The 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R won the 2020 Red Dot Award.
It’s Honda’s weapon to recapture the World Superbike crown.
The Red Dot Award is handed out for excellence in design, innovation, durability and functionality.
Just not long ago, we posted that the Ducati Diavel 1260 won the Red Dot Award for design excellence. Now, it’s the turn for the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.
The Red Dot Award is a yearly design award. It covers 49 categories from house appliances to vehicles, judged according to design, innovation, durability and functionality.
As you know, the new CBR1000RR-R was launched at EICMA last year and has since garnered lots of interest. The previous generations of CBR1000RR were great sportbikes, encompassing Honda’s Total Control Concept but are more street – or more accurately, everyday bike – focused. The RR-R, however, while still adopting the Total Control Concept, is more track focused.
Being the premier production superbike racing series, the World Superbike Championship allows manufacturers to showcase their development and innovations on bikes that you and I can buy at a dealership. MotoGP, on the other hand, features completely prototype machines made up of unobtainium parts and components.
2020 HONDA CBR1000RR-R SP
Honda is tired of getting beaten in the series as their last title was in 2002. It’s thus against this background that Big Red built the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.
The bike was co-developed with HRC just like the previous VFR750R RC30, RVF750R RC45 and VTR1000 SP RC51. However, Honda has plenty of lessons to draw on from the all-conquering RC213V MotoGP bike now. Hence, the frame, engine, aerodynamics, electronics of the CBR1000RR-R were adopted from the GP bike.
We were slated to test the bike in the second half of March, but the Movement Control Order has derailed our plans. Stay tuned as we bring you the full test and review of the bike.
Motorcycle names can be as interesting as the bikes themselves.
There are ones which made you wonder what they mean.
There are just too many, thus we’ll break them into parts.
Motorcycle names can be as interesting as the bikes themselves. Manufacturers usually choose them based on heritage, branding, range or the kind of emotions they allude to.
There are too many to think about, so we’ll put in what comes to mind. Here’s Part 2.
7. Harley-Davidson Softail
Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout
It’s named Softail because the rear part of the frame performs the role of a swingarm. Traditional (vintage) bikes were “hardtails” without swingarms. The Softail takes on the look of the hardtail, but shock absorbers sit horizontally underneath the frame to provide damping.
8. Honda Valkyrie
The Honda Valkyrie was a cruiser based on the Gold Wing’s flat-Six engine. If you’re a fan of the Marvel Universe, you’ll know what a Valkyrie is. According to Norse mythology (which includes Thor), Valkyries are female, horse riding warriors.
9. Honda Varadero
The Varadero was the successor to the Africa Twin in 2001. It’s supposed to set the dual-sport market on fire, what with the VTR1000 superbike derived engine. But it was just too heavy. Anyway, Varadero is a resort beach in Cuba. That’s rather far from the Sahara…
10. Kawasaki Ninja
The Ninja name is now a trademark of Kawasaki sportbikes and sport-tourers. The ninja were mercenaries and assassins during the feudal period in Japan. Ninjas operated in stealth and speed.
11. Bimota
Let’s include a number of manufacturer’s names while we’re at it. Bimota is a mix of the names of her founders, namely Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri and Massimo Tamburini. Using the first two letters of the last names resulted in the famous marque i.e. BIachi MOrri TAmburini.
Motorcycle names can be as interesting as the bikes themselves.
There are ones which made you wonder what they mean.
There are just too many, thus we’ll break them into parts.
Motorcycle names can be as interesting as the bikes themselves. Manufacturers usually choose them based on heritage, branding, range or the kind of emotions they allude to.
There are too many to think about, so we’ll put in what comes to mind.
1. BMW GS
The “GS” moniker made its appearance in 1980 with the R 80 G/S. It stands for Gelände/Straße (or Strasse), or off-road/road in German. Appropriate for the dual-sport bike.
2. Ducati 851, 888, 916, 995,996, 999, 1098
Ducati superbikes were named with numbers between the 750 SS/Pantah and Panigale. The numbers simply pointed out the bikes’ engine capacities. Other models had and do have their capacities in their names, of course, but they include specific names such as Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, Scrambler, Supersport.
3. Ducati Panigale
The Panigale is named after the Borgo Panigale industrial district in Bologna, Italy. It’s also where Ducati calls home. Do make sure that your Panigale doesn’t have the “e” missing, because “Panigal” is a soap manufacturer in the same district.
