Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

First MODENAS Power Store in ASEAN Opens

Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd. (MODENAS) launched their first specialty store in the ASEAN region, called the “MODENAS Power Store.”
The store offers sales, service and spare parts.
The new store is located at Sunsuria Avenue, Kota Damansara.

Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd. (MODENAS), a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad launched their first specialty store in the ASEAN region, called the “MODENAS Power Store.”

The new store is located at Sunsuria Avenue, Kota Damansara. The “triple-S” store offers a one-stop sales, service and spare parts centre for the MODENAS street bike segment i.e. the Dominar 400 and Pulsar lineups.

The complete range of MODENAS Pulsar and MODENAS Dominar bikes are displayed in the store, offering visitors to the store to touch and feel the bikes for themselves. Prospective customers can test ride and obtain financing through the store.

But sales is just one part of the equation as aftersales service is the important factor in keeping customers happy and satisfied with their bikes. As such the service centre provides not only servicing but also specialized on-site repairs including major repairs, customizations for MODENAS bikes with genuine spare parts and accessories.

“The MODENAS Power Store will not only enhance the motorcycle purchase experience but also provide our customers with a holistic motorcycle ownership experience from financing agreements, bike enhancements, genuine spare parts, test-rides, as well as repairs and servicing by highly-trained mechanics. This would allow us to build and maintain a cordial, long-term relationship with our customers in the country and provide us with more opportunities to engage them,” said MODENAS Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Roskan.

He also added that the introduction of the MODENAS Power Store in Malaysia will enable the company to elevate its business presence in the country.

Vice President of International Business, Bajaj Auto Limited, Sameer Deshpande said, “Malaysia has a very evolved and unique motorcycle market. Through our partnership with MODENAS, we are able to bring our most successful motorcycle models to the country, enabling motorcycle buyers here to enjoy high-quality motorcycles at affordable prices, just like they do in more than 70 countries worldwide.”

The address of store is:

MODENAS POWER STORE

3-G, Street Wing, Persiaran Mahogani

Sunsuria Avenue

Kota Damansara

47810 Petaling Jaya.

PICTURE GALLERY

Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 Unveiled at British MotoGP

The Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 was unveiled at the British MotoGP over the weekend.
It is a tribute to Triumph’s role as the exclusive engine supplier in Moto2.
Only 1,530 will be built.

The Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 was unveiled at the British MotoGP over the weekend.

As the “Moto2” moniker suggests, the bike is reputed to carry some Moto2 components and technology. It is a tribute to Triumph’s role as the exclusive engine supplier to the championship.

The manufacturer will build only 765 units for the American market, while another 765 are allotted for the rest of the world; for a grand total of 1,530 units.

As we reported earlier, the Moto2 engine is based on the 765cc triple found in the Street Triple. It is then modified for racing, but most of the engine remains standard.

The Daytona Moto2 765 features new pistons, camshafts, titanium conrods, intake stacks and modified ports. Maximum revs go up by 600 RPM to 13,250 RPM. The pistons bump compression ratio to 12.9:1. Additionally, there are titanium intake valves and DLC-coated cylinders.

The revisions yield 128 hp at 12,250 RPM and 80 Nm torque. It may look like small gains over the stock Street Triple RS engine (121 hp, 77 Nm), but this Daytona should be much lower than the RS due to a carbon fibre bodywork.

It also features Ohlins NIX30 forks and TTX36 monoshock, Brembo Stylema brakes, race-style TFT screen.

The unveiling of the Daytona Moto2 765 is interesting because Triumph have been introducing limited-edition models then follow up with “regular” models thereafter. That could very well mean the volume production Daytona 765 is coming soon.

British MotoGP 2019: Alex Rins Pips Marc Marquez at the Line

The British MotoGP 2019 saw Alex Rins (Ecstar Suzuki MotoGP) pip Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) at the finish line for the victory.
Rins won by just 0.013 second, the closest finish in MotoGP history.
Fabio Quartararo and Andrea Dovizioso collided and crashed.

The British MotoGP 2019 saw Alex Rins (Ecstar Suzuki MotoGP) pip Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) at the finish line for the victory.

Marquez, Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha) and Rins stormed off the grid at the start, but it didn’t take long for Marquez to lead the race. Rins didn’t take long to overtake Rossi for second position not long after. He chased down Marquez and started shadowing the world champion for lap after lap.

