Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

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Wahid Ooi

Honda Expects to Sell 20.2 Million Motorcycles in 2024 Fiscal Year

Honda expects to sell 20.2 million motorcycles globally in their 2024 fiscal year which ends on 31 March 2025.

Should that come to be, it represents an 8% increase from the 2023 fiscal year, which saw the sales of 18.7 million units.

The number equates to almost 40 percent of the world’s motorcycle market. The largest contributor is expected from where else but Asia, more specifically in Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Vietnam. This region alone will see some 17.1 million sales (84.6 percent).

Other markets such as Japan, Europe, and the USA will make up a combined 1.2 million motorcycles (5.9 percent).

Honda produces motorcycles of all shapes and sizes, thus is able to find demand in any market. The smaller capacity motorcycles rule South East Asian streets, while the larger capacity models are the staple in the European and North American continents.

The company is setting their sights on the South West Asian region where 50 million motorcycles had been sold.

By the way, just for comparison, BMW Motorrad sold 210,408 bikes in 2024. So, that means Honda will sell 100 more than that.

Honda Menyambut Ulangtahun Gold Wing Ke-50 dengan Warna-warna Khas

Terdapat Honda Gl1800 Gold Wing dengan dua warna khas untuk meraikan ulang tahun ke-50 model itu.

Pertama kali dilancarkan pada tahun 1975 sebagai GL1000 dengan enjin empat silinder mendatar, Gold Wing telah berkembang selama bertahun-tahun kepada enjin enam silinder mendatar 1833cc semasa. Kemas kini lengkap terakhir adalah pada 2018 yang menyaksikan ia memperoleh fork ‘girder‘ dan DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) Honda.

Kemas kini telah diberikan kepada kedua-dua varian standard dan Tour bagi motosikal tersebut – termasuk dua kemasan cat baharu yang dipengaruhi oleh model masa lalu. Antaranya ialah gabungan Eternal Gold dan Mahogany Brown, yang mendapat inspirasi daripada varian GL1500 1988 – dengan lencana unik turut menandakan hari jadi istimewa.

Sensor O2 tambahan dipasang pada sistem ekzos, serta kemas kini pada ECU untuk menjadikan enjin 124.7hp untuk memenuhi peraturan Euro5+. Pembeli boleh memilih antara pilihan transmisi manual dan DCT.

Pencapaian seterusnya termasuk lambang Gold Wing pada kunci dan paparan TFT tujuh inci, yang didatangkan lengkap dengan ulang tahun ke-50 dan lambang ‘Sejak 1975’.

Selain itu, 1833 motosikal pertama yang dijual di seluruh Eropah (mengikut kapasiti enjin) akan datang dengan model replika berukuran 280mm panjang, dengan tinggi 152mm.

Rombakan juga telah dibuat pada teknologi audio dan penunggang/pembonceng, dengan Apple CarPlay dan Android Auto wayarles tersedia, di samping sistem pembesar suara baharu untuk audio yang lebih baik pada kelajuan tinggi.

Selanjutnya, ciri ‘Ducking’ akan merendahkan muzik latar secara automatik semasa perbualan melalui komunikasi, dan anda mendapat dua soket pengecasan USB-C untuk telefon pintar pada kedua-dua varian standard dan Tour.

Special Liveried Honda GL1800 Gold Wing to Celebrate 50 Years

There are two special liveried Honda Gl1800 Gold Wing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the model.

First launched in 1975 as the GL1000 flat-four, the Gold Wing has grown over the years to the current 1833cc flat-six. The last complete update was in 2018 which saw it gaining girder forks and Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).

Updates have been given to both the standard and Tour variants of the bike – including two new paint finishes said to be influenced by models of the past. Amongst them is a combination of Eternal Gold and Mahogany Brown, which draws inspiration from the 1988 GL1500 variant – with unique badging also marking the special birthday.

An additional O2 sensor is fitted to the exhaust system, plus tweaks to the ECU to make the 124.7hp engine to meet the Euro5+ regulations. Buyers can choose between the manual transmission and DCT options.

Further nods to the milestone include a Gold Wing emblem on the key and seven-inch TFT display, which come complete with 50^th Anniversary and ‘Since 1975’ emblem.

On top of this, the first 1833 bikes sold across Europe (a nod to the engine capacity) will come with a replica model measuring 280mm long, by 152mm high.

Tweaks have also been made to the audio and rider/pillion technology on board, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available, alongside a new speaker system for better audio at high speeds.

