Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Kawasaki Z900RS Café Test and Review, “Race to Starbucks”

The Kawasaki Z900RS Café caters to the classic café racer look.
Changes are cosmetic while everything is shared with the naked Z900RS.
However, the riding experience was rather different.

“Café racers” originally bikes modified from stock which owners bring to cafés to show off. There were no Starbucks in the 60s and 70s but restaurants and cafés such as Ace Café were the haunt of modified motorcycle riders. That’s in London, but we have plenty of mamaks here, intead. However, are bikes the Kawasaki Z900RS Café factory fads to milk the nostalgia?

First off, the Z900RS Café is the factory café racer variant of the Z900RS modern classic. Kawasaki calls the latter the soul successor to one of the most iconic bikes of all time, the 1972 Z1.

Conversely, the Z900RS Café is the tarted-up version with a headlight cowling, windscreen, forward handlebar and stepped-up seat. Kawasaki has (officially) called it the soul successor to the Kz1000R which dominated the AMA Superbike series in the hands of Freddie Spencer, Wayne Gardner, John Pace and of coure, Eddie Lawson.

The Z900 RS Café shares everything else including the engine, suspension, chassis and electronics. The 948cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve engine produces 110 bhp at 8,500 RPM and 98.5 Nm of torque at a low 6,500 RPM.

The new handlebar puts the rider in a sportier riding position, hence more weight on the front wheel.

Firing up the engine let loose stirring “vroom” from the exhaust. To recap, Kawasaki made the exhaust system to mimic the note from the Z1. It even has that sound of a tuned inline-Four… “vroom… pause… vroom… pause”. Blipping the throttle returns a howl mixed with a growl.

The clutch take-up and throttle are still “eager.” Well, that’s a diplomatic way to say snatchy. You have to be vigilant otherwise the bike will just take off with your brain still sitting in the parking lot.

However, the sportier riding position lent a much better control over the front wheel. On the “standard” Z900RS, the front went light with hard acceleration.

Similarly, charging into corners was much easier on the Café. Now it’s not just sweeping corners but also those pesky sharp ones at intersections.

The suspension felt harsh and uncompliant at first, but it turned out that the previous tester had dialed in all the wrong settings. Imagine riding a bike with close to the forks adjusted to full compression damping and full rebound damping!

If that’s not enough, the rear shock had its preload set to the lowest (which gave the bike a low rear and high front akin to a cruiser). The shock’s rebound damping was also almost fully dialed all the way out. WTF!

Readjusting the suspension yielded a bike that’s easy to flick into corners and maneuver around traffic. Unfortunately, the rear suspension still hopped over sharp bumps. However, that wasn’t meant to say the bike’s suspension was bad. Instead, it as what we’ve always said that some Malaysian roads can be kidney-busting.

The inline-Four based on the naked Z900 is tuned for low-down and midrange torque, hence it shows especially when riding in heavy traffic. Filtering through at 60 km/h in fourth gear still leaves plenty of acceleration.

Blasting away was just a small throttle’s movement away, leaving everyting else to reverberate in the exhaust’s howl and burnt hydrocarbons.

Bad points? The fuel tank is old school as per the Z1 so it’s plenty wide between the knees. The uptick, though, it’s easier to grip it with your knees during hard braking and cornerning.

So, is the Kawasaki Z900RS Café merely a prettied-up bike? Well, depends on how you look at it. In our books, however, the revised riding position has made the bike much better. The snatchy throttle took lots of concentration at first, but you grow to manage it.

But its looks were definitely a head-turner. The headlamp cowling, plus the classic lime green paint with white stripe gave it that real old school Kawasaki look.

Just wished I had a Bell classic full-face and bomber leather jacket when I rode to Starbucks…

It’s priced from RM 72,372 (basic selling price inclusive of 10% SST).

