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Malaysian motorcycle racer, Saidatul Zakirah Zairin, brought honour to the nation in the Qatar Superstock 600 (QSTK) Championship race, under the Qatar Supersport 300 (QSSP) category. She successfully made it to the podium after finishing in second place in Race 2.

Saidatul Zakirah, also known as Kirah, secured fourth place in Race 1 before climbing to second place in Race 2. Kirah’s outstanding performance has caught the attention of many, especially since she participated in the race as a ‘wildcard’ (non-full-time) rider. She is also the first female rider to step onto the podium in the championship.

At the same time, another Malaysian racer, Johann Zharfan, also made it to the podium in the same category after finishing in third place in Race 1. However, luck was not on his side as a technical issue forced him to end Race 2 in sixth place.

This prestigious championship took place at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar and attracted professional riders from around the world.

A motorcycle workshop owner was detained to assist in the investigation regarding a case of smuggling spare parts and Yamaha RX-Z motorcycles from Thailand in Kampung Padang Luas, Jertih, Terengganu, yesterday.

The Terengganu Police Chief, Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin, stated that the 41-year-old man was arrested during a raid on a house that was being used as a workshop to repair the motorcycles.

He mentioned that an inspection of the workshop uncovered 11 Yamaha RXZ motorcycles, motorcycle chassis (four), and suspicious motorcycle engine components (six).

Initial investigations revealed that all the motorcycles and components were brought in from Thailand without any valid documentation.

Further investigations found that the suspect has three past criminal records related to kidnapping, Section 29(1) of the Minor Offences Act 1955, and Section 6(1) of the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.

A urine screening test on the suspect came back negative,” he said.

A motorcyclist died in an accident involving six vehicles on Jalan Hulu Langat-Ampang here yesterday, when a car ran into the opposite lane and rammed into a group of motorcyclists.

Kajang District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Naazron Abdul Yusof, said the incident occurred at around 4:45 PM (February 2, 2025).

“Preliminary investigations revealed that, at the time of the incident, four motorcycles and a car were traveling from Hulu Langat towards Ampang.

“Upon reaching the scene, a Perodua Alza coming from the direction of Ampang entered the opposite lane and collided with all five vehicles.”

“As a result of the collision, a 20-year-old motorcyclist was thrown off and fell to the side of the road.”

According to him, the victim, a local man, was confirmed dead at the scene, while five other injured motorcyclists and pillion riders were taken to Ampang Hospital for treatment.

He stated that the drivers of both cars involved did not sustain any injuries.

Naazron said the cause of the incident is still under investigation, and the vehicles involved were sent for inspection at the Computerized Vehicle Inspection Center (Puspakom) and the Chemistry Department.

“All the victims involved were aged between 17 and 38 years old, while the 27-year-old Alza driver was arrested, and a remand application will be made today.

“The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987, and any information can be relayed to the Investigating Officer, Inspector Narolhisyam Endi, at 0195897115,” he said.

It has been confirmed: MV Agusta is back in Timur Sardarov’s control. It was sold to Art of Mobility S.A., a company controlled by the Sardarov family.

Pierer Mobility AG (PMG), the parent company of KTM AG, officially confirmed that they had sold their 50.1% controlling stake of the legendary brand. PMG has purchased 25.1% of MV shares in November 2022, before acquiring a further 25% in the spring of 2024.

The Austrian company had decided to let MV Agusta go almost as soon as they went into an ongoing “self-administration process” for 90 days.

PMG says that the transaction will be completed in the first half of 2025. The value of the sale is said to be in the “mid-double-digit million range.”

Timur Sardarov said, “This is a moment of pride for all of us at MV Agusta. Regaining full control of the company means we are now stronger and more focused than ever on delivering excellence.

Over the past two years, the company has significantly strengthened its processes, systems, and workforce. These structural changes are the foundation of the extraordinary results achieved in 2024 and will continue to drive our success in the years to come.

I have full confidence in our leadership team, whose vision, combined with the dedication and professionalism of our renewed dealer network, will take MV Agusta to new heights. My commitment, and that of my family, is to be a vital force for the Varese team, the region, and all our partners.

According to MV, all of their 219 global dealers and 41 service centres will continue as business as usual. The number of dealers is also predicted to rise to 270 by the end of 2025. The company sold 4000 motorcycles, representing an annual growth rate of 116% compared to 2023.

The 2025 Yamaha XSR155 modern retro model has been launched in Indonesia.

We do not have the XSR900 modern retro in Malaysia, either, although it shares the same platform as the MT-09. However, an XSR155 makes sense as it shares the same engine platform with two of Yamaha’s bestsellers, namely the Y16ZR sport moped, NVX scooter, and R15M sportbike. To recap, it features four-valves and variable valve timing (VVT).

Yamaha Indonesia claims the engine to produce 19 hp at 10,000 RPM and 14.7 Nm at 8,500 RPM. Comparatively, both figures are higher than the Y16ZR’s in Malaysia i.e. 17.7 hp at 9,500 RPM, and 14.4 Nm at 8,500. Looks like the Indonesian model’s ECU is less restricted and revs higher.

Anyway, the 2025 Yamaha XSR155 in Indonesia features a classic brown colourway called “Metallic Brown Authentic”. Complementing the colour is a “bread loaf” seat. The Yamaha Indonesia brochure did not show any saddlebag, but we are sure brown saddlebags will look great on the bike.

So, how about it, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor? It may be a little harder to find a market for the XSR900, but the XSR155 should be easily afforded by many.

As a follow up to the prototype unveiling at EICMA 2024, the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R and 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X have been officially announced.

Looking back to EICMA, we expected the off-road biased “R” variant but did not expect KTM to roll out an all-new road-biased model, too. The road-biased model now has the letter “X” affixed to it, instead of having no letters after the “Adventure” name.

Both are powered by the same updated 399cc LC4c single-cylinder engine, which produces 44 hp at 8,500 RPM  and 39 Nm at 7,000 RPM. The engine receives a new stainless steel exhaust system which is 5 kg lighter, revised fuel injection, airbox, and cylinder head. The gearbox has been reworked and the slipper and assist clutch is standard.

Also shared are the suspension and frame. Although the latter is based on the 390 Duke, there are new subframe mounts, steering head angle, and 25mm taller handlebar. The suspension is taken from the recently launched 390 Enduro R, with WP APEX 43mm open cartridge forks paired to matching a monoshock – both of which are good for 230mm of travel.

The main differences between the “R” and “X” are a five litre larger tank on the Adventure R (now 14-litres), plus the rally inspired fairing and tower which houses a full LED lighting setup, and wheel sizes. The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R rolls on 21/18-inch wheels, while the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X has 19/17-inch rims.

Electronic tech includes a five-inch TFT and three ride modes (Street, Off-Road and Rain – which limits power delivery and heightens traction control (TC) intervention). Whichever of these modes is in use when the bike is turned off will remain engaged upon start up.

There’s also dual channel ABS, switchable cornering sensitive TC, and, for a touch of mile munching comfort, optional cruise control as well.

The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R sells for £6699 (RM38,854.20) and 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X is priced at £5399 (RM31,314.20) in the UK.

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