Rins had used the Suzuki GSX-RR’s superior to close with Marquez’s Honda RC213V which had better acceleration and top speed.

The duo started trading places a number of times in the third act of the race, but Marquez fought back every single time. Rins stayed close and slipstreamed the Honda to pip Marquez by just 0.013 second. It was the closest finish in MotoGP’s history.

The battle allowed Maverick Vinalez (Monster Energy Yamaha) to catch up after dispatching his teammate Rossi many laps earlier. He would eventually finish in third, just 0.620 second behind Marquez.

The anticipated showdown among Marquez, Andrea Dovizioso (Mission Winnow Ducati) and Fabio Quartararo (PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team) did not materialize as Quartararo crashed at the start and his bike took out Dovizioso’s. The latter’s bike flew into the air upon contacting the Yamaha and threw him into the air. He landed heavily and continued rolling off the track, while his Ducati ruptured its fuel tank and exploded into flames. The Italian was sent to mobile clinic for checks afterwards.

OH MY!

Dovizioso and Quartararo collide at turn one ?

Dovi’s bike goes up in flames ?#BritishGP pic.twitter.com/2U3O2DUat1

— Watch MotoGP on BT Sport (@btsportmotogp) August 25, 2019

Dovizioso’s team announced that although he had not suffered any broken bones, he’s sent to the Coventry Hospital for further checks after a severe blow to his head caused him to lose short term memory.

??#BritishGP

After the big crash on lap 1 @AndreaDovizioso has nothing broken but has been transferred to Coventry Hospital for further checks due to a severe blow to the head that caused a momentary loss of memory.#ForzaDovi pic.twitter.com/GDJn6pgvzb

— Ducati (@DucatiMotor) August 25, 2019

The newly resurfaced Silverstone provided the thrills expected, especially in a hectic Moto3 race.

Marc Marquez now leads the championship with 250 points, 78 points from Dovizioso at 172 points and Alex Rins with 149 points. There are seven rounds to go.

Benelli TRK 251 and Benelli Leoncino 250 Launched

The Benelli TRK 251 and Benelli Leoncino 250 have been launched in Malaysia.
The TRK 251 is the adventure model while the Leoncino 250 is the scrambler/standard variety.
Both are priced from RM 13,888 to RM 14,688 (ABS version).

The Benelli TRK 251 and Benelli Leoncino 250 have been launched in Malaysia.

The simultaneous launch sees Benelli now having two models in their 250cc lineup. The TRK 251 is the adventure model while the Leoncino 250 is the scrambler/standard variety.

Benelli TRK 251

Sorting through the mumbo-jumbo in the Press Release revealed that the TRK 251:
Uses a single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine with electronic fuel injection. It produces 26.8 hp (20.0kW) at 10500rpm, but no torque figure was provided.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Suspension consists of 41 mm upside-down forks and a monoshock at the back.
Tying these together is a steel trellis frame.
Braking duties are handled by a single floating 280 mm disc gripped by a 4-piston caliper up front, and a 240 mm disc with a single-piston caliper out back.
Tyre sizes are 110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 rear, mounted on alloy rims.
The TRK 251 is available in Rudy Red, Titanium Grey & Jet Black.
The Benelli TRK 251 will be available at authorized Benelli showroom
from the end of August 2019.
Prices range from RM 13,888 to RM 14,688 (ABS Edition).

Benelli Leoncino 250

Again, going through all the corporate propaganda (the usual words like “magnificent,” “passion,” blah, blah, blah reveals these details about the Leoncino 250:
“Leoncino” means “Little Lion” in Italian.
The cute little lion on the front mudguard “looks back on Benelli’s glorious (see what we mean?) history.”
Completely redesigned, full-LED headlight.
A steel tube trellis chassis forms the frame.
249cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, single-cylinder engine.
The engine utilizes a 37 mm throttle body electronic fuel injection and TLI ignition
Benelli claims 25 hp at 9000 rpm and 21 Nm of torque at 7500.
“High-spec” front 41 mm upside-down forks and single rear monoshock.
The Leoncino shares the TRK 251’s brake components i.e. 280mm disc with four-piston calipers up front and a 240 mm disc with single-piston caliper at the back.
Tyres are the same sizes of the TRK 251, also i.e. 110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 rear.
Available in all local authorized Benelli dealers from September 2019.
Priced from RM 13,888 to RM 14,688 (ABS Edition).

