Local News Archives

2024 Honda Dash 125 Launched in Malaysia

Hot on the heels of the 2024 Honda CB350RS, Boon Siew Honda has also launched the 2024 Honda Dash 125.

There are several updates to the model despite its positioning as a budget friendly moped.

Highlights:

Honda calls the powerplant a “refined 125cc EURO 4 compliant engine.” It should mean better fuel efficiency in order to pass the tough emission standard.
As per Honda’s tradition for better torque in the low to mid RPM range, it is a long stroke engine with bore x stroke dimensions of 52.4 mm x 57.9 mm.

The engine 124.9cc, DOHC, four-valve, air-cooled, PGM-FI fuel injected engine produces 7.35 kW (9.8 hp) at 8,000 RPM and 9.54 Nm at 6,500 RPM. See what we mean by having a long stroke produces better torque?
Other specifications remain the same such as a 4-speed transmission and kick starter.

In terms of aesthetics, there is now a visor and sleeker handle cover.
The headlight is now LED.

More importantly, the 2024 Honda Dash 125 features front and rear disc brakes, although without ABS.
There are three vibrant colours, namely Red, Blue, and Silver.

It will be available at all Honda IMPIAN X and authorised dealers nationwide from today, 28 June, for a recommended selling price from RM6,599 (excluding road tax, insurance,
and registration).

2024 Honda Dash 125 picture gallery

DBKL Fell 175 Risky Trees

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has cut down 175 trees it classified as risky, after inspecting 1,588 old trees around the capital.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr. Zaliha Mustafa said the assessment was carried out by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in addition to ongoing inspections of old trees.

“To reflect DBKL’s commitment, a total of 21 contractors have been appointed from 15 June 2024 for the regular maintenance of rendang trees and each contractor must provide an arborist, an individual who specializes in tree inspection, to assess the level of health and mitigation actions on the trees,” she said during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

She was responding to a question from Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju) who wanted to know the action to ensure that trees under the supervision of DBKL and private premises comply with guidelines to avoid the threat of danger to the public.

Regarding tree maintenance works, she said, according to DBKL records, maintenance works have been carried out on 22,283 trees from January to June.

Regarding trees on private premises, Dr. Zaliha said that DBKL had issued 65 notification letters regarding trees at risk in private areas as a result of public complaints since 2021 until last May.

Responding to Zahir’s question about the data on incidents of injuries and accidents due to fallen trees in Kuala Lumpur, she said that there were 14 cases of accidents caused by the incident with nine cases resulting in injuries and five cases of death for the period from 2017 to 2024.

According to her, out of that number, three cases are still under investigation and court proceedings, six cases were rejected because accidents occurred outside DBKL’s supervisory area, while the remaining five cases have been paid by the insurance.

2024 Honda CB350RS Launched in Malaysia

The 2024 Honda CB350RS has been launched in Malaysia.

Honda calls it a “road sports model” but calling it a modern retro or more specifically the UJM (universal Japanese motorcycle) would hit closer to the mark. In any case, this was the shape of all motorcycles in the old days. You take one of these, mod it up, and race it regardless on- or off-road, then ride to work the next day.

Anyway, the 2024 Honda CB350RS is a modern thoroughly modern motorcycle with likewise modern features, wrapped up in a more cohesively designed body, compared to the mishmash “neo retro” design of the Honda CB250.

Highlights:

Powered by a 348cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, OHC, single-cylinder engine.
It produces 15.5 kW (20.8 hp) at 5,500 RPM and 30 NM at 3,000 RPM.

The engine is fuel-injected and features Honda’s signature Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system.
The cylinder is placed at an offset from the crankshaft’s vertical centreline. This reduces friction on the thrust face of the piston against the cylinder as it is pushed up from BDC to TDC.

The engine also has an asymmetrical connecting rod (conrod) to reduce energy losses.
Power is transferred to the gearbox via an Assist and Slipper Clutch. It was Honda who invented the slipper clutch, anyway.

Semi-double cradle steel frame which Honda says balances vertical, horizontal, and torsional rigidity.
Electronic features include the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) traction control system.

The bike’s braking system consists of a single disc brake up front and at the back.
Dual-channel ABS is standard.

Wheel and tyre sizes are 100/90-19 front and 150/70-17 rear.
A classic shaped round headlamp, with LED lighting all around.

Digital-analogue metre panel displaying some useful data including gear position, battery voltage, and distance to dry fuel status.

The 2024 Honda CB350RS is offered in two colours, namely Mat Massive Gray Metallic and Athletic Blue Metallic, and retails from RM20,500 (not on the road).

2024 Honda CB350RS photo gallery

Government Studying RON95 Subsidy Rationalisation

The government is studying the need to rationalise the RON95 petrol subsidy.

