Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Troubleshooting Suspension Symptoms (Part 3) – Compression Damping

We’ve put together a troubleshooting suspension symptoms guide.
A troubleshooting guide is easier to remember and use.
We conclude the series with compression damping.

We provided a guide on troubleshooting preload adjustment and rebound damping previously. We shall deal with compression damping in this last part.

What is compression damping?

To recap, compression damping is opposite of rebound damping. It controls how quickly the wheel travels upwards when it contacts a bump in the road.

Think of compression damping as the resistance when the spring is squeezed.

Too little compression damping (Front)

The front dives excessively under braking.
Pitches the motorcycles weight on the front wheel when braking making the bike hard to turn it in or causing the handlebar to “waggle.”
The forks can bottom out and hit the bump stops when hitting sharp bumps.
The rear end of the bike feels like “coming around” when the front brakes are jabbed hard.
Steering feels vague and mushy (lack of feedback) similar to too little rebound damping.

Too much compression damping (Front)

The forks feel very hard when the wheel contacts the bump.
Every ripple and bump on the road are transmitted directly to the chassis and the rider. Big bumps could deflect the wheel completely off the road. (Conversely, too little compression will have the wheel travel all the way up before punching the front end off the road surface.)
May cause the front end to ride high in some cases.
While dive is reduced while braking hard, the front wheel can become loose when braking over uneven road (as the suspension does not absorb the bumps).

Compression damping is adjusted by the screw in the middle

Too little compression damping (Rear)

The rear end tends to “squat” or “sit down” too much during acceleration, causing the bike to run wide (the front end is pushed up causing lack of traction from the front tyre).
Hitting bumps and dips at speed causes the rear shock to bottom out.
Chassis balance is over-affected by large dips (for example sunken road surface at Sungai Koyan).
Steering becomes difficult and erodes confidence.

Too much compression (Rear)

Ride is harsh and it gets worse the faster you go. However, too much rebound damping causes the rear to feel even harsher.
Too much compression causes rear tyre to hop over bumps, especially when decelerating.
Bigger bumps will kick the rear end of the bike up and the rider off the seat.

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Always “mark” the factory settings before you start and note them down. For example, turn the compression damping to fully minimum and count many clicks to get there. Then, turn it to maximum, noting the number of clicks. Finally, turn it back to the original position and start from there.

Our advice is to adjust one parameter at a time, say start with rebound damping before moving on to compression damping. Adjusting everything all at once will confuse you.

Another advice, do not go to the maximum unless you really, really need to (for example poor quality forks). Having a little less of something may actually gain you more in terms of enjoyment.

Lastly, please do not think you need to add more preload/compression/rebound just because you ride faster. You can do so at the track but that does not necessarily mean going all the way to the maximum. Conversely, adjust what is necessary to allow the bike to work for you, not vice versa.

JPJ Issues Arrest Warrants to 40,000 Motorists over AWAS

JPJ has blacklisted and issued arrest warrant to 39,311 motorists for not settling their AWAS fines.
98,850 summonses were issued after the installation of 45 AWAS cameras in September 2018.
Traffic offenders have 60 days to settle their summonses or be dragged to court.

The JPJ (Road Transport Department) is making serious demands into unpaid AWAS (Automatic Awareness Security System) summonses.

According to Bernama, 98,850 summons notices were sent out after 45 AWAS cameras were installed in September 2018. However, only 10,876 of the summonses were settled as of 21^stJanuary 2019.

As such, the JPJ proceeded to blacklisting 39,311 motorists with unpaid summonses. Worse, arrest warrants were also issued to them.

JPJ Director General Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid said, “Traffic offenders have 60 days to settle their summonses beginning the date the summonses were issued. JPJ will take the cases to court for prosecution (upon expiry of the 60-day period).”

He added that 39,358 drivers were prosecuted in court as of December 2018.

The Director General also said that the department plans to implement four more AWAS cameras at the Menora Tunnel after the Chinese New Year this year.

Our recommendation to our readers is to quickly check in portals such as https://www.myeg.com.myto see if have outstanding summonses. While you may be able to appeal to lower your fines in court, you may also run the risk of being fined higher. Plus, no one enjoys having the Police showing up at your doorstep or workplace to serve the warrant and arrest you.