4. Ducati Paso 750
1989 750 Passo
Debuting in EICMA 1985, the Ducati Paso 75- was a tribute to Italian GP racer Renzo Pasolini. Popularly known as “Paso,” he crashed during the 250cc Monza race in 1973. Jarno Saarinen (who pioneered the kneedown technique) who was directly behind couldn’t avoid Paso and also crashed. The accident caused a chain reaction which involved 12 riders and took the lives of Paso and Saarinen.
5. Triumph Bonneville
Triumph Bonneville T100 Black
This one is quite easy. The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, United States is the prime location where land speed records are made or broken. As for the Triumph Bonneville, it’s an homage to the “Devil’s Arrow,” piloted by Johnny Allen in 1955. The “streamliner” (which basically looks like a rocket) was powered by a Triumph 650cc parallel-Twin which was tuned to burn methanol. It hit a two-way average speed of 311 km/h.
6. Triumph Thruxton
The Thruxton name is actually a racetrack in the UK. But Triumph had built special models for the Thruxton 500 endurance in 1969. They came away with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placings. It was the start of the café racer era.
A neglected chain not only shortens its lifespan, it also robs engine power and the engine consumes more fuel.
The chain needs to be kept clean and lubricated.
Here are some tips for cleaning and lubricating your bike chain.
Taking care of your bike’s chain including cleaning it is part and parcel of ownership.
A neglected chain not only shortens its lifespan (i.e. incurring costs), it also robs engine power and the engine consumes more fuel.
So how to do it? Let us show you some tips then.
Cleaning the chain
One is the Pro Bike Cleaner. In contrast to some chain cleaners in the market, this product is not a degreaser. That’s good because it doesn’t dissolve the grease in the chain’s rollers and links. But more importantly, it’s safe for use on rubber. Caustic products such as petrol, kerosene or diesel will dry out the chain’s rubber sealing rings, causing dirt and water to penetrate in between the sideplates.
The Pro Bike Cleaner is also awesome as a bike cleaner as the name suggests. You can spray some onto a sponge or mix with a pail of water and use it like your regular bike wash liquid.
Just spray it directly onto the chain, making sure that all parts are covered. If your chain is exceptionally dirty, just go over with a chain brush. Using a chain brush ensures that caked on bits of fine sand and grime are loosened.
Once done brushing, hose the chain with water. That’s how it is with this product.
Drying the chain
The chain needs to be dry before lubricating it. Otherwise, the chain lube will just sit on top of that water and not penetrate deep enough.
The best way is to go out for a short 5-minute ride. The centrifugal forces will force the water out.
However, since the Covid-19 Movement Control Order is in place, jack up the rear wheel, start the engine and put the bike into gear. Release the clutch slowly and spin the rear tyre.
Lubricating the chain
We’ve tried a lot of chain lubes in the market but came away very impressed by the Toyo Ninja Chain Lube. It has a synthetic formula, consisting of liquid molybdenum sulphide.
Before proceeding further, allow us to explain a bit about molybdenum sulphide.
In World War 2, pilots would pour the stuff into the engines to mix with the oil. The molybdenum sulphide would coat the parts of the engine, so that the engine will keep on running even if all the engine oil drained out should the engine get hit by a bullet, shell or flak.
The substance has a natural affinity (attraction) to metal surfaces, which causes the chain lube to stick to the chain. As such, we’ve ridden with the Toyo Ninja Chain Lube up to 1000 km, compared to the usual 300 to 400 km lifespan of normal chain lubes. We normal lube our chains at every 600 km with the Toyo product. It’s thus very economical.
The best way to lube the chain is by spraying onto the inner run of the chain. Centrifugal force will carry it to the outer parts. Therefore, if you spray on the outside run instead, most of it will be flung off.
Once you’ve sprayed the entire chain, wipe off the excess with a cloth.
Letting it set
Give 20 minutes for the lube to set.
Again, since the bike will probably sit idle due to the MCO, start the engine and spin the rear tyre.
You’re done.
Where to buy
You can order the Pro Bike Cleaner and Toyo Ninja Chain Lube from our e-commerce platform here.
We would to state that we’re not using these two products because we’re selling them. However, in actual fact, we had purchased and used the two products prior to selling them. We will not sell you crappy products.