And no, neither model is equipped with a kickstarter in case it refuses to start again.

Patents for New Suzuki Hayabusa Appears Online

Another patent for the new Suzuki Hayabusa was leaked online.
It shows an engine similar to the old model, but rumors say it will get a capacity boost.
The new bike may be introduced as a 2021 model.

Many fans of the Suzuki Hayabusa almost cried when the factory announced that they’ve stopped production of the model.

But every cloud has a silver lining and many speculated that Suzuki will debut a new Hayabusa soon. It sure seems to be headed in that direction the patents have been leaked online.

The picture shows the second patent to surface.

2021 Suzuki Hayabusa patent – Credit BikeSocial

It shows that the bike will retain the twin aluminium spar frame, albeit one which looks smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

The engine looks identical to the old 1340cc inline-Four but is rumored to receive a capacity boost and reworked cylinder head. The bottom end of the engine looks the same – possibly retained from the old bike. The drawings also revealed a new emission-friendly exhaust system.

But BikeSocial pointed out that an earlier patent described an electronically-controlled semi-automatic gearbox while this second patent mentions a clutch lever operated manual transmission, instead. Does that mean two versions of the future Hayabusa? As in one with a semi-auto and another with a manual gearbox?

The question of how the bike will look like hasn’t been answered yet. Maybe we could see the prototype later, but it should debut as a 2021 model.

Source: BikeSocial

2020 Harley-Davidson Models Revealed

2020 Harley-Davidson modesl were revealed recently.
The CVO and Touring models will feature the RSDS electronic rider assistance systems.
2020 marks the return of the Low Rider S.

We reported yesterday that 2020 Harley-Davidson Touuring and CVO models, in addition to the LiveWire will receive rider assistance electronics. The announcement accompanies the Motor Company’s reveal of their 2020 models.

2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide

The 2020 CVO Tri Glide trike features the Milwaukee-Eight 117 (1917 cc) V-Twin as all CVOs.

2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

The Low Rider makes a return! Now called the Low Rider S, it uses the Softail instead of Dyna frame. Likewise, it’ll be equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 (114 cubic inch equals 1868 cc) V-Twin. The Low Rider S is all “blacked-out” to look dark and aggressive.

2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited

The 2020 Road Glide Limited replaces the Road Glide Ultra in the luxury touring line-up. A new Black Finish Option is added.

2020 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic

The 2020 Heritage Classis is all about glimmer. As in shiny chrome as per its er… heritage. Mechanically, it remains the same as the current and outgoing model but shinier. Available in Vivid Black, Billiard Burgundy. Two-tone options include Silver Pine and Spruce, and Blliard Red with Vivid Black.

As mentioned earlier, the new Reflex Defensive Rider System (RSDS) is only available on the CVO (including the Tri Glide), Touring and LiveWire models. The system includes lean-angle sensitive traction control and ABS. We believe the Softail line-up will be equipped with it in short order.

New Electronic Assistance for 2020 Harley-Davidson Models

2020 Harley-Davidson CVO and touring models will feature new electronic assistance systems.
The electronics cover chassis, brake and powertrain control.
The new features were announced together with the unveiling of the 2020 models.

Harley-Davidson have long been slightly rudimentary in terms of electronic aids. That’s changing now that these features will be present in the 2020 Harley-Davidson models.

The Reflex Defensive Rider System (RDRS) is more than just traction control, however, as it encompasses aspects of chassis, brake and powertrain control. These features are found in the 2020 CVO and touring models, except for the Road King and Electra Glide Standard.

It will also be added to the electric LiveWire and may soon equip the Softail next.

While the technologies aren’t new, it’s good to see the Motor Company finally adapting them to their bikes.

Features of the RSDS:

Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB)

This system applies brake pressure to both wheels when the rider uses either the front or rear brake, allowing for more balanced braking on both ends. This is the linked braking function. The system is lean angle sensitive for the two-wheeled models. On the Trike, however, the system detects lateral (side to side) movements. It will apply the right amount of brake pressure on both ends of bike to let the rider hold his intended line.

Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS)

Standard ABS function prevent the wheels from locking in a straight line, but the Cornering ABS function takes lean angle into consideration and controls braking pressure, to avoid lowsiding the bike.

Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)

This system also takes lean angle into consideration when regulating tyre slip.

Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) and Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS)

The first system avoids rear wheel hop when the rider downshifts too aggressively or decelerating too hard on slippery surfaces. It detects rear wheel slip and uses the engine’s torque to match the tyre to the rear road speed. The Cornering function does the same but is lean-angle sensitive.

Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)

This is Harley’s version of Hill Hold Control. It activates some brake pressure to stop the bike from rolling backwards or forwards when stopped on an incline. It is really useful when carrying a passenger and/or luggage.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

While this is useful for all bikes, it’s especially important for tourers since their rear tyres are hidden away. The pressures are displayed on the Boom! Box GTS screen, or a symbol on the Road King’s instrument cluster.

RDRS for Trike Models

Harley-Davidson Freewheeler and Tri Glide Ultra models are equipped with Trike-specific Reflex Defensive Rider Systems with Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB), Cornering Enhanced ABS (C-ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) and Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS). The CVO Tri Glide model will add TPMS to the Trike-specific Reflex Defensive Rider Systems.

PGMV8, a 2.0-litre 8-Cylinder Madness from Down Under

The PGM V8 is a 2.0-litre V8 custom-built motorcycle.
The engine produces 334 hp and 214 Nm.
It costs AUD 180,000 if you want one.

Your KTM 1290 Super Duke R not mad enough? The Kawasaki Ninja H2 too mild? The Honda Gold Wing has too many cylinders? Then try on this PGMV8 2.0-liter V8.

Paul G. Maloney (as in PGM) decided to build himself a V8 streetfighter one day. However, rather than sticking in a car engine into a frame (like what most V8 motorcycle builders did), he built the engine himself. He did so by installing two Yamaha YZF-R1 inline-Four cylinder banks to a custom-made crankcase, resulting in 2000cc. A custom-made 4-2-1 Akrapovic titanium (with the Aussies call “tit”) exhaust system vents the spent hydrobarbons and shaves some weight.

A chromoly steel trellis frame suspends the engine and a machined aluminium subframe bolts onto it. Oh, the bodywork is carbon fibre.

The package weighs a total of approximately 242 kg, wet.

To tame this monstrosity, Öhlins FGRT301 forks and Öhlins TTX Mk2 monoshock are fitted, along with Marchesini forged aluminium wheels, Brembo GP4 front brake calipers and Brembo P4 rear brake caliper.

The bike is built for sale at a reportedly mind-blowing price of AUD 180,000 (RM 509,364).

But wait, we almost forgot to tell you about how much power the engine produces. How much? 200 hp? 250 hp? 280? Uh uh, try 334 hp peak power and 214.2 Nm of torque.

Source: RideApart, Asphalt & Rubber

Alternatives to the Moto Guzzi V85TT?

The Moto Guzzi V85TT will form the platform for new models.
Piaggio have not announced their plans but a number of renders have shown up.
The renders used the bikes classic lines.

“The Moto Guzzi V85TT is just the beginning,” said Gianluca Fiume, Chairman and General Director of Piaggio Vietnam in the post-media ride interview. “There will be more models based on its platform.”

By platform Piaggio meant not just the 853cc transversely-mounted 90^oengine alone (it’s already powering the Moto Guzzi V9 range anyway) but the entire engine and chassis. However, Fiume stopped short of revealing what the future models are.

Well, looks like there are artists who wish to demonstrate their ideas what the next bike will look like.

Oberdan Bezzi rendered a model which harks back to the most famous Guzzi – the Le Mans. The headlamp fairing and fuel tank are definitely distinctive, giving the bike a café/classic racer stance.

Another design turned the bike into a roadster/standard naked bike reminiscent of the V7 Racer mixed with elements of the V9 Roamer.

Lastly, an Old School Garage render turned the V85TT into a scrambler which they called the “85 Super Dingo,” complete with knobby-shod, large-diameter wired spoke wheels.

In our opinion, the Le Mans “replica” certainly looks delicious. What’s yours?

Piaggio have yet to announce the prototype based on the V85TT as they are probably too busy in keeping up with the orders.

Source and pictures: Moto Stationvia RideApart.com

Triumph Tiger 800 XR 2500-km Test & Review

The Triumph Tiger 800 XR is the entry-level Tiger 800.
It shares everything with the Tiger family apart from one or two components.
It is currently priced from just RM 56,900 and buyers will receive complimentary Triumph aluminium panniers.