Further to this, a ‘Ducking’ feature will automatically lower background music during conversations over comms, and you get two USB-C charging sockets for smartphones on both the standard and Tour variants.

New Vehicle Inspection Companies to be Announced Tomorrow – Anthony Loke

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will announce several new vehicle inspection companies tomorrow.

Its Minister, Anthony Loke said, “We hope that when we open up this market, there will be competition in terms of services.

“It will further improve the quality of vehicle inspections so that we can all ensure that the integrity of these vehicle inspections can be improved,” he said during the oral question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat, today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) on the extent to which the practice of allowing a monopoly to a company can affect the level of vehicle safety.

Further commenting, Anthony admitted that if an industry has a monopoly element, it will affect the quality of services and therefore his party encourages competition.

“The Ministry of Transport has received approval from the Cabinet to end the concession policy or monopoly policy for Puspakom (Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre) last year.

“Currently, Puspakom actually no longer has a concession, what we have given them is just a license to operate.

“What we (want) to do is open up this vehicle inspection market to more other operators,” he said.

Syarikat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Baharu Diumum Esok – Anthony Loke

Kementerian Pengangkutan (MOT) akan mengumumkan beberapa syarikat pemeriksaan kenderaan baharu esok.

Menterinya, Anthony Loke berkata, “Kita mengharapkan apabila kita membuka pasaran ini, adanya persaingan daripada segi perkhidmatan.

“Ia akan meningkatkan lagi mutu pemeriksaan kenderaan supaya sama-sama kita pastikan integriti pemeriksaan kenderaan ini dapat dipertingkatkan,” katanya semasa semasa sesi soal jawab lisan di Dewan Rakyat, hari ini.

Beliau menjawab soalan tambahan Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) mengenai sejauh manakah amalan membenarkan satu monopoli kepada sesuatu syarikat boleh memberi kesan terhadap tahap keselamatan kenderaan.

Mengulas lanjut, Anthony mengakui, sekiranya sesuatu industri mempunyai unsur monopoli, ia akan menjejaskan mutu perkhidmatan dan disebabkan itu pihaknya menggalakkan persaingan.

“Kementerian Pengangkutan sudah mendapat kelulusan daripada Jemaah Menteri untuk menamatkan dasar konsesi atau dasar monopoli kepada Puspakom (Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer) pada tahun lalu.

“Ketika ini, sebenarnya Puspakom tidak lagi memiliki konsesi, apa yang kita berikan kepada mereka ialah satu lesen sahaja untuk beroperasi.

“Apa yang kita (mahu) laksanakan ialah membuka pasaran pemeriksaan kenderaan ini kepada lebih banyak pengusaha lain,” katanya.

Acara Aprilia Racing Real Team Experience Memaparkan Aprilia RS457

Didi Group telah menganjurkan acara eksklusif untuk pemilik Aprilia pada hujung minggu lepas, selepas ujian pra-musim MotoGP 2025 di Litar Antarabangsa Sepang. Acara tersebut termasuk menunggang RS457 di Litar Kart Antarabangsa Sepang yang berdekatan.

Mula Siaran Akhbar:

Didi Group, pengimport dan pengedar tunggal Aprilia di Malaysia, telah merancang acara eksklusif untuk mengukuhkan kehadiran jenama dan meninggalkan kesan yang berkekalan semasa musim ujian musim sejuk MotoGP 2025 di Malaysia. Acara ini dipenuhi dengan pelbagai aktiviti bersama komuniti Aprilia, serta pengenalan kepada RS 457 yang sangat dinanti-nantikan.

Acara ini menampilkan pengenalan khas oleh Jorge Martin dan Marco Bezzecchi, yang mempamerkan aspirasi mereka untuk musim MotoGP 2025 yang akan datang. Sesi Meet & Greet bersama Pasukan Lumba Aprilia Racing 2025 memberikan peluang jarang berlaku kepada peminat dan pemilik untuk berinteraksi dengan penunggang teratas seperti Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, dan Lorenzo Savadori. Selain itu, RS 457 Track Activation bertujuan untuk memberikan pengalaman yang mengujakan kepada para hadirin untuk menyaksikan teknologi canggih Aprilia.

