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MODENAS To Introduce A Rebadge Versys 650 In 2023

MODENAS and Kawasaki are set to get things rolling for 2022, beginning with the Ninja 250 ABS and Z250 ABS.

rebadged MODENAS Ninja 250 ABS and Z250 ABS to reach dealership by end of July 2022.
MODENAS Vulcan S 650 will launch later this year.

The Ninja 250 ABS and Z250 ABS are among the models set to be rebadged by MODENAS as part of a new partnership with the Japanese manufacturer, Kawasaki.

The agreement will also witness MODENAS assemble between 250cc and 650cc Kawasaki motorcycles, including the Vulcan S 650, Ninja 650 and Z650.

While MODENAS will launch the Vulcan S later this year, the Malaysian motorcycle manufacturer has confirmed that the Versys 650 will follow suit in 2023.

The Versys 650 has been among the most popular sport-touring motorcycles since its introduction in 2006.

The Versys 650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin 4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that makes 65.7hp @ 8,500rpm and 60Nm @ 7,000rpm.

Recently refined to meet the Euro 5 emission standards, Kawasaki updated the new Versys 650 with Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) and a 4.3-inch full-colour TFT display.

The display can also be paired to a compatible smartphone device and the Kawasaki Rideology app, which allows riders to access instrument functions.

Other updated features include a full LED light setup, new graphics, revised styling (in line with its larger Versys 1000 cousin) and a new four-way adjustable windshield.

Limited-Run Indian FTR Stealth Gray Lands In Europe

While waiting for Indian Motorcycles to officially announces the brand’s arrival in Malaysia, the American motorcycle company has introduced the 2023 Indian FTR Stealth Gray Special Edition in Europe.

The European continent will only receive 150 units.
Features special trendy grey with fluorescent red FTR badge.

The 2023 Indian FTR Stealth Gray is a European-exclusive model with a special livery that combines a trendy grey base colour with a red FTR badge across the tank.

According to the American company, the FTR Stealth Grey is limited to 150 units and built specifically for the European markets.

“This factory exclusive, designed by our internationally staffed design teams, takes the FTR’s American heritage and iconic silhouette and combines its dynamic performance with understated, under the radar, styling,” said Indian Motorcycle’s International Vice President Grant Bester.

Despite the exclusive colour and graphics, the FTR Stealth Gray is a repackaged FTR R Carbon and features the same 1,203cc V-Twin liquid-cooled engine that makes 123hp and 120Nm.

Power is delivered to the rear-wheel via slip and assists clutch equipped six-speed gearbox with final chain drive.

Other exclusive features include:

A 4.3-inch TFT touchscreen capable display.
Akrapovic exhaust.
Three riding modes.
Wheelie control.
Cornering ABS, stability control.
Traction control and cruise control.

Meanwhile, braking is done by radial-mounted Brembo four-piston callipers at the front and a single two-piston calliper at the rear. Suspension is fully adjustable with 43mm front forks.

Yamaha To Compete At The 2022 Italian Hill Climb With The Three-Wheeled Niken

Yamaha is set to put the Niken to a proper test as the Japanese motorcycle maker will compete at the 2022 Italian Hill Climb Championship.

The race-prepped Niken is set to take on the hills in Italy.
Four-time Italian Superbike vice-champion Luca Salvadori to pilot the Niken at Spoleto round.

Despite looking reluctant to update the three-wheeled Niken with the latest 890cc CP3 engine introduced on the new MT-09, Tracer 9 GT, and XSR900, Yamaha is determined that a tilting trike is relevant to compete at an international level moreover a hill climb event.

Moreover, Yamaha is confident that the company’s Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) technology yields an extra grip while at lean and under braking, making it the perfect weapon to take on corners at the championship.

Thanks to the Niken’s doubled inverted forks, Ackermann dual-axle steering mechanism, and cantilever suspension system; the motorcycle can achieve a 45-degree lean angle.

Nevertheless, Yamaha will equip the Niken with Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) accessories to enhance the motorcycle’s performance.

