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BMW Motorrad concludes GS Trophy Southeast Asian qualifier

BMW Motorrad recently hosted the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy Southeast Asia Qualifier 2015, which was basically an adventure motorcycle rally competition to select the representatives from Southeast Asia who will compete at the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2016 competition in Chiang Mai, Thailand next year.

Held over the weekend of October 30th through to November 1, 2015, the competition was also organised in conjunction with the BMW Motorrad Days Thailand 2015 motorcycle festival.

Judged by GS Trophy icon and organiser Tomm Wolf, the qualifying round tested riders on their riding skills and strategies to successfully complete a series of obstacles over a specially designed Enduro course.

All participants were required to complete a total of 20 exercices, which were divided into two sessions. While the first session had 11 exercises, the second session had a total of nine.

This year, six Malaysian competitors took part in the Southeast Asian Qualifier of the GS Trophy. They were Dr. Suhaimi Bin Said, Dato Hamzah Bin Mazlan, Eimran Ben Jettey, Mohd.Faizal Sukree, Khaizatul Akmar Binti Zabidin, and Mohd Aswade Bin Ali.

After completing all the challenges, Mohd.Faizal Sukree, who rode a BMW F650GS, emerged victorious with the highest amount of points, followed by Dr.Suhaimi Bin Said who was astride an R1200GS. Coming in at third was Dato Hamzah Bin Mazlan, who was also riding a BMW F650GS.

However, only the highest scoring participant, Mohd.Faizal will be representing Malaysia in the global BMW Motorrad GS Trophy next year in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Joining the Malaysian from this region will be Mr. Peerapat Woratham from Thailand, and Tommy Lee from Singapore among other participants from other nations.

According to BMW Motorrad, the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy next year will have 19 teams representing their countries including an all-women special team.

The International GS Trophy, which has been organized once every two years since 2008 – has seen BMW GS riders from numerous countries around the world come together to engage in sporting competition not just on a motorcycle but in a wide range of other disciplines as well.

Win a free roadtrip for you and a friend with Shell Advance

Shell Advance has initiated a new and exciting social media-based photo contest tailored specifically for Malaysian bikers called the Shell Advance #Advance2Langkawi contest. In this contest, entrants will stand a chance to win an all-expenses paid biking road trip of a lifetime for both themselves and one lucky friend.

The winner and the friend will get to ride their own bike with a free service including the change of lubricants to Shell Advance products and the change of the oil filter.

The destination is the exotic island of Langkawi with some stops along the way.

Accommodation is of course provided and fuel throughout the entire journey will be juiced by Shell.

To participate in the Shell Advance #Advance2Langkawi contest, all you need to do is submit the most creative photo of your most memorable biking moment onto your social media handles during the contest period – 23 October 2015 to 31 December 2015. Here are the steps:

Step 1:
Snap of photo of your most memorable road trip moment.
Step 2:
Post your photo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with a creative caption and tag it using the #Advance2Langkawi hashtag.
Step 3:
Remember to set your photo post privacy to “public” so contest judges can view it easily.

(Terms and Conditions applicable)

With these simple and easy steps, you might just win yourself the grand prize of an all-expenses paid biking roadtrip to Langkawi for you and a friend. The contest will reward just five winners for the grand prize so hurry and get your postings up.

Contest terms and regulations can be viewed via this link. Further information about the Shell Advance #Advance2Langkawi campaign and its other products and services are available via Shell’s official Malaysian website.

Video: Ducati teases mysterious new model

The annual EICMA show is happening later this month in just over two weeks, but this did not stop Ducati from releasing a new teaser video for one of its reported nine new models that will debut during the show. The dark and stylised video does not reveal much, but we can somewhat make out shape of the bike’s tank along with bits and pieces of its rear lights.

