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Breaking Through: Female Automotive Students at TOC

The automotive industry is male-dominated but more and more ladies are getting involved.
We came across a few female students at the TOC Automotive College
They are set to break through the stereotype.

We ran into a couple of female students who are studying automotive subjects at the TOC Automotive College (TOC). We decided to interview them about their desires, inspiration, challenges and expectations from studying such courses.

It is beyond doubt that the automotive industry is male-dominated, probably to the point of being chauvinistic. More often than not, ladies are delegated to non-technical roles. However, there are ladies who love cars and bikes just as much, if not more, than guys.

Siti Kamilia Alisa Binti Kamarudzaman, Diploma in Automotive Technology

First up, Ms. Siti Kamilia Alisa Binti Kamarudzaman, who is currently studying for her Diploma in Automotive Technology course.

Bikes Republic (BR): What your reason in studying automotive subjects?
Siti Kamilia Alisa (SKA): When I was little, I used to help my Dad fix cars. It was his hobby, I guess. We didn’t own a workshop, (so) we only did simple (and) basic stuff like replacing the timing belt and all that.

My siblings are all girls but I’m the closest to my father and he’d always ask me to help out. The passion (for cars) developed from there.

BR: What made you choose TOC?
SKA: A friend of mine studied here and introduced it. He said the system here is different from other universities.

BR: What do you think of TOC, so far?
SKA: Everything’s great, everything’s good. Classes are good, the practical (sessions) are good; it’s a lot of fun.

BR: The automotive scene in Malaysia is dominated by men, so what’s your experience in surround by a majority of male students?

SKA: People here are okay with it, impressed even, in some cases. I haven’t gotten any backlash or negativity, so far.

BR: What are your expectations when you graduate?
SKA: Learning new things, for sure. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I think. I’m just living the moment now and see what comes about in the future.

Ms. Nurul Hazirah Binti Musa, Master Technician Course.

Bikes Republic (BR): What stoked your interest in automotive?
Nurul Hazirah (NH): My Dad and Brother love technical stuff, so I was influenced by them. They’d usually repair cars, bikes or the house.

BR: Why did you choose TOC over other technical colleges?
NH: It because there’s lots of practical lessons compared to just studying theories. It means there are fewer assignments. Additionally, the facilities here are more comprehensive compared to other places. Also, the quality of the lecturers is very good as they have experience.

BR: What’s your opinion about ladies studying technical subjects, given the male-dominated industry?
NH: Personally, there’s nothing to it because it’s already ingrained in me. Yes, there were who questioned me about studying to be a (certified) technician. But there’s no distinction between what industry is male or female dominated these days.

BR: You’ve done your internship. What did you experience?
NH: The only problem I came across was on the strength factor. We can do it but just need a little bit of help once a while.

BR: Looking forward, what do you want to do?
NH: I’d like to start my own workshop.

BR: Do you see an advantage since you’ve studied automotive before starting your business?
NH: It is advantageous. For example, I can spot the mistakes made by technicians easier. Training him and correcting his mistake will be good for all parties. In the short term, at least I won’t get cheated by workshops when I send in my car!

CONCLUSION

There you have it. Given the right lead, ladies can develop a love for cars and bikes, instead of the stereotypical Barbie dolls or a Shiseido make-up kit. However, passion can only go so far if one does not seek formal training to walk on the right path.

If you are parent reading this, it is okay if your daughter loves cars and bikes. There is always a need for certified technicians, and they can command higher salaries. These students should also find it easy to move up the corporate ladder, or, like Nurul Hazirah, become her own business owner.

So, send in your daughters. TOC will take good care of them.

Please click here to find out more about the TOC Automotive College. Please click here if you are interested in the Superbike Technician Course. TOC has a programme called Bina Bakat to assist potential students in need of an education loan.

TOC Automotive College can be reached at (+603) 7960 8833

2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 US Prices Revealed

Triumph has revealed the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 prices.
However, the prices are for the US market, at the moment.
They are considerably cheap, considering that they have more technology than their peers.

