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Moto3 Rider Adam Norrodin to Ride at MSBK

The Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) 2018 is back with Round 2 during this 27^th, 28^th, 29^th July weekend at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
Muhammad Adam Norrodin, Malaysia’s current World Moto3 rider, will be contesting in the 600cc Supersport Championship.
The TOC Desmo Cup 2018 Championship will also commence from this weekend.

Malaysia’s current World Moto3 rider, Muhammad Adam Norrodin, who is currently on MotoGP summer break, will put his time at home to effective use by taking part at the Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) 2018, which enters its much-awaited second round this weekend in Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Adam will contest in the 600cc Supersport Championship. His participation in the national championship is made possible through the hard work of his racing friend and ZK Racing team owner, Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin, who has flown the Jalur Gemilang in the 125cc, Moto3, Supersports World Championship and most recently, the Moto2 World Championship with SIC Racing Team.

“I am really looking forward to the weekend; especially with the opportunity to race side by side with my brother, Muhammad Ibrahim Norrodin under ZK Racing. I am using this event to prepare myself better for the second half of this 2018 Moto3 season. I would like to thank ZK Racing for this chance and I aim to make full use of this opportunity to do my very best for the best result possible,” Adam said when asked to comment on this weekend’s race.

Commenting on Adam’s participation, Zulfahmi said that it is truly an honour for his newly-formed racing team to have Adam and his SIC Racing Team mechanic, Habibtullah Fuad Mohamad in his team this weekend.

“I hope that my other riders will take this opportunity to learn as much as possible from Adam. Similarly, for the team crew, they can learn from Habib with his experience; preparing the bike for a very challenging world championship. Hopefully, everything works well and ZK Racing can achieve good results this weekend,” said Zulfahmi.

The MSBK enters its second round after a lengthy break with Round 1 held in mid-May. Apart from the Supersports Championship, which is run based on rules of the 600cc WSBK.

MSBK Round 2 will also feature the opening round of the Desmo Ducati and Round 3 of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup apart from the traditional MSBK categories of the Superbike, Superstock and the Super 250.

After races at the Qatar Grand Prix in Losail and WSBK Thailand in Buriram, the Asia Talent Cup (ATC) is currently topped by Japanese youngster, Haruki Noguchi. He has a total haul of 95 points – courtesy of three wins and one second place after four races; holding a 25-point advantage over Australian Bill Van Eerde, who has 70 points. Mario Aji of Indonesia is third with 53 points. ATC is a junior development programme backed by the MotoGP worldwide rights holder, Dorna. Danial Shahril is the highest placed Malaysian in a field of 20 riders in 5th place; with a total haul of 35 points; trailing fourth placed Afridza Munandar of Indonesia by 13 points. Another Malaysian, Ibrahim Pawi – the younger brother of Moto2 rider Khairul Idham Pawi – is 15th in the championship standings with 14 points.

As for the TOC Desmo Cup 2018, it is organised by Desmo Owners Club Malaysia in collaboration with TOC Automotive College (TOC). The new season takes off this weekend for a three-leg championship this year. Riders in the competition are expected to be racing Ducati models such as the newly-launched Panigale V4, Panigale 899, Panigale 1299, Panigale 1199, Panigale 959, 848, 1098, and 1198. Each round will only feature a single 10-lap race around the 5.543-km MotoGP track.

The MSBK event officially opens this Friday with free practice sessions with qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday. Race 2 is on Sunday.

Fans can catch all the actions for free from the Main Grandstand. Fans can also purchase Paddock passes to access to the Paddock area and view from the covered rooftop of the Pit Building. The passes will be sold at the Paddock entrance. Fans can also follow the races LIVE on SIC’s Facebook. After the opening round of the MSBK, viewers have reached more than 417,813 people.