Meanwhile, four-time Italian Superbike vice-champion Luca Salvadori will take the race-prepped Niken in the Spoleto round on July 17.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R To Land In Malaysia Next Year – MODENAS

The highly anticipated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R will land in Malaysia next year.

the ZX-25R will finally hit Malaysia’s shores soon.
powered by a 249.8cc 4-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, the ZX-25R makes 50hp and 22.9Nm.

Two years since the official launch of the Ninja ZX-25R in Indonesia, the quarter-liter screamer will finally make its way to Malaysia.

According to the newly appointed Kawasaki distributor in Malaysia, MODENAS, the Ninja ZX-25R will land in Malaysia within the first half of 2023.

The information was conveyed to us by MODENAS Chief Executive Officer Roslan Roskan, during the recent visit to the MODENAS factory in Gurun, Kedah.

However, Roslan admitted that MODENAS and Kawasaki are still yet to determine whether to bring in the motorcycle as a CKD or CBU unit.

Nevertheless, it is the news everyone has been waiting for ever since the Ninja ZX-25R appeared in Indonesia.

During the global introduction, Kawasaki Indonesia showcased four different colour options with two different variants up for grabs: the base 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R and the Ninja ZX-25R Special Edition (SE).

The differences between the base model and the Special Edition are the additions of selectable riding modes, quick-shifter (both ways), and traction control as standard for the SE.

As for the engine, the Ninja ZX-25R’s 249cc inline-four DOHC engine produces a staggering 50hp at 15,500rpm (51hp with ram air) and 22.9Nm of max torque at 14,500rpm. In other words, you will have some good times when you rev this baby hard.

Other specs include:

Power Mode Selection (Full or Low)
New race-inspired Trellis frame
37mm front Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP)
Horizontal back-link rear suspension
Dunlop GPR300 radial tyres
LCD instrument display
180kg (182kg for SE)
15-litre fuel tank

What Can Kawasaki Owners Look Forward To In Malaysia?

With MODENAS taking on the role of distributing Kawasaki models in Malaysia, the company has committed to a number of things.
MODENAS plans on establishing key service points throughout the country for Kawasaki models.
Kawasaki too is committed to the local market by making parts available for local owners.

Fans and owners of Kawasaki motorcycles in Malaysia were left in a lurch when the long term distributor – Kawasaki Malaysia Sdn Bhd – had to stop operations.

The move was part of a global alignment program where Kawasaki themselves took on the distributorship of its products rather than relying on local distributors.

Kawasaki did this through an official presence in markets, or by purchasing stakes in local companies, such as what it has done with MODENAS.

Kawasaki has always had an equity in MODENAS which previously stood at 19%.

However, the company recently increased its equity in MODENAS to 30%.

And that figure could be taken as high up as 48% if certain conditions are met.

This is all well and great, but what about Kawasaki owners in the interim?

Where do they go when it comes to servicing their motorcycles, sourcing for parts or even claiming warranties should the need arise?

We were recently invited to tour the MODENAS assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah, where MODENAS and Kawasaki executives met us and other members of the media for a question and answer session.

MODENAS has clarified that it will take on the job of servicing, warranty claims and sourcing of Kawasaki spare parts.

Servicing can be done at either ‘Kawasaki Shops’ or ‘Kawasaki Stations’. The difference between the two is that the former will be an exclusive Kawasaki shop where else the latter will be a multi brand shop that also sells and services other brands.

MODENAS says that it plans to introduce 20 Kawasaki service points by the end of 2022, and this figure will go up to 40 by mid-2023.

What about servicing at shops which were once branded as Kawasaki or Ninja Shops?

These shops will be able to continue servicing Kawasaki models and can order Kawasaki parts directly from MODENAS.

However, they will not be able to entertain warranty claims.

Warranty Claims can only be carried out ‘Kawasaki Shops’.

MODENAS has also committed to making available a range of spare parts.

