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Top things to love about the Kawasaki Versys-X 250

The 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 250 which was introduced earlier this year has been dubbed one of the most affordable adventure bikes in the current market.

This very unique option has filled the ever growing demand for the small capacity adventure bike segment which has been receiving a huge number of demands.

Priced at a very reasonable RM23,789 (basic price with GST), the multi-purpose dual sport machine allows for great fun both on and off the paved roads no matter the riding conditions.

Everyone wants a bit of an adventure in their lives. Whether it’s heading to the office during weekdays or going on weekend rides to experience some freedom from the harsh realities of the everyday life, we tend to look for that extra special bit just to make things a bit more exciting. (more…)

BMW Motorrad Nightfuel Penang

BMW Motorrad Malaysia brought Nightfuel to Penang.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia launched the new R nineT Urban G/S, S 1000 RR, R 1200 GS Rallye and K 1600 Bagger.
Hundreds showed up despite the heavy rain.

One of the best parts of motorcycling is the lifestyle. Now, while the word “lifestyle” usually describes fashion, a motorcycling lifestyle goes deeper than the superficial.

A motorcycling lifestyle encompasses loving the motorcycle you own, loving to ride whether going solo or with your buddies, strengthening the bond amongst your riding buddies while making new ones, and many more latent personal reasons. It’s a way of life, regardless of your level of passion and to what lengths you express that passion.

But there is one inescapable aspect of every biker’s life and that’s the weekly get-together, called TTS for Teh Tarik Session, among Malaysian bikers.

That’s why BMW Motorrad Nightfuel roadshows play an important role to not only showcase that lifestyle but also to present it as part of BMW Motorrad’s “Make Life a Ride” way of life. Featuring “friendly gathering, food and music,” attendees can be assured of the best TTS in their calendar.

BMW Motorrad Nightfuel visited Penang on 9^th September 2017 and it was the first outside of the Klang Valley. The event site was situated just off the on-ramp to the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (better known as “The new Penang Bridge.

There were already hundreds of bikes when we arrived, consisting of BMWs and a good number of other brands, as well.

Pretty girls smiled sweetly and welcomed us at the BMW Motorrad Nightfuel registration desk despite the heavy rain blowing into their tent. Kudos, girls. Each participant received a BMW Motorrad dry bag and ticket for the lucky draw. There was already a long line for the food – typical of us Malaysian bikers!

In the main pavilion, tables and chairs were laid out to surround the centre stage, flanked by BMW motorcycle display stands. The Penang channel and bridge provided the breathtaking backdrop.

Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, Owen Riley, welcomed attendees and launched BMW Motorrad Nightfuel Penang.

One of Malaysia’s most famous sessions band, NRG, made sure everyone got rocked by expertly belting out famous hits such as Highway To Hell, Highway Star, Sweet Child O’ Mine, Sejati, among others.

Speaking about the food, the row of stalls served iconic Penang street food such as ais kacang, cendol, Penang assam laksa, rojak buah, char koay teow, and satay. There was also a mini BBQ. The laksa was among the best this writer has ever tried (I had three bowls!).

There was also a Ride & Style Shop operated by Auto Bavaria Penang which sold BMW Motorrad riding gear and paraphernalia.

The site was buzzing with high octane activity, despite the rain still crashing down. Many more motorcycles continued to appear through the maelstrom.

Soon enough, it was time to launch the new bikes, starting with the updated S 1000 RR superbike. Although the engine and design are untouched, the new S 1000 RR now features ABS Pro for more secure hard braking in corners. It is priced from RM 106,900.

Next was one the most anticipated motorcycle, the new R 1200 GS Rallye. Priced from RM 105,900, the GS has been redesigned with new radiator flanks. The engine remains the same (why fix something not broke), backed up by six comprehensive Ride Modes.

The night continued with more great food and music as old friends hung out together and made new ones. A few rounds of lucky draws were held as BMW gave away a few amazing gifts such as sets of Lego R 1200 GS.

The other two bikes were unveiled soon afterwards.

The R nineT Urban G/S harks back to the design of the R 80 G/S of yesteryears but with a modern twist. Built upon the R 1200 engine and R nineT’s frame, the Urban G/S is given longer travel suspension, tapered handlebar, 19-inch front wheel, and the classic headlight fairing to complete that classic enduro look. It is priced from RM 87,900.

Soon, it was time to unveil the main star of BMW Motorrad Nightfuel Penang – the K 1600 Bagger.

As what BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s Product Specialist said during the presentation, a bagger means a cruiser which features touring gear and luggage. Built on the K 1600 engine and touring frame, the K 1600 B uses the platform’s impressive size and is given a sloping tail end to great effect, turning it into a beautiful motorcycle which only the best customizers could dream of building. But don’t be fooled by its size: The K 1600 series consists of superbly agile motorcycles! Priced from RM 159,900, it is not cheap for most of us, but that pricing is competitive when compared among high-end baggers in the market.

