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KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Super Deal

The KTM 1290 Adventure S was launched to a great following.
As a special year-end promotion, KTM Malaysia offers the Travel Pack as a complimentary package.
The promotion is available via authorized KTM Malaysia dealers.

The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S was launched in Malaysia just a few months back and has already enjoyed a huge following among adventure-touring enthusiasts.

KTM already has a winner when the Austrian and largest European manufacturer launched the 1290 Super Adventure (later renamed as “Model T”) in 2015. It was promptly named the “Best Adventure Touring Motorcycle” by many reputable motorcycle publications around the world.

The 1290 Super Adventure T was both a mechanical and technological marvel, and became THE high-performance adventure-tourer, bar none. It was also the basis for the 2017 1290 Super Adventure S and 1290 Super Adventure R. The 1301cc, DOHC, 8-valve, 75-degree, LC8 engine (based on the insane 1290 Super Duke R) punches out a whopping 160 bhp and 140 NM of torque. But that’s just part of the story because the engine is already producing 108 Nm at 2500 RPM. That’s why the bike pulled like the clichéd freight train.

The bike features technological advancements such as MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control), MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control), ABS, LED Cornering Lights, and WP’s Semi-Active Suspension.

The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S utilises the same, albeit uprated features. But more telling, it had been totally redesigned to reflect a new KTM identity, starting with the headlight.

The headlight is now split into two sides with a cooling “channel” in between to address concerns of the LEDs getting too hot. The consequence of this redesign produced a headlight design unlike any other motorcycle in the market, and for KTM themselves, as well.

Other features were uprated, including the engine and electronics for more refinement and even more reliability. New for the 1290 Adventure S is the 6-inch TFT display, which the owner may install the My Ride option which includes hands-free audio playback via Bluetooth.

The latest TFT meter panel for the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

All these electronics make the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S sensitive, right?

Not so. We saw how reliable they were firsthand during the recent KMOG Borneo Ride 2017. Not a single bike broke down despite being trashed in arduous riding conditions including earthquake-damaged roads, no road, mud, gravel, sand, rain or shine. They just kept going and comfortable for the riders and passengers to boot!

As 2018 looms, KTM Malaysia is offering the 1290 Super Adventure S with a special promotion.

For a limited time only, KTM Malaysia is throwing in the Travel Pack option, worth RM 5,424 – FREE! With the purchase of a new 1290 Super Adventure S.

The Travel Pack includes the aforementioned My Ride, Quickshifter+, Hill Hold Control (HHC) and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR).

My Ride allows the rider to connect his mobile phone to bike via Bluetooth, allowing for music streaming and making/receiving calls hands free.

Quickshifter+ is an evolution of the run-of-the-mill quickshifter. It allows for smoother and positive clutch-less gear changes not only for upshifts but for downshifts as well. A novel feature of KTM’s Quickshifter+ is the absence of an “activator” on the shift connector shaft.

As any veteran rider can tell you, taking off on an incline is never easy, requiring the rider hold on to the front brake and slip the clutch like mad! Hill Hold Control (HHC) holds the bike on a slope during idle, even if the transmission is neutral. This is a very useful feature especially on a tall bike, laden down with luggage and passenger.

Motor Slip Regulation works in tandem with the other traction control features for a safer ride. While the MTC and slipper work to relief the rear wheel from hopping, MSR limits back-torque to the rear wheel by increasing the engine’s speed. A useful feature in low-grip situations. (It’s akin to riding MX, where the rider needs to keep the engine spinning at higher RPM for more consistent traction compared to fully shutting off – no doubt learned from KTM’s heavy involvement and success in offroad competition.)

The Travel Pack features bring additional safety and entertainment to an already great bike, so hurry to your nearest authorized KTM dealer today!

For more information please visit KTM Malaysia’s official Facebook page.

Can 58 Indian Army men ride a single motorcycle? YES, THEY CAN!

On 19 November 2017, 58 Indian Army Service Corps Display team broke the world record for most people on a single motorcycle.

The record was set at the Bangalore Yelahanka Air Base where they used a slightly modified 500cc Royal Enfield motorcycle.

Known as “The Tornadoes”, the men broke their old world record which was set at 56 men.

Most motorcycles are only built to accommodate to lovely bike enthusiasts. Sometimes it’s just one for those who enjoy the solo ride and some more with the assistance of a side car or even a wacky stretched out custom machine. So how is it possible that a large group of people are able to ride a single motorcycle without breaking it or themselves? (more…)

Energica announced as official bike supplier for 2019 Moto-e World Cup!

Italian electric bike manufacturer Energica has been selected as the sole engine supplier for the 2019 Moto-e World Cup.

After countless discussions, the Energica Ego has been chosen as the base race bike that produces around 140hp and 195Nm of maximum torque.

The new racing series is said to further innovate the world of motorcycle racing with state-of-the-art superbikes with none of the emissions.

After a long and tedious discussion between Dorna, FIM and other involved parties, the 2019 FIM Moto-e World Cup series has received its green lights. Italian electric bike manufacturer Energica has been chosen as the main (and only) engine supplier for the upcoming historic moment in motorcycle circuit racing. (more…)

Boon Siew Honda celebrates 60 successful years with five million units produced!