During the press session, MODENAS executives clarified that the company will be ordering up to 80,000 parts dating back to 1992.

But it doesn’t just end there, should you need parts that are not immediately available in the market, you could approach a Kawasaki or MODENAS outlet to have it ordered.

And so for Kawasaki owners in Malaysia, the good times will continue to roll.

MODENAS Does Not Rule Out Building A Super Moped!

Confirmed: MODENAS Vulcan S Will Be Introduced Later This Year!

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

MODENAS Does Not Rule Out Building A Super Moped!

There has been a lot of noise online among fans of MODENAS.
Many are asking the company to also build a high capacity super moped to rival the likes of the Yamaha Y16 and the Honda RSX.
But the company has been unable to respond, until now.
With Kawasaki as its partner, MODENAS could finally take on the super moped category.

Great news for fans of the super moped, MODENAS has confirmed that it will not rule out its participation in the super moped category.

MODENAS has been under pressure on the digital front about producing a super moped underbone motorcycle, but has been unable to respond.

However, with the involvement of Kawasaki, MODENAS CEO Mr Roslan Roskan has confirmed that the company will not rule out producing a super moped.

“Modenas does not rule out building a super cup model, ‘kapchai’ models make up a big part of local business, and Kawasaki is willing to explore smaller capacity engine capacity. The underbone category offers the highest growth segment, and so for MODENAS to grow further with Kawasaki as our partner we will participate in this segment, our plant has the capacity and we are prepared,” said Mr Mr Roslan.

Mr Roslan also hinted that should the company build a super moped, it will be powered by a high capacity engine, perhaps more than 150cc.

Kawasaki has always had a stake in Modenas, previously holding a 19% equity in the Malaysian national motorcycle maker. However, Kawasaki has increased its stake in MODENAS to 30% and may take that figure up to 48% if certain conditions are met.

Part of this includes technology sharing, sales and marketing as well as local-assembly of certain Kawasaki models which for now only includes models below 650cc.

Kawasaki does not build underbone motorcycles, but with MODENAS under its wing now and with the booming underbone category, we could still see a MODENAS super moped on our streets, but there’s no telling when.

Confirmed: MODENAS Vulcan S Will Be Introduced Later This Year!

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

Confirmed: MODENAS Vulcan S Will Be Introduced Later This Year!

Kawasaki has increased its stake in MODENAS from 19% to 30% and part of this plan includes the local assembly of certain Kawasaki models.
MODENAS has confirmed that the Vulcan S will be assembled in Malaysia.
The plans will eventually include the local-assembly of all twin-cylinder Kawasaki models.

Ever since Kawasaki increased its stake in MODENAS, the Malaysian motorcycle industry has been abuzz with which Kawasaki models will be re-introduced as MODENAS models.

Besides confirming that the Ninja 250 and Z250 (ABS and non-ABS) will be locally-assembled and introduced as MODENAS models, Modenas CEO En Roslan has also confirmed a third model.

The ever popular Kawasaki Vulcan S will also be locally assembled at the MODENAS plant in Gurun and introduced as the MODENAS Vulcan S.

“We will be introducing four Kawasaki CKD models this year, and one of them will be the Vulcan S,” confirmed En Roslan.

As part of its strategy, all Kawasaki models assembled in Malaysia by MODENAS will carry the MODENAS brand instead of Kawasaki.

MODENAS will also be distributing CBU Kawasaki models such as the Ninja ZX10R, the Z900RS, the Versys 1000 and also the Ninja 1000 SX.

As for purchasing the Vulcan S, the model will be introduced towards the end of the year at Kawasaki shops throughout Malaysia.

MODENAS says it plans to introduce two types of Kawasaki shops in Malaysia:

1. Kawasaki Shop: This term is as simple as it gets, and the Kawasaki Shop will only sell Kawasaki models exclusively as well as genuine Kawasaki accessories and merchandise.

2. Kawasaki Station: This is a multibrand dealership that will also offer Kawasaki products. This is not an exclusive dealership.

