off the mirrors and indicators, tape up the headlamps and taillamp, blast around the track, and ride it to work the next day.

The bike launched today is the M Sport Package variant.

Highlights:

999cc, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC, inline-Four with ShiftCam.
The new lump produces 207 bhp (152kW) at 13,500 RPM and 113 Nm of torque.
The ShiftCam technology varies both valve opening timing but also lift.

Hollow-stem lightweight titanium intake valves.
This allows the bike linear and good spread of power.
But also good fuel consumption at 6.4 litres per 100 km.
Oil pump and water pump integrated as one — saves weight and width.

Suspension is handled electronically by next generation of DDC (Dynamic Damping Control).
The rear shock is moved further back, away from exhaust and engine heat.

A new frame called Flex Frame — with specifically tuned zones of stiffness — provides better grip in corners and feedback.
Leaner fuel tank, narrower midsection for better knee grip and support.

The bodywork has short overhangs — the entire bike sits between the wheels.

More compact dimensions are the goal including engine, frame, tank, bodywork.
Revised exhaust system, engine, and M-lightweight battery.

The M Sport package includes M sport seat, country-specific taillamp, M carbon fibre wheels and lightweight M battery.
The revisions cut weight down to just 193.5 kg from the standard bike’s 208 kg.

Standard electronic rider aid include Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race.
Options are the “Pro Modes” — Pro 1, Pro 2, Pro 3 which includes DTC, ABS Pro, DTC Wheelie Detection, engine torque and engine braking adjustments.

Also available are race assistance modes such as Launch Control and Pit Lane Limiter.
Signature S 1000 RR smooth gearshifts are handled by the HP Shift Assistant Pro (standard).
New 6.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia brought in the M Sport package as the introduction as the S 1000 RR is of limited stock worldwide. As such, BMW Motorrad Malaysia will send a bike to each dealer for customers to view and place orders.

The base S 1000 RR will arrive in Malaysia in 2020.

2019 BMW R 1250 RS (from RM 106,500.00) and 2019 BMW R 1250 R (from RM 102,500.00)

The R 1250 RS and R 1250 R completes the BMW Boxer family. The RS is the sport-tourer (the R 1250 RT is the luxury sport-tourer), while the R is the Roadster (naked street bike). We feel that the R 1250 RS’s smaller size will make it easier to ride as a daily commuter, as well.

Highlights:

Features the new 1254cc Boxer with BMW ShiftCam technology.
Produces 136 bhp and 143 Nm of torque.

The engine is also economical, consuming only 4.75 litres of fuel per 100 km.
Two standard riding modes that adapt to riding style.

Automatic Stability Control is standard, as is Hill Start Control.
They also feature Riding Modes Pro which includes Dynamic and Dynamic Pro.

The Dynamic Traction Control ties in with the Riding Modes Pro selection.
New 6.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

BMW Financing

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia provides financing for these new bikes. You can ride the S 1000 R from RM 1,690 per month, R 1250 R from 1,250 per month, and the R 1250 RS RM 1,300 per month. These amounts are based on estimates 80 percent loan for 4-year tenure.

Shell and Ducati Celebrate 21st Year of Collaboration with Renewal of Technical Partnership

Shell and Ducati have collaborated for 21 years.
They started in World Superbike before joining MotoGP, as well.
They renewed the partnership to celebrate.

Shell and Ducati are two brands symbiotic with each other.

Time flies and it’s been 21 years of collaboration between the petroleum giant and maker of exotic motorcycles. To celebrate that union, Shell and Ducati announced the renewal of their technical partnership, on the eve of the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The partnership began in 1999 during Ducati’s age of dominance in the World Superbike Championship. Since then, they have celebrated championship titles together. Shell followed Ducati when the manufacturer ventured into MotoGP in 2003.

The technical partnership extends beyond the racetrack. Each motorcycle that leaves the Ducati factory at Borgo Panigale in Bologna, Italy is filled with Shell V-Power petrol and Shell Advance engine oil. As such, Ducati recommends Shell fuels and Shell Advance engine oils to Ducati owners.

Back on the track, the awesomely powerful (the most powerful MotoGP bike, in fact) Desmosedici GP uses Shell Advance engine oil. Shell then introduced the new Shell Advance with PurePlus Technology to the bikes four years ago.

MotoGP organisers limit fewer and fewer engines year after year, in an effort to cut down on spending to encourage more teams to join. The effect of this ruling is that manufacturers must make their engines more reliable. Using more engines than the allocated units will result in penalties, which no team regardless of position needs.

Releasing the full potential of the fierce Desmosedici GP’s engine is one thing, but the engine oil must also play an essential and critical role of ensuring reliability. How many times have we seen Ducati MotoGP bikes break down due to engine trouble? Virtually none.

The partnership has secured more than 200 wins in both WorldSBK and MotoGP and they will continue to win more.

Is This How the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade Looks LIke?

More renders of the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade are going viral.
One is aggressive, the other an evolution of the current model.
The new bike may be unveiled at EICMA 2019.

