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JPJ Issues Over 14,000 Notices and Seizes 500 Motorcycles During Hari Raya Ops

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) in Malaysia has issued 14,514 notices for various offences under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) and confiscated 500 motorcycles through the HRA 2023 Integrated Motorcycle Ops from April 18 to 25 in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri (HRA).

Senior JPJ Enforcement Director Datuk Lokman Jamaan said that the notices were issued after carrying out inspections of 51,039 motorcycles while the motorcycles were seized due to the lack of insurance coverage, driving licence, and others involving 291 Point of Duty (POD) locations across the country.

He revealed that the six most common offences were no driving licence, expired vehicle licence (LKM), no insurance, expired driving licence, not wearing a helmet, and violating traffic lights.

According to Lokman, the correct use of a helmet can reduce injuries by 25%. Therefore, strict advocacy and enforcement measures will continue to be implemented by JPJ to reduce the rate of accidents and fatal accidents among motorcyclists.

Lokman officiated the Special Motorcycle Ops for the state of Perak in conjunction with the HRA 2023 Integrated Ops where a total of 7,146 motorcycles were inspected while action was taken against 1,313 motorcyclists under Act 333.

(source: BERNAMA)

Indian Motorcycle Officially Unveils Custom FTR By Tank Machine And WRC Champ Sebastien Loeb

Indian Motorcycle’s latest giveaway for riders living in Europe, the United Kingdom, and South Africa has generated quite the buzz.

one of the custom built FTR is up for a special giveaway.
the custom built FTR is purely aesthetic.

The prize includes one of two FTRs designed by custom shop Tank Machine and nine-time World Rally Championship champion Sébastien Loeb, with the matching bike remaining in Loeb’s possession.

At the time of the announcement, only renders of the FTR Loeb design were available. But as of April 27, 2023, Indian Motorcycle has officially released photos of the completed FTR Loeb design, which are now available for viewing.

The changes in this design are purely aesthetic, with the custom saddle featuring contrasting red stitching and a discreet French flag, along with the stylized numeral ‘9’ on the front headlight cowl and the tail cowl at the rear. The two fenders have Tank Machine’s name under the Indian Motorcycle logo against a chunky carbon fiber background, with a bold blue Loeb logo that darts from the middle to the tip of each fender.

If you’re eligible and interested in entering the contest, there’s still time. The drawing is currently open and will remain so until May 15, 2023. Eligible riders from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom can visit the official Indian Motorcycle webpage in their country and fill out the FTR Loeb contest form.

To enter, riders must also head to their nearest Indian Motorcycle dealer and take a test ride on an FTR, with no purchase necessary.

One lucky winner will be chosen at the end of May 2023 to win their own FTR Loeb and receive a VIP trip to Wheels and Waves 2023 in Biarritz, France. There, they will meet both Tank Machine and Sébastien Loeb, who will present the FTR Loeb to them in person.

Don’t miss your chance to enter this exclusive contest and possibly win the ride of a lifetime.

Peter Hickman’s IOMTT Winning Bike Sold For RM627k At Auction

English rider Peter Hickman’s winning motorcycle at the 2022 Isle of Man TT races has fetched a staggering GBP112,700 (RM627k) at The International Classic Motorcycle Show’s Spring Stafford Sale on April 22, 2023.

The bike was prepared by Gas Monkey Garage by FHO Racing and is a BMW M 1000 RR that Hickman rode to victories in the Superbike and Senior TT classes.
The motorcycle is a Superbike World Championship-spec machine that boasts a reinforced chassis, a Suter swingarm, and Öhlins suspension.

In addition, BMW specially prepared the engine and airbox, and an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system along with a larger fuel tank and an STM clutch to meet the demands of the Snaefell Mountain course.

The motorcycle’s authenticity was confirmed by the bug guts splattered across the front fairing and the chain grease/road debris speckling the under-tail.

Interestingly, the new owner has chosen to remain anonymous. Nevertheless, Hickman’s winning bike is definitely an every collectors dream.

Hickman has been on a winning streak since the 2018 Isle of Man TT, accumulating nine TT wins in just five years.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic sidelining IOMTT races for two consecutive years, Hickman continued to dominate the field in 2022, winning the Supertwin, Superstock, Superbike, and Senior TT classes.

With the 2023 Isle of Man TT just around the corner, there is a chance that another Hickman-ridden motorcycle could make it back to the auction block soon.

New Scrambler Ducati Redefines The Art of a Fast Friendly Machine!

When it comes to companies that produce performance machines, there’s always a model that works as the breadwinner.

