Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd. has launched the new Aprilia 3S Centre in Malaysia.
Aprilia’s International Ambassador and multiple World Champion, Max Biaggi witnessed the launching.
The 3S centre includes showroom, service and spare parts facilities.
Multiple World 250cc GP and World Superbike Champion, Max Biaggi, witnessed the grand opening of the new Aprilia 3S Centre in Malaysia by Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd. The new 3S centre is located at The Gasket Alley.
The brand’s owners and fans alike will definitely welcome the launch, as they now have a new place to call home.
“We are honoured to be given the trust and responsibility to manage Aprilia, a renowned brand under the Piaggio Group of Companies. The trust comes one year after we re-introduced Moto Guzzi in Malaysia,” said Mr. Rewi Hamid Bugo, Chairman of Didi Resources.
Mr. Rewi continued, “We will continue to invest in aftersales improvements and value-added services to the ownership experience like trackdays, racing support, rides and gatherings that is niche and unique to the brand’s owners.”
The grand launch also witnessed the signing of MOU’s between three dealers and Didi Resources. They are Welly World Cycle (Sungai Buloh), Sheng Fatt Superbike (Penang) and Soon Hin Co. (Kuantan).
Afterwards, Max Biaggi would then unveil the Aprilia brand box later, before he was given a tour of the facilities. Aprilia and Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s Head of Aftersales, Idon Pang guided Biaggi through the workshop and showroom.
Festivities continued with Biaggi autographing the showroom’s plaque before continuing on to autographing items of interest for fans.
Current Aprilia MotoGP riders Aleix Espargaro and Scott Redding joined the party later and continued the autograph session.
The new Aprilia 3S Centre is located at The Gasket Alley, Lot 15, 13, Jalan 13/6, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Alvaro Bautista rode to a fourth-placed finished at last weekend’s Australian GP.
The result showed the large gap between factory and satellite bikes.
Dorna ought to stop the “tiered” system to avoid talented riders languishing down the order.
Alvaro Bautista probably had no idea of where he’d finish in Australia when he sat in for the injured Jorge Lorenzo.
The Desmosedici GP18 threw Jorge Lorenzo off on the last three occasions. The last one in Australia injured his left arm. But instead of letting only Andrea Dovizioso ride in the race, the Ducati factory team drafted Bautista over from the Ducati satellite Angel Nieto Team.
It wasn’t easy for the affable Spaniard at first, crashing three times over the weekend. However, he found his rhythm in the race and challenged both Andrea Ianone and teammate Andrea Dovizioso for the podium positions.
He only acquiesced the position when, “I had a problem with the gearbox. It was different to what I was using. I didn’t engage the gear and I lost the distance with both Andreas.”
This is where it starts to get interesting.
Speaking about his switch to the factory Ducati World Superbike squad next year, “I’m so confident for next season. I like to race but I also like to win. If you don’t have a competitive bike you can’t win.”
On the differences between a factory and satellite bike, “For sure the bike is different. For me I’m very impressed of the engine, the character of the engine, the power of the engine. It’s incredible how different this bike is from the bike of last year that I’m using. The difference is quite big.”
It was the ex-125cc World Champion’s best result in MotoGP since April.
Bautista’s interview confirmed that there are tiers in MotoGP.
Compared to factory machines such as those ridden by Dovizioso, Lorenzo, Marquez, Pedrosa, Rossi and Vinalez, the bikes run by satellite teams are “customer” bikes. Race teams – the “customers” – rent the bikes from manufacturers. These bikes are usually those with the previous year’s specs. Even then, they are not 100% identical to the factory bikes.
As such, the title had always come down the fight among the factory boys while other riders play the role of grid fillers.
This isn’t a good thing as so many great talents find themselves languishing on uncompetitive bikes down the field. While this happening, attention and more importantly, screen time is given to the top runners. How many times have we seen Hafizh Syahrin in action this season? Unless he crashed, notwithstanding.
The disparity between full-factory and satellite teams used to be very small in the 70’s and 80’s but it has grown larger ever since. It has closed somewhat in the last few seasons since the introduction of the spec-ECU and Michelin tyres in 2016. We witnessed Johann Zarco and Danilo Petrucci challenging for the lead on many occasions last year, but it was an all-out fight among the factory Honda, Ducati, Yamaha (and Suzuki to a lesser extent) again this season.
This is the exact reason why Herve Poncharal decided to move his Tech 3 camp to KTM next year. Being supplied sub-par bikes for past seasons had left him wishing for better results. But there’s no way out since Yamaha will not supply him the latest YZR-M1.