It’s probably blasé to say that many are anticipating the arrival of the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.

While the world held a collective breath and anticipated its unveiling at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, it was a no-show. The only other big show event would be EICMA next Tuesday.

Then, pictures of a prototype howling around the Suzuka circuit began circulating the very next day. We could see a number of revisions although the prototype was wearing a camouflage. Even then we wondered if all those changes will end up on the production bike.

Now there two renders by artists have shown up and going viral in social media ahead of EICMA.

One was posted by BikeThrottle. It’s apparent that the tail section and exhaust pipe arrangement mimic Marquez’s RC213V.

As breathtaking as it is, I feel that it may be stretching the truth a little too far. For one, Honda confirmed that the 2020 CBR1000RR will continue to have an inline-Four engine, thus the “stacked” exhaust system makes no sense. Why do you need to route another exhaust under the tail when there’s no Vee engine configuration? Certainly, Honda could do so like in the CBR600RR, but I think the need for simplicity and compactness would overrule this concept.

2020 Honda CBR1000RR render – BikeThrottle

Apart from that, Honda prefers to design bikes that are pretty by having curvy and clean lines. But we would like to point out that the new bike will feature “aerobodies” on both sides of the fairings, instead of winglets. Those aerobodies were clearly seen on the prototype.

Next, Japanese motorcycle magazine, Young Machine rendered this image below, ahead of its anticipated launch at EICMA. Young Machine had always provided renders that closely match the production bikes. The best example was the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R which was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Their rendering shows a bike that is a evolution rather revolution of the current bike. The profile of the nose, air intakes and windscreen matches the Suzuka prototype closely. The aerobody is also present in this rendering. However, the gills at the bottom of the fairing are missing.

2020 Honda CBR1000RR render – Young Machine

You can read up about it here if you are Japanese literate.

So which one can we believe? I pick Number 2.

Anyway, there are also rumours that the new bike’s engine will produce between 212 to 220 bhp. Honda took the direction of having lower horsepower on their road bikes somewhere along the way. There were those days when they built the fastest street bikes. But it’s time that the manufacturer consider more ponies especially in this, their flagship sportbike. I hope it dawns on them that it’s time to stop getting owned in superbike racing, and that great handling alone isn’t enough to bring home the silverware.

Rumours and renderings of a new CBR1000RR have been running rampant almost more than any other motorcycle. It shows just how popular the bike is. Besides that, you can just sense the hope for Honda to produce a revolutionary new bike to regain its superbike crown.

EICMA 2019 is just four days away.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

The PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team won the 2019 Independent Team title at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Franco Morbidelli finished in sixth ahead of Quarataro in seventh.

It was the perfect venue to win the title.

Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. launched the KGO Torq R7 4T Fully-Synthetic SAE 10W-40 API SN and KGO Torq R9 4T Fully-Synthetic SAE 10W-50 API SN engine oils.

Both are 100% PAO-based lubricants.

They also have the latest API SN service grade.

Afridza Munandar, an Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC) rider passed away moments ago.

He sustained mortal injuries in a crash at Turn 10 on Lap 1 at the Sepang International Circuit.

Munandar was set to challenge for the IATC title this weekend.

Fabio Quartararo of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team smashed the lap record he set yesterday to secure pole position ahead of tomorrow’s 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP.

Maverick Vinalez overhauled Franco Morbidelli for second fastest.

Marc Marquez high-sided out of the session and finished 11th.

The 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix will be the best yet.

Some 180,000 to 200,000 spectators are expected.

Here are some of what you could expect to see there.

The Racing

The Vendors

Conclusion

Thieves stole items from Angel Nieto team’s pits.

The items included computer, parts and tools for Moto3.

Losses are estimated between € 40,000 to € 50,000.

Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team will receive A-Spec Yamaha YZR-M1 bikes for the 2020 season.

The deal was struck at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Both riders rewarded Malaysian fans with 1-2 fastest lap times in FP1 and FP2.

Aprilia Malaysia unveiled the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory at their booth at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix today.

The Tuono V4 1100 has a firm standing in the supernaked segment.

The engine punches out 175 bhp and 121 Nm of torque.

Some highlights:

Highlights:

The 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS was launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

It features many revisions and updates.

It is now lighter and more powerful.

Highlights of the 2020 Triumph Street Triple RS:

The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR, 2019 BMW R 1250 RS, 2019 BMW R 1250 R were launched today at the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Only the S 1000 RR with M Sport Package is available at the moment.

The R 1250 R and R 1250 RS adds to BMW’s Boxer family.

2019 BMW S 1000 RR (from RM 138,500.00 for M Sport Package)

Highlights:

2019 BMW R 1250 RS (from RM 106,500.00) and 2019 BMW R 1250 R (from RM 102,500.00)

Highlights:

BMW Financing

Shell and Ducati have collaborated for 21 years.

They started in World Superbike before joining MotoGP, as well.

They renewed the partnership to celebrate.

More renders of the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade are going viral.

One is aggressive, the other an evolution of the current model.

The new bike may be unveiled at EICMA 2019.

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

BikesRepublic