PIRELLI MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 2018

ROUND 2 – RACE PROGRAM

Friday, 27 July 2018

1130 hrs – 1200 hrs Idemitsu ATC Free Practice 1

1215 hrs – 1245 hrs Supersport Free Practice

Break / Friday Prayer

1415 hrs – 1445 hrs Super 250 Free Practice

1500 hrs – 1530 hrs Superstock Free Practice

1545 hrs – 1615 hrs Idemitsu ATC Free Practice 2

1630 hrs – 1700 hrs Superbike Free Practice

1715 hrs – 1745 hrs TOC Desmo Cup Free Practice

Saturday, 28 July 2018

0915 hrs – 0945 hrs Idemitsu ATC Qualifying

1000 hrs – 1030 hrs Supersport Qualifying

1045 hrs – 1115 hrs Super 250 Qualifying

1130 hrs – 1200 hrs Superstock Qualifying

1215 hrs – 1245 hrs Superbike Qualifying

1310 hrs – 1345 hrs Idemitsu ATC Race 1 (13 laps)

1415 hrs – 1445 hrs TOC Desmo Cup Qualifying

1510 hrs – 1550 hrs Supersport Race 1 (12 laps)

1615 hrs – 1645 hrs Super 250 Race 1 (8 laps)

1710 hrs – 1750 hrs Superstock Race 1 (12 laps)

1815 hrs – 1845 hrs Superbike Race 1 (12 laps)

Sunday, 29th July 2018

1000 hrs – 1040 hrs Supersport Race 2 (12 laps)

1105 hrs – 1135 hrs Super 250 Race 2 (8 laps)

1200 hrs – 1240 hrs Superstock Race 2 (12 laps)

1305 hrs – 1345 hrs Idemitsu ATC Race 2 (13 laps)

1415 hrs – 1455 hrs Superbike Race 2 (12 laps)

1515 hrs – 1555 hrs TOC Desmo Cup Race (10 laps)

Team DEL Michelin to Compete in 2018 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship

A new team will be competing in the 2018 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship.
Team DEL Michelin was set up by the series’ pioneer, Dato’ Eric Loo.
The team’s rider will be Simon Vilhelmsen, the 24-year old Danish who finished 4^th in the 2017 S-1GP Championsip.

As the momentum builds towards the start of the 2018 FIM Asia Supermoto Championsip season, Dato’ Eric Loo, the founder of the FIM Asia Supermoto and AAM Malaysian Supermoto Championships will operate his own team called Team DEL Michelin.

Simon Vilhelmsen flying high at Bukit Jalil – Pic courtesy of Asia Supermoto

Any spectator and rider would have seen a fast and high-flying Danish rider in action during the final round last year at Bukit Jalil. He was Simon Vilhelmsen, the 24-year-old who hails from Denmark and finished 4^th overall in the 2017 S-1GP championship.

The FIM S-1GP is the premier European supermoto championship. As there are no other FIM sanctioned “world” supermoto series, the S-1GP is considered the MotoGP for supermoto.

Dato’ Eric had always “imported” the world’s best riders in order for the Asian riders to gauge their own standards besides presenting a motivation to improve their skills. He had brought in Chris Hodgson, the 14-time British Supermoto Champion, among others in the past.

“Riders outside Asia aren’t allowed to compete in the FIM Asia Supermoto Series, actually,” explained Dato’ Eric, “that’s why we have the International Invitational Class.”

“But I would like to see our Asian and especially Malaysian riders going toe-to-toe with international riders to gauge their own levels and see how they stack up against international riders. Also, it’s a great opportunity for Asian riders to learn from those who are based in Europe as they (the latter) have lots of experience. So, Vilhelmsen is the best choice.”

Team principal Dato’ Eric Loo (hence “DEL”) is assures us that the team will compete in all five rounds of the 2018 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship.

On his decision to set up his own team, Dato’ Eric iterated, “We’re doing this to support the series. Seeing how it grew from just a few guys getting together to ride supermoto on the weekends to the stage of recognition it now enjoys, it’s only right that we continue to expand it.”

“I’d like to also thank our main sponsor, Michelin. We selected them because they have the best supermoto tyres. In fact, they make tyres specifically for supermoto racing.”