So, before some of you start spouting wild accusations like, “Mat Sallehs will only favour Mat Sallehs and push Hafizh Syahrin down because he’s Malay,” (oh yes, someone did post that in Facebook) remember Bautista’s result at Philip Island.
The 2019 BMW S 1000 RR patent image and spec sheet were leaked online.
The bike is all-new with a new styling and chassis.
Power output will also be increased.
It would probably not surprise anyone now that BMW Motorrad is working on the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR. But what is up for contention is how will the new bike look like.
Well, a BMW dealer seemed to have gotten a little too excited and posted both the official patent application image and full spec sheet of the 2019 S 1000 RR online. The new superbike was supposed to be officially launched at the EICMA show in a week’s time.
There is just so much to pore over the image, but the new bike definitely points the way towards improvements by leaps and bounds.
For starters, the 2019 model is much more compact. Its tail is shortened and made smaller. The front wheel sits closer to the bottom fairing, while the rear wheel is much nearer to the bike’s midsection.
Its bodywork has been designed from scratch and seems to wrap around the chassis and engine very tightly. BMW has also dropped the asymmetric headlights for a matching pair. The central air intake still exists for the sake of heritage from the previous model. The fuel tank’s shape is still unmistakably S 1000 RR.
The new frame is just visible. Starting from the swingarm mounting uprights, it projects almost horizontally above the engine casings before sweeping upwards to the headstock. It looks like the frame hugs the engine very closely, too.
We were actually surprised to find an exposed steel trellis section for the rider seat’s subframe. BMW has used box-section subframes all the while. The steel trellis looks like something from KTM, MV Agusta, Triumph, among others.
Take a closer look and you can see the swingarm is braced from underneath. While this design is nothing new, it is currently employed in MotoGP only. All other superbikes have their swingarms braced on top, conversely. Manufacturers choose the top bracing method as space is needed to accommodate the exhaust collector. Yet, BMW found a way to overcome this problem.
The engine is still an inline-Four, but it now says “207 bhp” in the spec sheet. Torque is also up to 113 Nm.
Well, let’s wait another week for the official photos and specs from BMW Motorrad.
Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia and Triumph Motorcycles Bukit Mertajam visited London for the Global Dealer Conference.
The schedule included sightseeing and shopping trips.
This writer had won the lucky draw to document the visit.
IN THE BEGINNING
To those unfamiliar, please allow me to start these chronicles from the beginning. During the launch of their 2018 models at Bukit Tinggi earlier this year, Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia had announced a trip to London and Triumph Motorcycles’ Factory Visitor Experience in Hinckley.
The entourage was to include Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia’s Chief Operations Officer, Dato’ Al-Razak Malique Hussein and his son Rafique Muzaffar, plus five more spots for Triumph dealers or owners. Dato’ Malique had also opened a spot for a Malaysian motojournalist to chronicle the trip. The place was determined via a lucky draw.
During the draw, Deni Asep, wife of Art of Speed extraordinaire, Asep Sastrawijaya, held the box while Dato’ Malique rummaged through it. He picked a piece of rolled up paper, held it up and passed it to Deni. And Deni announced, “The winner is: Wahid Ooi Abdullah.”
I ran up the stage, arms swinging wildly above my head like a rampaging baboon. Every eye on the stage, including the band members’ were as wide as the front disc brakes of the Triumph Street Triple RS.
I was the one! I couldn’t believe it! I’ve never thought I’d ever set foot at Triumph Motorcycles’ HQ at Hinckley, much less an entire trip to London.
Fast forward to 21st October 2018. My head was still ringing as we congregated at KLIA together with the Tan family from Guan How Superbikes, who will soon be Triumph Motorcycles Bukit Mertajam, and Asep Sastrawijaya.
Our hotel in London was called the “Grange Tower Bridge Hotel” and sure enough, the Tower of London and iconic Tower Bridge (which is always mistakenly called the “London Bridge”) was just less than 10 minutes away by foot.
We decided to visit the Tower of London first.
THE TOWER OF LONDON A.K.A. THE TOWER
It was just after 9am and the crowd was already picking up. It was the mid-term school holidays in the UK, so parents took leave for some family time.
We were directed to wait in an area just out the main entrance. It turned out to be the remnants of a liquid-filled moat, now drained and grassy. A Yeoman Warder, also known as a “Beefeater” came out to join us and presented an amazingly entertaining history of the Tower.
The Tower of London, officially known as “Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London” was built by William the Conqueror in 1066 after he conquered London. The new king decided to build many castles to defend his realm but the Tower of London was the most impressive fortress at the time.
