Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world

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2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 has arrived in Malaysia! From RM83,000

Next Bike Sdn Bhd has officially launched the 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special and Sport variants here in Malaysia.
The official launch was made at the 2018 Art of Speed Malaysia festival currently happening this weekend at MAEPS Serdang.
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special is priced at RM83,000 while the Sport variant comes in at RM85,000 (OTR price without insurance & 0% GST).

Next Bike Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Ducati here in Malaysia has officially unveiled the latest and most powerful Ducati Scrambler ever built yet for the Malaysian market. The 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 comes in two different flavours which are the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special and Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport. (more…)

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250 official launched at AOS 2018 – RM23,000

Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) has brought in their latest 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250.
Their latest 250cc offering has been reworked from the ground up with a brand new design and improved performance.
The new 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250 will arrive at showrooms in August with a tentative price of RM23,071.10 (basic price with 0% GST).

Kawasaki Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KMSB) has officially introduced their latest generation 250cc sports bike that is the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250. The new Ninja 250 was officially launched at the Art of Speed Malaysia 2018 currently happening at MAEPS Serdang. (more…)

“Pelumba Malam” Suzuki GS1000E Reborn

This 1978 Suzuki GS1000E starred in the 1989 movie “Pelumba Malam (Night Racer).”
Its rich history included being raced at the Batu Tiga Circuit and stolen for a joyride.
It has now been reborn through the efforts of Legend Racing Garage, Taymen Airbrush and others.

Rebuilding a vintage or retro motorcycle may suck up one’s resources but it is worth the effort when it looks as good as this 1978 “Pelumba Malam” Suzuki GS1000E.

Let us rephrase that, it’s especially worth the while and money when the bike has a colourful history as this one.

This particular motorcycle was one of the two GS1000Es used in the filming of the 1989 movie, “Pelumba Malam (Night Racer).” The film starred A-list artists Mustapha Kamal, Sabree Fadzil, Sidi Oraza, Edika Yusof and Noreen Noor.

The bike made its first appearance at the opening credits, before being seen again during a racing scene in the Menora Tunnel near Jelapang, Perak. The tunnel had just been completed at the time of the film’s shooting.

Built in 1978, this Suzuki GS1000E was brought into the country via a grey importer. It had belonged to one of the actors of the aforesaid movie and was regularly raced competitively at the equally-legendary Batu Tiga Circuit, Shah Alam.

It was then sold to another owner, but thieves stole it and took it on a joyride around Kuala Lumpur. Thankfully, it was later recovered in Kampung Baru.

With forty years on its timing chain, the “Pelumba Malam” Suzuki was in a sad state when it arrived at Legend Racing Garage, Setapak. A decision was reached to strip it down completely for a thorough rebuild.

The rebuild process focused on returning the GS1000E to its original state while updating it for 2018 at the same time, rather than taking the custom or café racer path. It has now been repainted to the original red and white scheme, the same as the bike Wes Cooley campaigned in the 1979 AMA Superbike Championship in the United States.

The engine was rebuilt with Wiseco pistons that bumped its capacity to slightly above 1000cc from the original 998cc. Other new parts are the valves, engine internals and a new custom-made exhaust.

The Suzuki GS1000E “Pelumba Malam” was painstakingly restored by Legend Racing Garage throughout. The paintwork was applied by Taymen Airbrush which is next door to Legend Racing Garage; the seat was handcrafted by Has Kusyen in Subang Jaya; and powercoating and surface treatment and restoration were performed by Malaya Electro Plating.

Now fully restored, it showed why motorcycles such as this Suzuki GS1000E (collectively called the UJM – Universal Japanese Motorcycle) was so popular not only back then but still remains in the psyche of contemporary enthusiast and builders. The bike is beautiful in its simplicity and purposeful purity with nothing superfluous. Indeed, its purpose was to conquer the ultra-competitive AMA Superbike Championship.

But perhaps more importantly, this bike a tribute to how motorcycles formed an integral part of Malaysian popular culture for decades; and it’s now ready to carry that legacy for many years to come.

You may view the “Pelumba Malam” Suzuki GS1000E at the Art of Speed 2018 this weekend (28^th – 19^th July 2018) at the MAEPS Mardi Serdang exposition centre.

