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“Let’s Talk Modenas Bajaj” happening on 14 April 2018 in Penang

Modenas together with Bajaj will be organising the “Let’s Talk Modenas Bajaj” interaction program in Penang this 14 April 2018.

All owners of the Modenas Pulsar RS200, NS200 and V15 in the Northern region are invited.

Their fourth ever interaction program will be happening at the Dewan Seminar Restoran Pelita located in Autocity Juru, Penang.

As part of their ultimate goal to bridge the gap closer between motorcycle manufacturer and customers, Modenas together with Bajaj will be organising a very special event called “Let’s Talk Modenas Bajaj 4.0 Northern” on 14 April 2018 in Juru, Penang. All owners of the Modenas Pulsar RS200, NS200 and V15 in the Northern region are invited for this very special get-together event. (more…)

Top Motorcycles for the Touring Season (Part 2: Sport-Tourers)

It’s sport-tourers for Part 2 of the Top Motorcycles for the Touring Season.
Sport-tourers are fast bikes that are also practical.
The appeal of sport-tourers are practicality, comfort and some good speed.

In Part 1 of Top Motorcycles for the Touring Season, we’ve covered dual-purpose bikes. (Please click here for the article.) If you could recall, dual-purpose bikes are called such since they could be ridden on both the road and off-road.

In Part 2 here, let’s take a look at sport-tourers, motorcycles that combine the speed and handling of sportbikes with the practicality of touring and dual-purpose motorcycles.

LIGHTWEIGHT

There aren’t specific lightweight sport-tourers in the sub-400 to 500cc segment. In this case, we could call any bike a sport-tourer unless they are dual-purpose bikes such as the Kawasaski Versys-X and BMW G 310 GS. Case in point is the Kapcai Touring Malaysia group who equip their Yamaha Y15ZRs with large GIVI top cases and go touring. Another great example is Anita Yusof who toured around the world on a Yamaha FZ150i. Let’s proceed to the middleweight section.

MIDDLEWEIGHT

There are so many bikes that occupy this segment but we’ve picked a few.

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 950

The Multistrada 950 was born from Ducati’s decision to introduce a range of bikes that are more affordable and accessible to a wider range of riders. Consequently, the 950 is bereft of high technologies such as the semi-active suspension and single-sided swingarm of its 1200cc and 1260 brothers. But that only means that the 950 is lighter and a joy to ride without needing to think about setting the electronics.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 90^o V-Twin
Displacement	947 cc
Maximum power	111 bhp (83 kW) @ 9000 RPM
Maximum torque	96 Nm @ 7750 RPM
Seat height	840 mm
Dry Weight	205 kg
Fuel capacity	20 litres

KAWASAKI VERSYS 650

The Versys 650 has gone through many cosmetic changes with each generation, although the engine and hardware stayed the same. The current model’s design follows the distinctive look of all current Kawasaki motorcycles. The 648cc parallel-Twin is torquey and has enough grunt up top for a spirited run. The windscreen and bodywork protect the rider from windblast well enough while the long-travel suspension is comfortable for most applications. Speaking of the suspension, it features a remote preload adjuster and the seat height isn’t too tall for most riders. There are plenty of cargo solutions in the market for this bike.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, parallel-Twin
Displacement	649 cc
Maximum power	68.4 bhp (51 kW) @ 8500 RPM
Maximum torque	64 Nm @ 7000 RPM
Seat height	840 mm
Kerb weight	214 kg
Fuel capacity	21 litres

MV AGUSTA TURISMO VELOCE 800

The Turismo Veloce 800 came about when AMG pumped in some capital into MV Agusta, and signaled a small but significant change of direction in terms of product development and features. Hence, the Turismo Veloce was the first MV Agusta to feature a fully LCD instrument panel which includes all the pertinent data. Scrolling, instead of rummaging, through the menus was also thankfully painless. The suspension was also made suppler and the Lusso model includes large-size panniers. MV Agusta had also managed to get rid of the snatchy throttle. The bike still looks beautiful after a couple of years.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-Triple
Displacement	798 cc
Maximum power	110 bhp (81 kW) @ 10150 RPM
Maximum torque	80 Nm @ 7100 RPM
Seat height	850 mm
Dry weight	191 kg
Fuel capacity	21.5 litres

SUZUKI V-STROM 650 XT

The V-Strom 650’s engine has been in circulation for more than 15 years and it’s more popular than its 1000cc brethren. It’s because the 650 has a smoother and more linear power. Compared to the Kawasaki Versys 650, the V-Strom 650 is larger hence wider and longer seats. The suspension is also rather plush. It goes by carrying out its duties quietly to stage of being blamed as “bland.”