Sometimes you worked hard to do everything right, but somehow, misfortune has a way of tracking you down. But then you suddenly realize that it’s just a higher power telling you that you’re mortal, and things sort themselves out once you acknowledge that. So, what’s that got to do with this Triumph Tiger 800 XR 2500-km test? Plenty, as you’ll see in a while.

The Test

It started out with the invitation to the GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019. It was my third GIVI Adventure and this was in our very own backyard! However, places were limited, so I offered to ride my own beaten up and rotting Kawasaki ER-6f.

As the days counted down to the start of the event, I discovered that the front forks were leaking (again) and some of that oil had snaked into the brake calipers. If that’s not bad enough, the voltmeter showed that the coil was undercharging the battery again (third coil, replaced less than a year ago). Worse, there was no time to repair it.

Oh dear. I prayed that the bike would last the trip.

Then one day, I received a call from Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia. “We’ve got a Triumph Tiger 800 XR for you for the ride. It’s a brand-new unit.”

Hoooo-wheee! I would be happy to ride even the second-generation Tiger 800, let alone the brand-new third-generation XR.

That my friends, is the power of prayers.

Riding the Triumph Tiger 800 XR

The XR is the entry level model in the Tiger 800 range. Everything on the bike including the engine, frame, suspension, brakes, bodywork is shared with the other Tigers. The main differences are the smaller windscreen and instrument cluster.

Its instrument cluster is the same unit used on the previous Tiger, Street Triple 675 and current Street Triple 765 S. As such, there is Triumph Traction Control (TTC) with the power set in the equivalent of “ROAD” mode in the XRx/XRa and XCx/XCa. ABS is standard.

As with the XRx, the forks are non-adjustable while the rear shock is adjustable for preload.

So, it’s a simple bike that doesn’t require the ride to spend 20 minutes to set up before rolling out. All you need to do is jump on and go.

I picked up the brand-new bike with just 4-km on the odometer and proceeded to break it in by riding to Ipoh to cover the build of Mizuki with Art of Speed organizers Asep and Dani.

Getting on the XR the first time felt like putting on a well-worn glove. Everything was in place where it should be. The controls, seat position, footpegs… I just reached out and they were there instead of having to adjust myself back and forth to find the right position.

The engine’s torque made sure that the bike never stumbled to get going and every gear clicked into position positively. I didn’t once catch a false neutral.

The bike already ran beautifully when it was brand new. Riding in the sun could sometimes induce sleepiness but not so with this bike. The engine made just the right amount of buzz and the exhaust had a nice booming note to it to keep you company.

I enjoyed the ride instead of spending so much energy thinking about how the bike feels and what it would do. I guess it embodies Triumph’s slogan, “For the Ride.”

I logged just over 560 km for the trip and sent the bike back to Triumph for servicing. At the same time, the crew fitted the GIVI accessories for the adventure.

It was equipped with GIVI’s Trekker Dolomiti aluminium top and side cases, Tankloc tank bag, screen and crash bars when I picked it up again. That would’ve added at least an extra 20 kg to the bike, most of it at the back.

The GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 took 10 days to complete and covered slightly more than 2000 km. (Please click here for the article.)

The first leg of the tour took us to Ipoh, Perak through Teluk Intan. Now with the cases on, there’s more aerodynamic drag at the back and it changed the bike’s balance, somewhat. But I got used to it within the first few kilometres. Cranking up the rear shock’s preload returned the bike’s chassis balance.

The next day was the longest leg of the ride which took us to Kuala Terengganu. Oh boy was I glad to be on the XR.

It had rained the night before and while the morning started out cooling, it soon got very hot and humid. Our Caucasian friends had faces as red as steamed lobsters by the time we reached the Belum Rainforest Resort, and we still had 300 km to go!

The XR’s ease of control consumed minimal energy, thankfully. The bike handled all my commands to the letter and not once decided to have a mind of its own. This meant that I could stay fresh and focused rather than feeling beat up, hence losing concentration.

But I wasn’t the only one who felt so. Most of the riders in the adventure rode Tigers and they were thankful for it. Manuel from Mexico particularly enjoyed it, standing on the footpegs of his XCx even through high-speed corners. Some of the participants, the Australians, in particular, commented that they loved their XCx because the bikes didn’t put up any fight and just went where they were pointed. One XR LRH was ridden by a Vietnamese participant along with his son as pillion. They smiled all the way.