PICTURE GALLERY

Honda Stuffs CBR1000RR SP Engine into Lawn Mower!

Honda held the record for the World’s Fastest Lawn Mower recently.
But was beaten by a Norwegian group.
Honda UK retaliated with the second machine powered by a CBR1000RR SP engine.

We at Bikes Republic cover every two-wheeled news but wait, this is a four-wheeler. But it isn’t a car or an SUV.

It’s a lawn mower. A what? Yes, a sit in lawn mower which cuts grass (so, it still means we don’t cover car news).

You see, Honda built the first Mean Mower which could hit 185km/h some time back and it rightfully earned them the World’s Fastest Mower record. All was happy, happy for the Japanese manufacturer.

Until some mad(der) Norwegians stuck a GM LS1 small-block V8 (a 5.7-litre is considered considered small for the Americans *rolls eyes*) in a Viking T6 lawn mower and it hit 215km/h.

You see, it doesn’t matter if you’re Honda Japan or Honda Timbuktu or Honda UK, Honda is Honda and Honda hates getting beat.

In the spirit of one-upmanship, Honda UK went on to build the Mean Mower V2 to reclaim what was theirs – the world’s fastest mower record.

They started with a Honda HF2622 lawn tractor (okay so now it’s a tractor), custom made the chassis, which saved some weight and also to harness the mower’s new power. A Scorpion titanium exhaust full-system was added. The ECU, clutch and transmission were transplanted over as stock from the donor engine. All four wheels are driven by chains.

Yes, the engine came from a CBR1000RR SP, complete with 189 bhp and 115 Nm of torque, pushing the “tractor” from 0 – 60mph (96km/h) in under 3 seconds.

But surprise, surprise, this new vehicle could still mow your lawn at a maximum speed of 80km/h. There are two electric motors that spin carbon fibre blades underneath.

The Mean Mower V2 had been raced at the recently concluded 25^th Annual Goodwood Festival of Speed. It competed in the Hill Climb event.

But not before moving the Duke’s lawn.

Why It is Important to have a Certified Technician Working on Your Bike

Trusting your bike to a certified technician is a no-brainer.
There are great “traditional” mechanics out there but motorcycles are getting more complex.
A certified technician invariably means official training, discipline and knowledge.

Before we go on, surely you have experienced a horrific visit or two to a motorcycle workshop. You have ridden motorcycles for decades, but there always seem to be something to surprise you. (more…)

Motorcycle Events on This 28th – 29th July Weekend

This 28^th – 29^th July weekend will go down in history as one of the most hectic.
There is at least one event in the Northern, Central and Southern regions.
Good news is bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts are spoilt for choice.

This 28^th to 29^th July 2018 weekend is the most hectic for us than ever before, as motorcycle events are stacked on one another, albeit at different locations.

That means you are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what to do over the weekend. Here is the list the events by region for your easy reference.

NORTHERN

Karnival Bikers Gen Blue Yamaha

Karnival Bikers Gen Blue Yamaha (Yamaha Gen Blue Bikers Carnival) is happening at Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang on Sunday, 29^th July 2018.

Touted as the largest gathering for Yamaha motorcycle owners, the event includes the launch of a new Yamaha model. There will also be activities for the whole family, besides convoys to the event, best custom Yamaha competition, stunt show, gymkhana, service campaign, rock concert, fun and games, test rides, motorcycle showcase and lucky draws.

The Karnival Bikers Gen Blue Yamaha begins at 10am and ends at 6pm. Entry is FREE.

Please click on this link for more details.

Suzuki Malaysia’s All Big Bikers’ Penang Convoy followed by Suzuki Test Ride and Suzuki Direct Shop Opening

Suzuki Malaysia is opening the Suzuki Direct Shop in Penang on Saturday, 28^th July 2018.

To commemorate the opening, there will be a convoy for Suzuki big capacity bikes from Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia’s HQ at Prai at 10am.

Additionally, the company is organizing a test ride event at the same venue which is hilariously titled as “Suzuki Test Ride @ Penag (sic)” on their Facebook page.

Please click on this link for more information.

