Khairul Idham Pawi (Honda Team Asia) debuted in Moto3™ World Championship after getting a wildcard seat for Aragon GP. (more…)
Popular motoring media Auto Express answered the age old question on which is faster, bike or car? But they did it with a twist, by pitting the latest Honda Civic Type R against the fire breathing Honda CBR1000RR.
Both are piloted by experienced racers, but since the bike has a gigantic power to weight ratio, the car is given a 10 second lead. So who wins? (more…)
The much anticipated 2016 Ducati Diavel Carbon has been finally revealed by the Italian manufacturer, with a series of cosmetic as well as technical updates.
As far as the cosmetics updates are concerned, the bike now features a new Asphalt Grey paint with a generous dose of carbon fibre, as well as red stripes, and a dark chrome frame.
Also new are exhaust manifolds with Zircotec ceramic coating, brushed-effect stainless steel silencer covers, and a redesigned seat with new trim.
The new Carbon version aside, it is said there will also be a Dark Stealth version, featuring a matte black tank, black frame, and also wheels.
Yet to be unveiled officially, notable features on the 2016 Diavel Carbon include:
When national motorcycle manufacturer Modenas unveiled the Kriss 110cc underbone in December 1996, it was off to a good start, becoming one of the most popular four-stroke ‘Kapcai’ motorcycles in a few years. In fact, the model held almost 50 per cent of the market share by the year 2001.
Believe it or not, a total of 99,800 units were sold the year it made its debut itself, thanks to factors like its affordability, reliability, spare parts availability, and also good performance. It’s design was also not too bad for its time.
However, after the Kriss was discontinued, things were not looking very promising for Modenas. Almost every model that succeeded the Kriss, including the Kriss SG, Kristar, and the CT Series were unable to replicate the level of success the Kriss achieved.
According to the guys at Modenas’ product planning department, the Kriss’ successors were struggling purely due to the design which was rather traditional. As newer models with scooter-inspired styling cues became all the rage as time went on, younger buyers were going for rivals that looked simply more futuristic.
It was not that Modenas bikes were unreliable or they were lacking in the performance department. They were just lacking the visual appeal to attract young bike owners, who make up a majority of the moped market in Malaysia. Realising the change in market trend, the brand introduced the Ace 115 in 2012, which is doing quite well in the market at the moment.
In an effort to keep the momentum going, Modenas has unleashed the CT 115S which will be replacing the CT 100 and CT 110, and we were lucky enough to get our hands on the new model two days after it was unveiled.
Targeted towards riders aged between 16 and 35 years old, the Modenas CT115S is powered by a 115cc four-stroke, carburetor engine which produces a maximum output of 8.8hp at 9,000rpm and 8.1Nm of peak torque at 5,000rpm. The engine is paired with a four-speed transmission.
Fitted with a 4.8-litre fuel tank, the Modenas CT 115S also comes with a few notable features such as a five-step adjustable Monoshock suspension, a 12V electrical charging socket under the seat for owners to charge devices like smart phones (first in class) , a trailing rear swing arm, front disc brake, and an electric starter.
As much as the design of the bike is concerned, Modenas has nailed it with the CT 115S. Built from scratch at the Modenas’ plant in Gurun, Kedah, the CT 115S is basically the sportier variant of the CT range, featuring an improved, more aerodynamic design than the CT 100, which was launched two years ago. Featuring a sharp, bold and modern design, the CT 115S is arguably the best looking Modenas to roll out of the factory to date. Available in two colours, the bike looked good from any angle we looked at it.
In terms of riding experience, the 115cc engine powering the bike did a good job in delivering power seamlessly, and churned out decent amount of torque. Throughout our stint at the Elite Speedway, never once did the bike showed signs of struggling, even while being ridden by lanky riders. Complementing the smooth engine was the smooth gear-shifting, which added to an enjoyable riding experience.
Handling wise, the CT 115S was very agile, allowing us to change directions and manoeuvre it as we wished without breaking a sweat. Even in terms of build quality, Modenas has done a good job as it didn’t feel cheap, and had no unnecessary vibration while riding.
As nice as the CT 115S was, there are a couple of things which could have been better in our opinion. Firstly, the bike’s seat is ideal only for small and medium sized riders. If it was slightly wider, it would be nice for big sized individuals. Besides that, the handlebars could have been positioned slightly higher as well, in order to appeal to taller riders. These minor hiccups aside, things were fine and dandy with the CT 115S.
