Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

MODA AERO-E SCOOTER Launched

MDUA Motor Sdn. Bhd. adds another model to their portfolio today, called the MODA AERO-E.

Firstly, although the name sounds as if it is an electric motorcycle, it is powered by an internal combustion engine. The Aero-E is positioned as an urban mobility scooter, complete with a fuel-friendly engine and the conveniences of riding a scooter.

Its design distinguishes itself by being sleek, compared to the MOCA which embodies the classic scooter look. On the other hand, the Sporter S is performance-oriented, while the Shifter 400X is Moda’s entry into the adventure scooter segment.

Highlights

Fuel injected, SOHC, 4 stroke, air cooled 118.8cc engine which produces 9.1 hp @ 7,500 RPM, and 9.5 Nm @ 6,000 RPM.
More torque than maximum horsepower is always a great character for urban-centric engines.

Power transmission is via a CVT and V-belt final drive.
Suspension duties are carried out by telescopic forks (front) and a monoshock (rear) which supports a single-sided swingarm.

Brakes are a single-disc up front and drum at the back.
Tyre and rim sizes are 90/90-14 (front), and 100/90-14 (rear) with tubeless tyres.

MODA claims the seat height of 780 mm.
The fuel tank takes 5.5 litres of unleaded.

The underseat storage space has a capacity of 6.5 litres.
An LCD screen provides riding data.

All-around LED lights.
USB and USB-C charging ports.

The Moda Aero-E is available in Cobalt Blue, and Carmine Red, and retails for RM5,189.00 (without road tax, registration and insurance) at all authorised MODA dealers nationwide.

For more information, please Moda’s social media channels.

Photo gallery

Lebih 1,000 Kenderaan Milik Warga Malaysia Terkandas di Hat Yai

Lebih 1,000 kenderaan rakyat Malaysia dipercayai terperangkap di Hat Yai, ekoran banjir teruk yang melanda bandar itu sejak 22 November 2025.

Ketika ditemuramah oleh Berita Harian, Pengerusi Pasukan Bomba Sukarela Sungai Petani (PBS), Leong Beng Tat, menyatakan antara 1,200 hingga 1,500 kenderaan terperangkap dalam banjir tersebut, termasuk motosikal dan kereta yang tenggelam di tempat letak kereta bawah tanah hotel.

Usaha pemulihan terbantut sekatan yang menghalang lori tunda Malaysia memasuki kawasan terjejas.

“Lori tunda Malaysia tidak dibenarkan masuk. Jadi kenderaan terpaksa ditunda lori tunda Thailand sehingga ke sempadan sebelum kami ambil alih,” kata Leong seperti dilaporkan akhbar nasional itu.

Beliau berkata sekatan itu memaksa sesetengah pemilik mengatur tunda sendiri di Thailand, kerana banyak polisi insurans tidak melindungi kejadian di luar negara. Ada juga yang berserah meninggalkan kenderaan mereka kerana kerosakan teruk.

Leong menyatakan pasukannya menerima banyak mesej terima kasih daripada rakyat Malaysia yang diselamatkan sewaktu operasi. Sebanyak 23 pasukan penyelamat sukarela Malaysia dikerahkan membantu mangsa banjir.

“Ramai yang meluahkan rasa syukur. Semua yang kami selamatkan kemudian memberitahu mereka selamat pulang ke rumah,” katanya.

Air banjir di Hat Yai, tambahnya, lambat surut kerana kawasan itu berada di tanah rendah.

Leong juga mengimbau insiden melibatkan mesej palsu yang mendakwa seorang pelancong Malaysia maut.

“Kami terpaksa ketepikan kerja lain untuk mencari, tetapi apabila tiba, tiada kes sedemikian. Menyebabkan hati kecil apabila orang menyebarkan cerita ini,” ujarnya.

Operasi penyelamatan itu sendiri jauh daripada mudah.

“Dua bot kami terbalik akibat arus deras,” kata Leong.

“Kami mempertaruhkan nyawa untuk sampai kepada mereka, tetapi ada yang masih menghantar mesej mengelirukan harapan diselamatkan dahulu.”