“We’d like to also thank our other main sponsors, Bike Nation and Wee Bikers. Bike Nation is now the official dealer for Husqvarna motorcycles in Malaysia and we are proud to be able to compete on one,” continued Dato’ Eric.

“Our co-sponsors are Ohlins, Tekmo, RK-Takagaso, MVD and Gaerne Boots. Thank you for your support.”

The 2018 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship starts on 11^th August in Bangkok, Thailand. Stay tuned as we bring you’re the coverage of this exciting series.

Ten Technological Advancements that Improved Motorcycles (Part 2)

Motorcycles are still getting more and more advanced.
However, there are a number of technological advancements that improved the motorcycle.
These have made motorcycling both more enjoyable and safer.

We published Part 1 of this article a few days ago (please click on the link below for the first instalment) and we are completing it today with Part 2.

Ten Technological Advancements that Improved the Motorcycle (Part 1)

If necessity is the mother of all inventions, that quote certainly applies to these technological advances. We can’t imagine what would the state of motorcycles and motorcycling be today if not for these advancements.

4. Electronic fuel injection

High power output, low fuel consumption and low emissions are desired by every motorcycle owner. But you can’t have them at the same time. Well, traditionally, anyway. However, while emissions standards are tightened ever more and fuel prices are on the rise, owners continue to demand more and more powerful engines.

Fuel injectors – from treperformance.com

Electronic fuel injection (EFI) is the answer. Electronic fuel injection systems only inject very specific amounts of fuel for specific requirements, as opposed to the carburetor. EFI is also used to regulate engine power and torque when attached to traction control and ride modes.

Cross section of a fuel injector – from www.diytrade.com

3. Ride-by-Wire (RbW) throttle

Ride-by-Wire throttle technology was first introduced on a road bike in the 2006 Yamaha YZF-R6, which Yamaha called YCC-T for Yamaha Computer Controlled Throttle.

The technology was adopted from Formula 1 racing, which in turn was developed from military fighter aircraft. RbW means that the throttle grip isn’t linked directly to the throttle bodies. Instead, signals of grip movements are sent to the ECU (engine control unit) which then governs throttle body openings and fuel-injection timings and amounts according to a host of parameters. RbW has also brought on other electronic rider aids such as ride or power modes to suit riding conditions, traction control, cruise control, wheelie control, engine braking control, cornering engine control and many more.

2. Electronic rider aids

As motorcycle engine power creep ever higher, electronic rider assistance such as traction control and ride modes become increasingly important. These systems harness the power of modern motorcycles, making the motorcycle safer and more fun to ride. Yes, electronic rider assistance systems are way smarter and faster acting that any of us. Electronic rider aids are derivatives of the Ride-by-Wire throttle and electronic fuel injection.

Ride modes on the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro

Since an RbW throttle isn’t connected directly to the throttle bodies, the ECU intervenes with the throttle openings, and/or the fuel injection timing and amounts when a loss of traction is encountered. The amount of electronic intervention is dependent on the selected ride mode or traction control level.

1. Pneumatic tyres

John Boyd Dunlop (yes, the very Dunlop) has wanted to create something like a balloon surrounding a wheel when his son complained of discomfort while riding his bicycle. His invented and patented his first pneumatic tyre in 1888.

It was also Dunlop who created the vulcanisation process to harder rubber.

John Dunlop with a bicycle fitted with pneumatic tyres – from progress-is-fine.blogspot.com

All other current tyre technologies such as as radial construction, multi-compound thread, tubeless lining, steel belting, etc. wouldn’t have been possible without the pneumatic tyre. And would’ve meant that probably none of these other technologies would exist without Dunlop’s invention.

That’s why the pneumatic tyre is the No. 1 technological advancement which improved motorcycles.

Modenas Dominar vs truck: Who do you think will win this showdown?