Sorotan Utama Acara:

Sesi Perjumpaan Eksklusif dengan Pasukan Lumba Aprilia.
RS 457 Track Activation – Memperlihatkan inovasi terbaru dalam motosikal sport Aprilia.
Penglibatan Lorenzo Savadori dengan Komuniti Aprilia – Memperlihatkan teknik menunggangnya menggunakan Aprilia RS 457.
Pameran Penuh Barisan Model Aprilia – RS660, Tuono 660, RS 457, SR GT 200, dan SR GT 200 Replica.
Hadirin termasuk tokoh-tokoh terkemuka seperti Encik Massimo Rivola, Ketua Pegawai Operasi Aprilia Racing, bersama rakan niaga utama Aprilia Malaysia, pengedar, dan komuniti pemilik yang bersemangat.

Aprilia terus menetapkan piawaian baharu dalam segmen motosikal sport dengan pelancaran RS 457 yang terbaharu, sebuah mesin yang direka untuk memberikan prestasi cemerlang, pengendalian mudah, dan teknologi canggih. Dalam satu temubual baru-baru ini, Lorenzo berkongsi pandangannya tentang motosikal ini serta kegembiraan yang ditimbulkannya dalam kalangan wartawan dan penunggang.

Kuasa dalam Pekej Padat

Apabila diminta untuk menggambarkan RS 457 dalam tiga perkataan, Lorenzo menjelaskan: Ringan dan berkuasa, mudah dikendalikan, dan lengkap dengan teknologi. Tambahan baharu kepada keluarga RS ini mengekalkan DNA khas Aprilia sambil menawarkan pengalaman yang mengujakan untuk kedua-dua penunggang baharu dan berpengalaman.

Pengalaman Menunggang Aprilia

Membandingkan RS 457 dengan RSV4 dan RS 660, Lorenzo menegaskan bahawa walaupun terdapat perbezaan dalam anjakan dan kuasa, RS 457 masih merangkumi intipati Aprilia yang berbeza. RS 457 mempunyai kuasa kuda yang lebih sedikit daripada RSV4, tetapi apabila anda menaiki motosikal ini, anda merasakan anda menunggang Aprilia, terima kasih kepada pengendalian Aprilia yang mudah. Ciri ini memastikan setiap penunggang mengalami ketepatan dan kawalan yang mentakrifkan Aprilia motosikal.

Ciri-ciri Termaju untuk Tunggangan yang Tiada Tandingan

Apabila ditanya tentang ciri-ciri yang menonjol, Lorenzo menunjuk kepada sistem Kawalan Traksi canggih RS 457. Kehadiran ciri Kawalan Daya tarikan membolehkan pelarasan tetapan agar sesuai dengan mod tunggangan saya, jelasnya. Kesesuaian ini memastikan penunggang boleh menyesuaikan pengalaman mereka dengan tahap kemahiran dan keadaan menunggang mereka.

Bersedia untuk Litar

Selain tunggangan jalanan, RS 457 diutamakan untuk kegunaan trek. Lorenzo menekankan potensi perlumbaan motosikal itu, dengan menyatakan bahawa Aprilia Racing menawarkan kit khas yang mengubah RS 457 menjadi basikal lumba, termasuk fairing, ECU, penapis udara dan butang suis.

Aprilia RS 457 berdiri sebagai bukti inovasi, prestasi dan perlumbaan jenama warisan. Dengan keupayaan dinamik dan teknologi canggih, ia bersedia untuk menjadi kegemaran antara penunggang yang mencari keseronokan setiap hari dan keseronokan sedia trek.

Aprilia Racing Real Team Experience Showcased Aprilia RS457 Track Activation

Didi Group organised an exclusive event for Aprilia owners over the weekend following the 2025 MotoGP pre-season Winter Test at the Sepang International Circuit. The event included riding the RS457 on the Sepang International Kart Circuit nearby.

Begin Press Release:

Didi Group, the sole importer and distributor of Aprilia in Malaysia has designed an exclusive event to strengthen its brand presence and a lasting impact during the MotoGP 2025 winter test season here in Malaysia. A day full of engagement with the Aprilia community, and introduction to the highly anticipated RS 457.

The event featured a special introduction, featuring Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, showcasing their ambitions for the upcoming MotoGP 2025 season. Meet & Greet session with the 2025 MotoGP Aprilia Racing Team, giving fans and owners a rare opportunity to interact with top riders Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, and Lorenzo Savadori. Additionally, the RS 457 Track Activation aim to provide an exhilarating experience for attendees to witness Aprilia’s cutting-edge technology.