2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 Launched by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor launched the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 lightweight sportbike today.
It features a new styling and bodywork, inspired by the MotoGP YZR-M1.
The 2019 bike is mechanically unchanged, apart from upside-down forks.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) launched another eagerly-awaited model, the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25.

The first-generation YZF-R25 (R25) found popular standing among many Malaysian motorcyclists. Sales was kept going despite being in the market since 2015. HLYM sold thousands of R25s since its introduction.

That is why there are many R25 owner clubs in Malaysia. In fact, thousands will show up for official convoys, including the annual ride to the Malaysian MotoGP.

The 2019 R25 features a new bodywork and styling, mimicking its larger YZF-R6 brother. Indeed, it’s easy to mistake the new R25 for the new R6 due to the multifaceted fairing, new aggressive headlights and taillight, and tail-section. The headlights and taillight are LED.

However, the engine and frame remain unchanged, although the 2019 model features upside-down forks.

Yamaha claims the new R25 gets an 8 km/h increase in top speed.

Highlights

Aggressive, MotoGP YZR-M1 inspired styling.
249cc, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine.
The engine produces 35.5 bhp at 12,000 RPM, 22.6 Nm at 10,000 RPM.
Updated LCD instrument display.
New upside-down fork front suspension for chassis rigidity and feedback.
Rear shock absorber with preload adjuster.
New LED headlights and taillight.
New 3-in-1 main switch inspired by Yamaha big bikes.
14.3-liter fuel tank.
166 kg wet weight.

HLYM will announce the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25’s price at a later date. It is offered in two colours: Metallic Blue and a new Matt Red.

The bike was launched at HLYM’s annual Dealer Conference in Genting Highlands.

2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT Launched by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (from 58,888)

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor launched the 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT sport-tourer today.
It is an evolution of the “standard” MT-09/Tracer 900 and with many revisions.
Its GT name reflects the Gran Turismo spirit of a performance tourer, which carries its rider over long distances in speed and comfort.

Finally! The 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT was launched by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor today.

After months of waiting the middleweight sport-tourer, three-cylinder Tracer 900 GT is here. The bike is the next step in the evolution of the Yamaha Tracer 900, and it carries more features over the “standard” Tracer. As the GT (Gran Turismo) name suggests, Yamaha promises the bike to carry the rider over long distances with more comfort while at speed.

But the GT is not just a kitted-out standard Tracer 900. Instead, Yamaha has carried many revisions to arrive at the GT.

Highlights

847cc, inline-three-cylinder, crossplane crankshaft, engine.
The engine produces 115 bhp at 10,000 RPM, 87.5 Nm at 8,500 RPM.
Quick Shift system.
Adjustable windscreen.
Cruise Control system.
New Thin Film Transistor (TFT) instrument display (no more “TV screen” from the old Super Tenere).

Fully-adjustable front suspension.
Adjustable rear shock absorber with new remote preload adjuster.

YCC-T Yamaha Computer Controlled Throttle (ride-by-wire throttle).
D-Mode ride modes with integrated Traction Control System (TCS) and ABS.

60mm longer swingarm to keep more weight over the front wheel.
30mm longer passenger footpegs for more comfort.
Narrower handlebar.

Comfort seats.
Full-LED lighting all-around.

The 2019 Yamaha Tracer GT is priced at RM 58,888 (basic selling price with SST but not on-the-road). Its competitive pricing will place it as a serious contender of the Malaysian middleweight sport-touring market.

The bike was launched at HLYM’s annual Dealer Conference in Genting Highlands. Keep following us today as HLYM will also launch the 2019 YZF-R25 tonight.

PICTURE GALLERY

Clean Your Fuel System with Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles

Chevron Malaysia Limited (Caltex) launched the Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles fuel system cleaner additive.
Every motor vehicle’s fuel system must be cleaned of harmful deposits from time to time.
A 75ml bottle is priced at RM9.90 only and available from Caltex petrol stations.

Now you can clean your fuel system effectively with Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles.

