Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

  • 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.
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.

  • 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.

  • The 2019 Triumph Thruxton TFC breaks cover.

  • 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!

PICTURE GALLERY

  • PLUS will propose to install more AES speed cameras on all their six highways.

  • If approved, installation will include the Penang Bridge.

  • But how does the AES speed camera work?

In the news

PLUS (Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan Berhad) will submit a proposal to the authorities to install more AES (Automated Enforcement System) speed cameras.

The concessionaire is thinking of installing more of the speed cameras on all six highways under their charge. If the proposal is approved, the cameras will also be installed on the Penang Bridge.

AES camera – Courtesy of NSTP/ASYRAF HAMZAH

Speaking to The Star, PLUS Managing Director Datuk Azman Ismail said the proposal is to ensure road users obey traffic laws and create road safety awareness.

Datuk Azman made the statement at the launching of Ops Selamat 14. The operation will be held from 29thJanuary to 12thFebruary in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.

How Does the AES Work?

We’ve heard some motorcyclists say that covering the motorcycle’s speedometer will avoid the AES snapping the speedometer. We didn’t know if we should laugh or cry.

The AES trigger works by determining how much time it took the vehicle to travel through a set distance. Remember the formula Speed = Distance/Time? (Please click here if you don’t.)

There are two types of sensors:
  1. Piezo or inductive loop sensors embedded in the road. These are to detect “slower” speeds over the limit. This system is also used to detect traffic at some intersections.
  2. A radar detector attached on the outside of the camera housing. This detects vehicles that travel at higher speeds.

For the road detectors, a pair are embedded some distance before the camera. The earlier the vehicle passes both, the faster it is travelling.

Radar works by bouncing microwaves off an object. The faster the waves return to the detector, the nearer the object is to the detector. The processing unit calculates the time difference between when the first wave was returned to the subsequent waves. The faster they come back, the faster the vehicle is travelling.

For example:

Let’s assume the two detectors or radar waves are 20 metres apart, and the car crosses in 0.5 second.

Speed = 50m/5 second = (20/1000) km/(2/3600) hr = 0.02 km/0.00014 hr = 142 km/h

CLICK! Check in MyEG for your summons.

  • We’ve put together a guide to troubleshooting suspension symptoms.

  • A troubleshooting guide is easier to remember and use.

  • We start with preload adjustment.

We touched on the basics of suspension set ups some time ago (click here for the article). We decided that a guide on troubleshooting suspension symptoms is easier to understand and remember.

Please refer to the previous article below for the basics on what suspension preload, compression damping and rebound damping.

Suspension Explained (Part 1) – Prologue

Preload adjustment

Virtually all motorcycles are fitted with it, hence it’s where we should start.

To recap, preload affects your suspension’s sag. “Adding” preload causes that end of the motorcycle to rise, and vice versa.  However, it DOES NOT adjust the suspension’s stiffness. The “stiff” impression when you crank up the preload is due to the reduced the sag. Think of sag as “freeplay.” Remember, sag DOES NOT affect the spring rate, either.

Preload adjustment affects your bike’s ride height hence chassis geometry. For example, you can have the bike turn into corners quicker by having more preload at the back or less in front. Conversely, you use less preload at the back or a little more in front for more stability in corners.

The blue bolt is the preload adjuster. The more preload you add, the fewer lines it shows
Too little preload (Front)
  • The front ride rides too low.
  • The forks bottom out too easily during hard braking or when contacting a bump.
Too much preload (Front)
  • The front rides high.
  • Feels harsh.
  • Overwhelms damping.
  • Bounces back after hitting bumps.
  • Weight is shifted to the back wheel causing sluggish turn-in.
Rear preload adjuster
Too little preload (Rear)
  • Bottoms out quickly, especially when riding with a passenger.
  • Causes the front to ride high.
  • Sluggish to turn in as weight is off the front wheel.
  • Front feels light under hard acceleration.
  • Bike tends to push wide in corners when the throttle is opened.
Too much preload (Rear)
  • The rear rides much higher than supposed to.
  • Damping is overwhelmed.
  • Feels harsh and bounces back hard after contacting bumps.

Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow.

  • The Penang Chief Minister has urged the Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (second bridge) concessionaires to review the safety standards of their guardrails.

  • An SUV went over the guardrails at the Penang Bridge and into the sea after being hit by another vehicle on 20thJanuary.

  • It was the fifth case of vehicles and a motorcyclist who plunged off the bridge.

The Penang Chief Minister is urging the Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah concessionaires to review the safety standards of their guardrails, following a highly publicized accident.

An SUV went over the guardrails at the Penang Bridge and into the sea after being hit by another vehicle on 20thJanuary. The subsequent recovery effort has grabbed the attention of the entire nation. The wreckage of the SUV and its occupant, a 20-year-old college student, has been located last night (21stJanuary).

It was not the first accident which saw a vehicle crashing into the sea, by far. There were four other cases stretching back to 2010.