For many years the breadwinner for Ducati was the Monster, the bike that is credited for saving Ducati from financial ruin in the 90s.

However, over the years, the Monster has become faster and more sophisticated, making it quite daunting for anyone looking to hop onto a Ducati for the first time.

That left a void in the Ducati model line-up. New riders simply did not have a Ducati friendly enough for them.

But that void did not last very long as Ducati was quick to fill it with a new entry level model – the Scrambler Ducati.

Introduced in 2015, the Scrambler Ducati model was a revival of sorts of a Ducati from the 60s.

Though very different from the Ducati’s we know and love, the Scrambler Ducati appealed to a different breed of people. Those that wanted a Ducati but found that the usual models were a little too ‘hardcore’.

And it’s a formula that worked well. Ducati went on to sell over 100,000 Scramblers around the world.

And interestingly, over 20% of people that bought a Scrambler were new to the Ducati world.

Now though, Ducati has introduced a near all-new Scrambler.

Though the Scrambler features three distinct models – Icon, Full Throttle and NightShift – we got to ride the Icon recently in Spain.

The New Design!

Only 30% of parts from the old model has been carried over to the new Scrambler, and this means that that the new Scrambler is almost completely different than the old.

You may be hard done to tell the difference from the design alone, but there are some key giveaways.

Such as that dominant blacked out X on the LED headlight which is the logo for the Scrambler brand.

Scrambler fans will also notice the complete omission of the clutch cable that loops over the handlebars and disappears into the body of the bike. A seemingly messy design but one that was a nod to the original Scrambler from 1962.

We prefer the clean, sleek look of the cockpit of the new Scrambler though. The coloured 4.3-inch TFT screen too is a much-welcomed addition. Though it takes about four seconds to start up after you turn the key, which we find to be too slow. Why would anyone want to wait four seconds for the screen to start up?

Then there’s the design of the new exhaust. It loops down from the extractors and around the side of the engine then seemingly disappears into the engine bay only to come back out again at the bottom of the bike and finishes off with a short exhaust can.

It seems like a visual illusion where the exhaust seems to be hugging the engine and then simply disappearing into the chassis.

The tank too has been redesigned but what is more significant here is the fact the coloured covers are interchangeable along with the fenders and other coloured details on the headlamp.

This means that you will be able to completely interchange the colour of the Scrambler, giving it a level of customisation unseen in any other bike.

The Technology

This is where the new Scrambler is completely unrecognisable when compared to the previous generation model.

Even though it may be powered by the same Desmodue engine as before (producing the same amount of power rated at 73hp and 65.2Nm of torque), but thanks to some advancements such as a lighter gearbox cover and bearings, the engine is an impressive 2.5kg lighter than before.

This contributes to a total weight saving of 4kg.

Besides the engine, the new split trellis frame as well as the new swingarm also contributes to the overall weight reduction of the bike.

And this may not be good news for those who prefer a cable to connect their right wrist directly to the throttle valves, but for the first time ever the Scrambler Ducati comes with Ride by Wire electronic throttle management.

This means that the Scrambler now has an electronic brain that manages everything from power input and output, and even allows the addition of riding modes, though the Scrambler only has two – Road and Sport (Just for comparison, it’s distant cousin, the Desert X has six modes!).

But that’s not all, the new Scrambler also features a traction control system and cornering ABS, giving the rider a higher level of confidence, especially considering the fact that the Scrambler comes with Pirelli MT 60 knobby tyres that seem better suited to the dirt than the road.

How does it ride?

It would be too easy to simply sum it up as a bike that is easy to ride, but Ducati has gone to lengths to give the Scrambler a docile character. The new clutch for example has eight-discs which makes the clutch easier to manage with a higher biting point. This is great for new riders who are just starting off their journey as a Ducatisti.

The seat is mounted low at 795mm, and if that is still too high Ducati also has a 780mm option which we suspect will be offered as standard in Malaysia. And for the taller ones, there’s an 810mm option as well.

The wide BMX like handlebars are mounted high which combined with the low seat height, gives it a comfortable sitting position. It also makes the Scrambler easy to manage around traffic and tight areas such as in parking lots.

But when the road opens, the Ducati in the Scrambler takes over.

It may not be explosive in nature, but it is still quick and the intake makes some intoxicating sounds swallows air with the usually pops and bangs that follow when you roll off the throttle.

It unquestionably sounds better than before.

Though the power output may be the same, the ride modes give the engine a different tuning. This time there is a more linear torque delivery with a good midrange punch without having to downshift.

This lets you shuffle along at lower speeds at 3rd or 4th gear, making the Scrambler perfectly suited to life in the urban environment.

Should you buy it?