By comparison, none of the marshals rode the Tiger and they soon felt the strain.

We reached Kuala Terengganu just before Maghrib. Those riding the Tigers were joking and laughing loudly to be heard across the hotel’s parking lot. Those who didn’t checked in quietly.

Myself, on the other hand, lingered for a few extra minutes just to look at the XR and admired at its ability to deliver me to my destination without turning me into jelly.

The days went by quickly from that point, but my workload increased. And this was when I grew to love the bike even more.

The traffic police had escorted the convoy but since I had to break away to shoot photos, I had to catch back up without escort. That meant that I had to fight through traffic and stop at intersections.

Picture this: I had to ride hard and fast to stay far ahead of the group. Finding my photography point, I stopped the bike sometimes with the engine running, get off and shoot. Once the convoy passes, I had to ride even harder and faster again to catch up.

Repeat at least three times per day for the remaining 6 days.

It got to a stage where I pitied the Tiger 800 XR, but it just kept going without once complaining i.e. hard to start or hard gear shift or rough sounding engine, etc. Apart from that, I truly appreciated the bike’s low seat height, so getting on and off was so much easier.

This leads back to why I love the Tiger 800 line-up. They instill so much confidence and keeps adding more surprises. No, not the kind of surprises that threaten to chuck you into the bushes. Instead, the bike lets you chuck it into corners anytime.

We arrived at Janda Baik on Day 8 of the adventure for GIVI Rimba Raid. There was a short ride on an off-road path strewn with large stones and mud into the Rimba Valley Motorcamp site.

As there were lots of traffic going back and forth, I decided to hand the bike to one of the marshals to ride it in. I asked him about the bike afterwards and he has impressed by the bike’s handling on the dirt. “Very easy to ride,” he replied. “The throttle was smooth, and the engine didn’t kick in suddenly.”

The bike had clocked more than 2000 km at that point. Nothing had come loose, the engine sounded sweet and the suspension performed like when they were at 4 km.

The last two days of the ride had us riding up Bukit Tinggi and Genting Highlands. This was when the ride’s organizer cut the group loose. Guess which riders ended up at the front when we climbed those mountains? That’s right, those on the Tiger 800 XR and XCx.

Why? Because confidence.

Verdict

The Triumph Tiger 800 XR may be simple and overlooked but it is still a Tiger 800 through and through. The lack of electronics was actually an advantage because everything is handled by your right wrist. It also means that you don’t have to be distracted when you “don’t feel right” and start rifling through all the options. Again, just jump on and go.

It handled beautifully and the throttle was characteristically smooth like on all Triumphs, hence accessible to all riders.

To sum it up, while other bikes are good or better at one or two aspects, the Triumph Tiger 800 XR is good everywhere.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia is currently having a promotion. From just RM 56,900, you will receive a complimentary set of Triumph aluminium panniers worth RM 5,800.

Please follow Triumph Motorcycle Malaysia’s Facebook page for more information.

Syed Saddiq Wants Go-Jek in Malaysia

Youth and Sports Minister YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman wants motorcycle ride-hailing service Go-Jek to begin in Malaysia.
He says it will provide much needed jobs to Malaysian youths.
The decision will be made during the Cabinet meeting on 21^stAugust.

Youth and Sports Minister YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman wants motorcycle ride-hailing service Go-Jek to begin in Malaysia.

He said that such service would help Malaysian youths in having jobs, adding that it is not enough for the government to organize programs or build race tracks.

“They want jobs. That is a more pressing issue,” he said in a video posted via Twitter.

Syed Saddiq said that he had brought Go-Jek’s founder Nadiem Makarim to meet with Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahatir Mohamad and Transport Minister Anthony Loke on August 19^th.

The presentation was “accepted kindly” and the discussion will be finalized in the upcoming Cabinet meeting on 21^stAugust.

The minister stressed that he would like to create “hundreds of thousands” of job opportunities for motorcyclists.

Go-Jek is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and is the direct competitor to Grab Ride in a number of Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and home base Indonesia.

Grab on other hand, originated in Malaysia.

The minister’s recommendation is good, in our opinion, as many have taken up motorcycle-based food delivery jobs such as Food Panda, Grab Food, and so forth.

On the flip side, it will contradict what YB Anthony Loke’s decision to ban motorcycle ride-hailing service. He had issued an order to ban Dego Ride last year and did not allow Grab Ride to go ahead.