Beliau berkata semua mangsa yang mereka temui berada dalam keadaan baik dan jelas lega melihat pasukan penyelamat Malaysia di lokasi.

“Mereka gembira melihat kami di sana, dan bangga dengan usaha yang kami lakukan,” tambahnya. – The Malay Mail

More than 1,000 Malaysian Vehicles Stranded in Hat Yai

More than 1,000 Malaysian vehicles are believed to be stranded in Hat Yai, following a severe flood which submerged the city from 22nd November 2025.

Speaking to Berita Harian, Leong Beng Tat, chair of the Sungai Petani Volunteer Firefighting Team (PBS), said between 1,200 and 1,500 vehicles were caught in the floods, including motorcycles and cars submerged in hotel basement car parks.

Recovery efforts have been hampered by restrictions that prevent Malaysian tow trucks from entering the affected areas.

“Malaysian tow trucks simply aren’t allowed in. So the vehicles have to be moved by Thai tow trucks up to the border before we can take over,” Leong said, as reported by the national daily.

He said the restrictions has left some owners to arrange their own towing in Thailand, as many insurance policies do not cover incidents abroad. There are also those who have resigned themselves to abandoning their vehicles due to extensive damage.

Leong said his team had received numerous messages of thanks from Malaysians who were rescued during the operation. A total of 23 Malaysian volunteer rescue teams were deployed to assist those trapped by the floods.

“Many expressed their gratitude. Everyone we rescued later told us they had made it home safely,” he said.

Floodwaters in Hat Yai, he added, have been slow to recede because the area sits on low ground.

Leong also recalled an incident involving a false message that claimed a Malaysian tourist had died.

“We had to drop other work and go searching, but when we arrived, there was no such case. It’s disheartening when people circulate these stories,” he said.

The rescue operation itself was far from straightforward.

“Two of our boats capsized due to strong currents,” Leong said.

“We risked our lives to reach people, but some still sent misleading messages hoping to be rescued first.”

He said all the victims they eventually reached were in good condition and visibly relieved to see Malaysian rescuers on the ground.

“They were glad to see us there, and proud of the effort we put in,” he added. – The Malay Mail

Skuter Pengembara Voge SR450X Didedahkan

Sebuah lagi pengeluar bakal menyertai (atau mengancam) segmen skuter pengembara, iaitu Voge, selepas mereka melancarkan Voge SR450X.

Skuter kembara kini bukan sahaja mendapat sambutan hebat di Malaysia, malah telah menjadi fenomena di seluruh dunia. Revolusi ini dimulakan oleh Honda X-ADV, diikuti oleh ADV350 dan ADV160. Kini beberapa pengeluar sudah memilikinya: Zontes, SYM, Keeway, Aveta, Moda. Malah Aprilia turut menyertai gelanggang dengan memperkenalkan SR GT 400 di EICMA.

Namun, dapat dilihat dengan jelas bahawa pertarungan sebenar berada dalam segmen 300cc-400cc.

Walaupun memiliki profil sisi yang mirip dengan Zontes 368G, model Voge mempunyai ciri rekabentuk yang berbeza di bahagian hadapan dengan lampu utamanya yang disusun secara bertindan.

Tidak seperti pesaingnya, model Voge ini dikuasakan oleh enjin dua silinder 398cc sejukan cecair dan suntikan bahan api, yang menghasilkan 41.5 hp pada 8,000 rpm dan tork 43.9 Nm pada 5,750 rpm. Berdasarkan torknya yang lebih tinggi, adalah jelas di sini bahawa Voge memposisikan SR450X sebagai skuter yang lebih cenderung untuk off-road.

Namun, kenyataan media mereka menyatakan sebaliknya: “skuter serba boleh yang direka untuk perjalanan harian bandar dan penunggaan kembara” dan melaksanakan tugas seperti “menelusuri kesesakan lalu lintas bandar, perjalanan hujung minggu yang panjang, atau sedikit laluan lasak”.