Boon Siew Honda (BSH) celebrates 60 successful years with the production milestone of five million units at their Penang production plant.

What started life back in 1957 with only 50 Honda cubs grew exponentially with their first millionth unit produced in 1986.

The numbers kept growing thanks to a number of successful models including the Honda EX5 and the latest Honda RS150R.

After six decades in the Malaysian motoring industry, Boon Siew Honda (BSH) celebrates quite a historical milestone today as the manufacturer and distributor of Honda motorcycles here in the country. The celebration was further enhanced with its five millionth unit produced in their assembly plant located in Penang. (more…)

Ian Hutchinson & Lee Johnston completes 2018 Honda Racing line-up

The 2018 Honda Racing line-up has been announced in the form of Ian Hutchinson and Lee Johnston.

16-time Isle of Man TT winner Hutchinson and former National Superstock 600 champion Johnston will be continuing Honda’s road racing efforts for 2018.

Both riders will have their hands full in order to tame the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 to race in the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster GP next year.

The road racing world has woke up to quite an announcement earlier today with Honda Racing confirming that 16-time Isle of Man TT winner Ian Hutchinson and former National Superstock 600 champion Lee Johnston will be joining their road racing efforts for 2018. (more…)

GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure 2017 (Day Six)

The GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure 2017 headed to GIVI’s factory in Vietnam.
This is the birthplace of GIVI’s rainsuits and soft luggage.
GIVI carried out a CSR program called “Riding for Reading”.

17^th November 2017, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Today marked the most important day of the GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure 2017 itinerary.

We were slated to visit GIVI’s factory in Vietnam, situated not far away from the hotel, where we were going to see not only how some of GIVI’s products were made, but more importantly, to attend a special Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

We left the Merperle Crystal Palace Hotel at little later than usual, with the sun already up and shining. The rider with CBR600RR was back and we sure hoped he knew which way we were headed. We were worried about running headlong into HCMC’s traffic, that’s for sure.

We travelled on city roads for a short distance before we started veering into a smaller road flanked on the left by one-storey houses and a river on right. The road condition was good, despite a few patches covered in gravel awaiting their asphalt cover. Hot and dry conditions meant the lead bikes throwing a thick cloud of dust into the air.

Soon we arrived at the GIVI Vietnam HQ and were welcomed by the smiling staff. We were ushered directly to the large entrance to the factory, where a reception had been prepared with light snacks and drinks. We attacked the bottles of water and Pepsi as if we had just left the desert.

Also, there were the Italian Ambassador to Vietnam and the Head of the Italian Trade Delegation, along with Hendrika Visenzi.

Two of the Vietnamese crew had dressed up in the traditional Vietnamese dress, called áo dài (pronounced “Ao-Yai”). Yes, they were pretty.

The GIVI Explorers were then separated into two groups for a grand tour of the facilities. Our group was led by Giorgio Della Rosa, the Factory Manager and designer of GIVI’s riding gear.

This was the birthplace of GIVI rainsuits and soft luggage.

We saw how different materials came together, being cut to exact dimensions by using a hydraulic press or laser cutter, the stitched together by highly trained professionals, before being QC’ed and packed.

We saw the very same tankbags, soft luggage and waterproof we were wearing being assembled right there.

In the meantime, the GIVI crew had taken our helmets to a room in the administration building, where two ladies pinstriped on our names and national flags on one side of the chinbar.

The GIVI Explorers and other guests were then ushered into the conference room for lunch and the GIVI charity event called, “Riding for Reading.” This GIVI CSR initiative aims to assist Vietnamese children in primary schools by meeting short-term and long-term needs. For the near-term, GIVI donated writing and drawing utensils; and health insurance and scholarships in the long-term.

A spontaneous fundraiser was set up among the GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure 2017 participants, to which everyone was more than happy to contribute. A total of USD 800 was raised.

The kids came to meet us soon after, and it was a happy and emotional experience for all involved, as Ms. Visenzi and Mr. Perucca handed the items to them.

As Mr. Perucca said in his speech, the GIVI Explorer adventures have always been about learning and giving, rather than being just riding across the world.

With the Riding for Reading program done, GIVI presented gifts to the Explorers. First was renowned Vietnamese coffee, packed together with a set of serving cups, and the traditional Vietnamese conical hat called nón lá (translated as left hat).

It was time to say goodbye to GIVI Vietnam and head to our stop for the day. A few of the Vietnamese crew also joined us on the ride.

We cut a south-southwesterly course toward Cần Thơ (pronounced “Kan Ter”), the main city in the Mekong Delta, where the Mekong River empties into the South China Sea. The river life figures heavily here, including a floating market.

Unfortunately, one of the bikes developed a puncture and we arrived way after dark so there was no chance of us going anywhere.

Click here for Day Five (Part Two) of the GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure 2017.

Click here for Day Five (Part One) of the GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure 2017.

Click here for Day Four of the GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure 2017.

Click here for Day Three of the GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure 2017.

Click here for Day Two of the GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure 2017.

Click here for Day One of the GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure 2017.

PICTURE GALLERY