PICTURE GALLERY

Oberdan Bezzi Creates an Aprilia Tuareg 900 Concept

Italian designer Oberdan Bezzi created this Aprilia Tuareg 900 concept.
The concept is based on the Shiver 900/Dorsoduro 900 the platform.
Aprilia is presently without a dual-sport model.

Aprilia is one manufacturer that’s missing a dual-sport model. That’s why Italian designer Obedan Bezzi created this Aprilia Tuareg 900 concept.

Aprilia used to boast a complete line-up in the catalogue, from 125cc right up 1000cc superbikes. But they’ve got only four volume production models now, all sport-based. Let’s see, there’s the Shiver 900 and Dorsoduro 900, besides the Tuono V4 1100 and RSV4 1100.

The Shiver 900 is upgraded from the Shiver 750 which was in the market for an incredible 15 years. Part of its longevity was its simplicity of operations and reliability. Yes, the Shiver 750 was one of the most reliable big bikes. It fills the role of a naked sportbike truly well.

However, Bezzi thinks it could be developed into a DP, merely by sticking to its current platform and adding long-travel suspension to it. A beautifully curvy bodywork completes the package.

The designer christened his creation aptly as the “Tuareg” after the semi-nomadic people who live in the Sahara Desert. Saying that the bike is fixes your wanderlust.

The 900cc V-Twin produces 93 horsepower and 89.5 Nm of torque, putting it squarely as a contender in the middleweight dual-sport segment. Its competition are the sublime Tiger 800, new BMW F 850 GS, and newer KTM 790 Adventure. So, his concept really does make sense.

So, will Aprilia take this as a cue? Another marque under the Piaggio umbrella, Moto Guzzi certainly did so with the V85 TT, after all.

2019 Kawasaki Z250 ABS, Kawasaki Z400 SE ABS Launched (from RM 21,998.00)

Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) launched the 2019 Kawasaki Z250 ABS and Kawasaki Z400 SE ABS.
Both are high-performance lightweight motorcycles.
They are priced very competitively.

The Kawasaki Z250 ABS and Kawasaki Z400 SE ABS were launched tonight. They are priced at RM 21,998.00 and RM 28,755.00, respectively.

The new models were launched during Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.’s 30^thAnniversary Gala Dinner. The guest of honour was Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin bin Haji Muhammad Yassin, the Home Affairs Minister of Malaysia.

2019 Kawasaki Z250 (From RM 21,998.00)

The 2019 Z250 is a facelift model to the previous Z250, to lengthen the model’s lifespan.

Highlights:

Following the Sugomi design concept, the bike has multiple slated panels.
The fuel tank is now more muscular.
New steel trellis frame that’s 4kg lighter, and inspired by the Ninja H2.
Wider handlebar for better leverage.
Raised tail section.
New LED taillight.
New LED headlight.
Semi-digital instrument panel (meter) inspired by the Z650.
Single front petal brake disc and petal rear brake.
Dual-channel ABS.
The engine is a 249cc, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, parallel-Twin.
It produces 37.7 hp (38.2 PS) and 23.5 Nm of torque
The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch.
Offered in Green colour scheme.

2019 Kawasaki Z400 SE ABS (from RM 28,755.00)

As with the Z250 which is the naked version of Ninja 250, the Z400 is the therefore the naked version of the Ninja 400.

Highlights:

The design also follows the Sugomi concept.
The fuel tank has muscular side panels.
New steel trellis frame that’s 4kg lighter, and inspired by the Ninja H2.
The handlebar and seating position is more upright hence more accessible to a wider range of riders.
Raised tail section.
New LED taillight.
New LED headlight.
Semi-digital instrument panel (meter) inspired by the Z650.
Single front petal brake disc and petal rear brake.
Dual-channel ABS.
The engine is a 399cc, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, parallel-Twin.
It produces 48.3 hp (49 PS) and 38 Nm of torque.
New fuel injectors.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch.
Offered in Grey colour scheme.