The Nightfuel party carried on until late and we bid our goodbyes. As mentioned before, this was the first BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s Nightfuel outside of the Klang Valley and it turned out to be the best. Not even the big storm could derail is status.

Well, rain is part of the biker’s lifestyle.

Click here for more on the new models launched during event.

PICTURE GALLERY

Triumph tests new 765cc Moto2 engine + VIDEO!

Triumph has begun their efforts to develop their 765cc Moto2 engine after being appointed as the main engine supplier for the MotoGP intermediate class in 2019.

The 2019 Moto2 Championship Engine Development Prototype race machine has been put through its phase of ongoing R&D and track session with the help of Moto2 rider, Julian Simon.

Triumph’s 765cc engine has been modified extensively from custom cylinder heads, titanium valves, race kit alternator, race slipper clutch, race ECU and many more.

The 2019 Moto2 Championship is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated race categories as Triumph begins developing their 765cc three-cylinder engine in their efforts to become the main engine supplier for the MotoGP intermediate class. (more…)

Petronas and MAS Cargo partner with Borneo International H.O.G. Rally

One of the biggest motorcycle events in Malaysia, the Borneo International H.O.G. Rally Malaysia 2017, or simply BIHRM, will take place from 30th September to 9th of October.

Predictably, the logistics of managing such a large event is arduous at best. So, to help manage some of the functions in executing a successful event are two companies that are synonymous with the Malaysian business landscape – Petronas and Malaysia Airlines.

Petronas as the Official Fuel Partner, and Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Cargo, as the Official Logistics Partner for the rally.

The partnership between the Harley-Davidson Owners Group, KL Chapter was officiated today at the Harley-Davidson Showroom in Petaling Jaya.

“BIHRM 2017 started with an idea to ride from the Kota Kinabalu International Bike Week to the Kuching International Bike Week,” said T.J. Roslan, Director of the Harley Owners Group Kuala Lumpur Chapter, Malaysia.

“The idea became into an awesome collaboration with the local H.O.G.® members in Sabah and Sarawak. The result was the making of BIHRM2017.” he added.

The Borneo International H.O.G.® Rally Malaysia (BIHRM) 2017 will be gathering Harley-
Davidson owners and enthusiasts from around the world for an epic 1,450km ride from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan then down to Brunei before Miri, Bintulu, Sibu and ends in Kuching while experiencing the beauty and the culture of Borneo.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Cargo has agreed to be the Official Logistic Partner of the Borneo
International H.O.G.® Rally Malaysia (BIHRM) 2017, providing rapid air freight to transport the motorcycles to Kota Kinabalu for the start of the rally and from Kuching at the end of the rally.

A special promotion video will be recorded in order to show how meticulous transporting a
motorcycle by air can be.

Along the way, the rally will visit several locations where Petronas Dagangan Berhad will hold its ‘Water for Life’ programme to provide local community access to clean water supply and its ‘Streetsmart’ programme to educate the public on basic road safety.

The Borneo International H.O.G.® Rally Malaysia (BIHRM) 2017 aspires to benefit both Harley-Davidson owners as well as the local tourism industries by making BIHRM2017 as a benchmark to inspire more motorcycling events in Borneo in the future.

MotoGP: Tito Rabat signs with Avintia Ducati for 2018

Tito Rabat will move to the Reale Avintia Racing team for the next MotoGP season in 2018.

The 28 year old Spaniard has had a tough season so far with his current EG 0,0 Marc VDS on board the Honda machinery.

Rabat will be piloting the Ducati Desmosedici GP17 which Avintia Racing will acquire from the factory Ducati squad used by Andrea Dovizioso.

Current MotoGP rider Tito Rabat has signed a new contract with the Reale Avintia Racing squad for the 2018 season. After a troubled season with his current Marc VDS squad, the 2014 Moto2 World Champion will race on board the Ducati Desmosedici GP17 for 2018. (more…)

Ducati officially unveils Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine – 210hp!

Ducati has finally launched their new Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine yesterday at the start of the San Marino MotoGP round in Misano.

The road-going version bred from Ducati’s MotoGP efforts is said to produce 210hp at 13,000rpm and 120Nm of torque at 12,250rpm.

The street variant will have a 1,103cc displacement whereas an “R” version will be released in 2019 to be able to compete in the WorldSBK.

The dawn of a new era for Ducati production premium motorcycles is finally here, folks. Ducati has officially unveiled the new Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine which will power their upcoming Ducati Panigale V4. This engine is the road-going version of the power plant bred for the MotoGP, the Ducati Desmosedici. (more…)