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Harley-Davidson of Johor Bahru officially launched

Naza Prestige Bikes Sdn Bhd, the authorised Malaysian importer and distributor of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, marked a major milestone when it launched its latest full-fledge 3S centre in Johor Bahru today.

The new Harley Davidson of Johor Bahru 3S centre now stands as a one-stop centre and dedicated hub that will cater to all Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners in the Peninsula’s southern region.

Present during the launch were several top tier executives of the Naza Group led by group executive chairman Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin. Also present here were Harley-Davidson Asia Emerging Markets’ managing director Peter Mackenzie.

Of course, no major milestone in the soutern state of Johore is complete without the approval of HRH Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the Sultan of Johore. Sultan Ibrahim was present during a specially organised private launch ceremony and tour held prior to the scheduled press launch later in the afternoon.

The new Harley-Davidson 3S centre is located just next to Ducati Johore in the heart of Johor Bahru along Jalan Dato’ Abdullah Tahir. The two-storey facility measures roughly 470 square meters for each floor. Inside, it houses two state-of-the-art service work bays, a large showroom display area, a Parts & Accessories store, an official Harley-Davidson merchandise and apparels boutique, as well as customer waiting lounges.

The opening of Harley-Davidson of Johor Bahru was aimed at further enhancing the famed American brand’s presence in the peninsula’s southern region. It now joins in the brand’s Malaysian network along with the main Harley-Davidson of Kuala Lumpur flagship store in Petaling Jaya and Harley-Davidson of Penang.

Owners and customers can locate the new Harley-Davidson of Johor Bahru outlet via the following Google Maps link:

Harley-Davidson of Johor Bahru Launch

Moto Guzzi @ EICMA 2015: Four new models debut

Moto Guzzi has just unveiled four new bikes at the ongoing Eicma show, which are the V9 Roamer, V9 Bobber, and the Stornello.

In addition to the three bikes, the company also confirmed that the MGX-21 Flying Fortress will be a part of its 2016 product line up.

The new V9 Roamer and V9 Bobber

The V9 Roamer and V9 Bobber, which are the latest addition to the brand’s stable, share the brand’s new 850cc two-valve, transverse 90 degree V-twin engine.

While Moto Guzzi has not revealed the exact output figures, maximum torque readings stand at 62Nm at 3,000rpm.

According to the manufacturer, the Roamer is the conventional version of the V9, while the Bobber is the sportier version with its black bodywork.

Weighing at 200kg, both V9 variants come with ABS and adjustable traction control as standard (which can be disabled), and also feature an immobilizer, a USB port, and a single, circular dash.

Moto Guzzi says it will be offering a range of accessories for the bikes, including a system to connect the bike to the rider’s smartphone and options to personalize it according to their tastes.

MGX-21 Flying Fortress

Unveiled as a concept at last year’s EICMA show, Moto Guzzi has announced that the MGX-21 has entered production under the ‘MGX-21 Flying Fortress’ name, and that it will be a part of Moto Guzzi’s 2016 product range.

Powered by a 1,380c air-cooled V-twin engine which puts out a claimed 120Nm of torque which is transmitted to the rear wheel to using a cardan final drive, the production model also gets a ride-by-wire throttle, ABS, adjustable traction control, cruise control, and a 21 inch front wheel with carbon covering.

V7 II Stornello

Looking pretty similar to the V7 racer we have in Malaysia, the Stornello, which is basically a scrambler version of the existing V7 II, is powered by the same 744cc V-twin engine, but the bike is fitted with a new clutch and a six-speed gearbox.

Weighing at 186kg, the Stornello has been given a few trick bits including an Arrow exhaust, wire-spoked wheels with ‘off-road’ tyres. It’s also got aluminium mudguards, footpegs and injector bodies, plus three sets of number plate holders. Also standard is ABS and traction control.

As for the V7 II Racer, the company has given it an update as well, including revamped and updated matte finish graphics.