Since then, it had been used as both an accommodation by royalty as well as a prison, armourer, mint, menagerie (mini zoo), chapel, place of torture and execution.
Indeed, the Thames used to beat against the southern wall of the castle and a water gate called “Traitors’ Gate” was used to ferry in prisoners who would later be beheaded on Tower Hill.
Even Kings and Queens weren’t spared. Henry VI was murdered as he was praying in the Wakefield Tower. Later, the Princes of Edward IV, aged 12 and 10 were snuffed to death with their pillows where they slept. The bodies were secreted away until discovered 191 years later.
Henry VIII’s wife Anne Boleyn was accused of adultery and treason and sent to the Tower. She was held in luxurious lodgings before being beheaded with a sword in the Green Tower. It is said that her spirit still haunts the tower.
Another famous prisoner was Lady Jane Grey. Also known as the “Nine Days Queen,” she had been installed as Queen of England before being arrested for high treason against Queen Mary I. She was later executed, aged 17.
But it wasn’t all about making “The Game of Thrones” seem tame. The Tower now holds the Crown Jewels as it is considered one of the most secure locations in England.
The latest crown called the Imperial State Crown was worn by Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation. The embedded jewels all came from the annals of history, totaling 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls and 4 rubies!
There were the crowns of other Kings, of course, including their coronation regalia including a massive punch bowl made of solid gold!
We stopped by at the adjacent building which had been converted into the Fusilier’s (riflemen) Museum.
Just as fascinating were the Yeoman Warders who served as our guide. They were not just well-trained tourist guides, instead they are the Royal Guards at the Tower. Each need to serve at least 22 years in the military before he can become a “Beefeater.”
We exited the castle through the southern gate and into the sunshine. Where the Thames used to bash against the Tower walls is now a walkway. The biggest attraction here, of course, is the majestic view of the Tower Bridge.
BIKE SHED MOTORCYCLE CLUB
Visiting the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club was part of our itinerary from the very beginning.
We descended into the tunnels of the famed London Underground, better known as “The Tube,” to catch a train. London’s rail network is extensive, branching out in every which way to where you wished to go.
But first, we had to purchase an “Oyster” card. To put it simply, it’s a plastic card which holds the credit you need for public transportation in greater London. You can use it for The Tube, bus, tram, DLR rail service, London Overground, TfL Rail, River Bus, most British National Rail and even Emirates Air Line services.
Our local Touch ‘n’ Go card was in fact modelled after the Oyster card. We purchased new Oyster cards at £10 each.
The train showed up in under 2 minutes.
The Central Line’s train cars looked a lot like our LRT and those in Japan. We noticed that it was much warmer in here than out on the streets. There are people of every race here, not just Caucasians. But even then, Caucasians spoke in all different dialects, accents and languages. It is said that the character of London is the hodgepodge of different cultures and we are seeing a bit of it here.
First, we stopped at a business district to obtain the local sim cards for our phones. We stepped into an O2 store where they offered a prepaid card for £10. The package includes 500 minutes of talk time, 500 texts and 2 GB of mobile data. That’s a great deal compared to paying RM38 per day for roaming! (I eventually ran out of data on the sixth and final day, after posting many videos on Facebook.)
It was time to head to the Bike Shed.
We got back into the Tube station we came out of, took another train and walked the remainder of the way.
The Bike Shed café and restaurant is somewhat hidden from view as it is set in the four arches of a train bridge. The entire place rumbled as everytime a train passed overhead.
The four different spaces under the arches serve different purposes. The first, as we entered is the restaurant. They brew their own beer here. The Tan Family tried it said it was “fresh.”
Next is the space for retailers where they sold everything from riding gear to souvenirs. Third in line is the exhibition and event hall. This is where builders could display their customized bikes. There was a Triumph Thruxton R, Speedmaster, Street Scrambler and a modified Thruxton dubbed “Hoxton.”
The fourth space is for motorcycle parking. That’s right. Customers ride their bikes past the restaurant and open-air café to reach the parking and vice versa. A rider on a Triumph Street Cup rode out as we sat down for lunch. A couple of Zero electric motorcycles pulled in later.
OXFORD STREET
Time for some shopping. We caught a ride on London’s iconic two-level red bus for this short trip. It turned out that riding the bus was the best way to see more of London as we’re obviously above ground and not buried inside the earth.
Oxford Street is one of the most famous shopping districts in greater London. It stretches 1.9-km West-East from the Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road. You can find just about anything here.