The Minister of Economy, Rafizi Ramli however said, focus and priority is given to the implementation of the diesel subsidy for now until the targeting becomes stable.

“It thus achieves the set objectives, among which is to strengthen the country’s fiscal sustainability as well as reduce the leakage in the distribution of diesel subsidies.

“If the rationalization of subsidy on RON95 petrol is implemented in the future, the government will take appropriate measures to ensure that the affected people will be given appropriate assistance,” he said in a written reply in Parliament today.

He said this in response to Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem’s (GPS-Serian) question whether implementing the reduction of petrol subsidies had a positive impact on the people.

Commenting further, Rafizi said that the targeted implementation of diesel subsidies from June 10 is also expected to save RM4 billion a year.

In the meantime, he said, the implementation of the subsidy targeting initiative also helped the government to strengthen its financial policy position and utilize available resources.

“Savings from the subsidy retargeting initiative will be returned to the people through the implementation of programs and projects that are more beneficial and really needed by the people, such as improvements in the provision of social services and public facilities including health, education, transport and security,” he said.

Diesel Sales Drops 30 Percent Proof of Smuggling, Says Minister

Diesel sales at the border declined by 30 percent thus confirming the existence of diesel smuggling activities before the government announced the floating of diesel subsidy prices.

Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said that the subsidy targeting measures that started on June 10 saw the total retail sales of diesel at petrol stations drop by almost eight million liters per day or 30 percent for the first week after the implementation of the diesel price reset, compared to the week before implementation.

“Furthermore, commercial diesel sales increased by four million liters per day, which indicates that some of the subsidized retail diesel consumption over the years has already been used by the industrial sector which should have bought diesel at the market price.

Commenting further, he said, the floating of diesel prices does not mean that the government will completely abolish the subsidy on the fuel since at the moment, the government is still subsidizing diesel up to RM10 billion, down from RM14 billion last year, thus witnessing a saving of RM4 billion a year.

“The government is able to achieve annual savings of RM4 billion. These savings can certainly be used to improve the quality of life of the people through the provision of quality public infrastructure as well as more comprehensive social protection,” he said.

He said, the country’s diesel subsidy expenditure increased 10-fold, from RM1.4 billion in 2019, to RM14.3 billion last year.

“The trend of increasing diesel subsidies can no longer be accommodated by the government continuously. The increase in subsidy spending is not only due to the increase in market prices, but also due to the increase in leakage of subsidized diesel.

“The amount of subsidized diesel used rose sharply by 80 percent from 6.1 billion liters in 2019 to 10.8 billion liters last year, although there was no significant increase in new diesel vehicles in the same period.

“At the same time, the total sales of non-subsidized commercial diesel fell by two billion liters during that period. The increase in the use of subsidized diesel is very significant due to the large price gap between the commercial price and the retail price of subsidized diesel at the Malaysian pump,” he said.

He said, Malaysia’s diesel retail price is much cheaper than neighboring countries, including Thailand around RM4.20, Indonesia around RM4.40 and Singapore almost reaching RM9 per liter allowing a number of local commercial sector businesses that should buy diesel at the market price to take advantage of enjoying and deviating subsidized diesel.

“For example, they buy subsidized diesel from gas stations and misuse it for gene sets in factories, construction sites or oil palm plantations.

“The more important issue is that due to our cheap diesel prices, it makes diesel smuggling activities to neighboring countries difficult to curb. This is what the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) discovered during Op Tiris,” he said.

652 Heavy Vehicle Accidents in First Quarter 2024

A total of 652 road accidents involving heavy vehicles were reported in the first quarter of 2024.

The alarming statistics were revealed by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah. Of that number, there were 287 fatal cases, 95 serious and 270 minor injuries.

He said the accidents were caused by various factors including the negligence of sleepy drivers, driving above the permitted speed limit, overloaded vehicles, and not being properly maintained.

He also said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is stepping up enforcement activities, particularly in terms of vehicle load limit regulations and speed limits for heavy vehicles.

“In addition to operating 53 enforcement stations across the country, JPJ is also supplied with 75 units of mobile weighing equipment for enforcement purposes.

“Last year, a total of 45,015 summons notices were issued involving dangerous goods offences, while up to April this year, a total of 9,214 summons notices were issued.”

Explaining further, Hasbi said that the Ministry of Transport together with the Ministry of Public Works is in the final process of developing the High Speed - Weigh in Motion (HS-WIM) system.

“Through the use of the HS-WIM system, heavy vehicle enforcement activities can be carried out in real time or automatically without the need for the vehicle to stop to be weighed.

“The use of the HS-WIM system will also be able to reduce the dependence on a high amount of manpower or enforcement personnel,” he said.