Battle of the teams in Pasir Gudang Cub Prix

After a nine year absence, the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship will be making a return to the legendary Johor Circuit in Pasir Gudang for the finale of the 2015 season this November 20 and 21, 2015. (more…)

EICMA 2015: KTM 1290 Super Duke GT unleashed

After teasing us for months, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has finally been unveiled officially by the Austrian manufacturer at the ongoing EICMA 2015 show in Milan, Italy.

In terms of styling, KTM has ticked all the right boxes with the manic sport tourer. According to the brand, the bike’s aggressive design reflects on its characteristics, which focuses primarily on ‘speedy travelling’.

Powering the GT is a re-tuned version of the 1301cc four-stroke two-cylinder 75 degree V-twin engine found in the 1290 Super Duke R, which produces a whopping 173hp and 144Nm of torque.

It is said that the crankshaft, cylinder heads, combustion chambers, valve timings and injection mappings have all been given attention to deliver maximum power higher up the rev range.

In the suspensions department, the Super Duke GT is fitted with semi-active WP suspension both in front and at the rear, which can be toggled between three modes(Comfort, Street and Sport), via a suspension control unit.

Brakes on the other hand, comes courtesy of Brembo. Up front, there are two monobloc four-piston radial calipers biting on to 320mm discs, while the rear brake is a two-piston caliper with 240mm disc.

Since the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a sport tourer, the Austrian manufacturer has fitted the bike with a few features that make it ideal for long distance riding, such as cruise control, tire pressure monitoring system, heated grips, LED cornering lights, and a 23-liter fuel tank.

Weighing at 205kg dry, KTM claims that the Super Duke GT has the best power-to-weight ratio compared to any sport tourer out there.

Other notable features on the bike include the riding assistance package from the 1290 Super Adventure, which comprises a lean angle sensitive stability control system, ABS, as well as traction control. It’s also got a quick shifter, and a supermoto mode for those who want to have some ‘naughty’ moments with the bike.

Ducati @ EICMA 2015: Nine new models revealed

In conjunction with its 90^th anniversary next year, Ducati has taken the wraps off nine new models for their 2016 range ahead of the EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

The nine models were:

Scrambler Sixty2
Scrambler Flat Track
XDiavel
Multistrada 1200 Enduro
Multistrada 1200 Pikes Peak Edition
Hypermotard 939
2016 Hypermotard SP
2016 Hyperstrada
Panigale 959

Present during the media preview to unveil the new line up were Ducati’s CEO Claudio Domenicali, three-time WSBK Champion Troy Bayliss, Ducati MotoGP riders Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso, as well as Ducati WSBK rider Davide Giugliano.

Scrambler Sixty2

The Scrambler Sixty2, which Ducati is targeting towards new riders and new markets, is powered by a 399cc, 41hp desmodromic air-cooled L-twin, with styling largely identical to its larger capacity siblings in the Scrambler range. Its Sixty2 moniker is drawn from 1962, the year of the first Ducati Scrambler.

Scrambler Flat Track Pro

Based on last year’s Scrambler’s 803, the Scrambler Flat Track Pro features a dedicated livery, side panel and seat along with a full throttle exhaust. Inspired by Ducati riders Troy Bayliss and Johnny Lewis at the 2015 American AMA Pro Flat Track championship, the model also comes with low variable section handlebars, a Termigoni exhaust and alloy wheels.

Multistrada 1200 Enduro

Designed to go against bikes like the BMW R1200GS and the KTM Adventure 1190, the new 1200 Enduro is a reworked machine that was built primarily for off-road use with 19 inch front and 17 inch rear spoked wheels, semi-active Sachs suspension and a massive 29-litre fuel tank, which Ducati is claiming will get up to 448km per tank. According to Ducati, the new Multistrada is its first full-fledged off-roader, and comes with a huge range of accessories designed exclusively for it, including all aluminum panniers and top boxes.