There shops of familiar names such as Selfridges, The Body Shop, Sniggle, Zara, Ted Baker, Canada Goose, H&M, Uniqlo, Clarks, a huge Apple store and just everything. And all I bought were 3-for-£5 fridge magnets.
Impressive and scary at the same time was the human traffic, too, despite it being a Monday. There were just thousands of people thronging the sidewalks and inside shops, restaurants, and pubs.
It was all too much to take in. I was here, in (adjective) London, amazed at beautiful old buildings and impressed by the modern ones, while drowning in the crowds of people pushing past each other.
When Dato’ and Rafique jumped into the Canada Goose shop, my mind hit an invisible wall of some sort so I decided to just hang outside and watch London go by. Newspaper peddlers stacked the evening edition at the entrance to Underground stations, yelling out the headline. Something about Brexit. A group of pretty young girls sang a hit song between giggles as they ran by. A couple of ladies talking loudly about their boyfriends. A guy swearing fluently into his phone while walking hand-in-hand with his partner. A few guys smoking around the corner while pulling their coats close. Friends smiling and laughing in a coffee parlor.
Honestly, I was quietly thankful for Dato’ Malique and Rafique’s guidance throughout the day. London was a maze and can quickly overwhelm any one. Dato’ even gave me detailed instructions on how to get to the Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park the next day.
We then headed to a kebab shop for some grub. The plan was to head back to the hotel after that for prayers, but the Lebanese restaurant owners had an empty hall next door for that. Individual faith is very much respected here.
So, hanging onto Dato’s coat tails, we headed to one last stop at Camden, before travelling back to the hotel for the Triumph welcome dinner for global distributors and dealers.
I called an early night as the Triumph Malaysia entourage will be visiting the Global Dealers’ Conference tomorrow. That meant it was a free and easy day for me to visit some of London’s greatest sights and experience the history that my late-father had taught me.
An updated Ducati Multistrada 950 has been spotted.
The new bike should include a number of new features.
Sources say it may also receive an IMU.
The Ducati Multistrada 950 is a more accessible option to Ducati’s sport-tourer line-up in both pricing and operations.
Compared to its big brother the Multistrada 1260, the Multistrada 950 is much simpler. Riders do not have to contend with fiddling around with the electronics, that’s for sure. Indeed, we have come across many riders who don’t have any idea on what they’ve set on their bikes.
Apart from that, the 950’s 113bhp power output is certainly easier to handle than the 158 bhp on the 1260.
So, the Multistrada 950 is in some ways a better and more versatile bike. But it’s definitely time for an update to keep it in the game.
Just as so, MCN spotted an updated Multistrada 950 undergoing road tests.
The upper fairing now matches the Multistrada 1260’s and swingarm is of lighter grey than the current version.
The engine looks similar outwardly, but the new bike will apparently receive a new hydraulic clutch. The Scrambler has gone that way, so we expect the Multistrada to follow suit. The engine may also be updated since there is a new Hypermotard on the way. If so, we ought to see a power increase to 120 bhp. There could be a bi-directional quickshifter, too.
The new Multistrada 950 may well receive an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), enabling Cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control. These will open up the bike’s safety spectrum together with the present ride modes.
Triumph is going back to its desert racing roots at the Baja 1000.
They will be entering the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.
The bike will be mostly stock apart from desert racing gear.
Triumph Motorcycles is serious about the off-road capabilities of the just-launched 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200. The race on an indoor dirt-track during the launch party was one thing, but the British manufacturer wants to push it even further by entering the bike in the historic and punishing Baja 1000 rally.
As we’ve described in our coverage of the launch, Steve McQueen and his stuntman Bud Ekins have joined the rally many times on Triumphs in the past. Hence, returning to the rally with the 2019 Scrambler 1200 is only right since it is the soul successor to the TR6 Trophy Baja (pronounced Ba-Ha) desert racers.
The Baja Scrambler 1200 XE will remain mostly stock. Instead, the only additions are engine protection bars, extended sump guard, race exhaust system and race-specification lights. They will also remove the pillion footpegs and signal lamps.
A prototype of the racer was shown briefly on stage during the launch party. It will be ridden by Triumph’s official rider and stuntman, Ernie Virgil.
Ernie said, “I am so excited to get the chance to only take on the Baja 1000, but also to be the first racer to take Triumph’s next generation Scrambler back to desert racing where it all began.”
The rider had contested the race on a Triumph Tiger 800 previously.
While the Baja 1000 rally is not a drawn out and tough as The Dakar, it is still a very tough event. It consists of two courses. One is point-to-point is regularly more than 1000 miles (1,600-km) long (hence the name). The second is the loop race which usually ranges between 600 to 800 miles (960-km to 1280-km) long.