Overall, the CT 115S is a testament to the fact that Modenas is serious about what they are doing, and shows that a lot of thought and effort has gone into the bike. For a product that is 100 per cent Malaysian, it is definitely up there among the Japanese. Besides that, the fact that it costs slightly more than RM5,000 makes it a very attractive proposition, compared to some of its rivals that ask for at least a couple of thousand Ringgits more.
Specifications
Engine: Four-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder
Transmission: Four-speed
Max power: 8.8hp at 9,000rpm
Max torque: 8.1Nm at 5,000rpm
Fuel system: carburetor
Ignition: Kick-start and electric starter
Cooling system: Air-cooled
Length: 1970mm
Width: 725mm
Height: 1084mm
Seat height: 750mm
Dry weight: 99kg
Fuel tank capacity: 4.8-litres
Price: Below RM4,998 (excluding insurance and road tax)
Victory Motorcycles has announced its 2016 product range. According to the company, there will not be any new model, but only existing models with subtle design updates and new colours.
The biggest highlights of the 2016 Victory Motorcycles lineup are the Vegas 8-Ball and the Vegas, where each model will feature an improved round headlight and colour-matched frames. Victory has also upgraded the wheels for each model, with lighter and stronger cast aluminium ‘Falchion’ rims. A new, sleeker headlight further slims the profile. The Vegas 8-Ball comes in Gloss Black and the Vegas is only on sale in Sunset Red.
As for the Gunner, things remain pretty much the same, except the addition of two new colours – Suede Titanium Metallic and Suede Sagebrush Green Metallic.
The Judge on the other hand, will also come in a new colour next year– Sunset Red with Black Rally Stripes.
And then, there is the Magnum, which has had the biggest makeover in the range with new paint-schemes that have stripes running from the fairing to the tail.
The Magnum will come in three colour options with two of these completely new for 2016. The two new schemes are Black Crystal over Havasu Red and Suede Pearl White with Black. The third colour is Black Crystal over Super Steel Grey.
The Cross County Tour, which carries a whopping 156 litres of gear atop a versatile cast-aluminium chassis, also gets two new colours for 2016 – Gloss Black or Gloss Pearl White over Super Steel Grey. The highlight about this bike is that it can be ridden two-up with fully loaded bags, and also be stripped down for a solo ride by removing the quick-detach rear trunk.
Last but not the least, the Vision’s modern design broke the mould for American touring models immediately on its release. The bold and flowing design wraps the rider in unparalleled comfort.
The aerodynamic bodywork and frame-mounted fairing featuring a power windshield gives the rider a smooth pocket no matter what speed they ride. And the cast aluminium chassis carves through corners and smoothens out highways no matter how long the trip. This year the Vision is available in Gloss Black.
Harith Farhan Baharin romped to his sixth straight victory to clinch the 2015 WIRA title before the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship organizers cancelled the CP130 and CP115 race due to a thunderstorm that threaten the public’s safety at Teluk Intan, Perak on Sunday. (more…)
An enthusiastic Ahmad Afif Amran is off to a rapid start, topping the CP130 opening practice for Round 7 of the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship in Teluk Intan, Perak on Saturday. (more…)
Initiated in 2012, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is a global initiative where men dress up dapper and ride their bikes (mostly cafe racers and bobbers) in groups to raise awareness and help fund the cure of prostate cancer.
Gaining more popularity and support by the year, this year’s ride is just around the corner, scheduled to take place on the 27th of September. As for the Malaysian DGR, riders are expected to start gathering as early as 7.00 am at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Sungai Besi, and roll-out at 9.00 am.
The convoy is expected to make its first stop at The Garage KL in Ampang, followed by Istana Negara at Jalan Duta, and finish at the Pavillion, Jalan Bukit Bintang at 2.00 pm.
At least 500 participants are expected to take part in this year’s DGRKL convoy, with stronger presence from female riders and celebrities, namely Altimet, Noh Hujan, Wak Doyok, Fauziah Latiff, former national football player Asmawi Bakiri and many others.
Organised by avid Cafe Racer enthusiast and architect, Kamarul Azahar bin Azman, Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Kuala Lumpur 2015 has already received sponsorship from Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd (Triumph Malaysia), and Dato Razak Al Malique, the owner of Triumph Malaysia company said that he will be one of the riders on that day as well.