Multistrada Pikes Peak

The 2016 Multistrada line sees a continuation of the Pikes Peak nameplate, and the same style of upgrades on the DVT version of the Multistrada 1200. Notable features include an Öhlins fork and Öhlins TTX36 shock, Termignoni mufflers, a carbon fiber windscreen, red stitching on the seat, and stripes on the 3-spoke wheels.

XDiavel

Featuring an aggressive ground-up redesign from the 2011 Diavel, the XDiavel is the first Ducati to come with belt drive, and is aimed at those looking for a cruiser. The main highlight of the XDiavel is that its ergonomics are adjustable up to 60 different positions, with a standard fitment which includes an extended seat and passenger backrest. Power on the other hand, is supplied by a 1262cc Testastretta DVT (Ducati Valve Timing)-equipped L-twin that’s been tuned for massive low-rpm torque.

959 Panigale

The Ducati 959 Panigale is essentially the updated 899 panigale with bigger engine capacity, more power and some stylistic and feature related changes. Sharing the stylistic features with the bigger 1299 Panigale, Ducati claims that the 959 is a more useable everyday bike which is also a potent race track tool.

Hypermotard 939

For 2016, Ducati has fitted the Hypermotard with a larger, more powerful 939 motor which will also power the track-oriented Hypermotard 939 SP, as well as the touring-tuned Hyperstrada 939. All three bikes will have fully adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes with Bosch-backed ABS, adjustable traction control, and ride modes.

Check out more pictures in the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below.

2016 XDiavel S

2016 Multistrada Enduro

2016 Multistrada Pikes Peak

2016 959 Panigale

2016 959 Panigale (non Euro 4 compliant)

2016 Hypermotard 939

2016 Hypermotard 939 SP

2016 Hyperstrada 939

2016 Scrambler Flat Track Pro

2016 Scrambler Sixty2

Boon Siew launches new Honda Wave Alpha

Malaysian assembler and distributor of Honda bikes Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd has updated its line up for the Malaysian market after the firm introduced its latest offering, the new and enhanced Honda Wave Alpha moped earlier today.

Present to launch the bike were several of Boon Siew’s top tier management personnel alongside several members from the Wave Alpha’s development team as well.

As it is, the Wave Alpha replaces the previous Wave 110 model, bringing along with it an enhanced exterior design and an improved powertrain as well. The moped can be had in two forms starting with a basic variant primed with drum brakes and spoked wheels followed by a higher-spec version equipped with disc brakes and cast wheels instead.

Both however share the same air-cooled 109.1cc single-cylinder engine that produces 8.3hp @ 7,500rpm and peak torque of 8.59Nm @ 5,500rpm. The engine is paired with a four-speed constant mesh transmission. Not only more powerful than the previous Wave 110’s unit, the new powertrain is also much more efficient as it boasts a fuel economy rating of 51.8km/litre.

Underneath, the moped also features a convenient U-box storage for added practicality as well as a colourful new and clear instrument panel design. Other notable features include the contoured new exhaust silencer design plus improved leg protection from the stylishly redesigned forward fairing.

Available for viewing and purchase via authorised dealers starting today, the all-new base drum brake-equipped Honda Wave Alpha carries a basic starting price of RM4,132.94 (6% GST inclusive) whilst the disc brake-equipped unit is priced from RM4,556.94 (6% GST inclusive).

Honda Wave Alpha launch @ Pullman Hotel, Bangsar

Honda Wave Alpha

BITTERSWEET FIM CEV 2015 SEASON FOR KHAIRUL IDHAM

Malaysian rider will be in FIM Road Racing Moto3 World Championship 2016 (more…)

2016 MV Agusta Brutale 800 fully ‘teased’ in video

Italian motorcycle artisans MV Agusta have just released its teaser video for the refreshed 2016 MV Agusta Brutale 800 naked model. Though called a ‘teaser’, the video ironically reveals the revised bike in full, showing off some of the cosmetic changes the Varese brand has performed for its core naked bike model.