The Baja 1000 is also part of the World Championship for desert racing. Held at the California-Mexican peninsula it attracts participants from the world over in motorcycles, cars, trucks, ATVs and buggies.
The much-awaited 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 has been officially unveiled to the media.
The bike combines the classic silhouette of the Bonneville with capabilities of the Tiger 800.
The Scrambler 1200 will revolutionize the modern scrambler.
Triumph looks to have scored a major revolution with the launch of the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200.
Being offered in two variations, the new Scrambler 1200 looks to be the perfect embodiment of adventure-riding in the Bonneville’s timeless classic silhouette.
Triumph is not one manufacturer inclined to building new motorcycles without festooning them with the latest features. Such approach applies to the 2019 Scrambler 1200, as well. The Hinckley-based manufacturer has aimed the new bike as the benchmark of scramblers. As such, the list is extensive. Very extensive. So where do we start?
What is it?
Triumph was the leader in off-road racing many decades ago. A-list actor, adrenaline junkie and all-around hard man Steve McQueen raced the Triumph TR6 Trophy SC at the punishing Baja Rally in New Mexico. Mr. McQueen’s stuntman Bud Ekins (who performed the jumps in “The Great Escape”) also raced Triumphs and won at the rally.
Truth is, Triumphs were the original scramblers (although they did not claim that name).
The Bonneville T-120TT, T120C and TR6 “C” and “SC” were stripped down for desert racing, featuring twin exhaust pipes that were fitted high up and chopped off. And dirtbikes back then, “scramblers,” as they’re known, looked exactly like how the Bonneville does today.
But! Triumph had been taking the quiet line why its rivals push out their own “Scramblers.” Triumph already has the 900cc Street Scrambler but they knew they needed something more hardcore. Hence, the 2019 Street Scrambler is that “missing link” as the company put it.
The two variations are:
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC – built as an all-around road and off-road capable bike.
2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE – an all-rounder just as great as the XC but more focused for extreme dirt-riding. The “E” designation states “Extreme.”
Key Highlights
2nd generation TFT instrumentation.
Featured on both models, with two information layout design themes that can be personalised. An all-new feature allows the rider to update the start-up screen message with their name.
6 riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road, rider configurable) including Off-Road Pro on the XE.
Both models feature Road, Rain, Off-Road, Sport and Rider-configurable riding modes which adjust the throttle response, ABS settings and traction control setting. The Scrambler 1200 XE features the extra ‘Off-Road Pro’ mode, which delivers focused set up for advanced adventure riding and scrambling. The ‘Off-Road Pro’ mode turns ABS and traction control off, and uses the ‘Off-Road’ throttle map.
Optimised cornering ABS and cornering traction control on the XE.
This is a first for any scrambler. Exclusive to the Scrambler XE is the Optimised Cornering ABS and Optimised Cornering Traction Control. Based on a Continental IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). The front brakes consist of dual discs gripped by Brembo M.50 Monobloc calipers.
All LED lighting, including signature DRL headlight.
Both Scrambler 1200 models have all-LED lighting. The headlight also incorporates LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) for maximum visibility.
Illuminated backlit switches.
The switches on both Scrambler models are backlit from LEDs housed inside the switch cubes. No more fiddling around at night.
Torque-assist clutch.
Designed to reduce clutch lever effort for the rider, bringing a lighter touch and feel to the clutch and making it easier to ride, and for longer.
Keyless ignition.
Triumph’s keyless ignition system is standard on both models. The system recognises the proximity of the keyless fob and then enables ignition via the switch cube mounted start button. You may also disable the key’s wireless transmission function.
Cruise control.
Electronic cruise control is standard. This is a single button system, similar to the Triumph Tiger 800 XRx/XRa/XCx/XCa.
USB charging socket.
Both new Scramblers feature a 5 vault USB power socket for charging personal equipment. This is integrated into a new foam lined storage box under the seat.
World’s first motorcycle integrated GoPro control system.
Triumph’s first turn-by-turn navigation system and Bluetooth phone and music operation (all enabled by an accessory Bluetooth connectivity module).
Specifications and equipment
Class-leading specifications and equipment.
Öhlins rear shock with first-in-class long travel fully adjustable RSU.
Showa fully adjustable long travel forks.
Brembo twin M50 radial monobloc front calipers.
Crafted long-travel aluminium swingarm.
Dedicated Scrambler frame.
Folding foot controls, adjustable on the XE.
High-specification side laced wheels.
Category-first 21” front wheel, with adventure focused tubeless tyres.
