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EXCLUSIVE: Max Biaggi says “I Would Ride the Aprilia Tuono if I Live in KL”

Aprilia Malaysia hosted multiple Grand Prix and World Superbike champion and Aprilia brand ambassador Max Biaggi tonight for a meet and greet session with Aprilia owners and fans.
The event was held in conjunction with the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix, which begins tomorrow.
BikesRepublic.com and our sister site, MotoMalaya.net was given an exclusive interview with the GP legend and also the new Aprilia Racing Team CEO Massimo Rivola.

Multiple Grand Prix and World Superbike champion Max Biaggi says he would ride the Aprilia Tuono if he lived in Kuala Lumpur.

Aprilia Malaysia hosted multiple Grand Prix and World Superbike champion and Aprilia brand ambassador Max Biaggi tonight for a meet and greet session with Aprilia owners and fans. The event was held in conjunction with the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix, which begins tomorrow.

Held at The Beach Club, Kuala Lumpur, the event was attended in masse by the Aprilia Central Riding Club (ACRC) who organised a convoy there. They were rewarded with Q&A, autograph and photography sessions with the GP great and WorldSBK legend.

BikesRepublic.com and our sister site, MotoMalaya.net was given an exclusive interview with the GP legend and also the new Aprilia Racing Team CEO Massimo Rivola.

We spoke about Aprilia and the factory’s effort in MotoGP, plus other things, but also we felt that there ought to be a connection from the Aprilia track bike to the road bikes.

Here’s the transcript of the interview:

BikesRepublic.com (BR): You’ve been to Malaysia many times. How often do you visit the country nowadays?
Max Biaggi (MB): I normally only visit once every year. In the past it was two, three times a year because also we did Winter Tests.

BR: What do you think about the country?
MB: It’s cool, you know. It’s one of my favourites since when we were racing in Shah Alam (the Batu Tiga Circuit) a long time ago. It was really, really one of my favourite places.

Even Sepang (International Circuit) which is a much bigger track, it’s a nice place to be.

BR: How has Malaysia changed, in your opinion?
MB: Big difference. Motorsports has really stepped up. I remember 24 years ago, there were no more than 20,000 to 30,000 people watching. But now, the weekend last year was over 100,000. I know there’s a big investment in motorsports and you can see the results now.

BR: Do you come here for holidays?
MB: No, normally for racing activities in January or February to work with Aprilia Malaysia.

BR: How has 2019 for you with your venture into Moto3 (race team)?
MB: This is another part of my life. To be on top of this thing (running a Moto3 team), the first time in the World Championship was very new for me. But I have good people and I can work with them, and we have one of the best riders in Moto3. So, we have an excellent year one. We didn’t win the title, but I didn’t expect that, really. But I see good performances for the rider and team so I’m looking forward to 2020.

BR: If you could’ve done anything differently, what would it be, since it’s the end of the season?
MB: It’s difficult to change something when the thing’s already done. A few changes here and there but nothing really big. Next year will be two riders and again a new story. We’ll see.

BR: We have one very important question — some of our readers are curious to know. If you were living KL (Kuala Lumpur), what motorcycle would you ride?
MB: Whoa, very difficult question! Here I don’t see big bikes very often. Maybe (I’ll ride a scooter). Scooters can be one of the possibilities (the Piaggio group produces many models of scooters – Editor).

But maybe the future here would change and become more like European cities. So, big scooter, big size motorcycles.

BR: If you could choose just one model?
MB: If it was up to me here in KL, I would use the Tuono (Aprilia Tuono V4). It’s because the handlebars are higher, straighter riding position, easier to ride, nice torque. This would be my favourite.

BR: Since you’re not riding competitive anymore? Do you still ride as a leisure activity?
MB: Yes, I use the Aprilia RSV4 X. Aprilia only produced 10 of them. It’s one of the most fun bike to ride — it was the closest to the RSV4 World Superbike but you can use it. When it ride the bike, I ride it only on the track because that’s what I like the most.

BR: Most professional competitive riders don’t ride on the road but they are really fast on the track. Why do you think it’s so?
MB: Maybe it’s because when you became a pro rider, you know the street is not that safe and safety is important. The track has a permanent track, you know the people who you are riding with. Of course it’s nice to travel on a bike. I would use the bike to go travelling far away.