CENTRAL

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) – Round 2

The national superbike racing series returns after a hiatus since mid-May, and it’s worth the wait. Round 2 will be held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Moto3 Rider Adam Norrodin to Ride at MSBK

The latest news has it that Malaysia’s current Moto3 rider, Muhammad Adam Norrodin, will contest in the SuperSport 600 class; the Asia Talent Cup will also join the party; as well as the addition of the TOC Desmo Cup for Ducati riders.

Grandstand viewing is free, but spectators may purchase special paddock passes to view the action up close.

Action starts today (Friday, 27^th July 2018) for the qualifying sessions, Race 1 on Saturday (28^th July 2018) and Race 2 on Sunday (29^th July) for all classes.

7^th Annual Art of Speed (AOS) Malaysia 2018 powered by Petronas

The Art of Speed (AOS) is the largest gathering of custom builders, retro, ol’ skool and artists for everything automotive.

Art of Speed Malaysia 2018 Powered by PETRONAS

But that’s just part of the story because there’s always something for everyone in the family at AOS. There are art shows, toy displays, lo-riders (customized bicycles), concerts, and a lucky draw with a custom motorcycle as the grand prize.

Motorcycle manufacturers large and small will also be present, and the likes of Ducati and Kawasaki will use AOS as the platform to launch their latest models.

AOS has prepared the event thoroughly to make your visit an unforgettable experience. They’ve organized shuttles to transport you and your family from the parking lots to the exhibition halls, for example. Or conversely, you may choose to get there by MyCar who are offering RM3 off the total amount by using AOS2018 promo code.

The 7^th Annual Art of Speed 2018 powered by Petronas will be held at MAEPS MARDI, Serdang on both Saturday (28^th July) and Sunday (29^th July).

Please click on this link to find out more.

SOUTHERN

KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival 2018

Down south in Johore, KTM Malaysia is organizing the first stop for the KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival 2018.

KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival Begins in Johor on 28th July

Held at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) campus at Skudai, Johore, the carnival is a one-day affair, filled to the gills with a heady mix of activities for KTM owners, bikers in, motorcycle enthusiasts and the general public and families.

Planned are test rides of the latest KTM models, a fun-hana (gymkhana), service campaign, lucky draw (stand to win a KTM Duke 390 as the grand prize), stunt show by Gabit Saleh and much more.

KTM Malaysia will also launch the latest KTM 200 Duke Evo on the day.

Please click on this link to find out more.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

Next Bike Sdn Bhd has officially launched the 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special and Sport variants here in Malaysia.

The official launch was made at the 2018 Art of Speed Malaysia festival currently happening this weekend at MAEPS Serdang.

The 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special is priced at RM83,000 while the Sport variant comes in at RM85,000 (OTR price without insurance & 0% GST).

Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) has brought in their latest 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250.

Their latest 250cc offering has been reworked from the ground up with a brand new design and improved performance.

The new 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250 will arrive at showrooms in August with a tentative price of RM23,071.10 (basic price with 0% GST).

This 1978 Suzuki GS1000E starred in the 1989 movie “Pelumba Malam (Night Racer).”

Its rich history included being raced at the Batu Tiga Circuit and stolen for a joyride.

It has now been reborn through the efforts of Legend Racing Garage, Taymen Airbrush and others.

PICTURE GALLERY

Honda held the record for the World’s Fastest Lawn Mower recently.

But was beaten by a Norwegian group.

Honda UK retaliated with the second machine powered by a CBR1000RR SP engine.

Trusting your bike to a certified technician is a no-brainer.

There are great “traditional” mechanics out there but motorcycles are getting more complex.

A certified technician invariably means official training, discipline and knowledge.

This 28th – 29th July weekend will go down in history as one of the most hectic.

There is at least one event in the Northern, Central and Southern regions.

Good news is bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts are spoilt for choice.

NORTHERN

Karnival Bikers Gen Blue Yamaha

Suzuki Malaysia’s All Big Bikers’ Penang Convoy followed by Suzuki Test Ride and Suzuki Direct Shop Opening

CENTRAL

2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) – Round 2

7th Annual Art of Speed (AOS) Malaysia 2018 powered by Petronas

SOUTHERN

KTM Malaysia Orange Carnival 2018

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This 28^th – 29^th July weekend will go down in history as one of the most hectic.

7^th Annual Art of Speed (AOS) Malaysia 2018 powered by Petronas