Despite the video’s dark silhouette masking, the visible tank shape has lead us to believe that this could be the rumoured belt-driven cruiser off-shoot of the brand’s Diavel supercruiser. Furthermore, the bike’s tagline of “This is style” suggest a non-performance edge with the product, and we assume it could be more of lifestyle bike if anything.

Nevertheless, we have no doubts that this is one of the nine new models the brand will reportedly showcase during the show. Amongst them are the new Monster 1200 R and the Diavel Carbon. Also rumoured to be part of this nine-model line-up are possibly two new Scrambler Ducati models.

EICMA 2015 opens its doors to the press later this month on November 17 and 18. However, Ducati will be hosting its on private premier on November 16. The brand will also the event online and you can the details here.

Sources: Ducati via Visordown and YouTube

Husqvarna 701 Enduro variant introduced

After much anticipation, Husqvarna has finally announced the addition of the 701 Enduro off-road variant to the 701 Supermoto model lineup.

All set to go on sale later this month, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro will be powered by the same 690cc single-cylinder engine in the supermoto version, which is capable of churning out a maximum output of 67hp.

Fitted with a 13-litre fuel tank, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro also comes with a chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame. As much as the damping department is concerned, there are the WP 4CS forks fitted in front, and WP shocks at the rear; both providing 275mm of travel.

A 21-inch front wheel and 18 inch rear wheel replace the 17 inch items on the 701 Supermoto, with Continental TKC80s providing the grip off road.

It is said that the bike will also feature a dual-spark ignition system, ride-by-wire with different riding modes, ABS system, the ATSC slipper clutch, and use a SOHC setup.

Expected to weigh between 140 to 150kg, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro, which is basically a rebadged KTM 690 Enduro R, is set to go on sale in Europe later this month.

Yamaha PES2 and PED2 concept EVs

As part of the brand’s technological tour-de-force in the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the Yamaha PES2 and PED2 concept bikes stand as the Japanese brand’s vision of zero-emissions two-wheeling, with Yamaha further promising its arrival into its line up sometime in the future.

Yamaha PES2 concept
As an evolutionary successor of the PES1 concept from 2013, the Yamaha PES2 concept looks more production ready than the bike it replaces. Underneath, the electric bike is powered using the Yamaha Smart Power Module unit, which is a removable battery pack that doubles as a structural element of the motorcycle frame, thus granting the PES2 with a monocoque frame design.

Interestingly, the PES2 concept also features a hub motor in its front wheel, effectively making it s 2WD electric bike. With that, Yamaha states that the PES2 concept was designed to new performance boundaries and experience levels too. Another innovative feature is the PES2’s unique single-sided front fork-leg suspension setup.

Yamaha PED2 concept
Evolving from the PED1 concept, the PED2 concept stands as the Yamaha brand’s take of an electric-powered fun dirt machine for the future. Like the PES2, the PED2 concept looks more production ready than the PED1 ever was, with Yamaha envisioning it to have as much power as a regular petrol-fuelled 125cc- or 500cc-sized dirtbike.

Tipping the scales below 100kg, the featherweight concept utilises the same Yamaha Smart Power Module unit as the PES2, resulting in its adoption of a monocoque frame design yet again.

When exactly will we see production versions of either concept? Well, Yamaha has already planned to introduce an electric-powered model as early as 2016, so we could perhaps see either by then.

Sources: MCN and Asphaltandrubber ( Link 1 / Link 2 )

Suzuki shows off turbocharged engine

Having shown us the Recursion concept during the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki’s intent at bringing forced induction into bikes is very clear indeed. Fuelling the flame further are rumours of said concept being finalised for production in the last few months, followed by the fact that the mighty S-brand’s move towards trademarking the ‘Recursion’ name and filing patents for designs surrounding the bike’s unique powerplant.

Well, at the on-going 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, it appears that Suzuki are indeed one step closer towards making the Recursion a production reality. At the heart of Suzuki’s stand was this, a compact and turbocharged two-cylinder engine called the EX7, presumably made for Recursion.

