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BMW Motorrad GS Challenge 2023 Crowns Its Champions In Thrilling Off-Road Showdown

BMW Motorrad Malaysia returned with an electrifying spectacle as the BMW Motorrad GS Challenge 2023 unfolded over the course of a gripping weekend in Putrajaya.

Dedicated to pushing local GS motorcycle riders beyond their limits, saw over 180 enthusiastic participants vie for a coveted spot in the prestigious 2024 International GS Trophy Tour in Namibia.
Following the resounding success of last year’s edition, the BMW Motorrad GS Challenge continued its legacy of testing the off-roading prowess of riders in a challenging, unconventional terrain.
The event served as a unifying platform for BMW Motorrad owners and enthusiasts, fostering camaraderie under the enduring spirit of GS adventure.

Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, expressed his excitement about the event’s return, stating, “We are thrilled to be bringing back the BMW Motorrad GS Challenge this year to our passionate community of GS riders here in Malaysia. Following its successful reception last year, it is a joy to see our participants experience the same freedom, power, and spirit of adventure again as they traversed through the challenging terrain, embodying everything that our GS motorcycles were designed for.”

The weekend’s activities were designed to put participants’ riding and navigation skills to the test, featuring a series of distinctive off-road challenges and an exhilarating ‘Follow the Trails’ course specially tailored for BMW G 310 GS owners.

At the culmination of Day 1, the Top 10 riders were handpicked to engage in a heart-pounding round of skill assessments on Day 2, all vying for the exclusive opportunity to participate in the ‘Follow the Trails’ (FTT) Tour of the International BMW GS Trophy in Namibia, slated for 2024. As a mark of their achievements, the Top 10 finalists were presented with exclusive prizes, generously provided by the official tire sponsor, Metzeler.

Following two grueling days of intense competition, which included an evening of fine dining and musical performances at the ‘GS Fireplace’ dinner, the standout performers emerged as the victors, securing their spots on the coveted FTT Namibia 2024 tour.

The triumphant riders, announced in no particular order, are Asmawi Bin Ali, Diwaagar A/L Tambychandran, Affendy Syed Omar, Zulkifli Bin Zainal Abidin, and Azlan Shah Bin Ahmad Suhaimi.

The BMW Motorrad GS Challenge 2023 not only celebrated the adventurous spirit of GS motorcycles but also showcased the unwavering determination and skill of its riders. These five finalists now look forward to representing Malaysia on the global stage as they gear up for the ultimate GS adventure in Namibia next year.

BMW Halts Sales Of Gas-Powered Motorcycles In North America

BMW Motorrad has taken a significant step by ordering a temporary halt in the sale of all new and pre-owned gas-powered motorcycles across North American dealerships, just days before the much-anticipated unveiling of the next-generation R 1300 GS.

However, the embargo on sales does not extend to the CE 04, BMW’s electric scooter, which remains unaffected.

The company, in an official statement, clarified that this decision is unrelated to safety concerns but rather stems from an issue pertaining to the materials used in the Evaporative System (EVAP) of their motorcycles.

The EVAP system’s primary function is to capture fuel vapors and reintroduce them into the engine’s intake, thereby preventing their release into the environment.

Specific details regarding the nature and extent of the issue have not been disclosed, but the absence of safety implications suggests that BMW may have identified a matter related to emissions compliance that could potentially impact multiple generations of their motorcycles. The precise timeline and historical scope of this problem are yet to be elucidated.

It is important to note that this ‘stop sale’ directive is considered temporary in nature. However, BMW has not provided a definitive timeframe for the resumption of sales.

Furthermore, the company has clarified that this decision is voluntary and has not been mandated by any regulatory authority. Nevertheless, dealerships are obligated to adhere to the directive, ensuring compliance with BMW’s initiative.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Now In Malaysia – From RM37,900

Royal Enfield proudly introduced its latest addition to the family, the Super Meteor 650, in a grand launch event held at the Desaru International Bike Week in Johor.

The official launch at the Desaru International Bike Week in Johor provided an ideal backdrop for media partners and customers to experience the Super Meteor 650’s capabilities on picturesque roads.

As a top-of-the-line premium motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s portfolio, the Super Meteor 650 embodies the essence of a cruiser. It features uncluttered controls and instrumentation, relaxed rider ergonomics, rock-steady stability on highways, and a joyous riding experience on winding roads. Its flexible, smooth engine delivers ample torque, and its retro styling proudly showcases Royal Enfield’s DNA.

The Super Meteor 650 is now available in dealerships across Malaysia, with introductory prices starting at RM37,900 for the Super Meteor Single (Astral), RM38,300 for the Super Meteor Dual (Interstellar), and RM39,300 for the Super Meteor Tourer (Celestial).

The Super Meteor 650 is the third motorcycle to feature Royal Enfield’s 650cc parallel-twin engine after the Continental GT and Interceptor.

However, this is not simply an engine swap from the smaller Meteor 350 or a different aesthetic from the existing 650 Twin. Instead, the Super Meteor 650 gets a newly built frame, revised suspension geometry, redesigned fuel tank, new side panels and a new swingarm.

Also, the Super Meteor 650 is the first 650cc model from Royal Enfield to be equipped with full-LED lighting. In addition, the Super Meteor is also the first Royal Enfield to be fitted with upside-down forks.