Handbook approved Pirelli Scorpion Rally tyres.
Long-travel suspension: 200mm for the XC and 250mm for the XE, front and rear respectively.
Powerplant
Yes, we finally know what engine goes in the bike (and our speculations were wrong).
It is the 1200cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-Twin, but of the High Power (HP) variety which is fitted to the rip-roaringly awesome Bonneville Thruxton R café racer.
However, engine is tuned exclusively for the Scrambler 1200. It punches out 88.8 bhp (90 PS) at 7,400 RPM and a neck-spraining 110 Nm of torque at just 3,950 RPM.
The twin high-mounted exhausts are also tuned, to sing a new signature exhaust note for the bike.
Styling
Triumph is NOT following the conventions the “modern scrambler” design but benchmarks it. This is achieved by combining the classic design with modern touches, features and capabilities.
New design “seamless” sculpted Scrambler fuel tank, with classic scrambler tank “cut-away” features.
Beautifully engineered side-laced wheels.
Brushed aluminium Monza-style filler cap.
Brushed stainless steel tank strap.
Classic bench seat.
The Scrambler 1200 XE comes with extra premium details, including being the first bike to carry the iconic Triumph triangle badge on the tank.
Besides that, the XE also features hand guards with aluminium brace, Brembo MCS lever, silver handlebar finish with black anodised risers and clamp, gold coloured forks.
Colour options for both models are two-toned. For the XC: Jet Black and Matt Black, Khaki Green and Brooklands Green. For the XE: Fusion White and Brooklands Green, Cobalt Blue and Jet Black (as pictured).
Inspiration Kits and Custom Accessories
Riders will be spoilt for choice when it comes to customizing the bike. From handlebars to luggage. Inspiration Kits expand customization even further such as fly-screen, Arrow silencers, high front mudguard.
Triumph Bonneville Collection Clothing – the Scrambler Range
Triumph developed a dedicated range of Scrambler 1200 clothing, with a selection of short sleeve t-shirts, checkerboard goggles and a collection of riding and casual wear for men and women.
Conclusion
In a way, you could think of the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 as the love child of the Thruxton R and Tiger 800. Such features and capabilities are not to be sneezed at. Knowing how effective Triumph it in producing wonderfully all-rounded the bikes, it is time to for them to rule the Scrambler wars.
An embargo was put in place but the pictures were leaked by Triumph Fans France on their Facebook page
The full details are sketchy at this time as the bike will be officially launched to the global media between 2pm to 5pm (London time) today. But we can see a number of important features:
There are two variants to the Scrambler 1200 – one off road (XC), the other more road-centric (XE).
nacelle houses a full TFT screen.
The connectivity option includes GPS navigation and ability to sync with a GoPro, so you may control the camera via a toggle on the handlebar.
Updated, longer travel suspension (180 mm travel) for the off-road version.
Showa forks and Öhlins shocks.
Brembo radially-mounted four-piston Monobloc calipers up front.
The XC’s engine is wrapped in crash bars.
Beefy aluminium swingarm.
High-mounted front mudguard.
Reinforced barkbuster-style handguards with aluminium framing on the outside.
The updates to the chassis and suspension ought to make the Triumph Scrambler 1200 a truly off-road capable modern retro. The long-travel suspension and swingarm are the tell-tale signs. So, no matter how one looks at it, the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 could be the real-deal of scramblers.
Although engine remains the 1200cc, liquid-cooled, 270o crank, parallel-Twin unit, we are not sure if it has been upgraded.
More details to come later on today. Please stay tuned for more pictures and details of the bikes!
The Sarawak Borneo Cross Country Rally 2018 will begin on 25th November 2018.
It will cover 2800km across Borneo, Brunei and Kalimantan.
The countdown was officiated at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia’s HQ.
The countdown to the momentous Sarawak Borneo Cross Country Rally 2018 (SBCCR) has begun. The event was held at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia’s HQ on Saturday, 20th October 2018.
The SBCCR is a mixed motorcycle brand ride. It is set to be flagged off at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on 25th November 2018 and ends in Kuching, Sarawak on 5th December 2018. By then, the participants would have travelled an estimated total of 2800 kilometres across 7 cities and 3 countries. The three contries include Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
As such, they will experience the scenic tropical rainforest of Borneo which is the second largest in the world. Apart from that, the riders will also explore the sights and sounds for its diverse culture, nature, heritage and adventure.
The organizer of the rally, Unides Events Sdn. Bhd. hopes that the ride showcases the untouched green lungs of Borneo. Consequently, that will bring attention to the importance of containing the climate change phenomenon that’s gripping the planet.