Other than the fact that it has twin camshafts (DOHC) and four valves, Suzuki did not say much about this turbocharged and intercooled parallel twin. It is presumed that the mill displaces about 588cc, which was the quoted engine size of the Recursion concept. The concept also envisioned the mill to generate just over 100hp and at least 101Nm of torque too – not bad for its size.

There is still no sight of the Recursion concept’s production version during the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, which likely suggest that we will only see it next year or early in 2017. However, we are led to believe that Suzuki could surprise all with a reveal in this year’s edition of EICMA that will take place in just several weeks time in Milan, Italy.

Sources: Asphaltandrubber and Visordown

Kawasaki Z125 breaks cover

Kawasaki has discreetly released a promo video, some details and also a few official images of its newest model – the Z125.

Expected to be offered in two variants (Kawasaki Z125 automatic and the Kawasaki Z125 Pro with clutch), both models are powered by Kawasaki’s 125cc four-stroke single cylinder engine.

Kawasaki has announced that the bike will also come with a 24mm throttle body along with upside down forks, petal brake discs (200mm front, 184mm rear) and 12-inch wheels, while the claimed kerb weight stands at only 101kg. while its overall length is 1,700mm and the seat height is 780mm.

As much as the design is concerned, Kawasaki has given the Z125 an aggressive sense of styling, inspired by the other Z models in the stable.

It is said that the Kawasaki Z125 will be available in three colours – ‘Candy Lime Green’, ‘Metallic Graphite Gray’ and ‘Candy Burnt Orange’.

Yamaha MWT-9 concept: The Yamaha MT-09 trike

Meet the Yamaha LMW – MWT – 9 concept, or just the Yamaha MWT-9 concept in short. Unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the concept shows off how the successful Yamaha MT-09 naked would look like if it were to become a leaning-multi-wheel (LMW) or trike.

A closer inspection reveals that this is not just merely an oversized rendition of the Yamaha Tricity three-wheeled scooter revealed not too long ago. Underneath, the concept carries over much of the MT-09 naked’s mechanicals from the tank forwards, including the 847cc triple-cylinder engine.

Besides a radical new face, Yamaha has indeed taken the Tricity’s intricate front suspension, but the layout has been altered in the MWT-9 whereby the forks now stand on the outside of the wheels instead, presumably for greater stability and rigidity through turns. Crucially though, this setup varies drastically against that found in the Piaggio MP3 three-wheeled maxi scooter.

It goes without saying that we are fully behind the idea of putting such a beastly-looking thing into production. Well, what are you waiting for Yamaha?

Sources: Asphaltandrubber, Visordown and MCN

Top 10: Bikes for the ladies

Gone are the days when women were perceived to be the weaker sex. Today, they are capable of doing whatever men can, and that includes suiting up and riding a high-powered motorcycle for hundreds of kilometers.

In fact, we have not one or two, but thousands of female riders already, including normal riders, racers, and even stunt riders!

That said, if you are one of the female riders who has just obtained your license, looking for the right bike to begin your journey, you have come to the right place as we have compiled a top 10 bikes which we feel, are best suited for you.

1) Kawasaki ER-6N

Like we mentioned before in one of our Top 10 compilations, this is without a doubt, among the best beginners’ bikes as it is what is being used in most of our driving schools. Despite being powerful, it is not too wild, and remains as one of the most comfortable middleweights out there in the market.

2) KTM Duke 390

Ideal for small-sized individuals, this lightweight naked would appeal to most female riders. Besides that, it is also very sporty, and proves to be an excellent platform for those who are upgrading from a smaller bike. Where the Duke 390 really stands out is in the city, as it is very agile and punchy.

3) Ducati Monster 795

If you’re a beginner and you want something more exotic, the Ducati Monster 795 is a dream come true for you. While other models from the brand might be more suitable for veterans, the Monster, which is smaller, stylish, yet still powerful, is ideal for Asian women. In fact, this model is among the most popular choice among female riders in Malaysia.