Though we are visually clear on the aesthetic revisions, MV Agusta have withheld any further information surrounding the refreshed naked. Seems the brand wants to save the details for the bike’s scheduled debut at the annual EICMA show in Milan that is set to open its doors this week.

In any case, the changes are rather clear in comparison to the outgoing 2015 model. Firstly, this 2016 model sports a revised tail section, complemented with a redesigned triple-exhaust and tail lamp as well. Up front comes a smartened up front fascia thanks to the revised and rear-swept headlamp design, a restyled fuel tank, as well as a set of new intake ducts and radiator fairings.

Visually, it is difficult to ascertain any mechanical revisions from the video. However, sources are led to believe that much of the oily bits remain unchanged from the outgoing 2015 version. Of course, this is still subject to confirmation, so we will have to wait until MV Agusta things official once EICMA 2015 opens its doors.

Sources: YouTube / Moto.it / Asphaltandrubber / Visordown

BMW Motorrad reveals electric superbike

BMW Motorrad has unveiled a very interesting model recently – an electric superbike called the eRR.

Using the same chassis as the S1000RR, BMW said that it created the eRR to unite the high-speed performance of the S1000RR with the the quick acceleration of the c-Evolution scooter, which is able to go from standstill to 50km/h in under three seconds.

Stephan Schaller, Head of BMW Motorrad, said, “Since it’s market launch, the RR is giving the creeps to motorsport athletes. Regardless of whether it is acceleration, handling or top speed – the RR is setting standards.”

“However, if acceleration on the first metres, up to 50 or 60km/h, is the point, the RR’s 199 bhp has to admit defeat by another BMW product: the C evolution with its electric drive.”

BMW Motorrad added that the motivation behind the eRR ‘experimental vehicle’ was to find out what happens when a sports bike gets an electric drive, and also to produce a bike with zero emission.

Revealed at a corporate news announcement, BMW Motorrad has not revealed any technical details on the eRR, yet.

Product review: Shark Skwal LED Sak Art Design

When Winmaster Sdn Bhd, the authorised distributor of Shark helmets in Malaysia announced the arrival of the Skwal; the market’s first helmet to incorporate LED lights into its design, the level of excitement in the air was definitely on the higher side, as it was nothing like we have seen before. Although the brand had many other models that ranked higher in the product line up, it was the Skwal which got all the attention, as it was a potential game changer.

So, in order to find out if the Shark Skwal was just a novelty or if it really delivers, we managed to get our hands on one, thanks to Winmaster Sdn Bhd, to get a first-hand feel of the helmet.

Now, for those who are unaware, the Skwal is the latest helmet to be released by Shark into the existing Pulse range, and is the first helmet to incorporate LED lights into its design in the market. According to Shark helmets, it is confident that the Skwal marks the beginning of a new era in rider safety and electronic helmet functionality.

The Skwal has three cleverly integrated neon green LED’s, which are situated in the front mouth piece, the front air intake, as well as the rear air vents, which not only enhance the sleek and aggressive look of this helmet, but is also a huge factor in visibility and rider safety.

Among all the colours in the spectrum, neon green was the colour chosen by Shark for the LED as it was a prime colour, alongside red and blue. However, since red and blue are used by authorities, green was the best option for visibility.

In case you’re wondering how the LED’s operate, they are powered by a small in-built battery, which is fully rechargeable via a micro USB cable. The company said that the helmet’s battery has up to 5000 recharge cycles and an impressive battery life of five hours on the continuous light mode, or ten hours on the flashing light mode. The two light modes can be selected with a press of the button positioned on the lower right side of the helmet.

Although it seems like there are a lot of components involved, the Shark Skwal only weighs 1,470 grams, including the lights and battery pack, putting it into the feather weight category of the helmet market.