20thSeptember 2010

A young married couple’s MPV hit a metal railing, send the vehicle off the bridge.

1stNovember 2012

An accounting clerk’s vehicle hit a barrier, sending the car into the sea at kilometer-7.4 on the Penang island-bound side.

30thOctober 2015

A motorcyclist was thrown over the bridge after his motorcycle scraped against another at kilometer-1.4., island-bound. Fortunately, he only suffered minor injuries as he landed in soft mud.

12thNovember 2015

A driver lost control of his car before plunging into the sea at kilometer-0.6, Prai-bound.

20thJanuary 2019

The latest case in which an SUV rolled and hopped over the barrier.

Although there was only one case involving a motorcyclist, steps should have been taken earlier. The view from the two Penang bridges are spectacular but one cannot deny how low the present barriers are. On the other hand, shutting the view off entirely would not sit well, either.

However, there is another dark side which we should consider: Suicides. There’ve been a number of cases of people jumping off the bridges to commit suicide. In fact, one attempt had occurred this morning off the second bridge while the recovery efforts of the SUV were still ongoing.

But we have always questioned why always act after tragedies? Why are our authorities so myopic? That is not the only problem. As we mentioned in another article, enforcement only goes on for about 3 months then everyone goes back to breaking the law.

Let’s hope something is done this time.

  • Ducati has started production on the 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260.

  • The Diavel 1260 shares the 159 bhp 1,262cc DVT engine of the Multistrada 1260.

  • It also features lean sensitive traction control and Cornering ABS.

The first 2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 has rolled off the production line in Bologna, Italy. It was greeted at the entire factory with a toast and official speech by CEO Claudio Domenicali.

The Diavel 1260 was just unveiled last year and it will be delivered to the first customers by February.

It is the second generation Diavel. Ducati claims it is now more comfortable for the rider and passenger alike, besides being designed for “mixed roads.” The main highlight is the 1262cc Testastretta DVT 90oV-twin engine which it shares with the Multistrada 1260. It produces 159 bhp at 9,500 RPM and 129 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM. The DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) gives the engine smooth and predictable power throughout its rev range.

Apart from DVT, Ducati has also equipped the bike with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The component enables the addition of lean sensitive traction control and cornering ABS.

As per Ducati’s tradition, the 2019 Diavel 1260 is offered in both standard and “S” model trims. The higher-spec’ed Diavel 1260S model features Öhlins suspension and Quick Shift Evo for up- and downshifts.

Both models still feature the Diavel’s signature 240mm-wide rear tyre.

  • Toby Price wins the Dakar Rally 2019 with a broken wrist.

  • It was his second Dakar win since 2016.

  • KTM has won at the rally 18thtimes in a row.

Speaking of broken wrists, Australian Toby Price won the Dakar Rally 2019 despite riding with that injury.

Price came into the 10thand final stage of the rally with a slender one-minute lead over Chilean Pablo Quintanilla. They had covered almost 5,200 kilometres up to that point.

However, Quintanilla crashed after a mere 10 kilometres into the 112-kilometre stage from Pisco to Lima. He injured his foot which cost him 19 minutes, dropping him to fourth overall. Quintanilla’s misfortune let Price romp home to win the stage win and the overall lead.

Price’s feat was heroic as he rode with a broken scaphoid. He had broken the bone a few weeks prior to the Dakar’s flag-off.

The Red Bull KTM factory rider had thought about just racing for two stages before pulling out. But he kept going as his team provided impeccable support in addition to some luck.

“Pretty much all I can say is that it feels like there are about five people driving a knife in my wrist now,” Price said. He had spent 10 agonising days of being jolted and bumped across the dunes and desert.

“It’s not very comfortable, it’s not very enjoyable. Now I’ll just wait and see what damage I’ve done to my wrist.”

It was Price’s second Dakar win since 2016, and KTM’s 18thsuccessive victory.

KTM Dakar 2019 bike – Photo credit Enduro21

 

  • Jorge Lorenzo fractured his wrist bone (scaphoid).

  • He was undergoing training at a dirt track.

  • The rider needs surgery, but the scaphoid usually heals quickly.

Jorge Lorenzo fractured his wrist bone (scaphoid) and requires surgery.

The Spanish rider was due to join his new Repsol Honda team at their 2019 MotoGP season launch on Wednesday. He suffered the injury during his training at a dirt track.

MotoGP surgeon Dr. Mir will carry out the surgery. Dr. Mir also operated on Lorenzo’s new teammate Marc Marquez in November 2018.

The rider’s injury is at a bad timing since the first “winter test” at the Sepang International Circuit is just two-and-a-half weeks away. Hopefully, he will be fit by then.

The Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) will have something to worry about since Marquez is also recovering from a surgery to correct his dislocated right shoulder. Adding to that, Cal Crutchlow is reported to be still in some pain after breaking his ankle at Phillip Island, Australia last year. Hence none of their riders are 100% fit.