BR: Compared to when you were racing 20 years ago, how has motorsports changed?
MB: Big changes. Here we are it’s gone from two-strokes to four-strokes and bigger bikes, and now the world of electronics. A lot is controlled by electronics. A good electronic system can make difference performance from one bike to the other. The lean angle now is near 70 degrees (from vertical) which 20 years ago you cannot imagine going near that far. But it nice, they do a lot of trick. New riders, new technique but you can always see the same speeds. They compete for the title but are very close.

BR: So, riding has changed and not just the bikes?
MB: Riding style has definitely changed and it’s changed in a good way because they can go faster. If they used the old style, they couldn’t. Also the tyres have changed. Everything’s changed.

BR: A question for (Massimo) Mr. Rivola. How has 2019 been in your opinion?
Massimo Rivola (MR): 2019 has been an interesting year. Really challenging. But I have to say overall it’s a positive year. The good thing that I can say for sure is that I feel a lot of respect for Aprilia. I feel that more and more the respect is increasing.

The history of Aprilia is quite unique and nobody has our history. Thanks to Max, in fact. There’s a hope that our history can come back. My mission is that one, actually.

BR: Coming to Malaysia from four wheels to two wheels (racing), is it the same or is it different… How do you experience Malaysia differently?
MR: My first time in Malaysia was in 2000. It was when the new track was open for Formula 1 racing. In the beginning at the Sepang track the grandstand was not fully occupied and that now, yes. The spirit around MotoGP is even more passionate than Formula 1.

I think motorbikes are closer to spectators and public. The spirit is different. Formula 1 and MotoGP are different but the latter is more special from this point of view.

BR: Maybe it’s because Malaysians love their motorcycles more than their cars?
MB: Yeah maybe almost everybody here rides a scooter or moped or motorbike, but yes it’s something you can see the riders on the bikes up close.

BR: One last question for Max. We are now seeing many riders in Malaysia. Is there any advice that you can give to our riders — those who are casual riders (not racers)?
MB: You can more and more people using bikes in this part of the world than 20 years ago. I see many people come to MotoGP so they passion for the sport. I hope to see them riding big bikes in a few years because this is the way to go up. In Europe and America the bikes are 600cc, 1000cc. They need to try these bikes. If they try they will surely like.

Interview conducted by: Keshy Dhillon

2019 Shell Advance Masterclass Qualifiers Receive Awards from Andrea Dovizioso

Ten motorcycle mechanics who qualified for the 2019 Shell Advance Masterclass competition received awards from Ducati MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso.
They will represent Malaysia on 4th November against 5 other Asian countries.
They were chosen from 750 others who competed.

Ten very lucky mechanics from across Malaysia had the rare opportunity of receiving awards from Ducati’s MotoGP rider, Andrea Dovizioso. They’ll be representing Malaysia at the 2019 Shell Advance Masterclass competition on 4 November 2019 against other elite mechanics from India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Around 750 motorcycle mechanics and workshop owners from around Malaysia took part in this special training program organised by Shell Malaysia in collaboration with Ducati Malaysia as an initiative to further enhance their skills in motorcycle repairs and maintenance. They’ve also developed online videos to help educate fellow mechanics around the nation on proper bike maintenance.

These individuals were awarded at an exclusive ‘meet the fans’ session (also organised by Shell Malaysia) in conjunction with the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP weekend that’s just around the corner. Shell Malaysia Trading’s Managing Director, Mr Shairan Huzani Husain was also present to award these fine bike mechanics ahead of their global competition next week. Also present was Shell Advance Malaysia’s brand ambassador, Fattah Amin.

Winnows Ducati MotoGP Team Takes Over Shell KLIA Station

The Winnows Ducati MotoGP team held a meet and greet at Shell KLIA station.
Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci held an autograph and photography session.
Ducati riders also attended the event.

The Winnows Ducati MotoGP team took over a Shell station for their meet and greet the fans session.

Shell is the sponsor and technical partner to the Winnows Ducati MotoGP team, so it was appropriate that a meet and greet session with Ducati fans and Shell consumers at a Shell petrol station. One fuel pump island was fully dressed in Ducati branding.

Customers who were driving out of the station couldn’t help slowing down and snapping quick shots of the riders from their cars.