4) Yamaha XJ6

It looks good, it is not too small or too big, it is affordable, and most importantly, the XJ6 is a very smooth and comfortable bike that is ideal for you to get used to long distance riding.

5) Honda CBR250R

The CBR250R is among the best starter bikes in the market in our opinion. Ideal for both city-dwelling and long distance riding, the baby CBR is suitable for both beginners and slightly more experienced riders.

6)Yamaha YZF-R25

The R25’s biggest strength is that it is nimble and offers easy-to- use daily riding experience, while being sporty. Its asymmetric swing arm is strong and solid for a stable ride. Complementing the stable ride is the Monocross Twin-tube rear suspension that provides good handling during cornering.

7) Kawasaki Z250SL

Powered by a 4-stroke Single mounted in an original trellis frame, the newest Ninja offers sporty fun in a slim, lightweight and compact package. With competitive performance, quick, nimble handling, and aggressive ergonomics, it is a lighter, ideal platform to learn the basics of riding larger bikes.

8) Harley-Davidson Sportster 883

Among all of Harley-Davidson’s Sportster 883 motorcycles currently available, the Iron is the newest, debuting in 2009. It has the smaller “peanut” style fuel tank so it holds less fuel than the SuperLow. Its styling is edgier than the traditionally styled SuperLow with drag style handlebars, a chopped rear fender, and blacked out accents. The Iron gets beginners going with attitude! In 2015,upgrades were made to the Sportsers including new brakes, an ABS option and of course, new colors.

9) Kawasaki Vulcan S

If cruisers are what you have in mind, and Harley-Davidsons are too expensive, Kawasaki has a perfect candidate for you. Priced under RM30,000, the Vulcan S, which is Kawasaki’s most recent offerings, provides a super low riding position, a smooth 650cc engine, and most importantly, an option to custom fit the handlebars and the foot pegs based on your height.

10) Scrambler Ducati

Ducati’s smartly styled bike that correctly reinterprets the spirit of the 1960s, was built with no room for complicated technology, such as ride-by-wire throttle or a hydraulic clutch. The bike is aimed at people who are looking for a bike that’s not just easy handling, comfortable and accessible, but one’s that’s also as fashionable as the original.

2016 Triumph Bonneville launched

After much anticipation, the all-new 2016 Triumph Bonneville has been officially unveiled to the world by the manufacturer.

As expected, the bike is offered in three guises, each with a different liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. Firstly, there’s the entry-level 900cc Street Twin; the 1200cc T120, and the top-of-the-range Thruxton, According to Triumph, each variant of the new Bonneville has a different chassis design and distinct engine, and none shares a single component with the existing Bonneville. It is said that the new liquid-cooled engine offers 36 per cent better fuel-economy than the old one.

The company also revealed the T120 Black, which is basically the Triumph Bonneville T120 with different styling detail, and a Thruxton R, which is a Thruxton which comes with Brembo monobloc brake calipers, Showa big piston forks, Öhlins rear suspension and Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa Tyres.

For your information, the Thruxton R was the bike that was featured in David Beckham’s recent short film titled “Outlaw”.

It is said that the new Bonevilles’ electronic systems have been updated as well, with features like the ride-by-wire throttle, ABS, slip-assist clutch, traction control, LED lights, immobiliser, a chipped ignition key, and a USB charging socket being offered as standard.

While the T120 comes with two riding modes (road and rain), the Thruxton has a third ‘sport’ mode, which promises a ‘more immediate throttle response’. T120 and T120 Black also come with heated grips as standard.

Standard equipment aside, options for the the Street Twin include a Scrambler kit, Vance & Hines exhaust, brushed aluminium components, and brown ribbed ‘bench’ seat; a ‘Brat Tracker’ kit including Vance & Hines slip-on cans, rear mudguard removal kit and a brown bench seat; and an ‘Urban’ kit, including a fly-screen, single leather pannier and Vance & Hines slip-ons.