The Sarawak Borneo Cross Country Rally 2018’s partners are Triumph Motorcycle Malaysia and Liqui Moly Asia Pacific.
In Unides Events Sdn. Bhd.’s press release, Managing Director Kho Sze Min said: “We are glad to have Liqui Moly Asia Pacific and Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia on board. Triumph Motorcycles have a full range of models, be they on-road or off-road, and that is the unique selling point of this iconic brand. Liqui Moly offers a complete line of products for two-wheelers to promote cleaner engines to reduce carbon dioxide emission.”
The SBCCR is also supported by Pekema Riders Club, H-D Borneo, Consulate Generals of Brunei and Indonesia, Destination Explore, K Multimedia, Royal Malaysia Police, and the respective councils in the three nations.
YB Datuk Hj. Abd. Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sport Sarawak trying on a Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black.
YB Datuk Hj. Abd. Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sport Sarawak launched the rally on 1st April in Kuching. The Minister was present during the countdown. Also present were Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia’s COO Dato’ Razak Al-Malique Hussein and President of PEKEMA Riders Club YBhg Dato’ SM Zulkifli SM Amin.
This ride is not the first for Unides Events Sdn. Bhd. They were the official event manager for the Ducati Multistrada Borneo Experience 2011, which consisted of 60 participants. Besides that, they had also organized the 2nd Southeast Asia Harley Owners Group Sarawak Rally in 2012, which saw 350 participants. Both convoys were held over ten days.
The BMW r nine T Scrambler is BMW Motorrad’s answer to the “scrambler revolution.”
It shares the same chassis and engine architecture with other r nine T’s.
But it is meant for light off-roading.
BMW has been steadily adding new variants to the r ninet T heritage line-up since its introduction in 2013. The BMW r nine T Scrambler was introduced in 2016, on the other hand, to offer buyers a scrambler option from other manufacturers.
The r nine T Scrambler is meant for light off-roading fun, and thereby wears a 19-inch front wheel. Customers can opt for tubeless spoked-wheels.
The bike is powered by the previous generation BMW oil-cooled, horizontally-opposed Twin “Boxer.” The engine is the common platform which the r nine T range is built around. It produces 110 bhp and a huge 116 Nm of torque.
As with all BMW Boxers, power is sent through a six-speed transmission and a Paralever-controlled driveshaft on its way to the back wheel.
The standout feature of the Scrambler among the r nine T line-up is the high-mounted dual exhaust pipe tips.
We have since tested almost every variant of the r nine T including the (base) r nine T, r nine T Racer, and r nine T Urban G/S, but this time, BMW Motorrad Malaysia extended an r nine T Scrambler for the ride to the recent Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2018 in Melaka.
This r nine T Scrambler was extra special, by the way, as it wears the BMW Motorrad Community fuel tank. It is covered in signatures of BMW motorcycle owners. (I was extra careful with the bike, I swear.)
The ride consisted of a good mix of highway, trunk road and urban riding, giving us a good taste of the r nine T Scrambler’s capabilities and versatility.
Out on the highway, the bike drones along at 110 – 140 km/h, with a soft rumble accompanying us. However, the Akrapovic pipes on this one this one sure had plenty of bark, which sounded a lot like a group of piston-engine fighter planes when mixed with other r nine Ts.
The r nine T Scrambler doesn’t like being rushed during highway rides. Instead, it’s big torque should be put to great use to cruise and overtake other vehicles with ease. You could keep it in 6th gear all the way down to 60 km/h, and a twist of the throttle would have the bike roaring back up to speed in a hurry.
But it’s on country roads where the bike comes into its own. Here, the wave of torque accelerates you from corner to corner in a quick yet smooth fashion. It soon became addictive as the exhausts sing “the Boxer rumble” when you grab fistfuls of throttle at corner exits.
Handling is commendable although it could benefit with some more suspension tuning, as it felt a little harsh over sharp bumps. The “relaxed” chassis geometry requires you to trace graceful long arcs through corners. You can hard-flick the bike but without the chassis complaining, though. However, if blasting corners is your game, the base r nine T is the better option with its sport-oriented suspension.
But that doesn’t mean the r nine T Scrambler is bad. The bike is made for relaxed and unrushed riding. Treating it as a sportbike is just wrong.
We rode into the Melaka city centre on a couple of occasions and we were thankful for the bike’s torque and upright sitting position. Its torque allows you to hold on to higher gears even at low speeds and that smoothens out your riding.