Ciri-ciri lain termasuk roda berlidi dengan tayar tanpa tiub, palang perlindungan logam, rak bagasi aluminium, pencahayaan LED penuh, dan ruang penyimpanan di bawah tempat duduk yang besar yang muat sehingga dua helmet. Ia juga mempunyai sistem penghidup tanpa kunci, dan petak sarung tangan yang boleh dikunci. Terdapat empat pemijak kaki boleh lipat juga, seperti Zontes 368G.

Casisnya dilengkapi fork terbalik, penyerap hentakan belakang KYB boleh laras, dan kaliper brek depan J.Juan.

Anda boleh yakin sepenuhnya bahawa MForce Bike Holdings akan membawanya ke Malaysia.

2026 Voge SR450X Debuts

Another manufacturer is set to join (or spoil) the adventure party, namely Voge, after they launched the Voge SR450X.

The adventure scooter has found great following not in Malaysia, apparently, as it has become a phenomenon the world over. The revolution was started by the Honda X-ADV, which was followed by the ADV350 and ADV160. Now several makers has one: Zontes, SYM, Keeway, Aveta, Moda. Even Aprilia is joining the fray by unveiling the SR GT 400 at EICMA.

But it can be seen clearly that the real fight is in the 300cc-400cc segment.

Although having a side profile similar to that of the Zontes 368G, the Voge entry has a different design language up front with its stacked main lights.

Unlike the competition, the Voge model is powered by a 398cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected twin-cylinder engine, which produces 41.5 hp at 8,000 rpm and 43.9 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm. Judging by being more torquey, it is apparent here that Voge is positioning the SR450X as an off-road-biased scooter.

Their press release says differently, though: “a versatile scooter designed for both urban commuting and adventure riding” and performing tasks such as “navigating city traffic, long weekend rides, or even a touch of off-road”.

Other highlights include tubeless spoked wheels, metal crash bars, an aluminium luggage rack, full LED lighting, and large underseat storage that can fit up to two helmets. It also features keyless ignition, and a lockable glove box. There are four foldable footpegs, too, like the Zontes 368G.

The chassis gets upside-down forks, adjustable KYB rear shock absorbers, and J.Juan front brake calipers.

You can bet your bottom dollar that MForce Bike Holdings will be bringing it to Malaysia.

Yamaha Ego Gear Pro Hybrid telah Dilancarkan, Dari RM6,198

The Yamaha Ego Gear Pro hybrid dengan tren kuasa hibrid telah dilancarkan, yang menambah dimensi ekonomi dan utiliti baharu kepada skuter bandar.

Kenderaan hibrid menggabungkan enjin pembakaran dalaman dengan motor elektrik, biasanya sebagai kaedah untuk mengurangkan penggunaan bahan api. Hasil sampingan daripadanya juga meningkatkan tork sistem pacuan yang menghasilkan pecutan yang lebih baik. Jenis kenderaan hibrid bukan ‘plug-in‘ ini mempunyai bateri khas untuk motor pacuannya, dan dicas semasa penunggang membrek (sistem pembrekan menjana semula) dan juga ketika motosikal bergerak ke hadapan.

Walaubagaimanapun, skuter baharu ini disasarkan kepada golongan muda. Namun, kami melihatnya sebagai kenderaan harian yang praktikal dan ekonomik.

Ciri-ciri utama Yamaha Ego Gear Pro hibrid:

Enjin 125cc, satu silinder, SOHC, dua injap, penyejukan udara dengan teknologi Yamaha Blue Core.
Ia digandingkan dengan Smart Moto Generator (SMG) yang menyediakan fungsi Power Assist untuk membantu pecutan dari keadaan berhenti.

Yamaha menyatakan bahawa SMG tersebut berintegrasi dengan lancar bersama ciri Stop & Start.
Enjin itu sendiri menghasilkan kuasa maksimum 8.3 hp @ 6,500 RPM, dan tork maksimum 9.9 Nm @ 5,000 RPM.

Tork maksimum ditingkatkan kepada 10.6 Nm @ 4,500 RPM apabila motor elektrik berfungsi bersama-sama enjin.
Kuasa enjin dihantar ke roda belakang terlebih dahulu melalui klac empar kering, CVT, dan akhirnya melalui tali-V.