There was lots of excitement accompanying the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 launch in October. This was the Scrambler that will destroy the scrambler wars. However, Triumph withheld the prices during the time.

It finally has, courtesy of a motojournalist who was attending the media ride in Portugal.

The 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 features two “terrain-centric” variants. The Scrambler 1200 XC is more road-oriented but still off-road capable. On the other hand, the Scrambler 1200 XE (“E” for extreme) is more off-road oriented but still road-capable.

Both models share the same 1200cc Hi-Power engine, new LCD display, LED lighting, backlit switches, torque-assist clutch, cruise control and optional GoPro control.

The XE, however, features longer-travel suspension, IMU-optimised Cornering ABS and Cornering Traction Control, extra Off-Road Pro engine map, Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers and a couple more wonderful things.

Okay, okay, how much? Triumph in America recommends US$ 14,000 for the Scrambler 1200 XC, and US$ 15,400 for the Scrambler 1200 XE. But bear in mind that these are retail prices in the States. Still, the prices are super competitive among its peers. They are considerably cheap even, given the amount of technology it carries!

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Recalls Yamaha YZF-R25

A parts replacement programme has been initiated for the Yamaha YZF-R25.
The parts are a radiator hose and gearshift shaft torsion spring.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor will contact owners of the affected units from mid-January 2019.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) issued a statement regarding the Yamaha YZF-R25. The Malaysian Yamaha distributor calls it a “Parts Replacement Programme.”

When Yamaha initiated a recall campaign for the Yamaha YZF-R3 in America, we did not publish the news as the R3 is not available here. We were uncertain if the YZF-R25 used the same parts as the R3.

Well, it does look like it is so now. HLYM will send the notice to the affected customers from mid-January 2019 onwards.

There are two parts to be replaced. The first is the radiator hose. Yamaha found that the supplier has improperly vulcanized (process of hardening rubber) the hose and it may leak cooling fluid.

Units affected by this are YZF-R25 frame numbers beginning with PMYRG1510E, PMYRG1510F, PMYRG1510G. Also, units 0000000 to 0012240 for frame number beginning with PMYRG1510H.

The second part covered in the programme is the gearshift shaft torsion spring. Yamaha found that the supplier shot-peened it improperly. Shot-peening is a process to strengthen metal parts. The spring could potentially break causing the shifter to become loose, consequently affecting gear shifting.

Affected units are all units with frame numbers beginning PMYRG1510E, PMYRG1510F, and PMYRG1510G from 0000000 to 0006758.

Model

Frame Number

Component

YZF-R25

All units with Frame number beginning with

PMYRG1510E

PMYRG1510F

PMYRG1510G

And units within the following frame numbers

PMYRG1510H– 0000000 to 0012240

Radiator Hose

All units with Frame number beginning with

PMYRG1510E

PMYRG1510F

All units within the following frame numbers

PMYRG1510G- 0000000 to 0006758

Torsion Spring

Owners are advised to contact HLYM immediately upon receiving the notice. Contact numbers are: 03-61577011 and 03-61577002.

Source: Hong Leong Yamaha Motor

Reports of Suzuki Hayabusa Death Greatly Exaggerated?

The internet went crazy when with the news of the “death” of the Suzuki Hayabusa.
The manufacturer is only stopping production of the Euro4-compliant ‘Busa.
It did not mean there is no more of the model in the future.

The internet went crazy last week with the “death” of the Suzuki Hayabusa. We decided to sit out the storm and see what actually happened.

Well, Suzuki Motor of America has issued a press release in the matter. “The news of my death has been greatly exaggerated,” said Mark Twain.

This was what they said:

“Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) has confirmed that U.S. market production of the Hayabusa sport motorcycle continues uninterrupted,”

“Production of the European-specification Hayabusa ceases due to Euro4 emission regulations. This situation, and resulting media reports, may have caused confusion and misunderstand among U.S. consumers, media, and dealers.”