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 90^o V-Twin
Displacement	645 cc
Maximum power	66.6 bhp (49 kW) @ 8800 RPM
Maximum torque	60 Nm @ 6400 RPM
Seat height	835 mm
Wet Weight	216 kg
Fuel capacity	20 litres

YAMAHA MT-09 TRACER

The Tracer is the sport-touring version of the MT-09 naked bike, hence it is light, fast and quick on its feet. The bodywork does an adequate job of keeping wind off the rider’s torso, while the large-sized LCD panel is lifted from the Super Tenere. The long-travel suspension is quite soft.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-Triple
Displacement	847 cc
Maximum power	114 bhp (84.6 kW) @ 10000 RPM
Maximum torque	87.5 Nm @ 8500 RPM
Seat height	845 – 860 mm
Wet Weight	207 kg
Fuel capacity	18 litres

HEAVYWEIGHT

We’ve come to the top of the crop. These are the Concordes should we compare them to airliners.

BMW S 1000 XR

With the engine derived from the S 1000 RR superbike, the S 1000 XR is BMW’s weapon to attack the big bore sport-touring segment. It’s got everything here including the ESA semi-active suspension, ride modes, traction control, and panniers. That inline-Four is an ultra-flexible power unit: It’ll pull hard from just below 60 km/h in sixth gear all the way to its top speed without batting an eyelid.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-Four
Displacement	999 cc
Maximum power	165 bhp (121 kW) @ 11000 RPM
Maximum torque	112 Nm @ 9250
Seat height	840 mm
Wet weight	228 kg
Fuel capacity	20 litres

BMW R 1200 RT

For a little bit more character compared to the uber machine S 1000 XR, the R 1200 RT fits the bill nicely. It shares that same wasser-Boxer of the R 1200 GS which means torque everywhere. The RT is also well-appointed in its instrumentation and creature comforts, as well as the suspension which is again similar to GS’s. Those large panniers are… er… large and you could fit almost anything in them.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, Boxer-Twin
Displacement	1170 cc
Maximum power	125 bhp (92 kW) @ 7750 RPM
Maximum torque	125 Nm @ 6500 RPM
Seat height	805 – 825 mm
Wet weight	274 kg
Fuel capacity	25 litres

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1260

Ducati launched the Multistrada 1260 to compete with the other monsters in the segment. (As if the 1200 wasn’t fast enough.) Well, it wasn’t about speed, said Ducati; they fitted the 1262cc DVT engine from the XDiavel to address the flat spot at 5500 RPM of the 1200 DVT engine. Surely enough, there’s an 18% torque increase at that RPM. The swingarm has also been lengthened by a significant 48mm for more stability when carrying a passenger and cargo. The S model includes a bi-directional quickshifter, Ducati Link App and electronic suspension as well as colour-coded luggage.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 90^o V-Twin
Displacement	1262 cc
Maximum power	156 bhp (116.2 kW) @ 9500 RPM
Maximum torque	129.5 Nm @ 7500 RPM
Seat height	825 – 845 mm
Dry weight	209 kg
Fuel capacity	20 litres

KAWASAKI 1400GTR

The GTR found massive popularity in Malaysia and the world over. It’s fast – having an engine derived from the Ninja ZX-14 has that effect – yet comfortable. The seating position is neutral behind that large nose and tall screen. There is plenty of storage space, too.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-Four
Displacement	1362 cc
Maximum power	153 bhp @ 8800 RPM
Maximum torque	138.3 Nm @ 6200 RPM
Seat height	815 mm
Wet weight	313 kg
Fuel capacity	22 litres

KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT

Dubbed “The Missile” during its launch, this bike is the epitome of leaning towards sport in the sport-touring equation. Its super-powered by the engine of the 1290 Super Duke R, punching out 173 bhp and 144 Nm of torque. But what makes the 1290 Super Duke GT such a great bike is how the bike “assists” you in becoming a better rider through the power mode, traction control and semi-active suspension strategies. But it isn’t all about speed on the GT as it’s equally docile when ridden at sane speeds in urban settings. This is one bike for riders who wish to get there quickly and have more time to enjoy himself.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 75^o V-Twin
Displacement	1301 cc
Maximum power	173 bhp (129 kW) @ 9500 RPM
Maximum torque	144 Nm @ 6750 RPM
Seat height	835 mm
Wet weight	228 kg
Fuel capacity	23 litres

2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX Malaysian debut in May – RM150,000?

Some reliable sources have indicated that the 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX might arrive in Malaysia sometime in May.

Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KSMB) did announce before that it’ll debut within the second quarter of 2018.

As for pricing, our best guess would be somewhere around the RM150,000 range.

The world’s most powerful touring motorcycle that is the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX which was launched late last year during EICMA 2017 in Milan, Italy will be making its way here in Malaysia. The good news is that it might be closer than you think so those who are interested can start saving up for the world’s only production sport-touring motorcycle. (more…)

2018 Honda CB1000R Carbon Edition unveiled in Tokyo

A one-off custom carbon fibre 2018 Honda CB1000R Carbon Edition was revealed during the 2018 Tokyo Motorcycle Show.

Built by Magical Racing, everything from its wheels to handlebars have been replaced with carbon fibre parts.

A Yamamoto Racing Spec-A full-system exhaust with gold silencer brings everything together.

It was only a few months ago when Honda unleashed their latest ‘Neo Sports Cafe’ machine called the 2018 Honda CB1000R. Their super capable naked bike was taken to an entirely new level this year at the 2018 Tokyo Motorcycle Show when a custom Honda CB1000R have been literally drowned in carbon fibre. (more…)

Check out this BMW R1250 Global Sport Concept

This BMW R1250 Global Sport Concept was designed by Oberdan Bezzi.

Designed to be a sportier touring machine, the BMW R1250 has a lower and more aggressive stance.

Powered by a 1,250cc air-cooled boxer engine, conquering any riding terrains would be easier and faster.

When it comes to the world of touring motorcycles, there are many candidates to fill in the place but none more so than BMW Motorrad and their hyper-capable GS series. From its birth up until the present, there’s basically a GS model for anyone and everyone looking for the perfect adventure machine that’ll basically take them everywhere. (more…)

Motorcycles for the Touring Season (Part 1: Dual-Purpose)

It’s touring season for Malaysian bikers again.
While one could tour with any bike, riding one which is designed specifically for the purpose would be perfect.
We start with dual-purpose (DP) machines.

Touring season is upon us Malaysian bikers head out to tour the country as well as to Thailand for Songkran, Phuket Bike Week and various our locations. As the saying goes, “Always use the right tool for the right job,” it applies to the type of bike, too. Of course, there are hardcore riders who tour all the way to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand on 1970s Vespas and Lambrettas or mopeds, but there’s nothing like riding purpose-built machines.

We’ve put together a collection of bikes that we’ve tested and a (very) few that we hadn’t. However, we start with dual-sports (DP) motorcycles in Part 1.

As the designation implies, dual-sport motorcycles are suited for rough road and off-road riding, hence you could safely handle difficult situations (such as broken roads, dirt from a previous landslide should they arise handle well even at low speeds. They are also able to carry lots of luggage in addition to a passenger with ease. Long travel suspension soaks up surface irregularities, contributing to rider comfort. Adventure-tourers usually have bigger fuel tanks too, for longer ranges. Many, if not all, feature lower engine compression ratios meaning they could accept lower octane fuel.

Please note that we’ve left out the enduro-style DPs as they have limited range and luggage carrying capacity for long-distance touring.

LIGHTWEIGHT

The lightweight DP motorcycle segment isn’t necessarily new if you include enduros and trail bikes; but the segment is now joined by the “mini” Versys and GS.