Roda bersaiz 12 inci, di depan dan belakang.
Brek cakera di hadapan dan brek gelendong di belakang mengendalikan tugas pembrekan.

Ruang penyimpanan di bawah tempat duduk mempunyai kapasiti 18 liter.
Ketinggian tempat duduk disenaraikan sebagai 750 mm.

Tangki bahan api memuatkan 5.1 liter bahan api.
Yamaha mendakwa motosikal ini mempunyai berat basah hanya 95 kg.

Ciri-ciri lain termasuk panel meter LCD yang mempunyai kekonduksian Y-Connect.
Berhubung dengan apl Y-Connect membolehkan notifikasi panggilan dan mesej, peringatan penyelenggaraan, data penggunaan bahan api, dan lokasi letak kereta motosikal.

Pencahayaan semestinya LED di keseluruhan bahagian.

Yamaha Ego Gear Pro hibrid dijual pada harga runcit RM6,198, tanpa insurans, cukai jalan, dan pendaftaran.

Galeri foto

YAMAHA EGO GEAR PRO Hybrid Launched, from RM6,198

The Yamaha Ego Gear Pro hybrid has been launched, adding a new economic and utility dimensions to urban scooters.

A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, usually as a method to reduce fuel consumption. An upshot in doing also boosts the powertrain’s torque resulting in better acceleration. This type of non-plug in hybrid vehicle feature a dedicated battery for that drive motor, and is charged when the rider brakes (regenerative braking) and the motorcycle is moving forward.

In any case, this new scooter is aimed at the younger crowd. However, we see it as a practical and economical commuter.

Highlights of the Yamaha Ego Gear Pro hybrid

125cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, two-valve, air-cooled, Yamaha Blue Core engine.
It is coupled to a Smart Moto Generator (SMG) which provides the Power Assist function which aids in accelerating from a stop.

Yamaha says that the SMG integrates seamlessly with the Stop & Start feature.
The engine itself produces a maximum power of 8.3 hp @ 6,500 RPM, and a maximum torque of 9.9 Nm @ 5,000 RPM.

Maximum torque is boosted to 10.6 Nm @ 4,500 RPM when the electric motor works together with the engine.
The engine’s power is transmitted to the rear wheel first through a dry centrifugal clutch, CVT, and finally via V-belt.

Wheels are 12 inches, front and back.
A disc brake up front and drum brake at the back handle braking duties.

The underseat storage compartment has a capacity of 18 litres.
Seat height is listed as 750 mm.

The fuel tank carries 5.1 litres of fuel.
Yamaha claims the bike has a wet weight of just 95 kg.

Other features include an LCD meter panel which features Y-Connect connectivity.
Connected to the Y-Connect app allows for call and message notifications, maintenance reminders, fuel usage data, and the bike’s parking location.

Lighting is of course LED all around.

The Yamaha Ego Gear Pro hybrid retails for RM6,198, without insurance, road tax, and registration.

Photo gallery

Wrap-Up of our Visits to Motorcycle Manufacturers in China with MForce

As you may already know, BikesRepublic.com and MotoMalaya.net were among the 40 motoring media personnel invited by MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. to visit several motorcycle manufacturers in China. The visit coincided with the MForce Top 68 Dealers’ visit as an appreciation for their efforts in selling the bikes distributed by MForce in Malaysia.

We visited, viewed, and tested motorcycles from Benda, CFMoto, Keeway, Morbidelli, QJMotor, ARIIC, and Moto Morini. Among these, Benda and QJMotor opened their factories to us.

The visits covered two main cities which were Hangzhou where Benda and CFMoto are based at, before moving on to Taizhou where the rest of the makers call home.

So let us sum everything up in one article for easy reference.

BENDA

The company’s executives said “Benda” means “running toward our destiny” in a poetic Chinese phrasing.

Benda began as Hangzhou Saturn Power Technology Co., Ltd. in 2016 in Hangzhou. Instead of producing cheap motorcycles for the Chinese domestic market, they set their sights on the global scene from the get-go. They have been relentless in their pursuit since then and see their motorcycles being popular in Europe, particularly in Germany.