It all started when Suzuki Japan’s website announced that they will cease production of the bike. Certain publications jumped on it, by assuming the worse. The “obituary” had circulated the globe about a kabizillion times before considering the backdrop.

The manufacturer is merely stopping production of the Euro4-compliant Hayabusa meant for the European market.

It’s not bad news at all, since they will definitely debut a Euro5-complaint ‘Busa for 2020. Some say it will feature turbocharging, 1440cc engine, IMU, active suspension, etc. and more rumours.

KTM CEO: Bajaj to Build New KTM 500cc Two-Cylinder Model

KTM CEO Stefan Pierer confirmed that a new 500cc two-cylinder model is coming.
He also said that Bajaj will build the new bike.
The Austrian firm wants to compete with the Japanese in this growing segment.

Rumors of a KTM 500cc two-cylinder road model circulated some time back, but it begot nothing thereafter. KTM CEO Stefan Pierer confirmed Bajaj will build the new KTM 500cc two-cylinder model during the recent interview with Speedweek. He had also expressed his interest in Ducati during the same interview.

Having Bajaj build the bike means it will be priced competitively. Pierer says it’s because KTM wants to compete with the Japanese in this perpetually growing segment around the world.

It should bode well with riders who want a KTM but finds the 390 Duke/RC too small while the 790 Duke/Adventure too big or expensive. a 500cc platform will most probably include both Duke and Adventure variants, as with the 790.

The new 500 could well be called the 490, going by the Austrian manufacturer’s tradition. But what can we expect?

The new generation 390 Duke features a TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, ride modes, ABS, WP suspension, and such. The 790 Duke is also bedecked with those features. Consequently, we can safely assume that the new 500cc bike ought to include the same features.

As for the engine, KTM dabbled into a new direction for themselves with 790. Instead of being either a single or V-Twin, they went with a parallel-Twin called LC8c. Its 285^ocrankshaft timing mimics the 75^oV-Twin (360^o– 285^o– 75^o) in the manufacturer’s larger bikes.

Hence, we should be able to expect of the same in the 500cc model. The engine should be compact and lightweight such as the 790’s, although we don’t know if it’s sleeved-down from the bigger engine.

What happens to the 690 Duke then? KTM may just replace it with the new bike, since a two-cylinder 500cc engine should produce equivalent of more power than a 690cc single.

We’ll definitely bring you more so watch this space.

Special service campaign for Aprilia owners in Penang!

Aprilias are special machines and require special care.
Aprilia service centre in Penang is offering special discounts and gifts for owners.
Campaign to run from 24th of December till the 28th of December 2018.

Calling all Aprilia owners in Penang! The official Aprilia service centre in Penang is offering a special service campaign which runs from 24th of December 2018 till the 28th of December.

The Aprilia service centre in Penang (pictured above) is offering special door gifts for all Aprilia owners who service their bikes at the official centre. And besides that, Aprilia owners will also enjoy a 15% discount on spare parts, special price for oil service, as well as a special price on tyres.

So if your Aprilia is due for a service, or if you just want to enjoy the special privileges during this service campaign, then head on over to the Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn Bhd located at No 24, Japan Dato Keramat, Pulau Pinang, 10150, Georgetown. Or call 0194009339 for more information.

“This special service campaign was designed exclusively for Aprilia owners. As the official service centre for Aprilia, we want to be able to offer owners the complete Aprilia experience which includes fantastic aftersales service and all the right tools to service the bikes. Aprilia’s are among the best bikes in the world, and it is important to have the right knowledge and the right tool to have them performing at their best always,” said Kheoh Hock Seng, Managing Director of Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn Bhd (above).

By the way, just to further sweeten the deal, Aprilia of Penang will also throw in a special RM100 voucher which you can use to buy merchandise at the shop. Short of getting an Aprilia for free, good deals don’t get sweeter than that.