There is no indication in pricing, but MODENAS has hinted that it will be lower than before.

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

MODENAS has prepared a specialised assembly line for Kawasaki models only.
Both the Ninja 250 and Z250 will be assembled locally at first.
Eventually all twin-cylinder Kawasaki models will be assembled in Malaysia under the MODENAS brand.
You can purchase one at a ‘Kawasaki Shop’ or ‘Kawasaki Station’.

MODENAS has confirmed that it will be introducing the locally assembled Ninja 250 and Z250 both with ABS and non-ABS models, sometime at the end of July of this year.

This comes after Kawasaki upped its stake in MODENAS from the previous 19% to 30% with a further 18% on the cards if certain conditions are met.

Part of this acquisition involves the local assembly of certain Kawasaki models which will eventually include the entire twin-cylinder range and more.

The local assembly of Kawasaki models will start with the twin-cylinder Z250 and Ninja 250 models (models with and without ABS will be available).

In a rare preview of the assembly plant at the MODENAS plant in Gurun for members of the media, MODENAS showcased its specialised Kawasaki assembly line that was put together by Kawasaki Japan and Thailand.

MODENAS assures that the quality of locally-assembled Kawasaki models will be identical to the imported models since a lot of the assembling capabilities include input from Kawasaki engineers, which ensures consistency in the manufacturing process.

MODENAS also showcased a unique dyno test machine that was specially flown in from Japan. The dyno machine is the first of its kind in ASEAN that has the capabilities to test both the front and rear wheels with the purpose of testing engine output and braking capabilities, which is important since some Kawasaki models come with twin-channel ABS.

Every single MODENAS-Kawasaki model assembled in Malaysia will have to begin its life by first proving its worth in the dyno machine. Only after MODENAS engineers are confident the bike meets all Kawasaki and MODENAS requirements, will it be released for distribution.

The MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 will be available at two types of dealerships. MODENAS says the new Kawasaki-MODENAS bikes will be available at Kawasaki branded shops called ‘Kawasaki Shop’, which is basically a exclusive Kawasaki shop similar to the Ninja Shops of before.

The second types of dealerships will be called ‘Kawasaki Station’, which are not exclusive Kawasaki dealerships but rather a multi-brand dealership which also offers Kawasaki-MODENAS products.

In terms of design, the MODENAS Ninja 250 and MODENAS Z250 are identical to their Kawasaki siblings except for a few MODENAS stickers differentiating the two models.

Currently all parts are imported from Kawasaki Thailand and assembled locally in Malaysia, with up to 33% local content set to be introduced later.

As for pricing, unfortunately there is no indication as yet, but MODENAS CEO Mr Roslan Roskan (pictured above) promises competitive prices that could just be lower than before. Deliveries are expected to begin at the end of July.

EMOS officially appointed as Malaysian Kawasaki distributors

OFFICIAL: Switzerland Lift 67-Year Ban On Circuit Racing

After proper reconsideration, Switzerland has officially lifted the country’s 67-year ban on circuit racing.

Switzerland has banned motor racing since 1995 after a horrific crash at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.
Mercedes driver Pierre Levegh and 84 spectators were killed, and 120 more people were injured during the incident.

However, due to the advancements in the safety of both vehicles and race tracks, Switzerland has decided it is the right time to welcome back circuit racing.

The National Council and the Council of States unanimously agreed to remove the racing prohibition after a recent modification of the Road Traffic Act.

Both houses voted to lift the prohibition hence overturning the 67-year ban.

The primary factor behind the overturning was that for the past 67 years, circuit and vehicle safety has improved dramatically and continues to improve.

Despite the good news, it might take a while before Switzerland could hold a world-class motor racing as no full-fledged racing facilities exist just yet.

For that reason, it may take a while before popular racing series such as the MotoGP and Formula 1, to include Switzerland in their calendar.

