Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

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!

PICTURE GALLERY

2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure Caught Testing

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure was caught testing recently.
It may feature radar-assisted cruise control.
The bike also shows many new changes.

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure was caught testing recently.

Spy shots show that the bike has “evolved” headlamps that are much larger, but with an obvious void at the bottom centre. This could be due to the widely rumoured radar unit which assists cruise control.

The new bike seems to be dominated by the huge headlamps, at a time when other manufacturers are making smaller front sections. It may very well be because the cornering lights are integrated into the headlamps.

The flanks around the fuel tank have grown but look closely and you’ll spot a large bulge in front of the rider’s shin. That’s where the fuel tank really resides in the 790 Adventure’s fashion. Doing so lowers the bike’s centre of gravity, consequently making the bike more agile and stable at the same time.

Look behind the front wheel and you’ll see no radiator. The 1290 Super Adventure is most probably employing split radiators that are placed inside the fairings. Doing so allows cooling air to move through the engine bay more effectively. Also, it keeps them from stone damage.

Moving backwards, the subframe is new and looks detachable and made from aluminium. The swingarm is still KTM’s signature open latticework design.

But how could we miss the size of that exhaust silencer?! Again, remember that the Euro5 regulations govern noise emission, as well.

There ought to be two versions, as usual. The road-centric “S” model will feature 19-inch front and 17-rear alloy wheels, while the off-road biased “R” model will use 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels.

Source: Bennets UK

Updated Triumph Street Triple in 2020?

The Triumph Street Triple will be updated for 2020.
A filing with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) shows updates to the exhaust system and emission levels.
The new bike looks to have new headlights and radiator shrouds.

Filings with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) suggests that the Triumph Street Triple will be updated for 2020.

With the spate of updates and new model testing carried out by Triumph, it’s perhaps of no surprise that the rip-roaring fun Triumph Street Triple will also be updated for next year. 2019 is a busy year for all motorcycle manufacturers as they prepare for the implementation of Euro5 emission standard in 2020.

However, updates to the Street Triple isn’t confined to just the engine or exhaust system. The bike will get a makeover, as well.

The headlights will be more streamlined, while retaining that praying mantis look. Robo mantis, anyone? The radiator shrouds are also new.

However, suspension and wheels look identical to the 2018/2019 model. The frame and subframe look somewhat different, though. The upper spar looks more streamlined and squarish, compared to the present one which is rounder.

According to the document, the exhaust collector hides two catalytic converters, one more than the present one.

The picture shows the bike undergoing road tests. The GIVI top case tacked on behind the rider contains the data logging equipment.

Interestingly, Triumph submitted two models in the CARB document, leading us to believe that only the S and RS versions will be available henceforth.

Source: Ride Apart, Motorcycle.com

Is BMW Working on a Supercharged S 1000 RR?

A German patent application showed that BMW is working on an electrically supercharged superbike based on the S 1000 RR.
An electrical supercharger boosts performance without sapping engine power.
Power and torque are boosted without needing higher RPM.

A German patent application showed that BMW is working on an electrically supercharged S 1000 RR.

Forced induction isn’t something new and neither is an electrically driven supercharger. but an electric supercharger offers more advantages than an engine-driven or exhaust-driven supercharger.

An electric supercharger has the potential to spool up quickly, thereby eliminating or reducing lag when the throttle is snapped open. The compressor should be driven by a motor which gets its power supply from a battery or capacitor.

On the other hand, engine-driven supercharger like the Kawasaki Ninja H2’s saps the engine’s power. The H2 may not lack power but the output could be potentially higher.

An exhaust-driven supercharger (or turbocharger) creates a blockage in the exhaust system and produces turbo lag. Another critical part is keeping the supercharger or turbocharger’s bearing oiled.

The document shows a simplified drawing of the system. The electric motor (24) drives the supercharger (28), which stuffs air into the combustion chamber (11).

Having a supercharger not only boosts top end power but also torque throughout the engine’s rev range. It certainly does away with needing tons of RPM. Besides that, engine emissions could also be reduced.

Will we see a supercharged S 1000 RR soon? Who knows, but remember that BMW patented a carbon frame and it resulted in the S 1000 RR HP4 Race.

“Easy Rider” Peter Fonda Passes Away at Age 79

Peter Fonda, the star of the iconic 1969 film “Easy Rider” has passed away at age 79.
He wrote, produced and starred in the movie.
Fonda had played many biker characters and in motorcycle movies.

Peter Fonda, the star of the iconic 1969 film “Easy Rider” has passed away at age 79, due to lung cancer. The sad news was confirmed by his wife Margaret (Parky) DeVogelaere and actress sister Jane Fonda.

Fonda became known as the motorcycle actor of Hollywood through his many characters as bikers and bike flicks.

He first shot to fame in the controversial film “The Wild Angels” in 1966. The film portrayed a group of bikers as a modern-day barbaric horde whose only objective total anarchy i.e. sex (as in sexual assault), drugs and motorcycles. Director Roger Corman revealed later that the US State Department has tried to block its screening in Venice because “it didn’t portray the real America.”

Fonda decided that bikers should be portrayed in a better light, hence he began writing on “Easy Rider.” Teaming up with the late Dennis Hopper, he became the producer and handed the director’s chair to the latter.

The film received a nomination for the Best Picture of the Year, while Jack Nicholson won the Oscar for the Best Supporting Actor. Easy Rider has since been inducted into the US National Film Registry, having been deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” Easy Rider just celebrated the 50^thanniversary of its first screening.

Fonda continued being cast in biker roles through the years.

He then received a nomination for Best Actor in the 1997 film “Ulee’s Gold” but lost out to Jack Nicholson for his role in “As Good as It Gets.”

We saw him again in later years, case opposite Nicholas Cage in “Ghost Rider.” He also made an appearance in “Wild Hogs.”

While Fonda was invariably associated with Harley-Davidson (especially the bike called Captain America), he had owned a number of brands including Triumph, BMW, Ducati, MV Agusta.

He had also worked with Evel Kenevel to promote riding with gear on. That’s a normal thing these days, but it was different in the 70’s.

Ride in peace, Peter.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

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

The 2020 KTM 1290 Super Adventure was caught testing recently.

It may feature radar-assisted cruise control.

The bike also shows many new changes.

The Triumph Street Triple will be updated for 2020.

A filing with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) shows updates to the exhaust system and emission levels.

The new bike looks to have new headlights and radiator shrouds.

A German patent application showed that BMW is working on an electrically supercharged superbike based on the S 1000 RR.

An electrical supercharger boosts performance without sapping engine power.

Power and torque are boosted without needing higher RPM.

Peter Fonda, the star of the iconic 1969 film “Easy Rider” has passed away at age 79.

He wrote, produced and starred in the movie.

Fonda had played many biker characters and in motorcycle movies.

The CFMoto V.02-NK 1000cc streetfighter is nearing production.

It is powered by KTM’s 990cc LC8 platform.

It is also designed by KISKA, who have designed all KTMs.

The Yamaha XSR 155 was launched in Thailand recently.

It’s the neo classic model in Yamaha’s “155 family.”

It’s equipped with the 155cc VVA unit shared from the YZF-R15.

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

BikesRepublic

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