In addition, he said, members will be able to carry out enforcement activities in other locations where the HS-WIM system is not installed.

“The HS-WIM system is expected to be able to expand reach, increase compliance and further strengthen the effectiveness of enforcement on motor vehicle load limit regulations as well as be a long-term solution in dealing with the issue of heavy vehicle load limits,” he said.

It should be noted that the number of accidents may be higher because there are cases that were not reported to the authorities.

2024 Lambretta X250 and 2024 Lambretta G350 Now Available in Malaysia

Following the announcement of the return of the legendary Italian brand Lambretta to Malaysia, the 2024 Lambretta X250 and 2024 Lambretta G350 are now available.

Both models are locally assembled by Mofaz Motosikal Sdn. Bhd. (MOMOS) in Malaysia.

2024 Lambretta X250

The X250 features a semi-monocoque frame, to which all the other components are attached to. The 250cc, 4-valve engine is liquid cooled and produces a maximum power of 24.8hp at 8,250 RPM and maximum torque of 24.5Nm at 6,250. Lambretta says that the vents are effective in keeping the engine cool and providing the air necessary for fuel combustion.

There is a pair of shocks at the back, while the front features Lambretta’s signature “double pull” suspension assembly.

The fuel tank holds 7 litres of unleaded, and the dry weight is 165kg.

Other features include ABS which is standard fitment for European bikes above 125cc, smart key ignition, and LED lighting.

Its selling price is from RM22,800.

2024 Lambretta G350

The G350 is Lambretta’s flagship model, and features a 330cc liquid-cooled single cylinder engine, which produces 25.8hp at 7,500 RPM and 25.5Nm at 6,250 RPM.

While the body looks similar in size to the X250, the G350 has a bigger fuel tank at 9 litres, bring the total dry weight to 173kg. Suspension is likewise similar to the X250’s such as the double-pull front end and twin shocks at the back.

There are several other key differences, too, such as the TFT display, and a glove box with a USB charger.

Its selling price is from RM29,800.

2024 Lambretta Picture Gallery

2024 Lambretta G350 Picture Gallery

Using Fake Number Plate to Avoid Repossession of Motorcycle

A man installed a fake number plate on his motorcycle to avoid it being repossessed.

The man stopped during a roadblock conducted by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) at the Petaling Jaya Selatan Toll Plaza 5 near Subang Jaya, yesterday. The officers who were at the operation noticed that the motorcycle had no front number plate, while the rear number plate was incomplete.

The JPJ officers then carried out a chassis inspection and found that the Yamaha 135LC motorcycle did not match the registration number attached to the motorcycle.

Finally the motorcyclist admitted that he changed the number plate on his motorcycle because he did not want it to be repossessed as he had failed to pay the instalments for more than 3 months.

“I have to pay RM299 every month and there are three more years to pay.

“I changed this number plate a week ago, as I was afraid that the shop would repossess it. I know the risk of doing this, but that’s that… I accept the consequences,” he said.

JPJ seized the motorcycle involved. The man was also found not to have a driver’s license.

RM50 left after Buying a BMW Superbike

A young man expressed his regret because he is left with only RM50 after buying a BMW superbike.

The 26-year-old whose salary has reached RM6,000 a month thought he had enough to afford his his dream motorcycle which costs RM129,000 (the price for a BMW S 1000 RR).

But it turns out that he has got his budget wrong. He turned to social media to express his frustration by posting on X, “It’s true that people say superbikes is actually a hobby for the rich.

“Now it’s only the middle of the month, after renewing the road tax, servicing this and that, leaving only RM50 for food.

“I don’t know if I can survive until the end of the month,” he complained.

As usual, netizens were quick to respond because to them, he should have practised better money management. There were also who said that the superbike is only suitable to those who are not salaried and earn a five-figure income every month.

“Give any salary, it’s not enough if you’re extravagant, you’re not good at managing money. High salary, high lifestyle, it’s not enough,” commented a netizen.

Some gave financial advice.

“Logically, RM50 will not be enough until the end of the month. But if you borrow or use your savings, you can.”

“Just sell the bike. Is the best way if it’s burdensome,” said another netizen.

Petrol Station Operator Facing Fine up to RM1 Million

A petrol station operator in Alor Gajah, Melaka is facing a fine of up to RM1 million after a video went viral showing a driver of a foreign registered car filling up with subsidized RON95 petrol there.

Accordingly, the petrol station was raided by the Melaka Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).

State KPDN director, Norena Jaafar, said the action was taken after her party detected the video recording on social media on June 16, which triggered various negative reactions among netizens.

“Following that, a KPDN enforcement team went to the station involved today to carry out further investigations and as a result we suspect that there was a offence made by the operator of the premises.

