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BMW STUNS EICMA WITH NEW MODELS

EICMA is the world’s biggest motorcycle show and BMW took the opportunity to show off its latest range of custom bikes, cruisers, tourers and even a brand spanking new, hot out of the oven, first sub-500cc motorcycle.

By the way things are looking for the German brand, 2016 is going to be another tremendous year for BMW. We break down the brand’s latest models below:

BMW R nineT Scrambler

Beautiful from all angles, the new BMW Scrambler takes the fight directly to Ducati and Triumph with its old school design and new technologies. Featuring the same air-cooled boxer engine and a host of custom upgrades, even owners of current R nineT’s are able to customise their bikes to a Scrambler.

Click here to see what BMW has done with its Scrambler

BMW G310R

BMW’s first sub-500cc motorcycle is a good looking monster, and yes the guy’s facial expression in the picture above is justified. The medium sized 300cc bike is the ideal starter bike for just about anyone with all the right touches from BMW. It does not have too much or too little of anything, and we reckon that it is only a matter of time before BMW introduces in Malaysia. As for the price? BMW Malaysia has not given any indication, but we reckon sub-RM50,000 sounds about right to completely take the fight to the competition like the Ducati Monster 821, the KTM Duke 690 and others like the Kawasaki Z800. What makes it so great? Click here to find out.

Updated BMW C650 Sport and C650 GT Scooters

BMW’s range of maxi scooters have been hugely popular, but in Malaysia they have been somewhat reserved for the rich with a price tag of above RM60,000. They still have a good following and the trend is set to continue with updates to its engine, gearbox and overall design. We dissect the internals to see what’s new here.

Refreshed BMW F700GS and F800GS

The F700GS and F800GS are the entry level models to BMW’s hugely successful GS range, and though the updates to the new bikes may not seem like much, they are enough to ensure that the competition has a tough time in 2016. Check out what’s new here.

BMW UPDATES C650 SPORT & GT SCOOTERS

BMW’s range of scooters have been due for an upgrade for a while now.

Well the upgrades have happened and the latest range were unveiled at EICMA.

The new C650 Sport and the C650 GT feature extensively modified drivetrains, better suspension settings and a completely revised design for the C650 Sport.

Still powered by the twin-cylinder in-line 647cc engine, both models feature 60hp at 7500hp and 63Nm of torque at 6000rpm. A less powerful variant with 48hp and 54Nm has also been introduced.

Both models also feature a new CVT transmission with new clutch linings that enable optimised clutch engagement for better acceleration. This was done by changing the transmission ratio as well as by fine-tuning the centrifugal force weights.

Despite the updates to the powertrains, both models retain the same suspension construction. Both models continue to use the torsionally stiff hybrid composite structure consisting of a tubular steel bridge frame and a die-cast aluminium unit in the area of the swinging arm bearing. Also retained is the 115 millimetres spring travel which was deemed comfortable enough and a perfect compromise between sporty flair and comfort.

BMW has also ensured that both scooters adhere to its ‘Safety 360’ principle with the optimum design of the brake system in conjunction with the standard BMW Motored ABS Bosch 9.1 MB ensures the very highest level of active riding safety. Also standard now is the Automatic Stability Control (ASC).

A world first feature for two-wheel vehicles have been included for both bikes with the first motorcycle rider assistance system called the Side View Assist (SVA). This new option for the C650 GT supports the rider when changing lanes by monitoring the blind spot.

Other updates include new instrument dials, new handlebar trim, revised kinematics of the centre stand, and the automatic daytime riding light, as well as three new pain jobs that include Valencia Orange metallic matt, Lightwhite non-metallic and Blackstorm metallic.

An overview of the new features in the C 650 Sport and C 650 GT:

New CVT set-up in conjunction with revised clutch linings for more dynamic clutch engagement and a more spontaneous set-off response.
New suspension and damping set-up for an ideal compromise between
sport and comfort.
In addition to ABS, now also ASC as standard for maximum safety when
accelerating.
Completely new, dynamic design for the C 650 Sport.
Detailed stylistic fine-tuning for the C 650 GT.
New silencer for a fuller sound and more dynamic appearance.
New instrument dial design.
New handlebar trim elements with chrome applications.
New, higher-quality surfaces (graining effects).
Automatic daytime riding light.
Revised kinematics of the centre stand for easier use.
New rider assistance system Side View Assist (SVA) for the C 650 GT.
New paint finishes for the C 650 Sport: Valencia Orange metallic matt, Lightwhite non-metallic and Blackstorm metallic.
New paint finishes for the C 650 GT: Blackstorm metallic, Frozen Bronze metallic and Lightwhite non-metallic.

BMW UPDATES F700GS AND F800GS

The BMW F700GS and F800GS have been hugely popular around the world. As perfect as they already are, updates to both bikes have been kept to the minimum.

The fuel tank features a new design while a newly configured ignition lock cover has also been added. The updates further include new metallic appearance with “elaborately electroplated elements” applied to the knee covers of the F700GS and the radiator cover of the F800GS along with a partially engraved and newly configured model inscription.

There are also new two-colour seats with five possible seat heights for both models. For those with shorter legs, there are four low seats and lowered suspension.

An overview of highlights in the new F 700 GS and F 800 GS:

New, emotional design with electroplated elements.
New F 700 GS paint finish and style variants:  Light white non-metallic, Sakhir orange metallic, Mineral grey metallic.
New F 800 GS paint finish and style variants:  Light white non-metallic, Black storm metallic, Racing blue metallic matt.
Five possible seat heights for each model with four seats and optional  lowered suspension (ex works option).

BMW F700GS dedicated gallery

BMW F800GS dedicated gallery

NEW BMW G310R SET FOR WORLD DOMINATION

This is probably the most important bike from BMW Motorrad in recent years.