Nonetheless, the motorcycle continues to offer conventional cruiser-style riding ergonomics similar to the 350. Meanwhile, instrumentation comes from a digital-analogue display with tripper navigation.

With the launch of the Super Meteor 650, Royal Enfield continues to make strides in providing riders with exceptional motorcycles that blend timeless design with modern performance, reaffirming its commitment to the ever-growing motorcycling community in Malaysia and beyond.

TVS Racing Electric One Make Championship Announced

Indian motorcycle giant, TVS Motor Company is committed to strengthen it’s sustainable mobility solutions by announcing the country’s first ever electric motorcycle racing championship.

As EVs showing significant growth globally, TVS hopes to take the extra initiative that could boost India’s electric mobility growth by introducing the TVS Racing Electric One Make Championship (e-OMC).

Participant will be racing on the electric TVS Apache RTE race bike developed specifically for the championship.

“TVS Motor has been championing racing ever since we started India’s first factory racing team.

TVS Racing has been instrumental in making motorsports aspirational yet accessible for enthusiasts across the country. Many of the technologies that we pioneered in our racing machines have made way to our production vehicles, giving shape to our ‘track to road’ philosophy.

In line with our vision of providing exciting and sustainable mobility solutions, we are thrilled to announce the debut of India’s first ever EV two wheeler racing. TVS Racing e-OMC will not only set new benchmarks in the racing segment but also demonstrate the potential of electric vehicles in delivering high-octane and thrilling racing experiences for the world to witness,” said Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company.

According to TVS, the Apache RTE features highest power-to-weight in its class with liquid-cooled motor and high efficiency liquid-cooled motor controller. The motorcycle is also fitted with carbon fiber case that also acts as the stressed member.

Other premium components include Ohlins bespoke front and rear suspension, Brembo brakes with 320mm fornt disc and master cylinder, and carbon fibre wheels fitted with Pirelli Super Corsa tyres.

BMW Motorrad Drops New Teaser For The Upcoming R 1300 GS

As September 28, 2023, fast approaches, BMW Motorrad has been steadily building excitement for its upcoming release, the R 1300 GS Adventure motorcycle.

Unlike some manufacturers who keep their new models shrouded in secrecy until the last minute, BMW Motorrad has taken a different approach, already revealing the name of this highly anticipated bike.

To herald the arrival of the new BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, the Motorrad team has opted for a unique teaser strategy. Instead of cryptic silhouettes or extreme close-ups, they’ve chosen to showcase a single action shot of the bike in the midst of an adventure, sparking intrigue among motorcycle enthusiasts.

On Facebook, the caption invites readers to “Set the pace with the all-new BMW #R1300GS?” followed by the curious eyeballs emoji. It promises more updates on the unveiling, reminding everyone to stay tuned for the big reveal on September 28th at 5 PM CEST, using the hashtag #ThePacesetter.

The teaser image, while shrouded in a splash of water, provides a subtle glimpse of what’s to come. Enthusiasts with a keen eye might spot the signature wire-spoke wheels and dual brake discs that are a hallmark of GS motorcycles. Some observant commenters on social media have even suggested that the front end appears slightly slimmer compared to the previous R 1250 GS, although it’s challenging to gauge proportions accurately due to the surrounding water in the photo.

With just a few more days to go until the grand unveiling, the motorcycling community eagerly anticipates the official debut of the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure and the adventures it promises to bring. Stay tuned for more updates and details on this exciting release.

Yamaha And CFMOTO Forge New Partnership In China

In a significant development for the motorcycle manufacturing industry, Yamaha has made an official announcement regarding a planned change of ownership of Chongqing Jianshe Mechanical and Electric Co., Ltd. (CJMEC), a current partner in the Yamaha motorcycle manufacturing joint venture in China, known as Zhuzhou Jianshe Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (ZJYM). This change is scheduled to take place in November 2023.

Under the terms of the agreement, ZJYM’s equity interest will be transferred to ZHEJIANG CFMOTO POWER CO., LTD. (CFMOTO).
The new entity resulting from this transition will be named Zhuzhou CF Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (ZCYM). Currently, ZCYM boasts a workforce of approximately 500 employees.

The ownership distribution in ZCYM will be as follows: CFMOTO will hold a 50 percent share, Yamaha will maintain a 44.23 percent share, and the remaining 5.77 percent will be held by Tair Yea Limited.

Yamaha views China as one of its crucial production and sales bases and considers this change in ownership as part of its strategy to enhance competitiveness. The company intends to engage in discussions with CFMOTO to determine the future direction of their joint venture with the goal of further elevating their competitive edge within the market.

This development not only has implications for Yamaha but also signifies a significant shift within the global motorcycle industry. CFMOTO, which already maintains a close working alliance with KTM, will now further solidify its position within the industry through this alliance with Yamaha.

The collaboration between CFMOTO and Yamaha is expected to have a positive impact on the industry landscape, with potential benefits for both companies and motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

As November 2023 approaches, all eyes will be on Zhuzhou CF Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (ZCYM), as it sets out on this new chapter in its journey, with the hopes of continued success in the ever-evolving motorcycle market. Stay tuned for further updates on this development and its implications in the coming months.