“The suspected offence was made at 4.35pm, last Sunday and through closed circuit camera (CCTV) footage, it was found that a man suspected to be a foreigner paid RM23.17 through an outdoor payment terminal (OTP) transaction, which is a payment through a prepaid card to buy the fuel in question,” he said through a statement, today.

Norena said, the act thus violates Rule 12A, Supply Control Regulations 1974 which is an offence under Rule 21(1).

“This offender can be punished according to Section 22(1) of the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122) where if found guilty the petrol station operator faces a fine not exceeding RM1 million or imprisonment for up to three years or both.

“The action of the case was made in line with the directive enforced on 17 June 2022 involving the ban on the sale of RON95 petrol to all vehicles with foreign registration numbers,” she said.

2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES Introduced in Malaysia

The much-awaited 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES has been introduced in Malaysia. Better known in short as the “Africa Twin” it features several important revisions, including more power and better comfort.

Key highlights:

The 1084cc, liquid-cooled, OHC, parallel-twin engine provides 7% more peak torque. Maximum power is 75 kW at 7,500 RPM and maximum torque of 112 Nm arrives at 5,500 RPM.
The DCT (Dual Cluth Transmission) has been revised to provide a more natural, feathered (better known as “half-clutch”) feel during initial acceleration, and between first and second gears.

The usual “M” (manual) mode is retained, allowing the rider to change gears by pressing the handlebar mounted buttons.
The riders can switch between “D” (drive) and “S” (sport) modes.
Further revision of the DCT includes incline detection, to avoid the gearbox shifting while the bike is leaned over.

Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERATM) suspension is now standard, as opposed to being an option on the previous Africa Twin.
The system automatically adjust damping force based on the riding conditions, and depending on which of the four suspension modes (MID, HARD, SOFT, OFFROAD) and a USER mode was selected.
The usual ride-by-wire throttle is retained hence providing electronic assistance in the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) feature, now managed with a six-axis inertial measurement system (IMU).

The rider can select one of four ride modes: TOUR, URBAN, GRAVEL, or OFF-ROAD.
There is also Wheelie Control with 3 selectable levels.
Its ABS also works in conjunction with the IMU to provide safer braking solutions at all lean angles.
Rear ABS can be turned off for off-road riding.

19-inch front wheel for better on-road stability while maintaining its off-road capabilities.
Minimum ground clearance of 220 mm.
Seat height can be adjusted between 820 mm and 840 mm without tools.

A new seat with 15mm thicker cushion and 8mm more area for more comfort on long rides.
The 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports E shows a redesigned front fairing for better wind deflection to minimise wind blast on the rider’s body.
6.5-inch TFT Multi Information Display (MID) integrates Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto.

The 2024 Honda CRF11000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES will be available from 19 June 2024 in two color options namely Mat Ballistic Black Metallic and Pearl Glare White. Selling price (not on the road) is RM 119,388.

2024 Honda CBR250RR Launched in Malaysia

The 2024 Honda CBR250RR has been launched in Malaysia, and brings along several updates centred around engine performance and handling.

New key features:

Compression ratio is raised to 12.5:1 from 12.1:1 by reducing the combustion chamber volume from 7.55 cm³ to 70.0 cm³.
The inlet port throat diameter was enlarged from 21.4 mm to 21.6 mm.
Updated valve timing and lift.

Optimised piston and oil ring tension to reduce friction.
These updates produce a 1 kW (1.34 hp) increase of maximum power over the previous model, and bringing it to 31 kW (41.6 hp) at 13,000 RPM and 25 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM.
The Assist and Slipper Clutch feature stays, but is now complimented with a quickshifter.

The front suspension is upgraded with 37mm Showa Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside-down forks.
On the electronic front, the 2024 Honda CBR250RR has a ride-by-wire throttle which in turn offers three ride modes, namely Sport+, Sport, and Comfort.
The bodywork has been reworked for what Honda calls “aggressive speedy shape” concept, leading to a 6% reduction in air resistance.

“With the new CBR250RR, we aim to provide an unmatched riding experience that combines power, precision, and style,” said Mitsuharu Funase, Managing Director and CEO of Boon Siew Honda. “It is a testament to Honda’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the supersport motorcycle segment. We are confident that the enhancements in performance and design will captivate motorcycling enthusiasts across Malaysian market.”

The 2024 Honda CBR250RR comes in in two colors – Mat Zodiac Blue Metallic and Honda Tricolor, both priced from RM27,999.

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Highlights:

2024 Honda Dash 125 picture gallery

Highlights:

2024 Honda CB350RS photo gallery

2024 Lambretta X250

2024 Lambretta G350

2024 Lambretta Picture Gallery

2024 Lambretta G350 Picture Gallery

Key highlights:

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