Do-Do-Do Ter-Tam, Watch the Truck Go Blam

Watch as the motorcyclist applies his brakes just as the truck was starting to lose balance.
This is a great example of riding alert and smart.
Always ride alert and don’t daydream.

This happened in Thailand and watch as the motorcyclist brakes just in time for the truck’s container to tip over!=

The motorcyclist in the video was alert of his surrounds hence he applied the brakes as soon as he saw the truck going off-balance. He missed it with mere metres to go. Additionally, he looked around for other traffic and rode off to stop further down the road, instead of sitting pretty behind it and risk being rear-ended. Yes, he did all these despite the adrenaline pulsing through his veins.

We have often seen riders carrying on with their daydreams, possibly of dating Neelofah or Scarlet Johansson, and being completely oblivious of their surroundings. That’s how the suddenly find themselves right in the middle of the overtaking lane, being tailgated by a heavy vehicle.

Being inattentive also leads to prolonged reaction times. Needless to say, the outcome is usually not pretty.

So, be attentive and smart like this rider. It could be a matter of life or being pancaked into the road.

Source: Kenneth Hiew

Car Went into Motorcycle Lane and Causes Accident

A car went into the motorcycle lane at the Woodland Johor Causeway and caused an accident.
The Singapore-registered car was seen reversing in the lane.
A motorcycle rammed into the rear left side of the car.

A car went into the motorcycle lane at the Woodland Johor Causeway and caused an accident.

The Singapore-registered car drove into the motorcycle lane and eyewitness reported that the driver attempted to reverse it back out. But a Suzuki GSX-R1000 was caught by surprise and hit the left rear quarter. The crash threw the rider a few metres away. A photograph showed that he was bleeding profusely from his left ankle.

No other detail was furbished if the car driver drove into the lane by mistake or otherwise.

Such occurrences have happened in Malaysia. Although rare, there were times when motorcyclists were surprised to find a car blocking their way in the motorcycle lane. Often, this was due to confused drivers who mistook the openings at highway on-ramps as the interchange.

This writer encountered a Hyundai Getz occupying the Kesas motorcycle lane, just after the on-ramps to Puchong and Bandar Sunway. When confronted, the driver asked for directions to Bandar Sunway. She then had to reverse her car along that lane while shocked motorcyclists pulled off the road.

The only thing we could do is be vigilant at all times and keep scanning the road as far ahead as possible.

Source and pictures: SG Road Vigilantes – SGRV

Ernie Vigil to Race Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE at Mexican 1000 Rally

Ernie Vigil will now race the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE at the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally.
He was injured before the Baja 1000 Rally and the program was shelved.
The Triumph Scrambler 1200 line-up is the most off-road capable among all scramblers.

Ernie Vigil is back and will race a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE at the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally.

Triumph announced their plans to return the Baja 1000 Rally following the launch of the Scrambler 1200 XE and XC as they were keen to show that the Scrambler 1200 line-up is the most off-road capable among all scramblers. This was why it is dubbed the “Real Deal”.

Additionally, the rally is a homecoming of sorts for the manufacturer as Steve McQueen and Bud Ekins won there numerous times on the TR6 Trophy.

However, an injury befell rider Ernie Vigil (who’s also Triumph’s stunt rider) and the plans were shelved.

But Vigil has now fully recovered and the program is back online. He has since trained on the Scrambler 1200 for more than 9,000 kilometres in off-road conditions.

The Scrambler 1200 XE that vigil rides will be mostly stock. The only additions are to make the bike safe for desert rallying such as a desert racing seat, lights, grips and extreme profile sand tyres. The suspension, engine, electronics are all stock.

While the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally doesn’t sound as glamorous as the Baja 1000 Rally, it actually uses the same route as the Baja Rally in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. As the name suggests, it covers 1,000 miles (1600 kilometres) through the desert strewn with deep sand, rocks and quicksand.

BMW 1800cc Boxer Engine Cruiser Coming in 2020

A BMW 1800cc Boxer engine cruiser is confirmed for 2020.
The news was confirmed by BMW Motorrad.
The prototype engine is now used as the powerplant for custom bikes.

