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.
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.
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.)
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.
Photo credit – MotoGP.com
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.
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.
The Shell Advance AX7 15W-50 and Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50 are two excellent motorcycle engine oils in the market.
Both are formulated for kapchais all the way to superbikes.
Here’s all you need to know about Shell motorcycle oils.
We’ve written a number of articles about motorcycle engine oil in the past but of course, myths surrounding them are hard to die. At the same time, we’ve found two good oils in the market that dispel the myths. They are the Shell Advance AX7 15W-50 and Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50.
This writer has ridden motorcycles for the past 31 years and owned plenty of bikes along the way. Accordingly, he’s used plenty of brands and types of engine oils in the market, some of them are non-existent anymore.
But first, let’s take a look at the two products.
Shell Advance AX7 15W-50
Shell Advance AX7 15W-50 is a synthetic blend engine lubricant. It complies with the latest API SM service standard. It’s also certified with JASO MA2 for motorcycles with wet clutches. Shell has formulated the oil with Shell Active Cleansing Technology to break dirt and soot particles, preventing them from clumping up and blocking oil passages or scoring engine parts. As such, it is suitable to be used in small capacity motorcycles all the way to superbikes.
With the recommended retail price of RM 33.90, it represents great value.
Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50
Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50 is the ultimate in lubricant technology and engine protection.
Shell Advance Ultra products are formulated using unique Shell PurePlus Technology, a leading-edge gas-to-liquids technology process that converts natural gas into base oil with virtually no impurities. This creates a base oil with stronger molecular bonds for long lasting performance as well as providing enhanced viscosity, friction and volatility performance when compared with traditional base oils.
It complies with the latest API SN service standard. It is also certified with JASO MA2 for motorcycles with wet clutches.
At a recommended retail price of RM 68.30, it’s affordable while still providing riders with years of enjoyment.
Myth 1 – All oils are made to degrade quickly
This myth may be true 30 years ago but isn’t quite true in this age of modern engines and better additive packages in engine oil.
Let’s look closer at each aspect.
Motorcycle manufacturers strive to produce more engine power while lowering emissions, extending product reliability and thereby lower maintenance costs for the consumer. As such, even it’s common to find anti-friction materials in kapchai engines, specifically the cylinder lining being finished with diamond-like coating (DLC).
On the lubricant producer’s side, they are also striving for the same performance from their products i.e. to allow the engine to produce more power while providing optimal protection. Consequently, the customer’s bike not only lasts longer but also avoid high maintenance costs.
These days, if you can find a good mineral oil, it can outlast semi-synthetics from years ago due to superior additives and higher quality base oils.
As such, engine oils such as the Shell Advance AX7 and Shell Advance Ultra are formulated through years of experience not only in racing but also through feedback from consumers like you and me.
Thereby, the Shell Advance AX7 15W-50 semi-synthetic provides superb protection for older and the latest small bikes to big bikes for longer periods of time. The Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50 on the other hand, can be used on all bikes from the smallest to the latest high-powered beasts.
Again, this was true many years ago. I’ve purposely ran the AX7 15W-50 in my Kawasaki ER-6f past 6000 km with the bike still feeling like it had just undergone an oil change. Sure, certain workshops will say, “Change the oil after 3000km” but the best way is to refer to your user’s manual.
Additionally, semi-synthetics are formulated With a combination of fully synthetic and mineral base oils, giving you some of the protection of fully-synthetic oils.
Myth 3 – Using fully-synthetic oil is a waste of money
This thinking shouldn’t even exist at all. Fully-synthetics are formulated for the best protection for the worst working conditions. Mineral oil breaks down faster when subjected to extreme heat, humidity and shearing forces. Fully-synthetics are formulated to address these very issues resulting in better protection for longer periods of time.
For example, the Shell Advance Ultra 15W-50 is the official engine oil for Ducati and the manufacturer recommends oil changes every 12000km. Again, refer to your motorcycle’s owner’s manual – you’d be surprised that you don’t have to change oil every 5000km.