If you have always wanted a Ducati but found them all to be too intimidating, then this is the bike for you. If you are vertically challenged and need a bike that is great for the daily commute and for a short tour on the weekends, then this is the bike for you. The new Scrambler Ducati is like a big friendly Labrador that has all the muscle but without the bite. But if you are experienced and want something that will scare you or want something to take you to faraway places in comfort, look at the Panigale V4S or the Multistrada V4S.

Specifications
Engine: 803cc, L-Twin, Desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder, air-cooled
Gearbox: 6-speed, wet multiplate clutch
Power: 73hp @ 8250rpm
Torque: 65.2Nm @ 7000rpm
Front Suspension: Kayaba 41mm fork with 150mm travel
Rear Suspension: Kayaba rear shock adjustable with 150mm travel
Front Brakes: 330mm disc, 4-piston calliper with Bosch Cornering ABS
Rear Brakes: 245mm, 1-piston floating caliper with Bosch Cornering ABS
Price: To Be Confirmed

We like: Customisable looks, friendly nature
We don’t like: Small, not for experienced riders

Harley-Davidson Teases 2023 CVO Road Glide And Street Glide, Full Reveal On June 7

Harley-Davidson has officially announced the upcoming launch of its 2023 CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models.

The reveal is set to happen on June 7, but some details have already been unveiled.
The two new motorcycles, to be equipped with an all-new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine.

Firstly, both models will feature a new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, a variable valve timing system, and new suspension. The variable valve timing system will allow Harley-Davidson to tune the engine for better performance at both high and low speeds. The CVOs’ new suspension is said to be “all-new,” with inverted forks at the front and a new monoshock system at the rear.

The new CVO models also boast dramatically redesigned fairings, which have already received mixed reactions from fans of the brand.

The CVO Street Glide’s fairing has been updated to better integrate with the fuel tank, side covers, and saddlebags. It features an “Omega-shaped” light and LED strips on either side of the fairing that serve as forward turn signals.

On the other hand, the CVO Road Glide’s fairing offers a more dramatic change, with a broader headlight that includes integrated turn signals.

Nevertheless, both models receive a new infotainment system, with a large digital display that replaces the previous analog dials. The display will show vital data and control over the audio system, and it’s expected to provide information on electronics, although Harley-Davidson hasn’t confirmed this yet.

Harley-Davidson’s 2023 CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models are set to be powerful and stylish cruisers that come with significant updates over their predecessors. While the new fairing designs have received mixed reactions, fans of the brand are eagerly awaiting the full reveal on June 7 to get a better look at these two new models.

Kawasaki Latest Type-Approval Documents Hints At The Arrival Of Eliminator 450

Kawasaki has recently been making waves in the motorcycle world with its revived Eliminator nameplate. In March 2023, the Japanese company announced the Eliminator 400 for the Japanese market, and it was presented at the 2023 Bangkok Motor Show.

latest type-approval documents confirms the arrival of an all-new Eliminator 450.
It is likely that there will be several variants for the Eliminator 450.

Now, new information has surfaced suggesting that Kawasaki may release a larger-capacity Eliminator 450 in North America in 2024.

According to reports by Motorcycle.com, latest California Air Resources Board (CARB) filings show that Kawasaki has filed model codes EL450A, EL450B, EL450C, and EL450D.

Considering that the Eliminator 400 and Eliminator 400 SE are designated as EL400A and EL400B respectively, it is likely that the EL450A and EL450B will be the base model Eliminator 450 and Eliminator 450 SE. Meanwhile, the EL450C and EL450D may denote ABS-equipped trims.

The CARB filings also confirm that the Eliminator 450 will benefit from a 451cc engine. While it is unclear how Kawasaki’s engineers achieved the extra volume, it is possible that they used the firm’s tried-and-true 398cc parallel twin as a basis for the new mill.

Compared to Honda’s Rebel 500, which is the main competitor to a potential Eliminator 450, Kawasaki’s parallel twin already has a power advantage.

However, the Rebel 500’s 471cc engine outperforms the Eliminator’s 398cc lump with 43Nm of torque @ 6,000 rpm. Kawasaki may address this shortfall with the new 451cc powerplant, but the existence of the 2024 Eliminator 450 cannot be confirmed without an official announcement from the company.

Caofen Brings The F80 Electric Motorcycle To The UK

Caofen, a new emerging electric brand, has announced its entry into the UK market with the launch of two electric motorbikes – the F80 Adventure and F80 Off-Road.

The road-ready F80 Adventure will retail at GBP5,995 (RM33k), while the F80 Off-Road will cost GBP5,495 (RM30.3k).
Caofen is a newly developed electric motorcycle company from China owned by Chongqing Huanghe Motorcycle Company.