For the T120 and T120 Black there’s a ‘Prestige’ kit including Vance & Hines peashooter slip-ons, a ribbed and stitched black seat and chrome clutch cover.

For the Thruxton and Thruxton R there’s a ‘Track Racer’ kit, including a cockpit fairing, clip-on bars and leather tank strap; and a ‘Café Racer’ kit, including a fly-screen, rubber knee pads and clip-ons.

Exclusively for the Thruxton R there’s an additional ‘Performance race’ kit which is ‘specifically designed and developed for competition use and closed circuit racing’. Details have not been confirmed but Triumph’s press release says: ‘The Factory Race kit will take the standard engine performance to an even higher level, with more power, torque and lower overall weight.’

2016 Honda NC750X and Honda CB500X unveiled

The mighty red wing marque that is Honda has finally taken the wraps off its two updated-for-2016 adventure sport models. Meet the 2016 Honda NC750X and Honda CB500X twins. Both models were unveiled online ahead of their slated public debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.

Here are the details we’ve managed to garner as of now.

2016 Honda NC750X

Compared to its previous iteration, the 2016 model sees the NC750X gaining with a facelift. It now looks more rugged and adventurous than before, but we’ll agree if you think the facelift is rather ‘mild’.

Complementing the aesthetic revisions are other updates such as LED lights front and aft, followed by a taller windscreen for increased wind protection, a pair of new Showa ‘dual-bending valve’ forks, as well as increased helmet storage space.

Furthermore, variants primed with Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) have gained with additional riding modes for riders to select too.

2016 Honda CB500X

Unveiled alongside its revised big brother is the revised 2016 Honda CB500X. The second of the CB500 range to undergo an update after the CBR500R, exterior changes are once again mild in this mid-sized adventure-sport.

Underneath, revisions here include a 100mm-taller windscreen, LED lighting front and aft, a revised front suspension set with pre-load adjustability and new colour schemes too.

2016 Honda NC750X

2016 Honda CB500X

Sources: Visordown ( Link 1 / Link 2 ) and Moto.it ( Link 1 / Link 2 )

New Scrambler Ducati model possibly teased

If you’ve been religiously tracking the development at Ducati this year leading up to EICMA 2015, you’d already know that the brand is set to release up to nine new models during the annual two-wheeled exhibition.

We’ve already seen a few of them, those being the new Monster 1200 R and the Diavel Carbon.

Leaked emissions application documents in the US have also revealed that the two will be accompanied by the revamped Hypermotard trio (Hypermotard, Hypermotard SP and Hyperstrada) as well as an upgrade of the 899 Panigale called the ‘959 Panigale’. If spyshots from earlier this year are to be believed, we could also see a slowed-down, belt-driven ‘cruiser’ version of the Diavel as well.

Do the math and you’d know we’re missing just a few more from that magical number of nine.Well, a recent and very cryptic teaser released on the Scrambler Ducati sub-brand’s Facebook page has perhaps shed some light into this. Whilst the comic strip introducing two new characters named Bart and Betty seems innocent enough, we are likely led to believe that we could see two more versions of the Scrambler Ducati debuting later this year.

Fuelling this further is the fact that rumours of an even smaller displacement Scrambler Ducati model have been around since last year. Details are very scarce, but rumours suggest that the ‘baby’ Scrambler will adopt an engine smaller than the current 803cc found in the Scrambler, and will either be a V-twin or perhaps a single-cylinder should Ducati decide to re-introduce the latter original engine type into the Scrambler range.

Details beyond this point remain rather scarce, but we are excited nonetheless. This year’s edition of the annual EICMA show in Milan, Italy is set to open its doors for the press on November 17 and November 18. Expect more details by then.

Sources: Scrambler Ducati Facebook, Asphaltandrubber and Visordown