The Vespa brand has long been associated with style, fun and practicality.
Its name means “Wasp” in Italian.
Official and genuine Vespa merchandize is now available in our webstore.
The Vespa brand has long been associated with style, fun and practicality. Known as the “Wasp” in Italian, it enjoys a cult status among riders and enthusiasts alike including celebrities.
Being tied to a lifestyle, Vespa doesn’t only offer motorcycles. Instead, the brand encompasses an entire range of goodies including premium and high quality accessories, riding gear and apparels.
Now you can order these apparels from the comforts of your home since the Movement Control Order is in place.
1. VESPA Sweatshirt Modernist
This hoodie jacket is made of cotton and can be worn in all weather. Its styling is restrained, yet unmistakably Italian. There is a tricolor patch on the hoodie while the zipper puller recalls the shape of the iconic steering column cover. The cuffs and waist are elastic to ensure a good fit and keep wind out.
Show your love for the brand with this short sleeve T-shirt. The front features the unmistakable graphic of a GTS. It has a casual fit for all-day comfort.
This T-shirt for men “reveals” that you are a Vespa man. The printed pocket hides a Vespa in it. Made of 100% cotton, you’ll be comfortable on and off the bike.
A cap which says Vespa without shouting it. Yet it’s adorned with a Vespa Primavera on a delta (which signifies the way forward) and tricolor stripes at the back so that you won’t miss its Italian style.
The name Yamaha has always been at the forefront of revolutionary styling and great handling, if not innovations.
Set up in 1955, the Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. now produces almost anything that’s motorized. They are currently the world’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer and leader in water vehicle sales.
5. MT-09 (2014)
The MT-09 standard/naked model has sold in great numbers the world over. There are no trickery here, instead it’s about performance at an affordable price. The “MT” name stands for “Monster Torque” and that’s what it actually about. As we’ve written before, it’s useable torque for everyday use that makes a good streetbike. In this end, the MT-09’s 847cc cross-plane three-cylinder engine delivers 88 Nm. Weight is also kept at just 188 kg, wet.
4. RD125LC YPVS (1985)
This is the 1983 RD125LC, the non YVPS predecessor
“Learner bikes” give the impression of some anemic bike that could hardly get up the highway’s ramp. But the RD125LC changed all of that in 1981. This was a proper lightweight performance bike, aimed at new riders. But 14 hp was still nothing to shout at.
Then came the RD125LC YPVS in 1985. Now not only that it blew away the competition, it also gave veteran riders a thrill. The YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve System) exhaust port valve gave the engine a much broader power curve and boosted the top end to 20 hp.
Every school kid wanted one.
3. RD350LC YPVS (1983)
Other manufacturers, especially Honda, have gone the four-stroke way at this point. But Yamaha opted to stick it out – or rather stuck it to them – with two-strokes, which proved superior in specific power output and weight. This was why Yamaha was known as a “two-stroke” company for a long time.
The RD350LC YPVS was such case. Yamaha added the YPVS power valve to the RD350LC in 1983, bringing power up even higher to 59 bhp. With a wet weight of only 149 kg, the bike truly flew! By comparison, the 1983 Honda CB750 Nighthawk (inline-Four four-stroke) made 70 hp and weighed 226 kg, wet.
The bike became an instant hit among the young and veteran riders alike. One-make races sprung up everywhere. It’s become a cult classic and it’s so popular that production in Brazil lasted until 1995.
Be prepared to pay big money if you come across one.
2. RD500LC YPVS (1984)
Did 500cc two-stroke GP bikes ever trickle down to the masses? They sure did. The RD500LC YPVS was the evidence of that. It’s the replica to celebrate the success of Kenny Roberts, Sr., Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey on the YZR500.
It featured a 50-degree, V-Four two-stroke which produced a prodigious 86 hp while weighing in at only 205 kg, dry.
Yamaha’s rivals also built 500cc two-stroke replicas, namely the Suzuki RG500 Gamma and Honda NS400R, both in 1985, no doubt after being inspired by the RD500.
1. YZF-R1 (1998)
Why this one when there could a number of others?
It’s because the YZF-R1 revolutionized motorcycle design and engineering when it’s launched, and those lessons are still being applied to this day.
The R1 was Yamaha’s response to Honda’s all-conquering CBR900RR Fireblade at the time. The latter showed how important it was to keep weight at a minimum. Yamaha took that lesson to heart but went one better.