BMW G 310 GS

The G 310 GS is the adventure version of the G 310 R roadster. (Please click here for our full review.) BMW Motorrad intended the bike for the far-flung markets hence the affordability and simplicity of these models. The G 310 GS is commendably fast on tarmac and has a great balance when ridden off-road.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, single-cylinder
Displacement	313 cc
Maximum power	34 bhp (25 kW) @ 9500 RPM
Maximum torque	28 Nm @ 7500 RPM
Seat height	835 mm (unladen)
Wet weight	169.5 kg (ready to ride)
Fuel capacity	11 litres

HONDA CRF250 RALLY

The CRF250 Rally is probably the best-looking bike in this lightweight group. (Please click here for our full review.) It features a handsome bodywork, along the lines of its CRF1000L Africa Twin bigger brother and will all the beautiful Honda quality you can shake a stick at. The engine is derived from the CBR250 and its got a nice set of LED headlamps. The CRF250 Rally is geared more towards relaxed off-road trail riding, hence it isn’t a real roadrunner. But if your holiday plan calls for riding off-road and camping, it’s hard to beat this bike.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, single-cylinder
Displacement	249 cc
Maximum power	23 bhp (24.7 kW) @ 8500 RPM
Maximum torque	22 Nm @ 7000 RPM
Seat height	895 mm
Wet weight	157 kg
Fuel capacity	10 litres

KAWASAKI VERSYS-X 250

It could be said that the Versys-X burst onto the scene. (Please click here for our full review.) Here was a bike that resembles the popular KLR650, is very light and has a lively 250cc engine sourced from the Ninja 250. Kawasaki had given the Versys-X longer legs (presumably for off-road riding), incidentally making it a quick road bike. The suspension may feel a little simple but it gets the job done in absorbing hard bumps supporting the occupants’ weight plus luggage.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, parallel-Twin
Displacement	249 cc
Maximum power	33.1 bhp (24.7 kW) @ 11500 RPM
Maximum torque	21.7 Nm @ 10000 RPM
Seat height	815 mm
Curb weight	173 kg
Fuel capacity	17 litres

MIDDLEWEIGHT

While the middleweight sport-touring segment is the most hotly contested, there are not many middleweight DPs except for BMW and Triumph in Malaysia.

BMW F 800 GS / F 800 GS ADVENTURE

The BMW F 800 GS and its Adventure variant has been around for some time. Slender cross-section and midsection, long travel suspension, ability to haul luggage, simplicity in maintenance and repair makes it the favourite among BMW riders who love to ride off-road. The model is slated for replacement by the new F 850 GS.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, parallel-Twin
Displacement	798 cc
Maximum power	85 bhp (62.5 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Maximum torque	80 Nm @ 5750 RPM
Seat height	890 mm
Wet weight	229 kg
Fuel capacity	24 litres

*Specifications based on the F 800 GS.

TRIUMPH TIGER 800

The Triumph Tiger 800 had enjoyed splendid sales and following from the previous model and the Hinckley-based manufacturer had successfully updated the 2018 model to make it even better. (Please click here for our full review.) There were 200 revisions just to the engine and chassis, there’s a new TFT screen and switchgear lifted from the Street Triple RS, bigger and adjustable windscreen and comfy seats, among other things. Updates to the chassis has resulted in a surefooted, confident ride. Refined Ride Modes, traction control and smooth engine power delivery sets new standards. The Triumph Tiger 800 is currently the best 800cc DP.

Choose from two different lines and six specs: XCx and XCa are adventure oriented, while the XR, XRx, XRx LRH and XRt are more road-oriented.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, inline-Triple
Displacement	800 cc
Maximum power	95 bhp (62.5 kW) @ 9500 RPM
Maximum torque	79 Nm @ 8050 RPM
Seat height	840 – 860 mm
Dry weight	205 kg
Fuel capacity	19 litres

*Specifications based on the Tiger 800 XCx.

HEAVYWEIGHT

This segment is populated by the technologically-laden heavy hitters. Everything from electronic suspension to lean-sensitive traction control and ABS are found here.