Characteristic of BMW’s Boxers, it was also easy to maneuver at low speeds. Those cylinders that jut out into the breeze provide low-down stability; while the crankshaft which spins longitudinally along the bike’s centre line produces its own centrifugal force to keep the bike upright even at very low speeds.
The r nine T Scrambler is as pure as it gets, being a heritage model. Apart from ABS and fuel injection, there is no ride mode or traction control. Consequently, you feel as a part of the bike instead of the feel being filtered through a gaggle-load of electronics.
The BMW r nine T Scrambler sells for RM 88,900 inclusive of SST but no on the road.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Engine type
Air/Oil-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, horizontally-opposed (Boxer) Twin
Compression ratio
12.0 : 1
Bore X Stroke
101 mm X 73 mm
Displacement
1170 cc
Fuel system
Electronic intake pipe injection
Maximum power
110 bhp (81 kW) @ 7550 RPM
Maximum torque
116 Nm @ 6000 RPM
TRANSMISSION
Clutch
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated
Gearbox
Constant mesh, 6-speed, shaft drive
CHASSIS
Front suspension
43mm telescopic forks, 125mm travel
Rear suspension
Single central shock absorber adjustable for preload and rebound damping. 140mm travel
Front brakes
Two 320mm floating discs, Brembo four-piston radially-mounted calipers
Rear brake
Single 265 mm disc, Brembo two-piston floating caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad ABS, front and rear
Front tyre
120/70-R19
Rear tyre
170/60-R17
FRAME & DIMENSIONS
Frame
Three-part frame consisting of one front and two rear sections; load-bearing engine and transmission; rear set frame removable for single rider
Swingarm
Cast aluminium single-sided swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Ducati will launch their full 2019 line-up at the Ducati World Première 2019.
The event is slated for 4th November in Milan (5th November in Malaysia).
The launch is 2 days prior to the start of the EICMA motorshow.
Ducati announced on their website that they will unveil the entire 2019 line-up on 4th November 2018, two days before EICMA. The event is called “Ducati World Première 2019,” and begins at 7pm, Milan time (1am, 5th November in Malaysia).
This means the event is just after the Malaysian MotoGP.
We thought we had seen all of Ducati’s 2019 models, but apparently not. The Italian manufacturer has since launched the 2019 Multistrada 1260 Enduro and the Scrambler family which consists of the Icon, Full Throttle, Café Racer, and Desert Sled. Besides them, the XDiavel will receive new colours and the Diavel 1260 will be updated. So, what else? The Panigale V4R. There could be more.
Well, Ducati is tight-lipped about it at the moment, so we will have to wait until then.
Anyway, Ducati is inviting everyone to the party. Virtually, that is. The Ducati World Première 2019 will be telecast “live” on Ducati’s official website and Facebook page.
Honda is hoping Jorge Lorenzo will reveal the strong points of the Ducati Desmosedici GP18.
The Spanish riders is joining Honda from Ducati in 2019.
Honda hopes to work with Lorenzo to add stability to the RC213V.
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) hopes to find out more from Jorge Lorenzo about the how the Ducati compares to the Honda RC213V.
HRC Technical Manager Takeo Yokoyama said that he is curious about the Ducati’s strong points when Lorenzo joins the Japanese team from next season.
Repsol Honda factory team rider Marc Marquez is on the way to sealing his fifth MotoGP title, but it doesn’t discount the fact that the Desmosedici GP18 is considered the best all-round bike. It took six victories so far, three each for Lorenzo and his teammate Andrea Dovizioso.
“He (Lorenzo) is a champion, he has ridden many different bikes in the past and he has been always fast. So, I think he can adapt to our bike,” Yokoyama told MotoGP.com.
“I’m really curious to hear about Ducati’s strong points, what is Honda’s strong points – because that’s what he will say.”
Yokoyama continues, “We will not make a completely different bike. We will not make a bike ‘to the right’ for Marc and ‘to the left’ for Jorge. But slightly different is no problem for us.
However, Lorenzo prefers a stable motorcycle especially during corner entry as he rides the traditional “long arc” style, rather than “point and shoot” like Marquez.
“Maybe one of the things that I’m a little worried he would struggle with is the stability of the bike (Honda). I think you can see from TV that the Honda is many times shaking, dancing, jumping,” admits Yokoyama.
“Probably, he’s not the guy who likes to fight with the unstable bike and from our side I guess we need to make the bike a little more stable than we have now. But also from his side, maybe he needs to adapt to a little more unstable bike.
“If we can do this, and if he can do this, I think we will be successful.”
Lorenzo will get his first taste of the Honda in November during the Valencia post-race test.