We’ve said a number of times before, petrol leaves residues over time. While petrol may be corrosive to your bare skin or other materials, its volatility evaporates over time. It will leave behind a yellowish gummy varnish-like residue in your fuel system when that happens.

A gummed up carburetor. Varnishing can happen in fuel injection systems too

You can experiment with this. Leave some petrol in a clear jug or beaker. After a few days, pour away the fuel and you will notice a yellowish residue sticking to the container. So, all fuel systems need cleaning from time to time.

Here are two testimonies after using the product:

This writer

His motorcycle was having problems starting just three months after replacing the fuel pump. But one day, he happened on Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles being displayed on the cashier window of a Caltex station. He had used the Techron Concentrate a few years before but this time it was for motorcycles in a smaller pack.

He poured the contents into his fuel tank and the hard-starting problem was solved in less than 100 kilometres later. The problem has not resurfaced for the last six months.

A Motorcyclist magazine reader:

This writer remembers a letter published in Motorcyclist Magazine a long time ago.

The motorcycle owner also had problems starting his bike’s engine in addition to it backfiring and juddering while riding. His mechanic recommended to replace the whole bank of carburetors and ignition coils. Aghast at the huge amount, he decided to give Techron Concentrate a try. The product cured his problem, consequently saving him huge sums of money.

According to Chevron (Caltex), the Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles cleans the petrol fuel system using their Precision Clean technology. This fuel additive works at molecular levels to soften the deposits (remember the yellowish gummy stuff?) found in the motorcycle fuel system. The deposits are loosened and suspended in the fuel.

They are then combusted along with the fuel or pushed out through the exhaust.

One 75ml bottle of Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles can help to restore lost engine power, maximise fuel economy, protect against corrosion, reduce harmful emission, rid of rough idle, control deposits, as a result of cleaning the entire fuel system.

How to use Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles:

Visit a Caltex service station and get yourself a bottle or two of Techron® Concentrate Plus for Motorcycle (be sure your gas tank is near empty at this point).
Pour the entire content of one bottle into the empty tank. NOTE: One 75ml bottle per 6 litres of petrol.
Fill up your tank with your favourite petrol until it’s full. The cleaning starts as you ride away!
For best results, use the product every 3,000 km.

A 75ml bottle of Techron® Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles is priced at only RM9.90. The product is sold at all Caltex petrol stations.

For more information on the premium fuel additive, Caltex^®and its products, please visit www.caltex.com/myor https://www.facebook.com/Caltex.Malaysia/.

Malaysian Components in SURU Scrambler – World’s First Scrambler e-bike

SURU Inc. uses Malaysian-made components to build the world’s first scrambler e-bike.
SURU builds their bikes in Canada to ensure high quality.
The SURU Scrambler is practical for urban and country mobility.

SURU Inc. introduced the world’s first scrambler e-bike.

SURU Inc. builds their bikes in Canada to ensure high quality. However, their key technological partner is a Malaysian tech firm called Ezee Kinetic. Ezee Kinetic is based just outside Kuala Lumpur. As such, the components used to make SURU bikes originate from Malaysia.

The SURU Scrambler is based on the SURU One Fifty, which is regarded as the “Honda Super Cub of e-bikes.” The Scrambler expands upon the One Fifty’s strengths and innovations to turn it into a practical town and country mobility vehicle.

The team behind the SURU Scrambler is the same folks who created the Amarok P1 electric motorcycle. Among them is the award-winning designer Michael Uhlarik.

“Many people love the look and feel of a café racer and dirt track style motorcycle,” observed Uhlarik. “But getting into motorcycling can be intimidating. The e-bike offers the ideal platform for all kinds of people to dive into the fun of the custom motorcycle experience without fear or high cost.”

Therefore, the SURU Scrambler seeks to open up the two-wheeled experience to a wider, younger audience.

SURU’s philosophy is to integrate motorcycle-grade engineering into lightweight and elegant e-bike designs. The SURU aluminium monocoque features a removable and lockable battery. The power electronics are contained inside the monocoque, protecting it from the weather and theft.

The frame is offered in 6 graphic designs. However, the owner can customize it.

