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.
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.
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.
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.
Residue in a carburetor float bowl
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.
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.
SURU Amarok is in the background
“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.
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.”
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.
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.
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!).
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!
2019 Ducati Panigale V4R
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.
2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260S
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.
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.
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 25thanniversary 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 1st to 3rd February prior to the first 2019 pre-season testing from 6th to 8th February. Both tests will be held at the Sepang International Circuit.
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.
A taxi slammed into a motorcycle, killing an 11-year-old girl and injuring her older brother.
The accident happened in Bangsar early this morning (23rdJanuary).
We do not know what actually transpired, but we recommend that all motorcyclists ride with a sense of paranoia that other vehicle drivers do not see us.
A taxi slammed into a motorcycle, killing an 11-year-old girl.
According to The Star, 11-year-old Athierah Batricesya was riding pillion with her 18-year-old brother along Jalan Maarof, Bangsar at about 7am.
A taxi then rammed into them at a junction, throwing both occupants onto the road. Athierah suffered severe head injuries and passed away on the spot, while her brother received bruises to his left leg. The girl has been sent to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for a post-mortem.
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department head, Assistant Commissioner Zulkefly Yahya confirmed the accident when contacted by the newspaper. He also said that Athierah was a student at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Bandaraya.
“The taxi driver was unhurt. The case falls under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1087 for reckless driving,” he added.
We do not know what actually transpired this fateful morning, but we as motorcyclists must always have a 360-degree awareness around us at all times. Always ride with a sense of paranoia that no other vehicle drivers see us, much less stopping or giving us the right of way.
It also kickstarts the Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) range.
The Thruxton TFC is not just a repainted Thruxton R.
Triumph Motorcycles have launched the eye-popping and stunning 2019 Triumph Thruxton TFC. In doing so, Triumph formally launched their Triumph Factory Custom range at the same time.
The Thruxton TFC prototype was spotted undergoing road tests just earlier this month. But here it is, ready to turn heads and melt the toughest moto-hearts like diamonds to ladies.
At the same time, the Triumph Factory Custom creates custom bikes without the owners voiding warranties, having the bike butchered, spaghetti-bowl wiring, and ending up with impractical and unrideable Frankensteins. It means TFC bikes will hold their values, if not appreciate.
Styling highlights
Carbon fibre racing “bubble” cowl, front fender, seat cowl, heel guards and exhaust silencer.
Details included billet top triple clamp, tinted windscreen, leather seat with stitching, billet oil filler cap.
LED headlight and taillight.
Blacked out colour scheme with gold pinstriping. (Remember JPS, anyone?)
Triumph didn’t just take a standard Thruxton R and repaint it, instead, the Thruxton TFC features a whole list of upgrades.
Performance upgrades
Lighter engine components, high compression pistons, revised ports, higher profile cams, Vance & Hines silencer add 9.8 bhp to 105 bhp. Torque is up at 115 Nm.
Weight is dropped to 198 kg with the carbon fibre bodywork, besides the revised engine internals.
Additional weight loss came from the aluminium engine cradle rails, removal of the rear mudguard, and lighter battery.
Handling upgrades
Fully-adjustableÖhlins NIX30 forks, an upgrade from the Showa BFF.
Adjustable Öhlins piggyback rear shocks.
Brembo M4.34 Monobloc brake calipers.
Updated ride modes, traction control and ABS.
Metzeler Racetec RR tyres.
Special package
Only 750 will ever be built. Each bike is individually numbered.
TFC handover pack and certificate signed by CEO Nick Bloor.
Personalised custom build book.
TFC motorcycle cover.
We can’t wait to see the bike when it arrives at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia! The “standard” Thruxton R is already the best cafe racer we’ve had the pleasure to test, so we can’t imagine how the Thruxton TFC is like!