To keep the dimensions of the inline-Four engine and transmission compact, the transmission was moved higher up and closer to the engine block. It resulted in what’s called a “stacked transmission” design. This way, the frame can be made smaller and the swingarm longer, while corresponding to a short wheelbase.
The R1 also signaled a change in Japanese motorcycle design. Japanese bikes had large rear portions of their fuel tanks up to that point. It was the R1 which featured deeply cut waist, making it easier for the rider to clamp his knees and thighs.
The YZF-R1 is still a favourite track weapon among many riders.
The Yamaha brand is synonymous with revolutionary styling, great handling and innovation.
They have made a number of legendary bikes over the years.
Here we count down the 10 best.
The name Yamaha has always been at the forefront of revolutionary styling and great handling, if not innovations.
Set up in 1955, the Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. now produces almost anything that’s motorized. They are currently the world’s second largest motorcycle manufacturer and leader in water vehicle sales.
The company has seen great success in motorsports, as well, and is the second most successful manufacturer after Honda.
So, let’s count ‘em down. Note that this list is for CBU Yamahas. We shall cover the CKD (local assembly models) in Malaysia on a later date.
10. Yamaha YA-1 (1955)
The YA-1 was Yamaha’s first model. Although influenced by the German DKW RT125, the YA-1 had many engineering, material and production upgrades. It was the first Japanese bike to have a primary kick starter (the engine can be kickstarted while in gear). The bike was then entered in two Japanese races that year and won the 125cc class.
When it won again the following year, riders took notice of its high quality and reliability. Enthusiasts would soon give it the “Red Dragonfly” nickname.
Talk about an auspicious start!
9. YZF-R7 “OW02” (1999)
The YZF-R7 was Yamaha’s answer to the World Superbike Championship. Built with exotic materials and engineered based on the YZR500 Grand Prix racer, the company called it a racer out of the box. It had flat slide carburetors, titanium conrods, titanium valves, Öhlins suspension and weighed only 189 kg, dry. It was delivered with 106 hp, but a second race kit would bump that up to 162 hp. And it had Yamaha’s signature 20-valve Genesis head, too.
The bike did win a number of races but never won a championship. Only 500 were ever built at an astronomical price of USD 32,000 circa 1999.
8. V-Max (1985)
No Yamaha list will be complete without the fearsome V-Max power cruiser. Designed solely for straight line acceleration, the V-Max’s 1,197cc 70-degree V-Four put out a tyre spinning 145 bhp (measured at the wheel, not crank!). That power would see it hit a 240 km/h top speed. Remember, this was in 1985. On top of that, the entire bike was held together by a steel tube frame.
The V-Max was updated through the years, cumulating in the VMAX in 2009. Sure, the new bike handled better – because it’s needed for the new 197 bhp engine.
Unfortunately, the VMAX was axed from Yamaha’s in 2019.
7. XTZ750 Super Ténéré (1989)
The Super Tenere was made to commemorate Yamaha’s win in the Paris-Dakar Rally, in the same veins as the BMW R 80 G/S, Honda Africa Twin and Cagiva Elefan. The YZE750 race version won the rally twice, while the upgraded 850cc version won four times.
Enthusiasts say that “Super Ten” had a more aggressive behavior compared to its peers. It certainly looked so, as well. The bike would grow to 1200cc.
6. YZF-R6 (1999)
The YZF-R6 followed immediately in the footsteps of the YZF-R1. Consequently, its engineering concepts were derived from its bigger brother, too, except for the 20-valve Genesis head. The R6 has a major upgrade in 2003 when it featured a ride-by-wire throttle which Yamaha called the YCC-T (Yamaha Computer Control – Throttle). The argument continues today as to whether it’s the R6 or the Aprilia Shiver 750 which introduced that system on a streetbike. Another revision in 2008 saw the debut of the YCC-I (Yamaha Computer Control – Intake) variable intake length system.
Chaz Davies took the R6 to the World Supersport Championship in 2011.
Well, no, the Covid-19 will not bring on the apocalypse. Not yet, anyway.
We’re not trying to sow paranoia here. But who knows if some super strain turns those infected into zombies? Or a big space rock decides to grace our planet? Or if aliens want our beautiful Earth as their new home? Watched too many movies? Maybe. But scientists have pointed out that these could be the most likely scenarios.