Key Highlights of the Event:

Exclusive Meet & Greet with Aprilia Racing Team.
RS 457 Track Activation – Showcased the latest in Aprilia’s sportbike innovation.
Lorenzo Savadori engagement with the Aprilia Community – Showcased his riding technique with the Aprilia RS 457.
Showcasing full Aprilia model line-up – RS660, Tuono 660, RS 457, SR GT 200 and SR GT 200 Replica.
Attendees included esteemed figures such as Mr. Massimo Rivola, Chief Operating Officer, Aprilia
Racing, along with Aprilia Malaysia’s key business partners, dealers, and a passionate community
of owners.

Aprilia continues to set new benchmarks in the sportbike segment with the all-new RS 457, a machine designed to deliver outstanding performance, easy handling, and cutting-edge technology. In a recent interview, Lorenzo shared his insights on the bike and the excitement it has generated among journalists and riders alike.

A Compact Powerhouse

When asked to describe the RS 457 in three words, Lorenzo was clear: Light and powerful, easy to ride, and technologically complete. This new addition to the RS family maintains Aprilia’s signature DNA while offering an exhilarating experience for both beginners and experienced riders.

An Authentic Aprilia Riding Experience

Comparing the RS 457 to the RSV4 and RS 660, Lorenzo affirmed that despite the differences in displacement and power, the RS 457 still embodies the distinct Aprilia essence. The RS 457 has fewer horsepowers than the RSV4, but when you jump on this bike, you feel you are riding an Aprilia, thanks to its typical Aprilia easy handling. This characteristic ensures that every rider experiences the precision and control that defines Aprilia
motorcycles.

Cutting-Edge Features for an Unmatched Ride

When asked about standout features, Lorenzo pointed to the RS 457’s advanced Traction Control system. The presence of the Traction Control feature allows for adjusting the setup to best fit my riding mode, he explained. This adaptability ensures that riders can tailor their experience to their skill level and riding conditions.

Ready for the Track

Beyond street riding, the RS 457 is primed for track use. Lorenzo emphasized the bike’s racing potential, noting that Aprilia Racing offers a special kit that transforms the RS 457 into a racing bike, including a fairing, ECU, air filter, and switch buttons.

The Aprilia RS 457 stands as a testament to innovation, performance, and the brand’s racing
heritage. With its dynamic capabilities and advanced technology, it is poised to become a favorite
among riders seeking both everyday thrills and track-ready excitement.

50 Percent Toll Discount for Hari Raya Aidilfitri

The Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, announced that a 50 percent toll discount will be implemented throughout the festive season this year (2025).

“Last year, the Cabinet had indeed decided to streamline the provision of subsidies to better target those in need of assistance.

“So, that decision is final, and there will be no more free tolls this year. As you are aware, during the Chinese New Year last week, there were no free tolls, but a 50 percent discount was given.

“Therefore, for Aidilfitri and other celebrations this year, we will implement a 50 percent discount,” he said.

He mentioned that this decision was made during the Cabinet meeting on January 24, involving a financial implication of RM20.08 million borne by the government as compensation to toll concession companies.

This will be implemented at all toll plazas except for the toll plazas at the country’s borders, namely the Sultan Iskandar Building Toll (BSI) on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (LINKEDUA).

In the same development, Nanta Linggi stated that the Cabinet can make decisions and change views as needed.

“All tolls are funded by the government and not by the concession companies. I hope the public is aware of this (public money is being spent).

“If tolls were free, we would spend over RM100 million a year. With a 50 percent discount, the government will pay approximately RM80 million to the concession companies, and these savings can be used for maintenance work,” he said.

Diskaun Tol 50 Peratus untuk Aidilfitri

Menteri Kerja Raya, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi memaklumkan pemberian diskaun tol 50 peratus akan dilaksanakan sepanjang musim perayaan tahun ini (2025).

“Tahun lalu, memang Kabinet telah memutuskan untuk selaraskan pemberian subsidi supaya lebih tersasar kepada mereka yang memerlukan bantuan.

“Jadi, keputusan itu memang tetap dan tak ada lagi pada tahun ini (tol percuma). Seperti sedia maklum, minggu lepas Tahun Baru Cina bukan diberi tol percuma tetapi diskaun 50 peratus.

“Disebabkan itu, Aidilditri dan perayaan lain tahun ini kita akan buat diskaun 50 peratus,” katanya.

Keputusan itu, katanya ditetapkan dalam mesyuarat Kabinet pada 24 Januari lalu membabitkan implikasi kewangan ditanggung kerajaan berjumlah RM20.08 juta sebagai pampasan kepada syarikat konsesi tol.