Benda produces cruiser style two-wheelers predominantly, but also makes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-side buggies.

The company brought us to their ATV production facility, instead of the motorcycle factory as “there were several prototypes under R&D”. Good move since we media shoot and report everything, including the heated mirrors in the restrooms.

We test rode the Dark Flag 500 Commander (powered by a 500cc V4), Chinchilla 300, and a 900cc V-Twin there, and came away impressed as these handled superbly with great suspension and brakes despite being cruisers, while being serenaded by rowdy exhaust notes. Can’t believe these exhausts are Euro 5+ compliant!

The paintwork, components, panels, and welding all oozed quality more like European motorcycles, which was a far cry from the days of “cheap Chinese clones.” None of the bikes we tested broke down despite being pushed hard: drag raced, cornered until the footpeg feelers peeled off, and one bike even running out gas!

CFMOTO

CFMOTO is already an established brand, being present in more than 100 countries. Their partnership with KTM (and the KISKA design firm) had undoubtedly kickstarted the development of their own motorcycles. In fact, CFMoto did not shy away from revelling in this partnership as there was a section dedicated to KTM and Husqvarna in their main showroom.

Our entourage of 40-odd rowdy journalists were guided through the makers’ gallery which showcased their amazing progress, from building simple scooters to supplying large capacity tourers to their National Police.

Unfortunately, we did not get to visit the factory floor and were instead provided several upcoming models for test rides. These included the CL-C with AMT transmission, a 250cc dirtbike, 750 SR-RR inline-four sportbike which we tested with glee. They also showed us the 1000MT-X adventure bike, which was launched a couple of days later to the international market.

Oh, lest we forget. We asked CFMOTO is they are really taking over KTM’s MotoGP effort, to which the factory representative replied, “We don’t have confirmation yet.”

KEEWAY

Some motorcycle enthusiasts in Malaysia may remember this brand from the time when it was distributed by another company other than MForce. But really, the brand has improved exponentially since then. In fact, we could not even believe that their bikes look this good now. The Keeway Group is not a small concern to be sneezed at as they own several brands including Morbidelli, Benda, and Benelli.

The brand launched two models during our visit, namely the BX200i scooter, and RKR250 sportbike. The latter was already launched earlier in the year, but importation and CKD production has not begun. We look forward to them being officially available in our market by 1H2026.

MORBIDELLI

Morbidelli was one of the quintessential Italian motorcycle makers, having won many prestigious races around the world. They launched four models alongside Keeway.

This is not a personal opinion, but shared collectively among all 40 of us: These bikes looked really good, not just in terms of design, but also in their quality, specifications, and features. The market will be salivating over these had they been stamped with “Made in Europe” or “Made in Japan.”

The four models launched were the F252 naked/roadster, T250X, T252X, and T502X, the last three being adventure/dual-purpose bikes. All except the T250X are equipped with large TFT screens and top notch suspension. But all four have premium brakes, TCS, and ABS, plus an emergency call feature which dials up the emergency number stored in the rider’s phone, when the rider in peril presses the button for at least 3 seconds.

QJMOTOR

QJMOTOR is now a Chinese motorcycle powerhouse. Holding several brands including Keeway (see above), it is a subsidiary of the Geely supergroup which also owns Proton. MV Agusta had signed and MOU with this company to produce small capacity MVs for the Chinese and Asian markets but that project seems to be on hold at the moment.

The maker welcomed us into their motorcycle manufacturing facility, showing us the intricacies of their operations and how the bikes went from separate components to complete, packed and awaiting shipment. Their factory features the latest in computerised inventory, robotised delivery and manufacturing systems, and high end tooling, allowing them to produce 700 motorcycles every hour!

We just want to say, put away that image of a Chinese worker smashing parts into place with a hammer already, will ya?!

We also test rode several models out at their test track with trackside facilities under construction, and that the weather has gotten much colder with blustering winds.