BMW R 1200 GS / R 1200 GS RALLYE / R 1200 GS ADVENTURE

What else could be written about the massively popular BMW R 1200 GS that hasn’t been? Long-range comfort, ability to haul everything apart from the house itself (216 kg permissible payload), goes anywhere, etc. etc., and it just keeps getting better and better.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, Boxer-Twin
Displacement	1170 cc
Maximum power	125 bhp (92 kW) @ 7750 RPM
Maximum torque	125 Nm @ 6500 RPM
Seat height	850 – 870 mm
Kerb weight	244 kg
Fuel capacity	20 litres

*Specifications based on the BMW R 1200 GS Rallye.

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200 ENDURO / MULTISTRADA 1200 ENDURO PRO

Although the Multistrada 1200 (and Multistrada 1200S) include an “Offroad” ride mode setting, it isn’t truly capable of taking on the gnarlier stuff other than a kampong (village) trail. Ducati knew they had a great sport-tourer but they were missing out on the go-anywhere territory, which is dominated by BMW and KTM.

Ducati revised the bike to give the Enduro more offroad capabilities such as the riding position, wheels, suspension, seat, handlebar, windscreen, gearing, traction control and a 30-litre fuel tank. The Enduro Pro version is fitted out with offroad accessories. The wonderfully smooth DVT-equipped engine is retained.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, 90^o V-Twin
Displacement	1198 cc
Maximum power	160 bhp (117.7 kW) @ 9500 RPM
Maximum torque	136 Nm @ 7500 RPM
Seat height	870 mm
Kerb weight	254 kg
Fuel capacity	30 litres

*Specifications based on the Multistrada 1200 Enduro.

HONDA CRF1000L AFRICA TWIN

The Africa Twin name is one which is synonymous with DP that many fans cursed and swore when production stopped from 2004. Its comeback in 2016 was hailed as one of the biggest events and it has been selling steadily since then. Honda’s quality is on every control and surface you see and touch, and it’s offered in manual or Honda’s proprietary DCT automatic transmission. It’s one of the easiest big bore machines to ride.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, parallel-Twin
Displacement	998 cc
Maximum power	93.8 bhp (70 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Maximum torque	98 Nm @ 6000 RPM
Seat height	850 – 870 mm
Kerb weight	232 kg
Fuel capacity	19 litres

*Specifications based on the manual transmission option.

KTM 1050 ADVENTURE

The KTM 1050 Adventure is the model to entice new adventure riders into the Austrian giant’s adventure lineup.

Low seat height, low weight, easy handling are its core characteristics. It may not have as much technology such as the 1290 range but it holds its own with stuff like three Power Modes, assist and slip clutch, two-channel ABS, and a torquey engine. It may be a road-centric bike but all you need is a set of adventure tyres to ride both on and off-road.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, 75^o V-Twin
Displacement	1050 cc
Maximum power	93.8 bhp (68.8 kW) @ 6200 RPM
Maximum torque	107 Nm @ 5750 RPM
Seat height	850 mm
Dry weight	212 kg
Fuel capacity	23 litres

KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R

There are two versions of the 1290 Super Adventure. The 1290 Super Adventure S is for the road (although it could do off-road too), while the 1290 Super Adventure R is geared for off-road riding. The 1290 Super Adventure lineup consists of technological marvels and are “fierce” bikes if you choose to ride fast (only 5 kg more than the 1050 Adventure but with 160 bhp on tap), but they are also civil when ridden at sane speeds. The new 1290 Super Adventure R also look great with that distinctive LED headlight. As we mentioned before there are so much technology to list down but the main ones are electronically controlled WP Semi-Active suspension, lean-sensitive traction control and ABS, five riding modes. Owners can opt for the Travel Pack which includes Hill Hold Control, Motor Slip Regulation, up and down Quickshifter+, KTM My Ride which turns the 6.5-inch LCD instrument panel into your communications centre. The 1290 Super Adventure R differs from the S-version in the wheels, windscreen and off-road traction control strategy.

Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves, 75^o V-Twin
Displacement	1031 cc
Maximum power	160 bhp (118 kW) @ 8750 RPM
Maximum torque	140 Nm @ 6750 RPM
Seat height	890 mm
Dry weight	217 kg
Fuel capacity	23 litres