Factory Ducati riders Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci attended the event. They spoke about Shell’s role in helping them to attain great results in MotoGP. They also answered a number of questions fielded by the contingent of Ducati owners. A few owners showed up on rare Ducatis including a 999R and the new Panigale V4 R super-superbike.

The riders then proceeded to sign autographs for the fans. The Ducati riders had the items they needed to be autographed at the ready including helmets, caps, t-shirts and even their motorcycles. Some Shell station customers also took the opportunity to obtain autographs.

The aforementioned Ducati Panigale V4 R rider was elated to have Andrea Dovizioso autograph his bike’s fuel tank.

All the excitement is part of the build up to the 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix, from 1st to 3rd November 2019.

Production-Ready Aprilia RS 660 Teaser

The production-ready Aprilia RS 660 appeared on social media.
It may well be real supersport machine.
Rumoured to have more than 100 bhp and weigh a little more than 100 kg.

Remember the Aprilia RS 660 concept which made its debut at EICMA 2018? Well, Aprilia is now teasing with the production-ready form on social media.

Click here to read: Aprilia RS 660 Concept Unveiled at EICMA 2018

Harked as the beginning of a new age, it points to the Noble-based manufacturer creating a true supersport machine, instead of a sport-tourer/commuter machine like the Kawasaki Ninja 650.

Indeed there are rumours that the bike will produce more than 100 bhp and weight just north of 100 kg. Such power-to-weight ration would make any bike fly. Which is fine by us.

RS 660: a new era begins.#Aprilia #RS660 #eicma2019 pic.twitter.com/tj1owDZJc1

— Aprilia (@ApriliaOfficial) October 29, 2019

If you haven’t been following our updates, the RS 660 takes the RSV4’s engine and cuts off the rear two cylinders, leaving behind a parallel-Twin. But knowing Aprilia, it will not be “just any” parallel-Twin. Add in their Factory APRC package and you have a real sportbike ready to do battle.

Not much can be seen in the picture. However, with some Photoshop work by our friends at Asphalt & Rubber, we could just make out fairing sides that are a little different to the concept’s. There appears to be an aerobody as the manufacturer suggested.

We could also see that it has upside-down forks with lowers for radial-mounted brake calipers.

There are also rumours that suggest the price to be around USD 13,000, which equates to RM 54,342.60. However, it would end up being more expensive than that, given our tax structure.

Still, we couldn’t wait to see it when unveiled at EICMA 2019 next week.

ARCH Motorcycle Debuts 2019 ARCH KRGT-1

The ARCH KRGT-1 isn’t the usual custom power cruiser.
The new bike features 20 major changes and 150 newly-designed components.
Power is supplied by a 124 cubic inch (2032 cc) V-Twin.
ARCH Motorcycle Company was co-founded by Keanu Reeves.

First and foremost, California-based ARCH Motorcycle was co-founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves.

Yes, Keanu Reeves a.k.a. John Wick a.k.a. Neo.

What’s different about ARCH Motorcycle and the ARCH KRGT-1 is that each bike is tailored to the ergonomic and aesthetic wishes of each customer in close partnership throughout a 90-day process.

But that’s just part of the the bike’s appeal. It’s a power cruiser that’s created to charge, brake and steer.

The new KRGT-1 includes 20 major changes and more than 150 newly-designed and manufactured components. The changes include a redesigned bodywork, upgraded suspension, ergonomic enhancements, updated brake components and safety features.

Let’s take a look at some of them.

ENGINE

Substituting guns, lots of guns, the real firepower comes from 124 good ol’ American cubic inches.
To us cubic centimetre devotees, that’s 2032 cc, courtesy of the ARCH X S&S V-Twin engine.
It started as an S&S block but was custom-engineered by ARCH to feature an in-house designed downdraft induction and proprietary K&N filter.
The ARCH 2-into-1 stainless steel header and exhaust ends with a Yoshimura silencer.
The engine is EPA (Environmental Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) certified.

CHASSIS

It’s a cliché to say a powerful bike that couldn’t handle makes for a good artificial reef, but not the KRGT-1.
Race-inspired aluminium swingarm manufactured from billet — increases rigidity and reducing unsprung weight for better handling.
The frame utilises billet aluminium side plates where the updated swingarm pivot and engine isolation mounts are attached.