2017 Yamaha YZF-R1M Test & Review, “The Game Changer”

The 2017 Yamaha YZF-R1M is the “special edition” R1.
It was among the very first bikes to incorporate the 6-axis IMU and Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension.
It was also among the first to feature comprehensive electronic settings.

The Yamaha YZF-R1 or in this case the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R1M seems to hold a special place in the hearts of sportbike enthusiasts in Malaysia.

Many other superbikes have come along to take bites out of this models’ pie since its introduction in 2015. So, how does it hold up against the competition?

Introduction to the Yamaha YZF-R1M

This is the third generation R1 which debuted in 2015. There are two variants: The “regular” YZF-R1 and the higher spec’ed YZF-R1M in this test.

Its styling was generally well-received, but the front proved to be controversial back then. While it followed Rossi’s bike (large space for a number plate), the headlamp placing was initially panned. But it’s grown on us since then.

Looking at it now, the rest of the bike does look kind of old school. Yes, 4 years is too many in sportbike terms. While the newer bikes have more smooth panels, the R1M’s consists of many angles and pieces, making it look busy. Its silhouette is nice though: Aggressive and distinctive.

But the R1M was the first Japanese superbike to feature electronically controlled… well, everything. Engine power modes, engine back torque, traction control, suspension settings as well as the detailed controls are all accessed through the TFT screen’s menus. Sorry, I can’t find the control to make a caramel latte.

Riding the Yamaha YZF-R1M

The engine fired up with an immense roar, as if it’s got an aftermarket exhaust. The engine also emitted loud sounds, but that’s probably attributed to the thin walled engine covers.

But before moving off, it’s time to go through the settings. There were 4 power levels (1 being the lowest), 4 TC levels (1 provides the most intervention), 2 quickshifter modes, 3 engine braking levels, 4 suspension modes. Choosing a power level also changes the settings (except suspension) by default. However, you could choose the power level to your liking while customing the other parameters to your liking.

As for setting the Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension, the first, marked A-1 (automatic-1) is the stiffest with the most damping, while A-4 is the softest. I chose A-4 for road riding.

Flip another page on the menu and you’ll find the suspension’s fine tuning. The best thing about the menu system is that it shows you where your starting point (after choosing the A level). If you reduce a parameter, the menu will show -1, up to -5, and vice versa. Awesome! This way, you don’t have to guess and go all bananas.

You can choose to set up the suspension manually and independent of the automatic settings too and save the settings in M-1, M-2 and M-3. There are 32 “click” to play with for each parameter just like those manual racing suspensions, but electronically.

Exiting the menus and back out the main screen, it shows all the pertinent data you’ll ever need. The top row shows your settings and you could change them on the fly. In ROAD mode, the screen displays speed in the middle. But if you switch to RACE mode, the speed display changes to a lap timer. Cool!

That’s 20 minutes gone just to set it up. Phew!

The seat was the tallest among all sportbikes even with the rear shock’s preload wound all the way out. The clip-ons were set low but reach to them was thankfully short, so you don’t look stretched out like roti canai dough.

I took a liking to the bike immediately.

Sat in the correct position (crotch about 2.5 cm/1 inch from the tank), the steering was light and didn’t feel like it needed herculean efforts to turn it. The fuel tank’s knee cut outs were right there where my knees were instead of being higher up.

The first gear was very long so I’d usually short-shift into second. Give it a fistful of gas and the bike just took off with one of the most beautiful soundtracks. Low down, it sounded like a V-Four but once the tach swung past 8,000 RPM it produced the V-Four roar mixed with an inline-Four wail. It’s one distinctive warble that no other bike produces.

That torque was the loveliest thing on this bike. Whereas certain inline-Four superbikes took time to accelerate from down low, the YZF-R1M took off like a missile homed in on its target. And that was in the lowest power level!

But even as speeds went well into triple digits, the bike stayed straight almost without a single weave. Most sportbikes will weave slightly since they were made to be super agile but the R1M stayed the course like it was on proverbial rails.

Yet, it was so easy to flick the bike over onto its side and making great use of the 200-section rear tyre. I credit that to the knee cutouts in the tank which enabled me to push my outside knee into it and help turn the bike. Additionally, the tank’s edges provided support for the forearms.