They were: SRK 250 RD with an inline-four engine, SRK 450 RR also inline-four powered, ATX 250 X and ATX 250 adventure scooters, and the SRK 921 superbike. All four models were officially launched that same evening. There was also an Italjet 700 superscoot at hand which uses a QJMotor engine.

ARIIC

ARRIC was a ‘surprise’ brand when MForce launched the ARIIC 318 this year. It seemed to have come out of nowhere. However, ARIIC has been rising quickly in a short time. In any case, the 318 underwent and arduous development by being ridden for 5,476km down Highway 318 in China. In fact, the maker continues to organise tours on their motorcycles down that highway annually.

We tested two models that were also launched that night, called the Gobi 250 and Touch 250. While sharing the same platform, the former is an adventure-style scooter, while the latter is an urban/touring scooter. The name “Gobi” alludes to the Gobi Desert.

The Touch 250, on the other hand, had a handy feature which ARIIC themselves said was inspired by the BMW C-Series scooters. It has an expandable underseat luggage space to accommodate more cargo; a safety switch refuses to allow the engine to be started if it is left in that expanded position.

Both models were officially launched that evening at a special event.

MOTO MORINI

Moto Morini was another well-known Italian motorcycle maker which also endured ups and downs like a WWE wrestler’s career and was ultimately taken over by Zhongsheng, also known as ZNEN. However, the brand’s design and R&D departments still reside in Italy.

Many models were on display during our visit, including three scooters, a cafe racer, and another modern retro, but the highlight was on three models that particular day: Alltrhike 450, X-Cape 700, and X-Cape 1200.

The Alltrhike 450 is powered by a twin-cylinder engine and was of course easy to ride due to its low weight and skinny adventure tyres. The X-Cape 700 has been upgraded from the previous X-Cape 650 and has more power and tractability on hand.

But the biggest surprise had to be the X-Cape 1200. It looked big and was big but was a hoot to ride, perhaps due to its also surprisingly unconventional engine: 1187cc, 87º V2, with a counter-rotating crankshaft called the CorsaCorta Evo.

Yes, the crankshaft spins “backwards” (like in the Ducati V4 engine) which reduces inertia, thereby promoting easier handling. The biggest surprise was its price, retailing for only RM49,888.

It also needs to be said that the Moto Morini bikes had the best quality among these manufacturers that we visited, although the quality of the rest was nothing to be sneezed at, either. The design and finishing can easily be on par that of Ducati’s.

Conclusion

We initially thought not much could surprise us during this visit, after witnessing how Zontes had grown within 5 years. But no, each subsequent visit to any Chinese motorcycle manufacturer never failed to blow our minds away.

It seems that the Chinese have a much bigger ambition to take over the world, they are much hungrier. No offence to other manufacturers, we know you do not stop innovating and are pushing hard in getting ahead, too, but there is a much different palpable desire in these Chinese makers.

We saw and even experienced firsthand of how their early products were just 10 years ago, but now they are at least 95% on par with the best out there. One just needs to compare their motorcycles from only 5 years ago to the latest and see the massive amount of difference. We are not talking about consumer electronics here – we are talking about motorcycles that are much more complex to get “right” compared to your average smartphone, so to make that massive jump within 5 years is beyond impressive. Or like what we said earlier, mind blowing.

Of course, we found one manufacturer whose products were heavily “influenced” by others, but we feel that they are generally not even thinking about competing with legacy makers any longer. Instead, Benda, CFMoto, Keeway, Morbidelli, QJMotor, and Moto Morini are slashing through the undergrowth to forge their own paths and setting new standards.

Our advice is: DO NOT look down on Chinese motorcycles.

We would like to thank MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. for this eye-opening opportunity. We saw and learned so much along the way.

Photo gallery

Topi Keledar Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart Helmet dengan HUD Diperkenalkan

Menunggang motosikal membangkitkan banyak sensasi, dan salah satunya adalah seperti berterbang kerana kita tidak terkongkong dalam ‘sangkar.’ Oleh itu, kita sentiasa tertanya-tanya mengapa motosikal tidak mempunyai paparan Heads Up Display (HUD) seperti dalam pesawat pejuang. Helmet Pintar Shoei GT-Air 3 dengan HUD baru sahaja diperkenalkan untuk tujuan itu.