Priced at just RM13,788, the Modenas Dominar has proven to be a success story in Malaysia.
It is also hugely popular all around the world as it offers incredible value for money.
Comfortable and powerful, the Modenas Dominar is also incredibly well built as the photos below have proven.

When buying a bike, build quality is probably not up there on the priority list. Power, comfort, design, price and reliability will probably be the focus, and then build quality. But admittedly not always in that order.

Well, every once in a while though comes a bike that seemingly does it all and does it well. Enter the Bajaj Dominar 400, known locally in Malaysia as the Modenas Dominar.

It is a bike we rode in India last year and grew to be particularly fond of. It has a lively 373cc engine that gives you better power output than most bikes in its class. It also comes with Brembo brakes and an adjustable rear monoshock suspension. It features an LED headlight and a smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox, in short, there is nothing much to complain about when it comes to the Dominar.

And then there is the build quality. Now quality is usually subjective as it is usually difficult to assess how well-built a bike is. Touch and feel is usually the only way to tell. But not anymore.

These photos have been circulating around the internet showing a Dominar that was rear ended by a truck. And as you can see, the bike won. If this is not a testament to the brilliant build quality of the Dominar, then we’re not sure what would be a good testament.

This accident supposedly took place in Kerala, India, and though we’re not sure who the photos belong to, we’re glad he or she posted them online. As is clearly visible here, the bike is stuck in the front grille and the front bumper of the truck, and that’s what is holding the bike upright.

Perhaps the owner got really lucky, but credit is due where it is deserved and we tip our hat to Bajaj for their solid build quality. Well done.

Managing Marquez and Lorenzo Likely a Challenge: Repsol Honda MotoGP

Honda MotoGP Team admits it will be “challenging” to manage the relationship of both riders.
The manufacturer will also have to build a bike which suits both riders.
Pundits are rubbing their hands together in glee to see how it works out.

Repsol Honda MotoGP Team, like everyone else knows it when they signed Jorge Lorenzo to partner Marc Marquez. It has always been known that different riders have not only different riding styles but also different personalities. Besides that, it obviously no secret how they demand for the equipment to suit their riding styles.

There have been many times when the manufacturer builds a motorcycle which favours the No. 1 rider – he who finished the previous season in a higher position than his teammate.

Marquez and his Repsol Honda MotoGP team

As such, many MotoGP pundits are wondering how Marc Marquez and Honda will cope with Jorge Lorenzo when he moves to the team next year from Ducati.

Although the signing of Lorenzo gives Honda two MotoGP title-winning riders in the same team since Eddie Lawson partnered with Wayne Gardner in 1989, Repsol Honda MotoGP team Boss, Alberto Puig admits that it’ll be a challenge to manage the mercurial pair’s relationship.

“Of course, not easy,” he said during the press conference at the Sachsenring, “But if wanted things to be easy, probably we wouldn’t run a team at this level. It’s complicated, but it’s a challenge.”

Marquez rides a V-shaped line – from MotoGP.com

On the rationale behind signing up Lorenzo, Puig replied, “The understanding is that the team wants to have the best riders, this is the principle. The possibility to sign him up was there and we took it. For Honda it’s important to prepare the best bikes we can and give them to the riders that are faster.”

Speaking about the “best bikes,” Honda will have their hands full in building a bike that suits the riding styles of both riders. Marquez rides a “V-shaped” line: Brakes late, snaps the bike over at the apex and stands it back up early, using the engine’s power to blast away. Lorenzo’s style is the opposite: He uses the traditional “long arc” of braking early and carrying more corner speed, hence he needs the most stability at the turn in and most lean angle.

Jorge Lorenzo carries more corner speed hence needs lots of lean angle – from MotoGP.com

“We don’t know Jorge, which kind of machine he wants,” said Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) General Manager Tetshuhiro Kuwata, “But of course we will try to adapt to his requirements. And also Marc has a lot of requests to us, and we try to achieve this.”