Ia dilaksanakan di semua plaza tol kecuali plaza tol di sempadan negara iaitu Tol Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Lebuhraya Utara Selatan (PLUS) dan Plaza Tol Tanjung Kupang Lebuhraya Laluan Kedua Malaysia-Singapura (LINKEDUA).

Dalam perkembangan sama, Nanta Linggi memaklumkan Kabinet boleh memutuskan dan bertukar pandangan mengikut keperluan.

“Semua tol dibiayai oleh kerajaan dan bukan dibiayai syarikat konsesi. Saya berharap rakyat tahu akan perkara ini (duit rakyat dibelanjakan).

“Kalau tol percuma, kita menggunakan lebih RM 100 juta setahun. Jika diskaun 50 peratus, kira-kira RM 80 juta kerajaan akan bayar kepada syarikat konsesi dan penjimatan ini boleh digunakan untuk kerja-kerja penyelenggaraan,” katanya.

Malaysian Racer Saidatul Zakirah Zairin on the Podium in Qatar Superstock 600

Malaysian motorcycle racer, Saidatul Zakirah Zairin, brought honour to the nation in the Qatar Superstock 600 (QSTK) Championship race, under the Qatar Supersport 300 (QSSP) category. She successfully made it to the podium after finishing in second place in Race 2.

Saidatul Zakirah, also known as Kirah, secured fourth place in Race 1 before climbing to second place in Race 2. Kirah’s outstanding performance has caught the attention of many, especially since she participated in the race as a ‘wildcard’ (non-full-time) rider. She is also the first female rider to step onto the podium in the championship.

At the same time, another Malaysian racer, Johann Zharfan, also made it to the podium in the same category after finishing in third place in Race 1. However, luck was not on his side as a technical issue forced him to end Race 2 in sixth place.

This prestigious championship took place at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar and attracted professional riders from around the world.

Pelumba Negara Saidatul Zakirah Menaikki Podium di Qatar Superstock

Pelumba negara, Saidatul Zakirah Zairin telah mengharumkan nama Malaysia di dalam perlumbaan Kejohanan Qatar Superstock 600 (QSTK), kategori Qatar Supersport 300 (QSSP). Beliau telah berjaya menaikki podium setelah menamatkan perlumbaan di tempat kedua di dalam Perlumbaan 2.

Saidatul Zakirah afau lebih dikenali dengan panggilan Kirah telah mendapat tempat keempat di dalam Perlumbaan 1, sebelum melonjakkan diri ke tempat kedua di dalam Perlumbaan 2. Prestasi cemerlang Kirah telah membuka mata beberapa pihak, apatah lagi kerana dia menyertai perlumbaan tersebut sebagai seorang pelumba ‘wildcard’ (bukan sepenuh masa). Beliau juga merupakan pelumba wanita yang pertama yang menaikki podium di dalam kejohanan itu.

Kejohanan berprestij ini berlangsung di Litar Antarabangsa Losail, Qatar dan telah mendapat sambutan daripada pelumba profesional dari seluruh dunia.

Pada masa yang sama, seorang lagi pelumba Malaysia, Johann Zharfan turut menaikki podium di dalam kategori yang sama, setelah menamatkan perlumbaan di tempat ketiga dalam Perlumbaan 1. Namun nasib tidak menyebelahi beliau kerana suatu isu teknikal memaksanya untuk menamatkan Perlumbaan 2 di tempat keenam.

Workshop Owner Arrested for Smuggling 11 Yamaha RX-Z

A motorcycle workshop owner was detained to assist in the investigation regarding a case of smuggling spare parts and Yamaha RX-Z motorcycles from Thailand in Kampung Padang Luas, Jertih, Terengganu, yesterday.

The Terengganu Police Chief, Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin, stated that the 41-year-old man was arrested during a raid on a house that was being used as a workshop to repair the motorcycles.

He mentioned that an inspection of the workshop uncovered 11 Yamaha RXZ motorcycles, motorcycle chassis (four), and suspicious motorcycle engine components (six).

“Initial investigations revealed that all the motorcycles and components were brought in from Thailand without any valid documentation.

“Further investigations found that the suspect has three past criminal records related to kidnapping, Section 29(1) of the Minor Offences Act 1955, and Section 6(1) of the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.

“A urine screening test on the suspect came back negative,” he said.