That bike better be reliable to keep running, otherwise you’d need to do lots of cardio (to quote Zombieland). It should also be easy to upkeep and repair. Nothing fancy, instead something to get you from point-to-point and out of harm’s way.
10. BMW F 850 GS and Triumph Tiger 800/900
Forget about the high-end, large capacity adventure dual-sport bikes. Those are heavy, need premium fuel, besides being loaded to the eyeballs with electronics. Sure, they could go almost anywhere as much as any adventure bike, but they still need to come home to civilization to keep ‘em runnin’.
Midrange dual-sport bikes like the F 850 GS and Triumph Tiger 800 (and now 900) are easier to maintain. They have electronics but not to the stage that a single problem cripples them. Replacing or repairing parts are also easy because they don’t have much exotic materials in the first place.
9. Triumph Bonneville
They’re simple and tough. In this day of reliable bikes, the Bonneville is a great example. The Bonnie is also easy to ride, making it a bike that anyone can survive on. It’s also highly customizable, meaning that you can tack on whatever stuff you need (or not).
8. Kawasaki Versys 250/300
Courtesy of advpulse
Lightweight, relatively reliable and unpretentious. The engine returns great mileage too – we’ve constantly logged more than 350 km/h with one filling. The long travel suspension is also a boon for bad roads and the rough.
However, this is as far as electronically fuel injected motorcycles go. Electronics is always a worry.
7. KTM carbureted dirt bikes
KTMs are tough buggers. I’ve dropped one over jagged rocks, but the crankcase survived. The frame didn’t even get a scratch. They seem to keep running regardless of how much punishment you throw their way.
6. Honda XR
The XR was as mechanically complex as a hammer. Its range is the most extensive of any dirt bike’s, consisting of engine sizes from 50cc right up to 650cc. Among them are carbureted, fuel-injected, two-stroke, four-strokes. However, they’re all air-cooled. This was the main reason why the XR was axed to favour the environmentally friendly fuel-injected and liquid-cooled CR/CRF lineup.
5. Suzuki DR-Z400
Credit Dirt Bike Magazine
The Suzuki “Doctor Zed” continues its run in some countries, despite the ever-tightening emission standards. The reason for its success is its utility and hardiness. It’s so successful that it was the best-selling bike in a number of countries including Canada. Shh… let you in on a little secret: Kawasaki marketed the DR-Z400 as the KLX400.
4. IMZ Ural
Credit Total Motorcycle
The origin of the Ural motorcycle was the BMW R7 during WWII. Since then, Ural has produced nothing but utilitarian motorcycles with sidecars. As a kicker, the sidecar’s wheel combines with the bike’s rear wheel to produce two-wheel drive. There are no exotic materials anywhere. IMZ Ural has taken an initiative to rebrand their products as hip among millennials, but these bikes are still rock solid, regardless.
3. Rokon
Rokon is synonymous with the hunting, fishing, agriculture crowd in America. These bikes are built to traverse and survive the harshest environments anywhere. They feature two-wheel drive, too. The company sells hundreds of accessories for cargo.
2. Honda Cub
If you Google “motorcycles for the apocalypse,” none mentions the “lowly” Honda Cub. Why I wonder. The Cub can run on gasoline, diesel, kerosene. Of course, performance suffers but hey, it keeps running. Need engine oil? Pour in used cooking oil. And what electronics?
There are still fun things to do during this Covid-19 Restricted Movement Order.
It doesn’t mean the end of the world just because we can’t ride.
Stay at home, stay safe and stay positive.
Although the current Restricted Movement Order (RMO) due to Covid-19 isn’t a full lockdown in Malaysia, it still means that we need to stay home and can’t go out riding.
We know that it isn’t easy for us bikers since we have an innate nature to gallivant, what more since it’s not raining as much now. But orders are orders and we need to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
So, here are 10 thing you can do during lockdown.
1. Perform maintenance
Have always sent your bike to bike washes and spas? Now is the time you learn the intricacies of cleaning a bike thoroughly, including the chain and all that are behind the bodywork. You may even come across potential problems that can be fixed once the RMO period is over.
2. Perform minor repairs
Credit wedginator
You could also check for loose cables, tighten the chain, lube cables and moving parts, or even change the engine oil yourself. None of these are difficult tasks.