The rear suspension uses a fully-adjustable Öhlins shock which was made specifically for ARCH.
The front suspension consists of 48 mm Öhlins NIX cartridge forks. (Öhlins developed the NIX technology for World Superbike and World Supersport racing.)
The forks are held by new billet aluminium aluminium triple clamps.

BRAKES

The KRGT-1 uses ISR 6-piston monobloc front brake calipers.
The diameter of the pistons were increased for even better stopping power and feel.
ARCH worked directly with Bosch to develop the dual-channel ABS.

BODYWORK

Redesigned fuel tank, tail section and seat to increase rider comfort.
The billet aluminium fuel tank has a 19 litre capacity.
Base of the seat is composite.
Redesigned, reshaped and resized cowling (flyscreen) to reduce wind buffeting.

Also to accommodate a new instrument panel.
It also complements the new J.W. Speaker Adaptive 2 headlamp.
Front and rear mudguards are carbon fibre.

CONTROLS

Updated hand and foot controls, using Magura clutch and front brake levers.
Black Tek (BST) five-spoke carbon fibre wheels.

Michelin Commander II tyres — 120/70ZR19 front, 240/40ZR 18 rear.

“The KRGT-1 was originally designed to realize the potential and push the boundaries of what an American V-twin motorcycle could offer,” says ARCH Motorcycle co-founder Gard Hollinger. “Our new KRGT-1 stays true to the original objective while further developing and refining the motorcycle’s design and performance elements to enhance the overall riding experience.”

“The new KRGT-1 delivers on ARCH Motorcycle’s ambition: a beautiful and extraordinary machine that handles like no other motorcycle. Through the curves, down the straights, planted, confident, comfortable, it’s an unsurpassed riding experience,” says ARCH Motorcycle co-founder Keanu Reeves. “The focus on fit and finish, the detail, the execution, the exceptional quality, how the bike is made defines ARCH.”

In short, the ARCH KRGT-1 isn’t just a run-of-the-mill custom motorcycle. It’s a unique machine that oozes appeal and desirability.

No, we don’t think every purchase includes a puppy. (Sorry, we couldn’t help it.)

Please visit ARCH Motorcycle Company’s website for more details.

New Range of PETRONAS Sprinta with Ultraflex Lubricants Launched

A new range of PETRONAS Sprinta with Ultraflex engine oils was launched today.
The lubricant was developed together with the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.
The launch was carried out amidst the PETRONAS Sprint Festival lifestyle event.

A new range of PETRONAS Sprinta with Ultraflex engine oils was launched today, two days ahead of the 2019 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

PETRONAS is the title and technical partner to the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team in MotoGP and PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Teams in Moto2 and Moto3. The Malaysian petroleum giant first tested the new lubricant with the MotoGP team at the Dutch GP in June. Since then, the team and riders have obtained incredible results for a first-year race team, including six podium finishes and scores of pole position and front row starts. The team’s success is attributable to the new lubricant.

The technologies and lessons learned in the highest echelon of motorcycle racing was adopted to the new Sprinta with Ultraflex lubricant for road bikes.

According to PETRONAS, the new oil was formulated to react instantly to the rider’s needs, and looking after critical parts such as the engine internals, clutch and gears. As such, the oil maintains its film strength, sheer stability and viscosity even at high RPMs. Consequently, the rider will feel that he has instant engine response and rapid acceleration.

You can watch the video here.

But the lubricant is also designed to protect the involved parts in unpredictable city traffic, characterised by slow speeds, long idling time, hence high heat.

PETRONAS also formulated the oils to meet stringent global environmental regulations such as Euro 5 and Bharat (BS) VI.

Prices range between RM 15 to RM 67, depending on grade. They will be available from mid-November in PETRONAS Mesra stores and PETRONAS Partner Workshops. The range will also be exported globally, starting with India and Thailand in Q1 2020, followed by Indonesia, Vietnam and other countries.

The launch was carried out during the PETRONAS Sprinta Festival lifestyle event at The Gasket Alley. Fans got up close with Fabio Quartararo’s Yamaha YZR-M1 racebike; met PETRONAS riders such as Franco Morbidelli, John McPhee, Khairul Idham Pawi, Ayumu Sasaki; enjoyed delicious food served by food trucks; awesome “live” band and “basker” performances; and photography with PETRONAS riders on the specially airbrushed Yamaha YZF-R25.