All SURU bikes are street legal. Top speed is 32 km/h. Range is up to 70 km using the battery with the throttle only. The user may choose to pedal, if he so wishes. It takes 3.5 to fully recharge through a household electrical outlet.

Please visit www.ridesuru.comfor more information.

PICTURE GALLERY

MotoGP: Number 69 to be Retired to Honour Nicky Hayden

Dorna will retire number 69 from Grand Prix racing in honour of the late-Nicky Hayden.
It will take effect from the US MotoGP round in Austin, Texas.
Hayden passed away in 2017 after he was hit by a car while cycling in Italy.

The number 69 will be retired from Grand Prix racing in honour to the “Kentucky Kid” Nicky Hayden. It will take effect from the US MotoGP in Austin, Texas.

Other competitors will not be able to use number 69 as their race number.

Hayden was 2006 MotoGP Champion, after beating out Valentino Rossi. Hayden’s journey in MotoGP took him from Repsol Honda to the Ducati Team and back to Aspar Honda, before he moved to World Superbikes.

But in 2017, the world was shocked to hear that he had been hit by a car while cycling in Italy. Almost no one wanted to believe when he passed away days later.

“What a great honour it will be for Nicky’s #69 to be retired at Austin,” said Hayden’s father, Earl. “It is very fitting that it will be done at the US race as these races meant so much to Nicky and he looked forward to them so much every year.”

“For myself in particular this will be very special event because the #69 was my number when I raced, and I was very proud to see Nicky run the #69 on his bikes for his entire career.”

“On behalf of my entire family I would like to say a special thanks to Dorna for honoring Nicky in this special way along with the many other gestures they have done to support us through the difficult times.”

“I’m proud to announce that the number 69 will be retired from Grand Prix racing,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. “Nicky Hayden was one of the biggest assets to this paddock and a fantastic example as a rider both on track and off.”

Source: MotoGP

Get more “ONG” this Chinese New Year at Ducati Petaling Jaya with these Exclusive Promotions

Ducati Petaling Jaya is carrying out promotions for this Chinese New Year.
A number of Ducati models are offered with special deals.
Time to get your “ONG” on!

Ducati Petaling Jaya is sending more “ONG” your way this Chinese New Year with the Gong Xi Ducati promotions.

Do not miss these specials:

1. Panigale V4S

Purchase the world’s best-selling superbike of 2018 and receive an exhaust package*.

The Panigale V4S features groundbreaking engine dynamics, advanced suspension system and more electronica to make the Space Shuttle blush.

Of course, you could enjoy the rush of 213 Italian horses as you own the road and track.

What is a Panigale without that authentic Italian L-Twin roar, after all?

2. Mutistrada 1200 Enduro

Need to cure your wanderlust? Wonderful on the road and fully capable in the rough stuff, the Multistrada 1200 Enduro is the perfect medicine!

What’s more, its Testastretta DVT engine provides the punch so buttery smooth.

Purchase a Mutlstrada 1200 Enduro and receive an exclusive touring jacket and helmet!*

3. Scrambler 1100 Sport

The Scrambler has come of age with the Scrambler 1100 Sport. Gobs of torque, delivered smoothly through Ducati’s advanced ride modes and traction control system. Sweep through turns or trash it out in the rough and be awed by the fully adjustable Ohlins suspension system.

Purchase a Scrambler 1100 Sport and receive an exclusive exhaust package.* Time to liberate that sweet L-Twin soundtrack!

4. Hypermotard 939

The Hypermotard is essense of what a fun bike should be – extremely manoeuverable, highly chuckable and the propensity to monowheel all the way home.

Puchase a Hupermotard 939 and receive an exclusive leather jacket!*

5. Panigale 959 Corse

The Panigale 959 is a baby Panigale? No, it is a bike to be contended on its own. 158 bhp is not to be sneezed at.

The 959cc, Testastretta L-Twin produces a lively ride with that trademark Ducati soul.

Purchase a Panigale 959 Corse and receive an exclusive helmet!*

*All items are available in limited stock and subject to Terms & Conditions.