Maintaining and cleaning the bike yourself allows you to learn more about your bike.
3. Watch reruns of bike races
The 2020 MotoGP season may be a goner, despite the FIM and Dorna’s insistence that it’ll go on. There’s nothing we could do about that but there are plenty of racing videos on the internet. Watch some classic GP races like those from the two-stroke era or World Superbike Races when bikes were without electronics.
4. Watch motorcycle movies
Oh, there are so many great ones. Forget about those with plenty of “spotlights” and revel in classics like Easy Rider, The Great Escape, Terminator 2.
5. Read books
This may be a tall order among Malaysians who don’t like to read, in general. But one can learn so much from important books such as Twist of the Wrist, Total Control, Performance Motorcycle Handbook, and so forth.
6. Play games
Now we’re talking, right? If you own a PS4, the obvious choice is the MotoGP game. But hey, even PUBG works. Playing intense games keeps your reflexes sharp, which is always a great thing when riding.
7. Build motorcycle kits
A motorcycle model kits isn’t child’s play. It takes lots of patience to build one, so the hobby is great for calming you down.
8. Teach your kids about bikes
Turn on motorcycle videos and share them with your kids. Or take them to your bike and let them help you with washing it. It’s good to instill a love for this lifestyle from a young age.
9. Plan a future trip in more detail
Songkran and Phuket Bike Week are cancelled. Bummer. But you can always plan for a future ride and in clearer detail. You don’t have to rush anymore because who knows if another RMO will take place or how long the lockdown in other countries will be in effect.
10. Order stuff online
Some people love to shop, and online ordering platforms provide that drug. Courier and postal services continue to function, meaning your orders will be delivered, although there may be some delays.
Closing words
Stay home, stay safe, and stay positive. The Covid-19 crisis will pass and we can go back to riding again.
The SHARK Skwal 2 is about performance and safety.
Its shape gives the helmet supreme stability and quietness.
The new interior provides even higher levels of comfort.
From the outset, the new SHARK Skwal 2 helmet conveys performance. Its sharp-looking base joint, sleekly designed spoiler and aerodynamic features all blend into a helmet built for sporting exploits and high performance.
But like its predecessor, it’s equipped with integrated LED lights to heightened visibility on the road. The LED lights are powered by internal rechargeable batteries.
The new SHARK Skwal 2 has a completely new interior.
Structure and safety:
. Shell made of injected thermoplastic resin.
. Micro lock buckle system.
. Multi-density EPS.
. Integrated battery rechargeable LED lights.
Visor:
. Pinlock Max Vision® included in the box.
. UV380-labeled visor treated to resist scratches.
. Quick visor release system.
. “Autoseal” system: Enmeshes the visor into the helmet, thereby improving soundproofing and making the helmet resistant to both water and cold air.
Inside:
. New dual-material interior combining the AEGIS®-labeled MICROTECH lining fabric and the SANITIZED®-labeled ALVEOTECH lining fabric.
. Removable interior suitable for machine washing (30°C max).
. New neck protection design.
. “”EasyFit”” system: Optimal comfort for riders wearing glasses.. “”Dual use”” anti-fog breath guard removable.
. Anti-fog mask.
. Slot reserved for the Sharktooth® intercom.
Aerodynamics and ventilation:
. Aerodynamics optimized by means of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) design studies.
. 2 air inlets.
. 2 air extractors.
Where to buy:
You can obtain the helmet through our Power Store in Kota Damansara. Please contact 012-580 3470.
Conversely, you may also order it through our webstore. Please click on the links below.
The helmet has plenty of features for performance and comfort.
It provides great stability and is relatively quiet.
The SHARK D-Skwal 2 helmet derives its shape from the SHARK Skwal 2 performance helmet. The only difference between the two is the former is not equipped with the LED of the latter.
The D-Skwal 2 offers outstanding aerodynamic enhancements thanks to its spoiler, providing for optimal fluidity and tremendous stability. It takes full advantage of a new ventilation configuration identical to that of the Skwal 2 model, to which it owes its inspiration.
Structure and safety:
. Shell made of injected thermoplastic resin.
. Micro lock buckle system.
. Multi-density EPS.
Visor:
. Pinlock Max Vision® included in the box .
. UV380-labeled visor treated to resist scratches.
. “Autoseal” system: enmeshes the visor into the helmet, thereby improving soundproofing and making the helmet resistant to both water and cold air.