Kuwata-San rubbished claims that the current RC213V is developed entirely around Marc Marquez’s needs, “Now we are developing for Marc and also for Dani. It’s not only for one rider. So we will continue the same way next year.”

Honda and Yamaha to Introduce Hybrid Scooters in Thailand

Honda and Yamaha will promote hybrid motorcycles in Thailand.
Honda had released the PCX 150 Hybrid in Indonesia earlier this month while Yamaha will launch the Grand Filano hybrid in Vietnam, soon.
Although the new Honda PCX 150 was launched in Malaysia a few weeks ago, it is not the hybrid nor electric as we hoped.

Honda Motor Co. and Yamaha Motor Co., are confident in promoting hybrid scooters in Thailand as global attention shift to such motorcycles.

Honda has plans to launch the PCX Hybrid in August while Yamaha released the Yamaha Grand Filano Hybrid last week in the Kingdom. Both models are incidentally the first hybrid motorcycles for each manufacturer.

The 150cc PCX Hybrid is equipped with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, boasting fuel economy of 52.3 km/liter, and will sell for less than THB 120,000 baht (RM 14,600).

A.P. Honda Co., Honda’s Thai sales arm, is confident in selling 2,000 units of the PCX Hybrid per year.

On the other hand, the Yamaha Grand Filano starts at THB 55,500 (RM 6,700). Thai Yamaha Motor Co., plans to sell 7,000 units per month, on merit of a more competitive pricing.

The Thai domestic motorcycle market has around 2 million units, with A.P. Honda accounting for 80% share, and Thai Yamaha at approximately 15.2 percent, in the first half of this year.

The Thai government intends to shift the tax base for motorcycles from cylinder capacity to carbon dioxide emissions following a similar change for automobiles implemented in 2016.

The duopoly’s hybrid model launches could raise awareness of eco-friendly vehicles in the country.

Surapong Paisitpattanapong, a spokesman for an automotive group at the Federation of Thai Industries, said that demand for hybrid motorbikes in Thailand is expected to gradually grow, like hybrid passenger cars, as manufacturers need some time to raise recognition about the new technology.

Honda released the PCX Hybrid in Indonesia early this month and will start selling it in Japan on Sept. 14, while Yamaha plans to launch the Grand Filano in Vietnam.

Boon Siew Honda had just released the new PCX 150 in Malaysia a few weeks ago, but we are also waiting for either the hybrid or electric model.

2018 Honda PCX Launched by Boon Siew Honda

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

The Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) 2018 is back with Round 2 during this 27th, 28th, 29th July weekend at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Muhammad Adam Norrodin, Malaysia’s current World Moto3 rider, will be contesting in the 600cc Supersport Championship.

The TOC Desmo Cup 2018 Championship will also commence from this weekend.

PIRELLI MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 2018

ROUND 2 – RACE PROGRAM

A new team will be competing in the 2018 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship.

Team DEL Michelin was set up by the series’ pioneer, Dato’ Eric Loo.

The team’s rider will be Simon Vilhelmsen, the 24-year old Danish who finished 4th in the 2017 S-1GP Championsip.

Motorcycles are still getting more and more advanced.

However, there are a number of technological advancements that improved the motorcycle.

These have made motorcycling both more enjoyable and safer.

Honda MotoGP Team admits it will be “challenging” to manage the relationship of both riders.

The manufacturer will also have to build a bike which suits both riders.

Pundits are rubbing their hands together in glee to see how it works out.

Honda and Yamaha will promote hybrid motorcycles in Thailand.

Honda had released the PCX 150 Hybrid in Indonesia earlier this month while Yamaha will launch the Grand Filano hybrid in Vietnam, soon.

Although the new Honda PCX 150 was launched in Malaysia a few weeks ago, it is not the hybrid nor electric as we hoped.

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The Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) 2018 is back with Round 2 during this 27^th, 28^th, 29^th July weekend at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

The team’s rider will be Simon Vilhelmsen, the 24-year old Danish who finished 4^th in the 2017 S-1GP Championsip.