Visit the Shell Advance Ride-Thru at the Shell MotoGP 2018 for an unbeatable experience.
You will receive the best of the best with a minimal spending of just RM30.
The Shell Advance Ride-Thru is located at the P1 parking area.
Here’s a great way to experience the Shell Malaysia MotoGP 2018. Why not try out the Shell Advance Ride-Thru?
Oh, we know how it’s like at MotoGP. You ride there all hyped up about the atmosphere and race ahead of you. You’re thinking about the glitzy new bikes on display, opportunities to selfie with hot models, win some exclusive prizes, see your heroes in action.
But the road starts to get hectic by the time you near Sepang International Circuit. On top of that, you have to find a place to park your bike. That’ll be RM20, please. And there’ve been rumors circulating around that parts of the bikes go missing. Oh dear.The solution is? Shell Advance Ride-Thru.
It couldn’t get any simpler:
Ride right up to the counter;
Select the Shell Advance Package you prefer;
Leave your bike with the trained mechanics;
Shell provides a new oil filter for your bike – FOC! (No kidding!);
Go relax at the lounge or head into SIC’s mall area;
Your motorcycle will be parked in a secure area right next to the booth after it is serviced.
All for a minimum of just RM30.
However, if you also opt for the Add-On Package, you will receive:
Topping off your tank with Shell V-Power petrol;
A motorcycle cover;
A hill stand ticket.
For just another RM30.
So, not only could you enjoy the race in peace, but your motorcycle would’ve been taken care of in the best possible manner when you return. It’s almost better than selfies with hot MotoGP models.
NOTE: Servicing is only open to motorcycles 250cc and below. Please refer to the picture below.
The Finance Ministry has proposed a RON95 petrol subsidy plan.
It covers motorcycles below 125cc and cars below 1500cc.
Eligible motorcycle owners get 40 litres and car owners 100 litres of subsidized fuel, respectively.
The government through the Finance Ministry has proposed a new petrol subsidy system. The plan applies to RON95 petrol only for motorcycles below 125cc and cars below 1500cc.
The Finance Minister, YB Lim Guan Eng made the announcement when he tabled the 2019 Budget in Parliament earlier today.
He also revealed that the move will cost RM 2 billion, covering some 4 million car owners and 2.6 million motorcycle owners. The subsidy will allow for a maximum of 40 litres for eligible motorcycle owners, and 100 litres for car owners.
No mechanism has yet been revealed on how the plan will be implemented. However, we expect the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to contact those eligible. They will then be provided with a subsidy card.
We will leave it to your opinion whether the announcement is good news or otherwise. In our opinion, the proposed plan should benefit motorcycle owners who are not well-to-do. It means those who have the means will support the less fortunate. The current blanket subsidy system benefits everyone, by contrast. That explains why the government suggested motorcycles below 125cc, instead of for example, below 250cc.
The announcement is currently a proposal, as the budget needs to be approved by the majority in Parliament. Let us see how it turns out should the proposal make it through.
Alex Rins and Suzuki were the fastest after FP2 on Friday.
The great result came about despite Rins’s bike caught fire in the pitlane yesterday.
Both FP1 and FP2 were run in dry conditions.
Alex Rins’s Suzuki may have caught fire yesterday at the Shell Malaysia MotoGP 2018 but that was clearly not a hindrance.
Rins his bike to the fastest time after FP2 (Free Practice 2) by dipping under the 2:00.00 mark. He posted 1:59.608, a mere 0.089 second faster than Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati MotoGP Team and 0.093 second ahead of Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda Team.
The MotoGP field was lucky to escape a huge deluge in the latter part of the afternoon, allowing the riders to post good times in both FP1 and FP2. Indeed, Dovizioso has recorded his best lap in the first session.
The newly-crowned MotoGP World Champion Marquez had a mad day after saving his Honda many times from crashing.
Valentino Rossi rode his improved Yamaha YZR-M1 to fourth fastest, only 0.159 second from Rins. The Italian’s placing meant that there are four manufacturers in the top four spots. Rossi’s fastest 1’59.767 time was inherited from FP1 where he actually finished second fastest.
Behind Rossi, Jack Miller was the first rider to dip below the 2:00.00 mark. The Australian posted grabbed the fifth spot after putting in a 1’59.771 lap in FP2.
Finally, Rossi’s teammate, Maverick Vinalez improved on his FP1 time to set 1’59.802 for sixth.
The Top 6 covered by less than 1 second, as a result.
Hafizh Syahrin seemed to have a challenging day. He was in 17th in FP1 and 20th in FP2. The Malaysian is hoping to improve on his standings in the Rookie’s category.
FP3 tomorrow will provide the riders their last chance to improve on their times and the Top 10 will qualify automatically for Q2 (Qualifying 2). The remaining riders will start in Q1 and the top 2 from that session will be bumped up to Q2 to qualify for grid spots 1st through 12th.
So, yes, the Free Practice sessions are just important as final qualifying.
Paul Teutel Sr. of Orange Country Choppers (OCC) will build bikes for retail sale.
The American Choppers star will team up with Bubba’s Exotic Motorsports.
The new range is called “Senior” which consists of two models.
Paul Teutel Sr., the Boss of Orange County Choppers (OCC) and reality TV programme American Choppers fame has a new business venture.
However, instead of getting his speech bleeped out or yelling to the stage of blowing his arteries or smashing chairs, Teutel Sr. will be building choppers for retail sale.
OCC is teaming up with Bubba’s Exotic Motorsports to launch these “production” bikes. Named “Senior” range, the bikes will be launched at the Exotics on Las Olas event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, 11th November. Teutel Sr. himself will be present to launch his choppers, meet and greet fans, besides signing autographs.
Bubba’s Exotic Motorsports, on the other hand, will also display a number of custom vehicles such as a monster Jeep upgrade and an Audi R8 V10 built for the Miami Marlin’s second baseman, Derek Dietrich.
1Malaysia Chopper by OCC
“The Senior is based on my original bike design that started it all, many years ago,” says Teutel. “I’m so proud to bring back that design with modern features and technology.”
There are two models to choose from. The first is a rigid-framed bike with no rear suspension. The other is a “soft tail” for non-masochistic riders who value their backs internal organs. Apart from that, both bikes share the same features such as “springer” front end, sprung seat, 21-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels. Disc brakes are on both ends.
The “Senior” will be powered by a modern Harley-Davidson-style “panhead” engine. It is fueled by an S&S E-Seires carburetor, EDL belt-driven primary, and chain final drive. The transmission is a 5-speed unit housed in a 4-speed frame for old-school looks.
OCC will only build 100 bikes in the first year of production. A percentage of the proceeds from the Exotics on Las Olas sale will be contributed to the Wounded Veterans’ Relief Fund, a non-profit organization. OCC will also display a few bikes from their personal collection.
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!