. Quick visor release system.
Inside:
. “BIRD EYES” lining fabric, black color.
. Removable interior suitable for machine washing (30°C max).
. “”EasyFit”” system: optimal comfort for riders wearing glasses.
. “”Dual use”” anti-fog breath guard removable.
. Anti-fog mask.
. Slot reserved for the Sharktooth® intercom.
Aerodynamics and ventilation:
. 2 air inlets.
. 2 air extractors.
. Aerodynamics optimized by means of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) design studies.
Finish:
. New ventilation configuration identical to that of the SKWAL 2 model.
The PUTOLINE HF204 oil filter has a very high quality.
The filter meets or even exceeds OEM specs.
Its performance is something we’ve never experienced before.
We thought we’ve tried them all and found them to be the same, but along comes this Putoline HF204 oil filter.
But first, a little background
The next most important consumable in your engine is the oil filter, after the oil.
The filter’s job is to capture contaminants in the oil. They include inorganic contaminants such as dust being pulled into the engine through a dirty air filter, besides microscopic to large metal shavings of internal engine parts. Organic impurities include oxidized petroleum and bacteria that can form sludge. Besides those, the filter must take care of moisture, too.
It’s critical that parts including the camshaft and cam lobes, piston rings, piston connecting rod bearings, cylinder walls, crankshaft bearings, transmission, clutch are not only lubricated, but lubricated by contaminant-free oil.
However, that’s not all. The oil filter needs to keep the oil flowing in a smooth manner while filtering it. Oil flow has to be constant, regardless if you are idling, shuffling through traffic or at a full blast at Karak or the track. It needs to keep up with engine RPM fluctuations during gear shifts.
The filter must not break down nor impede oil flow as the oil ages. If the filter element breaks down, it will find its way into the engine and cause claustrophobic damage. The same happens if oil stops flowing.
About PUTOLINE HF204 oil filter
Putoline oil filters are made to provide a reliable service from the very moment you spin them on.
They feature various types of synthetic filter media (elements) that capture inorganic and organic contaminants in oil. This nano fibre filter media is further supported by steel wire. As such, the filter has a service life of one year or 40,000 km (25,000 miles). (But do replace your oil and filter during every oil change interval.)
All this quality would usually see the product of being expensive, yet it is priced at a very reasonable price. We suspect this is achieved by careful sourcing of parts that constitute the final product. All Putoline filters get their steel from Japan, glues from Germany and filter element from Finland. The company is based in Holland, by the way.
First impression
We were (pleasantly) surprised to see its housing when we took the plastic cover off. It’s a type of coating we’ve yet seen. Smooth, deeply painted, we’re told by the (official distributor) Bikerzone that it’s the same type of coating used for grand pianos.
Any suspicion we had about the claim was quashed when we installed it. I had ordered the wrong oil filter wrench cap and it couldn’t fit squarely on the filter’s flutes. Consequently, it scratched up and warped the old filter’s top when I removed it.
But I didn’t have a choice. The old filter now sat in the drain pan, surrounded by used oil.
So, wrong wrench or not, the new Putoline filter had to go on. The wrench cap would grab the new filter on and off, on and off. Thank goodness that oil filters need only a quarter turn from hand tightening. I checked and checked, but there was not one scratch on the housing.
Impressive.
Next of course, is riding. I’ve since logged nearly 500 km by the time of this writing. My bike used to stumble when rolling on the throttle from around 2000 RPM, but that stumble has disappeared. The bike would also sometimes seem choked a bit after changing gears. That also vanished.
But it wasn’t just about on throttle. The bike has also smoothed out by heaps when I went off throttle. The ER-6f has a natural high back-torque (engine braking) which interrupts smooth midcorner rolling speed. Now it’s as smooth as a bike with slipper clutch.
Conclusion
The Putoline HF204 has changed how the bike feels and makes it a pleasure to ride. Of course, everything feels good when its new, but we’ll continue with monitoring the part through its lifespan. Stay tuned for the next review at 1500 km.
So, are all oil filters the same? “No” is the resounding answer.
Where to buy?
You can order the filter from our BikesRepublic webstore. For the record, we only sell products that we’ve used and/or trust, instead of pushing for profits. The filters meets or even exceeds OEM specs.
Please click on the link below for the Putoline HF204 synthetic filter:
