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Government Studying RON95 Subsidy Rationalisation

The government is studying the need to rationalise the RON95 petrol subsidy.

The Minister of Economy, Rafizi Ramli however said, focus and priority is given to the implementation of the diesel subsidy for now until the targeting becomes stable.

“It thus achieves the set objectives, among which is to strengthen the country’s fiscal sustainability as well as reduce the leakage in the distribution of diesel subsidies.

“If the rationalization of subsidy on RON95 petrol is implemented in the future, the government will take appropriate measures to ensure that the affected people will be given appropriate assistance,” he said in a written reply in Parliament today.

He said this in response to Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem’s (GPS-Serian) question whether implementing the reduction of petrol subsidies had a positive impact on the people.

Commenting further, Rafizi said that the targeted implementation of diesel subsidies from June 10 is also expected to save RM4 billion a year.

In the meantime, he said, the implementation of the subsidy targeting initiative also helped the government to strengthen its financial policy position and utilize available resources.

“Savings from the subsidy retargeting initiative will be returned to the people through the implementation of programs and projects that are more beneficial and really needed by the people, such as improvements in the provision of social services and public facilities including health, education, transport and security,” he said.

Diesel Sales Drops 30 Percent Proof of Smuggling, Says Minister

Diesel sales at the border declined by 30 percent thus confirming the existence of diesel smuggling activities before the government announced the floating of diesel subsidy prices.

Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said that the subsidy targeting measures that started on June 10 saw the total retail sales of diesel at petrol stations drop by almost eight million liters per day or 30 percent for the first week after the implementation of the diesel price reset, compared to the week before implementation.

“Furthermore, commercial diesel sales increased by four million liters per day, which indicates that some of the subsidized retail diesel consumption over the years has already been used by the industrial sector which should have bought diesel at the market price.

Commenting further, he said, the floating of diesel prices does not mean that the government will completely abolish the subsidy on the fuel since at the moment, the government is still subsidizing diesel up to RM10 billion, down from RM14 billion last year, thus witnessing a saving of RM4 billion a year.

“The government is able to achieve annual savings of RM4 billion. These savings can certainly be used to improve the quality of life of the people through the provision of quality public infrastructure as well as more comprehensive social protection,” he said.

He said, the country’s diesel subsidy expenditure increased 10-fold, from RM1.4 billion in 2019, to RM14.3 billion last year.

“The trend of increasing diesel subsidies can no longer be accommodated by the government continuously. The increase in subsidy spending is not only due to the increase in market prices, but also due to the increase in leakage of subsidized diesel.

“The amount of subsidized diesel used rose sharply by 80 percent from 6.1 billion liters in 2019 to 10.8 billion liters last year, although there was no significant increase in new diesel vehicles in the same period.

“At the same time, the total sales of non-subsidized commercial diesel fell by two billion liters during that period. The increase in the use of subsidized diesel is very significant due to the large price gap between the commercial price and the retail price of subsidized diesel at the Malaysian pump,” he said.

He said, Malaysia’s diesel retail price is much cheaper than neighboring countries, including Thailand around RM4.20, Indonesia around RM4.40 and Singapore almost reaching RM9 per liter allowing a number of local commercial sector businesses that should buy diesel at the market price to take advantage of enjoying and deviating subsidized diesel.

“For example, they buy subsidized diesel from gas stations and misuse it for gene sets in factories, construction sites or oil palm plantations.

“The more important issue is that due to our cheap diesel prices, it makes diesel smuggling activities to neighboring countries difficult to curb. This is what the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) discovered during Op Tiris,” he said.

Japanese Motorcycle Market Declines 8.2 Percent In First Five Months of 2024

The Japanese motorcycle market declines -8.2 percent in the first five months of 2024. This follows a -9.1% drop in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year.

This news came as not truly surprising since the newer generation is shunning the motorcycle as a means of transportation and recreation. Japan’s transportation system is excellent and provides many cost effective alternatives to riding or driving.

A survey by Piece of Japan clearly showed that the majority of motorcyclists are between 50 to 60 years old.

However, this news does have a sense of irony since Japanese motorcycles still dominate the global motorcycle market share.

Indeed, Honda who leads the global market declined by -8.5%, Yamaha took a huge -18.1% hit, and Suzuki also saw a double digit drop at -12.1%.

However, the other Japanese manufacturer, Kawasaki saw a big +31% gain.

Other manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson rebounded into the black at +4.6% (yes, Harleys are still popular in Japan), Triumph was up +10.7%, and KTM showed a +23.1% boost.

Seeing the market still declining despite the gains by these other brands just shows the sheer volume of motorcycles sold by the Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki.

This data was put together by MotorCycles Data who tracks the actual deliveries to buyers rather than sales from the manufacturer to dealers.

652 Heavy Vehicle Accidents in First Quarter 2024

A total of 652 road accidents involving heavy vehicles were reported in the first quarter of 2024.

The alarming statistics were revealed by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah. Of that number, there were 287 fatal cases, 95 serious and 270 minor injuries.

He said the accidents were caused by various factors including the negligence of sleepy drivers, driving above the permitted speed limit, overloaded vehicles, and not being properly maintained.

He also said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is stepping up enforcement activities, particularly in terms of vehicle load limit regulations and speed limits for heavy vehicles.

“In addition to operating 53 enforcement stations across the country, JPJ is also supplied with 75 units of mobile weighing equipment for enforcement purposes.

“Last year, a total of 45,015 summons notices were issued involving dangerous goods offences, while up to April this year, a total of 9,214 summons notices were issued.”

Explaining further, Hasbi said that the Ministry of Transport together with the Ministry of Public Works is in the final process of developing the High Speed - Weigh in Motion (HS-WIM) system.

“Through the use of the HS-WIM system, heavy vehicle enforcement activities can be carried out in real time or automatically without the need for the vehicle to stop to be weighed.

“The use of the HS-WIM system will also be able to reduce the dependence on a high amount of manpower or enforcement personnel,” he said.

In addition, he said, members will be able to carry out enforcement activities in other locations where the HS-WIM system is not installed.

“The HS-WIM system is expected to be able to expand reach, increase compliance and further strengthen the effectiveness of enforcement on motor vehicle load limit regulations as well as be a long-term solution in dealing with the issue of heavy vehicle load limits,” he said.

It should be noted that the number of accidents may be higher because there are cases that were not reported to the authorities.

CFMoto 675 SR A2-Compliant Details Revealed

As we mentioned previously, CFMoto is in the midst of launching two midrange sportbikes. One, a 500cc with an inline-four engine called the CFMoto 500 SR Voom, and a 675cc with a three-cylinder engine called the CFMoto 675 SR.

The manufacturer had shown off the 675 SR-R Aspar edition last month, wearing all the necessary Aspar colours and busy graphics, and they have just filed the type approval application for the production ready standard 675 SR.

CFMoto had said that the three-cylinder engine will produce more than 100hp during EICMA 2023, but the document shows on 70kW (94hp). What gives? Well, that is because of Europe’s restriction for A2 licence holders. Will there be a non-A2-compliant version? We shall see.

The approval document also stated the engine’s capacity at 674cc with three cylinders and a 72mm bore. That means the stroke must be around 55mm, giving a slightly smaller bore and longer stroke than 675cc triples made by the likes of Triumph (73mm bore) and MV Agusta (79mm bore). This could mean that the CFMoto’s engine has a lower rev ceiling but more torque in the lower and middle rev range.

Apart from the engine, this standard 675 SR lacks the longer and bigger winglets of the 675 SR-R Aspar, but it does have a longer tail and pillion seat, passengers footpegs. The Aspar edition is said to be a track-only bike, thus does not have lights, turn signals, mirrors. Good news is the bike retains the prototype’s brake ducts that feed cooling air to the J.Juan four-piston brake calipers.

There may be adjustable KYB forks like those on the CFMoto 800 NK and an aluminium swingarm. The wheelbase is 1399.6mm, slightly shorter than the Honda CBR650R’s. Wet weight is 195kg.

As for you top speed boffins, the manufacturer put the CFMoto 675 SR’s top speed at 219km/h for this A2 version, so the standard version should go faster.

2024 Lambretta X250 and 2024 Lambretta G350 Now Available in Malaysia

Following the announcement of the return of the legendary Italian brand Lambretta to Malaysia, the 2024 Lambretta X250 and 2024 Lambretta G350 are now available.

Both models are locally assembled by Mofaz Motosikal Sdn. Bhd. (MOMOS) in Malaysia.

2024 Lambretta X250

The X250 features a semi-monocoque frame, to which all the other components are attached to. The 250cc, 4-valve engine is liquid cooled and produces a maximum power of 24.8hp at 8,250 RPM and maximum torque of 24.5Nm at 6,250. Lambretta says that the vents are effective in keeping the engine cool and providing the air necessary for fuel combustion.

There is a pair of shocks at the back, while the front features Lambretta’s signature “double pull” suspension assembly.

The fuel tank holds 7 litres of unleaded, and the dry weight is 165kg.

Other features include ABS which is standard fitment for European bikes above 125cc, smart key ignition, and LED lighting.

Its selling price is from RM22,800.

2024 Lambretta G350

The G350 is Lambretta’s flagship model, and features a 330cc liquid-cooled single cylinder engine, which produces 25.8hp at 7,500 RPM and 25.5Nm at 6,250 RPM.

While the body looks similar in size to the X250, the G350 has a bigger fuel tank at 9 litres, bring the total dry weight to 173kg. Suspension is likewise similar to the X250’s such as the double-pull front end and twin shocks at the back.

There are several other key differences, too, such as the TFT display, and a glove box with a USB charger.

Its selling price is from RM29,800.

2024 Lambretta Picture Gallery

2024 Lambretta G350 Picture Gallery

Using Fake Number Plate to Avoid Repossession of Motorcycle

A man installed a fake number plate on his motorcycle to avoid it being repossessed.

The man stopped during a roadblock conducted by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) at the Petaling Jaya Selatan Toll Plaza 5 near Subang Jaya, yesterday. The officers who were at the operation noticed that the motorcycle had no front number plate, while the rear number plate was incomplete.

The JPJ officers then carried out a chassis inspection and found that the Yamaha 135LC motorcycle did not match the registration number attached to the motorcycle.

Finally the motorcyclist admitted that he changed the number plate on his motorcycle because he did not want it to be repossessed as he had failed to pay the instalments for more than 3 months.

“I have to pay RM299 every month and there are three more years to pay.

“I changed this number plate a week ago, as I was afraid that the shop would repossess it. I know the risk of doing this, but that’s that… I accept the consequences,” he said.

JPJ seized the motorcycle involved. The man was also found not to have a driver’s license.

Italjet Dragster Gresini MotoGP Replica Revealed

Observant MotoGP fans may have noticed an Italjet Dragster in the Gresini Racing Team colours in the background during the French GP. Well, here it is officially, the Italjet Dragster Gresini MotoGP Replica.

Italjet and Gresini became partners earlier this year, hence giving birth to the replica wearing the same colour scheme as the Gresini Ducati GP16 MotoGP race bike.

The bike is available in two variants across its range, namely the standard version and a limited edition version. The standard edition is available for the Italjet Dragster 125, 200, and 300, also in Gresini colours.

The limited edition is the flagship version and is only available for the 300cc version, and only 75 units will be built. It has Öhlins suspension front and rear, Akrapovic exhaust system, and rear seat cover with the “triceratops tail” winglets. There is also a special hologram displaying the bike’s authenticity endorsed by the Gresini Racing Team.

Pricing starts from €6,399 (RM32,333.63) for the standard 125cc version to €7,499 (RM37,891.74) for the standard 300cc version. The limited edition Italjet Dragster Gresini MotoGP Replica is priced at €9,499 (RM47,996.76).

How does a Turbo Work?

The Yamaha NMAX “Turbo” was recently launched in Indonesia, and the name “Turbo” drew plenty of enquiries which pointed to some confusion. So, let us take a look at how turbo works.

Anyhow, the NMAX “Turbo” does not use a real turbocharger. Instead, it is a mode to switch the CVT into delivering instant torque for speeding up and overtaking.

There are several reasons why a turbocharger is not popular among motorcycles, although there was an era of turbocharged motorcycles.

What is a turbo?

An internal combustion engine requires air in order to work. Air is drawn in, mixed with fuel and combusted. This combustion changes the chemical energy in fuel to thermal energy (heat), which in turn pushes the piston down to rotate the crankshaft (kinetic energy).

However, each piston can pull in so much air. Not enough air means you cannot mix in too much fuel, otherwise the unburned fuel is wasted. So, since there is not enough air and fuel, the engine produces limited torque and power.

The turbo changes this by stuffing in more air, to be mixed with more fuel, so the engine can produce more power.

How does it work?

The basic premise is the turbocharger utilises exhaust gas to compress intake air, rather than letting it go to waste.

To be a little more specific, a compressor in the turbocharger pressurises the intake air before it enters the inlet manifold. In the case of a turbocharger, the compressor is powered by the kinetic energy of the engine’s exhaust gases, which is extracted by the turbocharger’s turbine.

The main components of the turbocharger are:

Turbine – usually a radial turbine design.
Compressor – usually a centrifugal compressor.
Centre housing hub rotating assembly.

Turbine

The turbine section (also called the “hot side” or “exhaust side” of the turbo) is where the rotational force is produced, in order to power the compressor (via a rotating shaft through the centre of a turbo). After the exhaust has spun the turbine it continues into the exhaust and out of the vehicle.

The turbine uses a series of blades to convert kinetic energy from the flow of exhaust gases to mechanical energy of a rotating shaft (which is used to power the compressor section). The turbine housings direct the gas flow through the turbine section, and the turbine itself can spin at speeds of up to 250,000 rpm.

Compressor

The compressor draws in outside air through the engine’s intake system, pressurises it, then feeds it into the combustion chambers (via the inlet manifold). The compressor section of the turbocharger consists of an impeller, a diffuser, and a volute housing.

Centre hub rotating assembly

The centre hub rotating assembly (CHRA) houses the shaft that connects the turbine to the compressor. A lighter shaft can help reduce turbo lag. The CHRA also contains a bearing to allow this shaft to rotate at high speeds with minimal friction.

Some CHRAs are water-cooled and have pipes for the engine’s coolant to flow through. One reason for water cooling is to protect the turbocharger’s lubricating oil from overheating.

The cons of a turbocharger

Every engineering solution creates another problem, so it is all a compromise. The same goes for the turbocharger, hence its limited use.

Turbo lag

Turbo lag refers to the delay that occurs between pressing the throttle and the turbocharger spooling up to provide boost pressure. This delay is due to the increasing exhaust gas flow (after the throttle is suddenly opened) taking time to spin up the turbine to speeds where boost is produced (due to the turbine’s inertia). The effect of turbo lag is reduced throttle response, in the form of a delay in the power delivery.

Then, when the boost pressure is sufficient, the engine’s torque suddenly increases and the vehicle takes off, sometimes surprising the operator.

There are ways around this lag, of course, but it requires a lot of tech (read: expensive).

Heat

Needless to say the system generates lots of heat, necessitating the use of oils that could stand up to the torture. Hence, only synthetic engine oils are recommended.

RM50 left after Buying a BMW Superbike

A young man expressed his regret because he is left with only RM50 after buying a BMW superbike.

The 26-year-old whose salary has reached RM6,000 a month thought he had enough to afford his his dream motorcycle which costs RM129,000 (the price for a BMW S 1000 RR).

But it turns out that he has got his budget wrong. He turned to social media to express his frustration by posting on X, “It’s true that people say superbikes is actually a hobby for the rich.

“Now it’s only the middle of the month, after renewing the road tax, servicing this and that, leaving only RM50 for food.

“I don’t know if I can survive until the end of the month,” he complained.

As usual, netizens were quick to respond because to them, he should have practised better money management. There were also who said that the superbike is only suitable to those who are not salaried and earn a five-figure income every month.

“Give any salary, it’s not enough if you’re extravagant, you’re not good at managing money. High salary, high lifestyle, it’s not enough,” commented a netizen.

Some gave financial advice.

“Logically, RM50 will not be enough until the end of the month. But if you borrow or use your savings, you can.”

“Just sell the bike. Is the best way if it’s burdensome,” said another netizen.

CFMoto 500SR Voom Revealed

First the type approval application for the four-cylinder engine, and now the entire bike. The CFMoto 500SR Voom four-cylinder sportbike has been revealed.

As mentioned previously, the DOHC inline-four with 63mm bores and 40mm stroke produces 78hp.

Other specifications revealed in the new type-approval document show that the CFMoto 500SR Voom has a wheelbase of 1394mm, similar to a typical 600cc supersport bike’s. CFMoto claims it weighs 194 kg including fuel. That is and slightly less than the upcoming CFMoto 675SR-R triple, which weighs 195 kg. The top speed, according to the document, is 210km/h. Tyre sizes are 120/70-17 and 160/60-17 rubber.

Pictures in the document show two colour schemes, a the silver/black version plus a blue-and-black variant. Both feature KYB suspension and CFMoto-branded radial-mount brakes, but the silver-and-black bike gets a black fork and bronze engine covers and wheels, while the blue version has a silver fork, white wheels with a black engine. The circular holes on the nose are air intakes ringed with DRL LEDs, with ducts running back to the airbox. The main headlight is the rectangular unit under the nose.

These look good and we can very well expect a naked NK model soon. But we would like to see if CFMoto will make a sportier variant with single-sided swingarm.

Petrol Station Operator Facing Fine up to RM1 Million

A petrol station operator in Alor Gajah, Melaka is facing a fine of up to RM1 million after a video went viral showing a driver of a foreign registered car filling up with subsidized RON95 petrol there.

Accordingly, the petrol station was raided by the Melaka Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).

State KPDN director, Norena Jaafar, said the action was taken after her party detected the video recording on social media on June 16, which triggered various negative reactions among netizens.

“Following that, a KPDN enforcement team went to the station involved today to carry out further investigations and as a result we suspect that there was a offence made by the operator of the premises.

“The suspected offence was made at 4.35pm, last Sunday and through closed circuit camera (CCTV) footage, it was found that a man suspected to be a foreigner paid RM23.17 through an outdoor payment terminal (OTP) transaction, which is a payment through a prepaid card to buy the fuel in question,” he said through a statement, today.

Norena said, the act thus violates Rule 12A, Supply Control Regulations 1974 which is an offence under Rule 21(1).

“This offender can be punished according to Section 22(1) of the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122) where if found guilty the petrol station operator faces a fine not exceeding RM1 million or imprisonment for up to three years or both.

“The action of the case was made in line with the directive enforced on 17 June 2022 involving the ban on the sale of RON95 petrol to all vehicles with foreign registration numbers,” she said.

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2024 Lambretta X250

2024 Lambretta G350

2024 Lambretta Picture Gallery

2024 Lambretta G350 Picture Gallery

What is a turbo?

How does it work?

The cons of a turbocharger

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