In terms of standard features, the Skwal comes with a flip-down internal sun visor, Shark ‘easy fit’ feature for riders who wear glasses, a micro-lock buckle system, a fully removable and a washable lining made of bamboo.

A couple of interesting things about the bamboo inner lining is that it has a generous dosage of anti-bacterial properties to keep it clean at all times. In addition, the material is much more odour resistant than other materials that are usually used to make inner linings.

It also features a clever Autoseal visor adhearing gasket, which makes the helmet one of the most stable helmets today. What the Autoseal feature does is that it pushes the visor inwards when it is pulled down, making it air-tight, quiet, and waterproof.

As much as the design is concerned, the Shark Skwal is quite neutral. It doesn’t look too futuristic or too traditional, not too complicated or too simple, and not too rounded or too angular.

The good thing about this is that it suits riders who are astride any type of motorcycle, regardless of whether it’s a cruiser, a sports bike, or even a scooter. Simply put, it looks good with anything.

What we love most about the Shark Skwal LED helmet is the drop down integral anti-scratch and anti-UV sun visor. Not only is it scratch-proof, but it is designed in a way that it drops much lower than many helmets out there in the market, making the rider feel like he or she is wearing sunglasses.

As safe as it is from wind, and water, it couldn’t escape from the infamous fogging woes. However, Winmaster Sdn Bhd said that it will not be an issue for its customers as a helmet pinlock worth RM120 will be given for free with every purchase of the Shark Skwal LED helmet.

Catered towards riders of all age, the Shark Skwal is available in black, white, matte and gloss finishes, as well as a wide range of graphic and colour scheme for those who would like to stand out from the rest. The model you are looking at now, however, is more special, as the livery was designed by Sak Art design; an internationally renowned graphic design house that has collaborated with numerous companies in the automotive industry.

Priced very competitively at RM950 for solid finish and RM1,030 for the units with graphics, the Shark Skwal is worth every sen it asks for. Not only does it look good, but it is feature-packed, comfortable and has decent build quality. Although it is not the quietest helmet around, features like the LED lights, and the visor systems work well. Besides that, most importantly, for what is being offered, RM1,030 is as sweet as a deal can get.

Helmet: Shark Skwal LED Sak Art Design
Type: Full face
Distributor: Winmaster Sdn Bhd
Weight: 1.47kg
Price: RM950.00 (solid) / RM1,030 (graphics)

First look: 2016 BMW G310R – the baby beemer!

After numerous spyshots and being teased as a stunting concept, the worldwide wait for the new small capacity BMW bike is finally over.

Meet the all-new BMW G310R, BMW Motorrad brand’s first ever sub-500cc model that was developed in partnership with Indian manufacturer TVS.

Unveiled online just recently, the new ‘baby beemer’ enters the ever-growing yet lucrative lightweight bikes segment, and will surely stand as a strong rival against segment favourites like KTM and the usuals from Japanese powerhouses. Here’s what we’ve managed to garner so far about this small yet feisty new made-in-India BMW.

As previewed in the concept, the BMW G310R is powered using a newly developed liquid-cooled DOHC 313cc single-cylinder heart with four valves. Unique traits here are its 80mm x 62.1mm bore x stroke figures, followed by its backward-tilted cylinder in open-deck design with the cylinder head turned by 180 degrees, making it possible to position the intake tract at the front.

As a result, the mill develops 34hp at 9,800rpm and peak torque of 28Nm at 7,500rpm. All that power is channelled to the rear wheel using a six-speed constant mesh transmission primed with a wet multi-plate clutch and a chain drive system.

The powertrain is encased within a Tubular steel frame design that was built with a grid structure whilst having a bolt-on rear frame and a long swingarm assembly made using cast aluminium. Up front sees a pair of 41mm telescopic inverted forks that are combined with steering geometry honed towards safe and predictable handling, offering 140mm of fork travel too. The wheelbase stands at 1,374mm with the adjustable rear shock mounted directly whilst boasting 131mm of travel as well.