The Caofen F80 bikes are equipped with patented battery technology, a single-piece frame, and an enhanced motor. They are designed to improve performance and longevity, enabling riders to enjoy their ride, go faster, and cover more distance on a single charge.

The Caofen F80 bikes have been developed to compete with other electric motorbikes already available in the UK market. The launch of these bikes is expected to bring more competition to the market and increase the availability of affordable electric motorbikes.

The company has launched its newly designed website where interested buyers can find more information about the specifications of the F80 Adventure and F80 Off-Road. The website also provides information about other upcoming models from Caofen.

The launch of the Caofen F80 bikes is a significant development in the electric motorbike market in the UK. With more consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint, the demand for electric bikes is expected to rise in the coming years. The Caofen F80 bikes offer an affordable option for those looking to transition to electric motorbikes.

SHOEI Honours MM93 King Of COTA Status With A Limited Edition Helmet

Marc Marquez, a six-time MotoGP champion, has earned the title of “King of COTA” due to his unbeatable form on U.S. soil.

Marc Marquez wins six time in a row at the Circuit of the Americas between 2013 and 2018 earning him the “King of COTA” status.
The limited-edition helmet is to honour Marquez’s amazing feat at COTA.

Despite suffering a broken humerus and undergoing several surgeries in 2020, Marquez won at the Circuit of the Americas again in 2021.

In honor of his winning record, Shoei has created a limited-edition Z8 helmet with an American Spirit graphic.

The special livery, worn by Marquez during the 2022 Grand Prix of the Americas, features a red, white, and blue color combination, stars and stripes integrated into the design, and Marquez’s signature number 93 emblazoned on both sides of the helmet.

The helmet is made with Shoei’s eminent all-arounder, the Z-8 (RF-1400), which boasts extra comfort and an affordable mid-range price tag, making it a great option for road riding.

The Z-8 was updated recently with a newly improved ventilation system, a new visor-locking mechanism, and noise-diffusing, aerodynamics-enhancing Vortex Generators, making it the perfect all-rounder helmet. That said, the GP-accurate American Spirit graphic lends itself perfectly to the Z-8 model.

Shoei will release the limited-edition helmet in July 2023 with limited orders open through August 2023. The race replica will be available in sizes S (55cm), M (57cm), L (59cm), XL (61cm), and XXL (63cm) at a price of JPY71,500 (RM2.3k).

Kawasaki Developing Magnetic Brakes To Reduce The Risk Of Low-Sides

Kawasaki has recently patented a new type of electronic brake that could help to reduce the risk of low-side crashes on bikes.

Kawasaki has patented a new type of electronic brake that applies a load to the bike’s chain wheel during deceleration to reduce the risk of low-side crashes.
The system aims to stabilize the bike during critical moments, particularly when the front brake is released.

According to reports by Visordown, the technology is designed to work on the chain wheel of the bike and uses a type of magnetic clutch that can be electronically actuated to apply a load to the chain during deceleration.

When a bike is braking into a corner, it slows down and compresses the suspension, pushing the front tire into the Tarmac, and increasing the amount of grip there is at the front end of the machine.

However, when the front brake is released, the springs in the forks try to return to a normal position, reducing the pressure on the front tire and reducing the amount of grip it has. This can lead to a low-side crash if the front end loses grip.

The Kawasaki system aims to solve this problem by applying a load to the bike’s chain while decelerating, even after the front brake has been released. This means that the bike will still be applying some force on the suspension, reducing the rebound action of the forks that can cause a low-side.

While the system may seem like a natural fit for a sports bike ridden on a track, Kawasaki is reportedly considering using the technology on its road-going sports touring machines too. With radar-assisted cruise control becoming increasingly popular on top-spec models, manufacturers are always looking for new ways to control a bike’s speed without relying solely on the braking system, which can be unsettling for both the rider and the bike.

While this new technology is still in its early stages, it could represent a significant step forward in motorcycle safety. As always, riders should continue to prioritize safe riding practices and seek out training and education to improve their skills on the road.

(source: Visordown)

Kijima Unveils New Utility-Oriented Accessories For Honda CT125 Hunter Cub

Japanese parts and accessories supplier Kijima has expanded its product range with a new line of components for the popular Honda CT125 Hunter Cub.

Kijima has customized three distinct Hunter Cubs, showcasing the versatility of its new line of utility-oriented parts.
Kijima’s new line of utility-oriented components adds more attitude to the already versatile Honda CT125 Hunter Cub.