Honda Super Cub C125, Honda CB1100RS, Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP Launched

Boon Siew Honda launched the Honda Super Cub C125, Honda CB1100RS and Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP today.
They provide Malaysian motorcyclists with more choices in Honda motorcycles.
Boon Siew Honda also announced a positive 2018 with approximately 156,000 motorcycles sold.

Boon Siew Honda launched three more models to the Malaysian market today to kick off 2019. They are the Honda Super Cub C125, Honda CB1100RS, Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP.

Being of different segments, the additional models provide Malaysian motorcyclists with even more choices in Honda motorcycles.

Honda Super Cub C125 (from RM 13,999)

Honda started a revolution when they introduced the Super Cub C100 in 1958. The Super Cub has evolved over the last 60 years. By then, it had become the largest-selling motorized vehicle of all time with more than 100 million units sold worldwide.

The Super Cub is now back in the guise of the Super Cub C125.

While its styling is reminiscent of the original Super Cub, the new bike is thoroughly modern.

Highlights:

Unmistakable and unique styling.
Full LED lighting.
Honda SMART Key system.
Electrically locked seat.
Powered by a 125cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, SOHC, single-cylinder engine.
It produces 9.1 bhp (6.79 kW) at 7,500 RPM and 9.98 Nm of torque at 5,000 RPM.
Front disc brakes with Nissin caliper.
Cast alloy wheels.

It is offered in Pearl Niltava Blue, Pearl Nebula Red and Pearl Shining Black.

Honda CB1100RS (from RM 75,999)

The CB1100RS harks back to the days when Honda’s inline-Four engines were the king. Specifically, it started with the CB750 in 1969, which was rightfully called “first superbike.”

Since then, Japanese motorcycles with multi-cylinder engines, round headlights, high handlebars, and bench seats became known generically as the UJM for Universal Japanese Motorcycle.

The UJM styling is timeless as Honda continued selling the CB line-up such as the sublime CB 400 Super Four VTEC and later the CB1100 over the years in many markets around the world. Except Malaysia.

Perhaps 2019 is the year to remember with the launch of this bike.

As with its predecessors, the CB1100RS looks like a 70’s bike but it a modern motorcycle in its essence.

Highlights:

LED headlight and LED classic taillight.
Seamless fuel tank.
Signature Honda DOHC valve cover.
Showa SDBV (Showa Dual Bending Valve) forks.
Twin Showa rear shocks with remote reservoir.
Radially-mounted four-piston front brake calipers.
Aluminium 17-inch wheels.
1140cc, air-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC, inline-Four engine.
It produces 88.5 bhp (66 kW) at 7,500 RPM and 91 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.

It looks like a torquey machine judging from the spread between maximum torque and peak power.

The Honda CB1100RS is available in Darkness Black Metallic and Matt Beta Silver Metallic.

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP (from RM 114,999)

The “SP” version of the CBR1000RR Fireblade brings more fire to the table. It is endowed with more power, less weight and equipped with more technology compared to the “standard” Fireblade.

While other manufacturers kept pushing up the power output of their superbikes, Honda chooses to adhere to their “Next Stage Total Control” philosophies. You could say “What’s power without control?”

Highlights:

First Honda motorcycle equipped with Öhlins Smart Electronically Controlled suspension.
Compact, 16-litre titanium fuel tank.
Full Brembo brake system.
Quickshifter.
Cornering ABS.
Weighs in a t 195 kg, dry.
The 1000cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-Four engine punches out 189 bhp (141 kW) at 13,000 RPM and 114 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM.

The Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP is offered in HRC Tricolor only (no Repsol thank you very much!).

Ducati Panigale V4 was World’s Best-Selling Sportbike in 2018

The Ducati Panigale V4 was the world’s best-selling sportbike in 2018.
6,100 units were sold out of a total of 9,700 Panigales.
However, Ducati’s overall sales dropped 5% due to the slump in the American market.

Forget about the naysayers, the Ducati Panigale V4 proved to be the world’s best-selling sportbike in 2018.

In fact, Ducati was the leading sportbike manufacturer through selling 9,700 Panigale models. That figure corresponds to a 70% increase over 2017. Of those, 6,100 were the new Panigale V4 models. That is remarkable, considering the price of the bikes!