It’s confirmed. A BMW 1800cc Boxer engine cruiser is coming in 2020. The news was confirmed by Timo Resch, Vice President Sales and Marketing for BMW Motorrad.

Resch made the statement during the Handbuilt Show in Austin, Texas where Revival Cycles showed off a custom bike called Birdcage which features an 1800cc Boxer engine.

While we revel at the Birdcage’s welded titanium frame, the built was actually contracted by BMW Motorrad to tease the new engine. The massive pushrod engine will be the platform for an upcoming cruiser in 2020.

The Birdcage was the second motorcycle to use the 1800cc engine, following the Departed R18 built by Japanese Custom Works Zon.

“We will also be showing a BMW Motorrad developed concept bike featuring this engine in the first half-year of 2019. BMW Motorrad will present a series production motorcycle with the Big Boxer for the Cruiser segment in the course of 2020,” said Resch.

An 1800cc, air-cooled, pushrod valve actuation engine surely means that the German manufacturer is taking aim at Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles. However, riders of the two brands are fiercely loyal so it’ll be interesting to see how BMW Motorrad can win them over.

Viral Video: Singaporean Bikers Refused to Stop Smoking at Petrol Station

A video showed Singaporean bikers smoking at a Petron station at the Pagoh R&R.
According to the person who posted the video, he had told them to stop smoking.
However, the group retorted that he couldn’t do anything against them.
But equally worse were Petron and PLUS workers not wanting to assist.

A viral video surfaced in which a group of Singaporean bikers refused to stop smoking at petrol station despite being told to. The incident took place at the Petron station at the Pagoh R&R.

In the video, a biker was seen smoking in the petrol station’s compound directly beneath a “No smoking” sign. The person who posted the video went by his Facebook account name as Thiagarajah Nesan. According to him, he had admonished the group for smoking in a petrol station but was told the group retorted that Thiagarajah could not do anything against them and continued with their dangerous act.

But what happened next was equally shocking.

Thiagarajah informed the workers at the station, but they told him that the manager was away at the time and it was not their responsibility.

Failing to raise any concern with the station staff, Thiagarajah reported the incident to PLUS workers. The PLUS workers also told him that they could not do a thing about it. However, they suggested that Thiagarajah video the offence and share it on Facebook.

Now, the surely the bikers know that smoking at a petrol station is dangerous. But Petron and PLUS should also answer for their workers’ “inability” to act. The government was serious in fining smokers at eateries and prohibited areas, but why couldn’t anyone act against these miscreants?

Source: Thiagarajah Nesan

Allianz Motorcycle Plus Offers Extra Benefits at No Extra Cost

Allianz Motorcycle Plus offers protection for the motorcycle and accident protection for the rider.
One could look at it as a 2-in-1 insurance scheme.
The Comprehensive coverage also covers the bike for natural disasters.
The product is only available for motorcycles from 245cc and below.

Allianz Motorcycle Plus insurance will offer the additional benefits of a personal accident insurance under one package at no added cost.

“Traditional” motorcycle insurance covers only the vehicle in the case of accidents or theft. Vehicle owners purchase this insurance when he renews his road tax. However, that insurace does not cover for personal injuries, disability of death.

Thus, in order to protect oneself, the vehicle owner needs to purchase another personal accident insurance policy.

This is where Allianz Motorcycle Plus differentiates itself. One could call it a 2-in-1 product which insures the motorcycle as well as the rider. However, the premium (price) remains the same as the same insurance for your motorcycle only.

There are two types of cover, of course – Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Comprehensive) and Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Third Party).

Aliianz Motorcycle Plus (Comprehensive)

Accident Cover of RM 5,000 for permanent disability or death.
Hospital income of RM 50 per day for up to a maximum of 60 days.
All Special Perils Full Sum-Insured Protection which provides protection for flood, landslides and other natural disasters.

Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Third Party)

Accident Cover of RM 5,000 for permanent disability or death.
Hospital income of RM 50 per day for up to a maximum of 60 days.

What drew our attention was the protection for “acts of god” (industry speak for natural disasters). None – if any – insurance covers your motorcycle for natural disasters.

While the accident cover and hospital income aren’t as high as provided by personal accident insurance, Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Comprehensive) makes it easy for riders to have such coverage. Many people, much less riders, in Malaysia aren’t covered by personal accident insurance or any type of insurance at all.

Including those benefits under one insurance also makes it easier for the policy holder to claim for injuries. There are many cases where the accident victim’s family members forget or are unaware of claiming from the insurance provider.

Allianz Malaysia will roll out Allianz Motorcycle Plus beginning 1^stMay 2019. The insurance covers motorcycles from 245cc and below, only.

Please visit https://www.allianz.com.my/ for more information.

Kawasaki Jumps on Radar Bandwagon

Kawasaki is the latest manufacturer to work on equipping their bikes with radar.
Their patent filings show a system with front and rear radars.
The system works together with the brakes and throttle.

Kawasaki is the latest manufacturer to work on equipping their bikes with radar.

It is learned that Kawasaki’s system will either warn the rider or engage automated braking if it senses an imminent collision. In their patent filing, the system utilizes a front and rear radar detector. In turn, the radars control the brakes and throttle.

The front radar will scan the road ahead and apply the brakes if there are hazards. The rear radar, on the other hand, will detect fast approaching vehicles and alert the rider to take evasive action.

Kawasaki isn’t the first maker to develop a radar system.

Suzuki is working on equipping their bikes with radar reflectors to make them more visible to radars in other vehicles. Whereas Honda may equip the next Gold Wing with automated braking. All 2020 Ducatis will have front and rear radars in addition to cornering ABS. KTMs will feature adaptive cruise control and blind spot awareness system by 2021.

Vehicle radar technology isn’t merely experimental, as all new European-made cars are mandated to be fixed with automated or emergency braking systems in 2020. The decision follows joint studies by European NCAP and Australasian NCAP that automated brakes can reduce collisions by 38%.

So yes, bikes will definitely be equipped with radars soon.

Honda is Developing a Facial Recognition Helmet

Honda submitted the patents for a facial recognition helmet.
It serves as the security “key” to the bike’s ignition.
How soon will we see this technology in the market?

First it was the mechanical key, then electrical key, followed by keys embedded with microchips and now, a facial recognition helmet. That’s what Honda is working on for motorcycle security.

It works pretty much like the current proximity key – or better known as the keyless system. The security system is available on more and more motorcycles from scooters all the way up to tourers.

But that still means we need to rely on remote key fobs. Worse, thieves have the ability to scan the signal propagating from the key to the receiver on the bike. (This writer’s car was broken into that way.)

The helmet has a camera embedded in the crown’s inner lining. The wearer looks into the helmet in the process of putting it on, the facial recognition camera sends a signal to a control unit in the helmet. From there, another signal goes to the motorcycle’s security control unit which unlocks the handlebar lock.

It’s a novel idea but it also means that you can’t lock your helmet under your scooter’s seat. Locking it inside a top case is fine since you use a separate key.

Will we see this tech soon? Who knows? Honda is pushing out new tech all the time and they make it to the market in short order from their introduction.

Convoy to a Vacation and… Robbing Rampage

Four friends rode in a convoy of Yamaha Y15ZRs for a holiday and robbing rampage.
A CCTV footage showed woman being dragged at high speed.
Three of the four were caught by the police.

Four friends rode in a convoy of Yamaha Y15ZRs for a holiday and robbing rampage.

The four buddies rode more than 100 kilometres from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur and Rawang, Selangor to Muar in Johor to commit their crimes. However, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) busted the gang in less than 72 hours.