It could mark the brand’s raise to global domination as the single-cylinder bike is officially the smallest and most affordable bike in the Motorrad range.

As BMW so correctly described it – it has neither too little nor too much of anything. Pragmatic in every sense of the word, the G310R offers precisely what is needed for performance and comfort both in town and on the highway.

Conceived entirely from scratch, BMW says the G310R is designed specifically for the world market and is able to run on the most diverse fuel qualities. Typically BMW in its design with a hulking fuel tank, chiselled character lines, the BMW G310R has an unmistakeable visual kinship with its family members. The small headlamp is a nod to the new R models but the overall size of the bike is like no other BMW before it. In fact it feels more like one of the smaller Kawasaki models, but that is not a bad thing.

The real centrepiece of the new BMW G310R however is the all-new 313cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with four valves and two overhead camshafts together with electronic fuel injection. The 313cc capacity results from a bore of 80 millimetres and a stroke of 62.1 millimetres.

To state the press release word for word, “the striking feature of the engine is its backward-tilted cylinder in open-deck design with the cylinder head turned by 180 degrees, making it possible to possible to position the intake tract at the front, viewed in the direction of travel. With an output of 34hp at 9500rpm and a maximum torque of 28Nm at 7500rpm, the engine of the new BMW G310R is a very dynamic partner in conjunction with the low unladen weight of 158.5 kilograms according to DIN.”

Though we are yet to ride it, a quick sit about revealed a relaxed sitting position. The switches and controls are typically BMW in the design, build and ease of operation. The BMW G310R is compact and yet taller riders will not feel too cramped.

The frame consists of a rigid tubular steel frame, upside-down fork and a long swinging arm for stability, precise steering response and sound handling.

The suspension consists of a torsionally stiff, highly robust tubular steel frame in grid structure with bolt-on rear frame. The front suspension is a upside-down fork while the rear is an aluminium swinging arm in conjunction with a spring strut that is mounted directly on it.

As for the brakes, ABS is fitted as standard with a powerful 2-channel ABS system. The front is handled by a single-disc brake with radially bolted 4-piston fixed caliber and a brake disc diameter of 300 millimetres. The rear features a 2-piston floating caliber with a 240-millimetre brake disc.

Right ahead of the rider is a large liquid crystal display that is designed to be clear under the sun, and not blinding at night.

The highlights of the new BMW G310R:

Innovative liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with two overhead camshafts, backward-tilted cylinder and intake tract positioned at the front.
Output 25 kW (34 hp) at 9 500 rpm and a maximum torque of 28 Nm at 7 500 rpm.
Rigid tubular steel frame, upside-down fork and long swinging arm for a high degree of ride stability, precise steering response and sound handling.
Tyres 110/70 R 17 at front and 150/60 R 17 at rear.
High-performance brake system and ABS as standard.
Sophisticated ergonomics and multifunctional instrument cluster.
Low seat height of just 785 millimetres.
Dynamic roadster design with echoes of the S 1000 R.
Developed in Munich by BMW Motorrad – produced in India by  cooperation partner TVS Motor Company.
Individually tailored optional accessories in the familiar high quality typical  of BMW Motorrad.

BMW SCRAMBLER TAKES THE FIGHT TO DUCATI

BMW Motorrad had one of the biggest stands at the world’s biggest motorcycle show, and for good reason too.

All eyes were on the German bike builder as it unveiled some of the most important bikes in its range but one stole the show, the R nineT Scrambler.

Another one for those who like a little ‘retroness’ to their bikes, the new R nineT Scrambler is based on, you guessed it, the R nineT.

Ducati may have been first to revive the Scrambler design and name, but BMW also has a strong history rooted in the Scrambler concept. It goes back as far as 1951 with the BMW R68 with the typical raised 2-in-1 exhaust. The R68 is a highly valuable post-war BMW Motored classic.

The new BMW Scrambler features a classic air-cooled, flat-twin boxer, 117cc engine which delivers an output of 110hp at 7750rpm and 116Nm of torque at 6000rpm.

The BMW Scrambler is a highly customisable bike and resourceful owners of the R nineT can also transform their bike into a scrambler. The most important part of the BMW Scrambler however are the raised exhausts with two vertically arranged rear silencers fitted closer to the body to reiterate the slim presence of the bike.

The frame plays a key role as far as customisation goes. The boxer engine of the BMW Scrambler works as a load-bearing element and consists of a front section with integrated steering head and a rear section with swinging arm mount. The rear passenger frame can of course be dismounted, thereby allowing the BMW Scrambler to be ridden one or two up.

As for the suspension, the front is in the form of a telescopic fork with rubber gaiters and a spring travel of 125 millimetres. Rear wheel suspension is taken care of by a Paralever single-sided swinging arm as used in other boxer models. Suspension and damping at the rear is carried out via a central spring strut with a spring travel of 140 millimetres.

Highlights of the new BMW R nineT Scrambler:

Purist design.
Classic colour concept.
Stitched seat in patinised leather look.
Workmanship with great attention to detail.
Air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder boxer engine with a capacity of 1 170 cc. Output  81 kW (110 hp) at 7 750 rpm, maximum torque of 116 Nm at 6 000 rpm.
Designed to be customised.
Modular frame concept with removable passenger frame offering a range  of variations.
Classic wheel suspension by means of telescopic fork at front and  Paralever at rear.
Large 19-inch front wheel as is typical of a Scrambler.
Upright seating position in classic Scrambler style.
Raised exhaust fitted close to the body with twin silencer.
Axially mounted 4-piston brake calipers, steel-wrapped brake lines,  320-millimetre brake discs and ABS.
Individually tailored special accessories in the familiar high quality typical  of BMW Motorrad.

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).