Hence, the Italian manufacturer now holds a 26% market share in the sportbike segment. Yes, 1 of 4 sportbikes is a Panigale.

On another hand, the Multistrada line-up also contributed to Ducati’s overall sales. 11,829 of the sport-tourers were sold in 2018. 6,569 of those were from the new Multistrada 1260 range – a 25% increase.

Unfortunately, Ducati’s overall global sales dropped by 5% to 53,004, which ended an eight-year streak of record sales. The reduction was due to the precipitous 9% drop in American motorcycle sales.

As such, America is no longer Ducati’s biggest market; handing over that title to Italy (4.5% up).

Other growing markets are China (up 23%), Spain (up 8%), Switzerland (up 2.2%) and Japan (up 2%).

The Italian manufacturer has 9 new models in 2019, all equipped with IMU-based traction control and cornering ABS. They are hoping the new bikes will drive up sales for the year.

MotoGP 2019: Repsol Honda Unveils 2019 Bike

Repsol Honda unveils the bike for the MotoGP 2019 campaign.
It was the 25^thanniversary of Repsol and Honda’s partnership.
Some “modifications” are seen on Jorge Lorenzo’s bike, although the 2019 bike has the exact same livery.

For those waiting to see the 2019 Repsol Honda bike were surely disappointed as the livery remains unchanged.

Many had expected a new colour scheme as the Spanish petroleum giant and Honda celebrate the 25^thanniversary of their collaboration. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the stale same-ol’-same-ol’ stripes.

However, there seem to be a few notable differences on Jorge Lorenzo’s bike (pictured above).

Polished aluminium frame and swingarm.
The fuel tank is extended at the rear. Lorenzo prefers to push his weight further back.
An extended seat stop.
Both bikes sport larger aerobodies.

The launch was held at the Sentul circuit in Indonesia. Current riders Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo were joined by past Repsol Honda champions Mick Doohan and Alex Creville.

L-R: Mick Doohan, Marc Marquez, Jorge Lorenzo, Alex Creville

The Repsol-Honda partnership began in 1994 when Doohan won the first of his five world 500cc GP championship. Alex Creville won the 1999 championship when Doohan crashed heavily during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez and retired.

Of course, both current riders spewed team savvy answers about how happy they are with the team, how they are confident in winning, yada, yada, yada.

Marc Marquez will be in action at the shakedown test from 1^stto 3^rdFebruary prior to the first 2019 pre-season testing from 6^thto 8^thFebruary. Both tests will be held at the Sepang International Circuit.

Troubleshooting Suspension Symptoms (Part 2) – Rebound Damping

We’ve put together a troubleshooting suspension symptoms guide.
A troubleshooting guide is easier to remember and use.
We continue with rebound damping as most adjustable suspension systems are fitted with it, rather than compression damping.

We provided a guide on troubleshooting preload adjustment yesterday (click here for the article). Today, we continue with rebound damping (or “TEN” on Japanese suspensions).

What is rebound damping?

To recap, rebound damping controls the rate at which the spring returns to its original length after being compressed. Without rebound damping, the spring will re-extend too quickly, sometimes even further than its starting length. This is what causes oscillations – that wallowing or pogoing (pumping up and down) motion.

Think of rebound damping as a brake when the spring re-extends. The more rebound damping you add, the slower the wheel goes back down, and vice versa.

The rebound damping adjuster is marked as TEN (for tension) on Showa forks

Too little rebound damping (Front)

The forks feel exceptionally plush when riding straight up.
As the pace picks up, the front starts to feel mushy and you second guess what they tyre is doing (loss of feedback).
As you flick the bike into a corner, the front tyre starts to chatter and lose traction. You feel the front as unstable through the handlebar.
The bike does not want to stabilize after countersteering it quickly into corners.

Too much rebound damping (Front)

The suspension “packs down,” resulting in lack of traction especially on bumpy roads.
Ride feels harsh, opposite of too little rebound.
The front tries to wiggle or tank slap when accelerating hard out of bumpy corners.
Continuous bumps cause the bike to ride loose (loss of compliance).