PDRM caught three of the suspects, but the fourth perpetrator is still at large. PDRM revealed his name as 27-year-old Mohd. Fariezzuan Shah Che Arif, better known by his “Toncet” nickname. His last known address is at the Sri Kota Flats in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras.

Chief of Police of the Muar District, Assistant Commissioner Zaharudin Rasip said that all four were involved in three cases of snatch theft in the district last Saturday. One of the incidences involving a woman at Jalan Pesta were caught on video and went viral in social media.

The police acted on public information and a detachment from the District Headquarters (IPD) in Muar launched two separate raids which netted a 22-year-old and 24-year-old male in Cheras on 15 April. Another raid in Rawang caught another 24-year-old suspect.

All three will are put on remand until 22 April.

Social media went wild after a video of a woman was dragged at high speed after her handbag was snatched. The footage was caught on CCTV and residents of Muar voiced their concern over the violent crime.

The police added that the four suspects rode their bikes in convoy to Muar for a holiday but switched their mode to a rampage of robbery upon reaching the city.

“The first case was at a petrol station in the city centre but the robbers obtained nothing. The second happened at Jalan Pesta in Bakri but they also achieved nothing. However, the female victim sustain minor injuries.”

“In their third attempt at Jalan Mega, Bakri, the suspects made off with RM 4,500 in cash.”

The police also stated that three of the four have criminal records of past crimes.

They will be investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code and face 20 years in prison and fine or whipping.

Source: Harian Metro Online

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

The Kawasaki Z900RS Café caters to the classic café racer look.

Changes are cosmetic while everything is shared with the naked Z900RS.

However, the riding experience was rather different.

PICTURE GALLERY

Italian designer Oberdan Bezzi created this Aprilia Tuareg 900 concept.

The concept is based on the Shiver 900/Dorsoduro 900 the platform.

Aprilia is presently without a dual-sport model.

Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) launched the 2019 Kawasaki Z250 ABS and Kawasaki Z400 SE ABS.

Both are high-performance lightweight motorcycles.

They are priced very competitively.

2019 Kawasaki Z250 (From RM 21,998.00)

Highlights:

2019 Kawasaki Z400 SE ABS (from RM 28,755.00)

Highlights:

Watch as the motorcyclist applies his brakes just as the truck was starting to lose balance.

This is a great example of riding alert and smart.

Always ride alert and don’t daydream.

A car went into the motorcycle lane at the Woodland Johor Causeway and caused an accident.

The Singapore-registered car was seen reversing in the lane.

A motorcycle rammed into the rear left side of the car.

Ernie Vigil will now race the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE at the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally.

He was injured before the Baja 1000 Rally and the program was shelved.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 line-up is the most off-road capable among all scramblers.

A BMW 1800cc Boxer engine cruiser is confirmed for 2020.

The news was confirmed by BMW Motorrad.

The prototype engine is now used as the powerplant for custom bikes.

A video showed Singaporean bikers smoking at a Petron station at the Pagoh R&R.

According to the person who posted the video, he had told them to stop smoking.

However, the group retorted that he couldn’t do anything against them.

But equally worse were Petron and PLUS workers not wanting to assist.

Allianz Motorcycle Plus offers protection for the motorcycle and accident protection for the rider.

One could look at it as a 2-in-1 insurance scheme.

The Comprehensive coverage also covers the bike for natural disasters.

The product is only available for motorcycles from 245cc and below.

Aliianz Motorcycle Plus (Comprehensive)

Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Third Party)

Kawasaki is the latest manufacturer to work on equipping their bikes with radar.

Their patent filings show a system with front and rear radars.

The system works together with the brakes and throttle.

Honda submitted the patents for a facial recognition helmet.

It serves as the security “key” to the bike’s ignition.

How soon will we see this technology in the market?

Four friends rode in a convoy of Yamaha Y15ZRs for a holiday and robbing rampage.

A CCTV footage showed woman being dragged at high speed.

Three of the four were caught by the police.

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