Lorenzo is not the first rider to break his scaphoid. Casey Stoner, the late Nicky Hayden, Stefan Bradl, Jack Miller, Kevin Schwantz have all fractured their scaphoids during their careers. Hayden’s were removed after they failed to heal and turned arthritic.

Scaphoid fracture

Scaphoid fracture is common as the human body automatically stretches out the arms and palms of the hand to break our fall. That is why motorcycle gloves are usually reinforced in that area.

  • Husqvarna is venturing into the road motorcycle segment as well.

  • The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Husqvarna Vitpilen 701, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 have arrived in Malaysia.

  • Each model line-up caters to a different sub-category, although they share the same engine platform.

Husqvarna is very much well-known for their dirt bikes, but the manufacturer has recently forayed in road motorcycles. The recently-launched Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Husqvarna Vitpilen 701, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 have made their way to Malaysia.

The Swedish brand is now under the KTM umbrella. They produce their own motorcycle line-up, although their engines share the same architecture as KTM’s.

We found the bikes listed in Chia Motor PJ’s Facebook page. So please refer to the attached links for more information.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 (Selling price from RM 44,500)

Husqvarna calls the Vitpilen 401 as a fresh and simple approach to motorcycling. It is subtle and style focused, stripped of everthing superfluous.

Those are the company’s lines, produced by a copywriter. We see the bike as a modern interpretation of the evergreen café racer layout.

Highlights
  • 373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
  • The engine produces 44 bhp (32 kW) and 37 Nm of torque.
  • Bosch fuel injection engine management system (EMS).
  • Ride-by-wire throttle.
  • 6-speed transmission.
  • PASC assist and slipper clutch.
  • Steel trellis frame.
  • WP upside-down forks.
  • WP monoshock rear suspension.
  • BYBRE front and rear disc brakes.
  • Bosch 9M+ two-channel ABS.
  • Spoked wheels.
  • 148 kg dry.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 (Selling price from RM68,500)

As the name suggests, the Vitpilen 701 is the more powerful version of the Vitpilen 401. However, there are many styling and component differences between the two models.

Highlights
  • 692.7cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
  • The engine produces 75 bhp (55 kW) and 72 Nm of torque.
  • Keihin EMS.
  • Ride-by-wire throttle.
  • Traction control.
  • Up and down quickshifter.
  • 6-speed transmission.
  • APTC assist and slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated.
  • Steel trellis frame.
  • Fully adjustable WP upside-down forks.
  • Fully adjustable WP monoshock rear suspension.
  • Brembo front and rear disc brakes.
  • Bosch 9M+ two-channel ABS.
  • Cast wheels.
  • 157 kg dry.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (Selling price from RM 44,500)

The Svartpilen 401 is the “scrambler” of the line-up, with a higher handlebar and knobby tyres. Its lines follow those of the Vitpilen 401 but with differences in the details. The seats are longer and lower, too.

Highlights
  • 373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
  • The engine produces 44 bhp (32 kW) and 37 Nm of torque.
  • Bosch fuel injection engine management system (EMS).
  • Ride-by-wire throttle.
  • 6-speed transmission.
  • PASC assist and slipper clutch.
  • Steel trellis frame.
  • WP upside-down forks.
  • WP monoshock rear suspension.
  • BYBRE front and rear disc brakes.
  • Bosch 9M+ two-channel ABS.
  • Spoked wheels.
  • 150 kg dry.

  • We have long known that riding motorcycles reduces stress.

  • However, there was no real result to show non-believers.

  • Now a research concur that riding is really beneficial for health.

There is a meme which says “Therapy: You never see a motorcycle parked outside a psychiatrist’s office.” Every serious motorcyclist knows there’s nothing more pleasurable than riding a motorcycle. However, there was no empirical result to show non-believers.

Now, a group of researchers from UCLA’s Semel Institue for Neuroscience and Human Behavior has just confirmed it as a fact. The research was funded by Harley-Davidson and to be presented later this year.

50 experienced riders took part in the study. They wore a mobile electroencephalogram (EEG) which looks like a shower cap covered with electrodes to detect the brain’s electrical activity. Their brain activity and hormone levels were recorded before they got on a bike. They were then set loose on a motorcycle and a car afterwards.

The results were:
  • Riding a motorcycle reduces cortisol stress biomarkers by 28%.
  • Riding a motorcycle for 20 minutes increased heart rates by 11% and adrenaline by 27%. The readings were similar to a light exercise.
  • Sensory focus was enhanced while riding a motorcycle compared to driving a car.
  • Brain activity suggested increased alertness while riding compared to driving.

UCLA Professor and senior team member, Dr. Mark Cohen said that no lab experiment could duplicate the feelings a motorcyclist has on the open road.

“The differences in participants’ neurological and physiological responses between riding and other measured activities were quite pronounced,” continued Dr. Don Vaughn. “This could be significant for mitigating everyday stresses.”

So, there you have it. Whoever created that meme was right.

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