Next comes a set of lightweight yet strong 17-inch five-spoke wheels front and aft that are shod in 110/70/17 (front) and 150/60/17 (rear) tyre sizes. Anchors come in the form of single discs all round measuring 300mm up front and 240mm in the rear, radially-mounted four-piston caliper in front, as well as the BMW Motorrad ABS suite primed as standard.

Notably, the BMW G310R also gets a decently-sized 11-litre fuel tank, a low unladen weight of 158.5kg and a standard seat height of 785mm. Despite its size, BMW further claimed that the new G310R is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 145km/h as well.

BMW did mentioned that low and high seat heights are available with optional accessories ranging from 760mm through to 815mm. Other additional accessories available include luggage, top boxes, a centrestand, LED indicators, a 12-volt charging socket and heated grips too.

As far as the design goes, much of the G310R’s lines are inspired by the bigger S1000R streetfighter. The basic paint scheme on offer is a black and white combination with silver highlights, followed by a more premium metallic blue and grey scheme plus a Pearl White option as well.

Excited? So are we, and the news just gets better as insiders at BMW hints at more variants to come soon based on the G310R. That includes a half faired and ‘adventure’ bike versions slated to debut at a later stage.

The new BMW G310R will be debuting at EICMA later this month with markets sales set to commence early next year. We are not sure when it will arrive locally, but all signs indicate that this is one BMW worth waiting for indeed. Check out the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below to see the bike in full detail.

2016 BMW G310R (static)

2016 BMW G310R (action)

Sources BMW Motorrad / Visordown, MCN and MoreBikes

Roland Sands Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp unveiled (with video)

The ever popular and acclaimed Yamaha MT-09 has gone under the knife with Roland Sands Design (RSD), resulting in this special one-off Faster Wasp custom concept.

With the reveal, Yamaha further added that this custom is hinting at its newest model based on the MT-09 that will debut at EICMA 2015 this month.

Back to this RSD special, it joins the Yamaha brand’s range of Yard Built custom machineries that are usually followed closely by production model. This RSD-built special follows the footsteps of Shinya Kimura’s Faster Son custom concept (the XSR700 preview) and the Deus Eau Rouge (XJR1300 Racer preview), and it now charts a new chapter in the Yamaha Faster Sons trilogy.

It is plain to see that the Roland Sands Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp is more than just a tribute to the famed black and yellow speed-block donned on Kenny Roberts Senior’s legendary TZ750 race bike. Underneath the bespoke aluminium bodywork and is the MT-09’s acclaimed 847cc in-line triple and lightweight aluminium frame. Also exclusive to the Wasp are a whole host of cycle-part updates that are not found on any production model.

Being an RSD creation, it sports plenty of the design firm’s signature elements and traits. These include the hand-fabricated aluminium petrol tank, tail section, intake scoops, radiator covers, front number board and front mudguard fender. The custom also sports a prototype Clarity timing cover, rearsets, rear brake reservoir and case guards, plus chain guard, timing plug, axle sliders and fuel cap.

Sources believe most of these will likely be available as official, or RSD, accessories for the incoming new Yamaha model. Other notable bits and pieces include the Wasp’s forged aluminium wheels, Two Bros Racing stainless steel header with an RSD Slant muffler, Renthal sprockets, Performance Machine radial brake calipers, an RSD radial brake master cylinder and Spiegler brake lines, as well as a custom leather seat is made by the Bitchin Seat Co.

Also primed are a set of RSD Nostalgia handlebar risers plus Renthal Fatbar handlebars with RSD Traction grips. The chassis is further enhanced too thanks to Öhlins fork cartridge kit and rear shock tasked at providing better bike control.

You can check out more of the Roland Sands Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp in the video we’ve attached at the top or by browsing the extensive gallery we’ve prepared below.

Roland Sands Design Yamaha MT-09 Faster Wasp