But again, the bike was super stable in midcorner. Choose your line, flick it in and throttle out. Done. It wasn’t only so in those long high-speed corners, for it exhibited the same kind of tenacity in slow corners going up Genting as well. Other bikes would push the front tyre in those slow hairpins but the R1M seems resolved to track through any corner.

This superb performance is credited to the Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension. It But that’s only half of the story as the YZF-R1M was among the very first motorcycles to incorporate the 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology. Data from the IMU is fed to the suspension’s control unit which monitors many parameters every few miliseconds and determines the best damping while braking, cornering and accelerating.

Thus, besides suspension control, the IMU data also serves the bike in terms of lean angle sensitive traction control (TCS), rear wheel slide control system (SCS), front lift control system (LIF) i.e. wheelie control, and launch control (LCS).

The tops of the tank’s knee cutouts were not far from the top my things and brace against them when I braked hard. They were absolutely perfect from my 167cm height, but I imagine those with long legs might find them a bit troublesome.

Speaking of braking, those calipers gripped like mad, despite not being the fangled Brembo. They’re not even monoblocs. I thought I was going to be thrown over the windshield the first time I clamped down with two fingers.

Verdict

The Yamaha YZF-R1M certainly changed the superbike game when it came out and still remains a powerhouse. 197 hp at 13,500 RPM and 112.4 Nm of torque is nothing to sneeze at!

The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M have been launched recently and we could only guess at how much better it would be!

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd. (MODENAS) launched their first specialty store in the ASEAN region, called the “MODENAS Power Store.”

The store offers sales, service and spare parts.

The new store is located at Sunsuria Avenue, Kota Damansara.

MODENAS POWER STORE

3-G, Street Wing, Persiaran Mahogani

Sunsuria Avenue

Kota Damansara

47810 Petaling Jaya.

PICTURE GALLERY

The Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 was unveiled at the British MotoGP over the weekend.

It is a tribute to Triumph’s role as the exclusive engine supplier in Moto2.

Only 1,530 will be built.

The British MotoGP 2019 saw Alex Rins (Ecstar Suzuki MotoGP) pip Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) at the finish line for the victory.

Rins won by just 0.013 second, the closest finish in MotoGP history.

Fabio Quartararo and Andrea Dovizioso collided and crashed.

The Benelli TRK 251 and Benelli Leoncino 250 have been launched in Malaysia.

The TRK 251 is the adventure model while the Leoncino 250 is the scrambler/standard variety.

Both are priced from RM 13,888 to RM 14,688 (ABS version).

Benelli TRK 251

Benelli Leoncino 250

Another patent for the new Suzuki Hayabusa was leaked online.

It shows an engine similar to the old model, but rumors say it will get a capacity boost.

The new bike may be introduced as a 2021 model.

2020 Harley-Davidson modesl were revealed recently.

The CVO and Touring models will feature the RSDS electronic rider assistance systems.

2020 marks the return of the Low Rider S.

2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide

2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited

2020 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic

2020 Harley-Davidson CVO and touring models will feature new electronic assistance systems.

The electronics cover chassis, brake and powertrain control.

The new features were announced together with the unveiling of the 2020 models.

Features of the RSDS:

Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB)

Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS)

Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)

Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) and Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS)

Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

RDRS for Trike Models

The PGM V8 is a 2.0-litre V8 custom-built motorcycle.

The engine produces 334 hp and 214 Nm.

It costs AUD 180,000 if you want one.

The Moto Guzzi V85TT will form the platform for new models.

Piaggio have not announced their plans but a number of renders have shown up.

The renders used the bikes classic lines.

The Triumph Tiger 800 XR is the entry-level Tiger 800.

It shares everything with the Tiger family apart from one or two components.

It is currently priced from just RM 56,900 and buyers will receive complimentary Triumph aluminium panniers.

The Test

Riding the Triumph Tiger 800 XR

Verdict

Youth and Sports Minister YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman wants motorcycle ride-hailing service Go-Jek to begin in Malaysia.

He says it will provide much needed jobs to Malaysian youths.

The decision will be made during the Cabinet meeting on 21st August.

The 2017 Yamaha YZF-R1M is the “special edition” R1.

It was among the very first bikes to incorporate the 6-axis IMU and Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension.

It was also among the first to feature comprehensive electronic settings.

Introduction to the Yamaha YZF-R1M

Riding the Yamaha YZF-R1M

Verdict

PICTURE GALLERY

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The decision will be made during the Cabinet meeting on 21^stAugust.