Myth 4 – Using fully-synthetic causes engine to leak
This myth is especially propounded by owners of older motorcycles. Truth is, seals need to be replaced after a certain period of time because they will wear down. Fully synthetic oils usually come in the thinner viscosity grades with more neatly arranged molecules and tend to find their way through these gaps and leaks much sooner. For a well-maintained motorcycle with regularly changed seals, no leaks should be expected.
A Bit of News
Before we end, Shell Malaysia also announced that Fattah Amin is their New ambassador for Shell Advance motorcycle oils. Visit one of the Advance Branded Workshop today, who knows you might stand a chance of meeting Fattah Amin at the workshop!
The Malaysian MotoGP is an important driving force in bringing tourists to Malaysia.
It has brought in 1.81 million tourists from 1999 to 2018.
Teams and riders sponsored by Tourism Malaysia were present at a meet and greet event.
The Malaysian MotoGP is an important driving force in bringing tourists to Malaysia.
Director General of Tourism Malaysia Datuk Musa Yusof said that MotoGP had brought in 1.81 million tourists to Malaysia between 1999 to 2018. He presented the statement at the Meet & Greet Session with MotoGP Riders at MaTIC (Malaysian Tourism Centre), Jalan Ampang.
Riders from the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team, Red Bull KTM Ajo Racing Team, ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team graced the event. Riders present at the event were Franco Morbidelli, Adam Norrodin, John McPhee, Ayumu Sasaki, Khairul Idham Pawi, Brad Binder, Jorge Martin, Can Oncu, Remy Gardner, Tetsuta Nagashima.
The riders were asked about their experiences in Malaysia, as well as which tourism sites they would like to visit. They also carried out autograph and photography sessions.
The teams and riders sport the “Visit Malaysia” logo on their race bikes and race suit, visible to TV viewers the world over.
Viewers in Malaysia also feel proud to see the “Visit Malaysia” logo in the world’s premier racing classes and at the international stage. It also augurs well for next year which ties in with Tourism Malaysia’s “Visit Malaysia 2020” programme.
The 2019 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix will be held from 1st to 3rd November 2019 at the Sepang International Circuit.
Aprilia Malaysia has lined up a great number of interesting events leading up to the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP.
It includes multiple meet and greet sessions with riders and convoys.
There will also be a booth and Aprilia Tribune at the Rooftop Paddock.
The Aprilia brand name has long been associated with GP racing and as such, Aprilia Malaysia will spice up the 2019 Shell Malaysia MotoGP from 1st to 3rd November even more.
The excitement will begin even before the Free Practice 1 kicks off on the track.
On Thursday, 31st October, there will be a meet and greet session with GP legend and Aprilia ambassador Massimiliano ‘Mad Max’ Biaggi. He will also host a an autograph and photography session for fans. The event will be held at The Beach Club, Kuala Lumpur starting from 7.30 pm.
It marks the first time an Aprilia meet and greet event will be held in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Besides that, members of the Aprilia Central Riders Club (ACRC) will convoy to the venue to show their support.
To further enhance Aprilia riders’ MotoGP experience, this year’s Aprilia Tribune is located at the prestigious Rooftop Paddock, where refreshments will be provided. The 200 tickets allocated to Aprilia riders have been sold out. The participants will convoy from the Gasket Alley to the Sepang International Circuit on race day, 3rd November 2019.
The Aprilia booth at MotoGP will be the first for the brand’s custodian in Malaysia. As such, there will be a welcome centre.
Fans will get the chance to meet and greet Aprilia MotoGP riders there:
Max Biaggi on 2nd November from 4.30pm;
Aleix Espargaro and Andrea Iannone on 2nd November from 6.00pm;
Max Biaggi on 3rd November from 10.15am.
The booth will also feature the full range of Aprilia merchandise such as shirts, caps, umbrellas, keychains, pass holders, backpacks and so forth.
What’s a booth without the bikes, right? Attendees will witness the new 2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory and for the first time, the 2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory which features electronically-controlled semi-active suspension (SAS). Max Biaggi’s infamous RS250 and Sandro Cortesese’s RSA125 GP bikes will also be on display. Fans will also see Andrea ‘The Maniac’ Iannone’s HJC RPHA 11 race helmet for the first time in Malaysia.