The rear shock’s rebound damping adjuster is located just underneath the spring

Too little rebound damping (Rear)

The ride is extra comfortable when cruising but starts to wallow and weave when encountering bumps.
Poor traction over bumps under hard acceleration and the wheel starts to chatter.
The rear suspension pumps up and down (pogoing) resulting in the chassis pitching its weight back and forth. This is especially frustrating when you are riding a bike with a short-wheelbase.

Too much rebound damping (Rear)

Suspension compliance becomes poor hence feels vague.
Traction is poor over bumps under hard acceleration.
The bike tends to run wide when gas is added mid-corner as it forces the front tyre to lift.
The rear end of the bike hops and skip when the gas is chopped.

Stay tuned for Part 3 when we troubleshoot compression damping.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

We’ve put together a troubleshooting suspension symptoms guide.

A troubleshooting guide is easier to remember and use.

We conclude the series with compression damping.

What is compression damping?

Too little compression damping (Front)

Too much compression damping (Front)

Too little compression damping (Rear)

Too much compression (Rear)

Conclusion

JPJ has blacklisted and issued arrest warrant to 39,311 motorists for not settling their AWAS fines.

98,850 summonses were issued after the installation of 45 AWAS cameras in September 2018.

Traffic offenders have 60 days to settle their summonses or be dragged to court.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor launched the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 lightweight sportbike today.

It features a new styling and bodywork, inspired by the MotoGP YZR-M1.

The 2019 bike is mechanically unchanged, apart from upside-down forks.

Highlights

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor launched the 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT sport-tourer today.

It is an evolution of the “standard” MT-09/Tracer 900 and with many revisions.

Its GT name reflects the Gran Turismo spirit of a performance tourer, which carries its rider over long distances in speed and comfort.

Highlights

PICTURE GALLERY

Chevron Malaysia Limited (Caltex) launched the Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles fuel system cleaner additive.

Every motor vehicle’s fuel system must be cleaned of harmful deposits from time to time.

A 75ml bottle is priced at RM9.90 only and available from Caltex petrol stations.

Here are two testimonies after using the product:

This writer

How to use Techron Concentrate Plus for Motorcycles:

SURU Inc. uses Malaysian-made components to build the world’s first scrambler e-bike.

SURU builds their bikes in Canada to ensure high quality.

The SURU Scrambler is practical for urban and country mobility.

PICTURE GALLERY

Dorna will retire number 69 from Grand Prix racing in honour of the late-Nicky Hayden.

It will take effect from the US MotoGP round in Austin, Texas.

Hayden passed away in 2017 after he was hit by a car while cycling in Italy.

Ducati Petaling Jaya is carrying out promotions for this Chinese New Year.

A number of Ducati models are offered with special deals.

Time to get your “ONG” on!

1. Panigale V4S

2. Mutistrada 1200 Enduro

3. Scrambler 1100 Sport

4. Hypermotard 939

5. Panigale 959 Corse

Boon Siew Honda launched the Honda Super Cub C125, Honda CB1100RS and Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP today.

They provide Malaysian motorcyclists with more choices in Honda motorcycles.

Boon Siew Honda also announced a positive 2018 with approximately 156,000 motorcycles sold.

Honda Super Cub C125 (from RM 13,999)

Highlights:

Honda CB1100RS (from RM 75,999)

Highlights:

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP (from RM 114,999)

Highlights:

The Ducati Panigale V4 was the world’s best-selling sportbike in 2018.

6,100 units were sold out of a total of 9,700 Panigales.

However, Ducati’s overall sales dropped 5% due to the slump in the American market.

Repsol Honda unveils the bike for the MotoGP 2019 campaign.

It was the 25thanniversary of Repsol and Honda’s partnership.

Some “modifications” are seen on Jorge Lorenzo’s bike, although the 2019 bike has the exact same livery.

We’ve put together a troubleshooting suspension symptoms guide.

A troubleshooting guide is easier to remember and use.

We continue with rebound damping as most adjustable suspension systems are fitted with it, rather than compression damping.

What is rebound damping?

Too little rebound damping (Front)

Too much rebound damping (Front)

Too little rebound damping (Rear)

Too much rebound damping (Rear)

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