The first custom model is aimed at maximalists and weekend glampers. With a large top box and tactical side bag, riders can pack provisions for all their outdoor adventures. The modified Hunter Cub also comes with extra protection in the form of crash guards, a headlight grille, and handguards. A front rack enhances the carrying capacity, allowing riders to strap everything from sleeping pads to six packs to the front end. Auxiliary lighting and larger heel-toe shifter add to the adventure-ready features.

The second custom model is geared towards off-road enthusiasts. It carries over many of the same features as the first model, but with a high-mounted fender and a large rear carrier rack for increased storage. The rugged design is perfect for diehard off-roaders, and a bar-mounted bag adds to the carrying capacity.

The third model takes a more restrained approach, with a classic Honda red color scheme and fewer accessories. The crash protection, headlight grate, and taillight grille all come from Kijima, as does the custom front, rear, and side racks. The bags and top box have been removed to minimize the footprint of the Hunter Cub, making it ideal for urban environments. Kijima also offers the components in chrome for a more polished look.

Kijima’s new line of utility-oriented components adds more attitude to the already versatile Honda CT125 Hunter Cub. With options for maximalists, off-road enthusiasts, and urban riders, Kijima’s accessories are a must-have for anyone looking to customize their Hunter Cub.

2023 Kymco AK Premium Rolls Out In Europe – 51HP, 52Nm

Taiwanese scooter manufacturer Kymco has released a new scooter model, the AK Premium, designed to compete in the luxury maxi-scooter market.

the AK Premium the is the flagship version of the standard AK550 scooter.
the AK Premium features customisable user settings and cruise control.

Powering the Kymco AK Premium is a 550cc twin-cylinder engine that delivers 51hp @ 7,500rpm and 52Nm @ 6,000rpm, and it features a continuously variable gearbox and throttle-by-wire technology for improved engine control and acceleration.

The scooter also has customisable riding modes and additional features like traction control and cruise control for a smooth and safe ride over long distances. The AK Premium also equipped with AIBS Cornering Technology which includes cornering ABS.

The AK Premium has a striking futuristic design with aggressive LEDs, and it weighs 238 kilograms, making it a heavyweight challenger in its class.

Other notable features includes; Brembo callipers, 14.5L fuel tank, 15-inch wheels front and rear shod with 120/70 and 160/60 tyres, upside-down fork and a 270mm front and 260mm rear disc.

The AK Premium will retail for EUR10,999 (RM53k) making it a more affordable option than the Yamaha TMAX. Kymco expects the AK Premium to attract riders looking for a powerful, comfortable, and stylish scooter that can handle both city and long-distance travel.

FIRST LOOK: 2023 KTM 890 SMT

KTM is back with its iconic Supermoto-tourer, the KTM 890 SMT, and it’s better than ever before.

This purposeful model sits between the KTM Adventure and KTM Street product ranges and features several components that elevate its performance.
With a re-tuned KTM 890 LC8c platform, the KTM 890 SMT is developed to hit the top of the Supermoto touring segment for power/torque-to-weight ratio.

Former AMA Superbike and Supermoto racer, Chris Fillmore, took the KTM 890 SMT along a Sardinian mountain climb to display its potential and limits. With a super-torquey 889cc LC8c parallel twin engine, the KTM 890 SMT has 105 hp at 8,000 rpm, providing stability and reassurance through corners.

The KTM 890 SMT is just as happy pushed through low revs as it is pinned in higher gears, making it versatile for any rider.

As we mentioned in a previous article, the KTM 890 SMT has a redesigned slim tank which slides the rider even further into the bike with a wide and comfy contact patch.

The bike’s aerodynamic optimized smoked windshield is placed just above the double fender concept with a low splash guard on the fork legs. The CroMo steel frame with tighter geometry provides fierce stability, while the WP APEX suspension, fully adjustable and complemented by 17″ wheels, provides an agile, flighty, and responsive ride.

The motorcycle has several standard ride modes and can be molded further with optional track settings that permit the rider to toggle different amounts of throttle modes and traction control through ten levels.

The Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is an important safety feature sensitive to the bike’s pitch and behavior at lean. The bike has a state of the art 5″ TFT dashboard that is scratch and glare resistant, fully customizable, and an easy-to-use infographic menu system for setup preferences.

With potent brakes that employ Cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS, the KTM 890 SMT has an excellent safety profile. The bike can also be customized with heated grips and the chance to add Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) to the software package, ideal for better control in low grip situations and for fast downshifts.

Also, the QUICKSHIFTER+ and Cruise Control are optional and ready to go with a simple activation process, and good connectivity with the bike means full access to navigation possibilities.