HUD dalam pesawat pejuang, beberapa pesawat komersial (dan sesetengah kereta mewah) memaparkan maklumat penting seperti hala, kelajuan, ketinggian, dan sudut kecondongan pada sekeping kaca untuk membolehkan pandangan pengguna kekal ke hadapan tanpa perlu kerap melihat ke bawah untuk mencari maklumat.

Ini mungkin satu perkara yang bagus untuk penunggang motosikal juga, terutamanya ketika menunggang di jalan berliku atau laju di lebuh raya. Kami tidak memandang ringan perkara ini, lebih-lebih lagi motosikal masa kini, termasuk yang berkapasiti kecil, sudah dilengkapi skrin LCD dan TFT yang mempunyai banyak ciri seperti navigasi, pengstrim muzik, dan sambungan telefon. Bayangkan jika anda perlu menoleh ke bawah untuk melihat siapa yang menghubungi ketika menghampiri kawasan gaung atau persimpangan jalan.

Namun, mata manusia hanya boleh fokus pada objek samada dekat atau jauh pada satu-satu masa, bukan kedua-duanya sekali. Jadi, timbul kebimbangan sama ada data yang dipaparkan melalui HUD dalam helmet juga boleh mengganggu tumpuan. Satu gambar yang dikeluarkan oleh Shoei menunjukkan data dipaparkan pada jarak “jauh”, tetapi kami hanya boleh pastikan selepas mencuba helmet tersebut. Malah, rakan kerjasama Shoei dalam projek ini, EyeLights, mendakwa teknologi mereka meningkatkan masa tindak balas sehingga 32 peratus.

Sudah banyak helmet yang menjanjikan teknologi sedemikian pada masa lalu, termasuk Skully yang akhirnya terbongkar sebagai skim yang mengelirukan pelabur. Shoei juga pernah melancarkan helmet “pintar” yang lain beberapa tahun lalu, tetapi ia dilengkapi dengan aksesori yang janggal. Kali ini, Helmet Pintar Shoei GT-Air 3 lebih halus dan kelihatan seperti helmet harian biasa.

Syarikat itu mendedahkan helmet tersebut di EICMA, dengan menggabungkan teknologi EyeLights ke dalam salah satu helmet GT-Air 3 mereka. Oleh itu, helmet ini kukuh, selesa, dan mematuhi piawaian DOT dan ECE 22.06.

Dalam teknologi ini terdapat sistem komunikasi yang membolehkan anda memberikan arahan suara (seperti yang sudah boleh dilakukan dalam beberapa sistem komunikasi) dan menggunakan sistem interkom ‘sejagat’ yang dilaporkan serasi dengan kebanyakan jenama lain.

Masih belum ada pengumuman mengenai bila Helmet Pintar GT-Air 3 ini akan dijual, tetapi apabila ia dilancarkan, harganya dilaporkan sekitar €1,199 (RM5,713.00).

Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart Helmet with HUD Introduced

Riding a motorcycle elicits many emotions, and one of them is like flying almost in a pure sense since we are enclosed in a cage. Therefore, we have always wondered by motorcycles do not have Head Up Displays (HUD) like in a fighter jet. The Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart Helmet with HUD has just been introduced for that.

The HUD in fighter jets, some commercial airliners, (and expensive cars) project important information such as heading, speed, altitude, bank angle onto a piece of glass to keeps the pilot’s eyes up through the front of the plane without needing to look down and search for the data all the time.

This may be a great thing for motorcyclists, too, especially when riding on a twisty road or hurtling down a highway. We do not take this lightly, especially that contemporary motorcycles, even small capacity ones now feature LCD and TFT screens that are loaded with so many features such as navigation, music streaming, and phone connectivity. Imagine glancing down to see who is calling when approaching a ravine or road intersection.