Yamaha MT-15 Gets New Colour And Pricing For 2022 – RM12,298

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has updated its 150cc naked motorcycle, the MT-15, for 2022.

the 2022 MT-15 now appears in three new colours; Icon Blue, Midnight Black and Cyan Storm.
2022 Yamaha MT-15 is now priced at RM12,298.

The Yamaha MT-15 will be available nationwide at every authorized Yamaha dealership beginning on 13 June 2022 (today).

The smallest of the ‘Monster of Torque’ range now comes in Icon Blue, Midnight Black, and Cyan Storm colourway.

Nevertheless, the MT-15 continues to run with the same 155cc VVA liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that makes 19hp @ 10,000rpm and 14.7Nm @ 8,500rpm.

However, there is a slight increase in the recommended retail price, which now sits at RM12,298 than the previous RM11,988.

Renew Your Driving License Or Retake Full Driving Test – JPJ

Recent checks by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) have found that hundreds of thousands own an expired driving license of more than one to three years.

Expired driving license holders will require to renew their license by 30 June.
Motorist will need to retake the full driving test if they fail to do so.

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is urging the public to renew their driving license or suffer the consequences.

Those who are yet to renew their expired driving license for more than one to two years will have to retake a full driving test if they fail to renew by 30 June.

The driving license classes involved are as follows:

Learner’s driving license (LDL) expired for two years.
Probationary driving license (PDL) for over a year.
Competent driving license (CDL) for over three years.
Public service vehicle (PSV) and goods driving license (GDL) for over three years.

The announcement came after a recent check by JPJ found that hundreds of thousands of motorists have yet to renew their licenses despite the moratorium on renewal ending on 31 December 2021.

According to reports by Sun Daily, many road users are still under the impression that the moratorium is still ongoing.

As such, the expired driving license holder will have the chance to renew their license by 30 June. After that date, they can be fined for not possessing a valid driving license if they are caught driving or riding on the road.

Meanwhile, the expired driving license holder can renew their license online via MyEG or Lesen2u if unable to go to JPJ offices.

Honda CB250R Gets Mild Upgrade For 2022 – Includes New Showa Fork

The Honda CB250R received some mild upgrades for 2022 in an effort to improve the rider’s comfort.

The CB250R now features improved Showa USD front forks.
The quarter-liter neo-retro motorcycle continues to run on the same 250cc single-cylinder engine.

Currently, the 2021 Honda CB250R is on sale in Malaysia for RM22,999; however, the upgraded model are now available in Europe and Japan.

According to the Japanese motorcycle company, the CB250R now gets a 41mm Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Front Fork – Big Piston) similar to the one found on the 2022 CB500F, CB500R, and CB500X.

The new Showa SFF-BP improves handling and reaction thanks to a separate function (hence, the name) with the pressure damper in one leg and the spring mechanism in the other.

Other mild upgrades include a revised gear indicator display.

Nonetheless, the Honda CB250R continues to run on the same 250cc single-cylinder engine capable of producing 27.2hp @ 9,000rpm and 23.2Nm @ 8,000rpm.

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MODENAS and Kawasaki are set to get things rolling for 2022, beginning with the Ninja 250 ABS and Z250 ABS.

While waiting for Indian Motorcycles to officially announces the brand’s arrival in Malaysia, the American motorcycle company has introduced the 2023 Indian FTR Stealth Gray Special Edition in Europe.

Yamaha is set to put the Niken to a proper test as the Japanese motorcycle maker will compete at the 2022 Italian Hill Climb Championship.

The highly anticipated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R will land in Malaysia next year.

After proper reconsideration, Switzerland has officially lifted the country’s 67-year ban on circuit racing.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has updated its 150cc naked motorcycle, the MT-15, for 2022.

Recent checks by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) have found that hundreds of thousands own an expired driving license of more than one to three years.

The Honda CB250R received some mild upgrades for 2022 in an effort to improve the rider’s comfort.

The CB250R now features improved Showa USD front forks.

The quarter-liter neo-retro motorcycle continues to run on the same 250cc single-cylinder engine.

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