However, the human eyes can only focus on objects that are either near or far at any one time, rather than both, thus there is concern whether the data displayed via HUD in a helmet could also prove to be distracting. A picture releasd by Shoei shows that data is superimposed in “far” distance, but we can only be sure if we tried the helmet. Indeed, Shoei’s collaborator in the project, EyeLights, claimed that their technology increases reaction time by up to 32 percent.

There have been many helmets that promise such a technology in the past, including one infamous Skully. Shoei had also debuted another “smart” helmet several years ago, but it came with unwieldy attachments. This time, the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart Helmet is more refined and appears similar to our regular everyday helmet.

The company unveiled the helmet at EICMA, incorporating EyeLights’ technology into one of its GT-Air 3 helmets. As such, the helmet is robust, comfortable, and meets both DOT and ECE 22.06 standards.

Within the technology is a communications system that allows you to issue voice commands (as is already possible on a number of comms systems) and make use of a ‘universal’ intercom system that is reportedly compatible with most other brands.

There is no word yet as to when the so-called GT-Air 3 Smart Helmet will go on sale, but when it does it will reportedly come with a price tag of €1,199 (RM5,713.00).

VOGE DS800X Rally Motosikal Adventure Paling Popular di UK

VOGE DS800X Rally telah meraih kemenangan besar dalam pasaran motosikal UK dengan menjadi model penerokaan (adventure) 750cc-1000cc terlaris pada bulan Oktober.

Menurut laman berasaskan UK, Visordown, para pengedar VOGE sudah tidak dapat menampung pesanan untuk model lebih besar DS900X, dan justeru, DS800X Rally turut terbukti popular. Lebih mengagumkan lagi, walaupun model tersebut hanya tiba di UK pada bulan Ogos, ia telah membantu meningkatkan jualan VOGE sebanyak 165% berbanding Oktober 2024.

Tambahan pula, lonjakan jualan VOGE bulan lalu berlaku dalam keadaan pasaran motosikal UK secara keseluruhan mencatatkan penurunan sebanyak 9%.

Kejayaan VOGE ini juga menyaksikan jenama itu mendaki tangga bahagian pasaran ke tangga ketujuh.

VOGE telah menjadi pemain utama dalam segmen motosikal penerokaan (adventure) selama beberapa tahun di UK, terutamanya disebabkan model DS900X mereka yang menggunakan enjin yang sama dengan BMW F 900 GS.

VOGE merupakan jenama dalaman premium milik Loncin Holdings yang berpusat di Chongqing, yang telah bekerjasama dengan BMW selama hampir 20 tahun. Loncin telah membina beberapa model motosikal BMW termasuk model semasa F 900 R, F 900 XR, dan F 900 GS. Loncin juga pernah menghasilkan enjin untuk skuter siri BMW C dan model F 750, F 800, F 850.

VOGE diedarkan oleh MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. di Malaysia. DS800X dijadualkan dilancarkan di Malaysia pada tahun 2026.

VOGE DS800X Rally Claims Adventure Motorcycle Sales Scalp in UK

The VOGE DS800X Rally has scored a major win in the UK motorcycle market, by becoming the best-selling 750cc-1000cc adventure model in October.

According to UK-based Visordown, Voge dealerships already could not keep up with the orders for the bigger DS900X, and as such, the DS800X Rally turned out to be popular, too. It is even more impressive to see that although the latter model had only arrived in the UK in August, it had helped to push VOGE’s sales up by 165% compared to October 2024.

Additionally, VOGE’s sales surge last month was amidst a 9% drop in the overall UK motorcycle market.

VOGE’s success has also seen the brand climb the market share ladder to seventh place.

VOGE has been a major player in the adventure motorcycle segment for a few years in the UK, mainly due to their DS900X, which uses the same engine as the BMW F 900 GS.

VOGE is the high-end in-house brand of Chongqing-based Loncin Holdings, which has had a partnership with BMW for roughly 20 years, building a number of its bikes, including the current F 900 R, F 900 XR, and F 900 GS. Loncin also used to make the engines for the BMW C-series scooters and F 750, F 800, F 850.

VOGE is distributed by MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia. The DS800X is set to be launched in Malaysia in 2026.