“Competition is the fuel that ignites innovation.”
That is a quote that a lot of us should live by, but unfortunately many do not.
The publication you read today took root in 2013. Three friends got together and saw a void in the industry.
While there were many automotive platforms that focused on cars and motorcycles, there were none that focused solely on motorcycles. (more…)
Gracshaw Malaysia launches limited-edition Demon Stayer helmet collection featuring four beloved characters of the series.
25 February 2025, Kuala Lumpur – Gracshaw, a leading Malaysian helmet manufacturer, has teamed up with the popular anime franchise Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba to introduce four exquisitely designed limited edition Gennex helmets, featuring motifs inspired by fan-favourite Demon Slayer characters: Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, Kyojuro Rengoku, and Tengen Uzui. These exclusive helmets make bold fashion statements for anime enthusiasts seeking a stylish and safety motorbike apparel on the road. Priced at RM 490, this helmet series will be available in the Malaysian market starting 25th February 2025.
The Demon Slayer helmet series is meticulously crafted under the esteemed trademark of the franchise to guarantee exceptional authenticity and originality, with each design capturing the core personality and features of the character it represents. The checkered black and green motif on Tanjiro Kamado’s helmet matches his iconic haori, with the character ready to face any challenges that come his way.
The Nezuko Kamado bright pink helmet exudes her bubbly and caring persona. Kyojuro Rengoku’s fans will be overwhelmed by the helmet’s flame motif, which highlights the character’s status as the cheerful Flame Hashira. The Tengen Uzui helmet exudes a bold and flashy impression, resonating with riders who are looking for a more flamboyant choice.
Beyond aesthetics, the Gennex-type helmets are renowned for their unmatched quality and ultimate safeguarding for everyday road use. Prioritising the comfort and safety of riders, these helmets are equipped with a double ventilation system, a double D-ring locking mechanism for a secure fit, and luxuriously removable interior cushioning. The aerodynamic, streamlined shape enhances the helmet’s sleek and contemporary appearance. With SIRIM certification, this helmet line sets the benchmark for fit, durability, and protection performance.
The helmets are available in sizes ranging from M to XXXL, catering to a wide range of riders. Each helmet comes in a special package, including an exclusive helmet bag, a Demon Slayer sticker set, and a Demon Slayer-themed user manual.
All four variants of these limited units Demon Slayer helmets are exclusively available at selected dealerships across Malaysia. For more information, kindly reach out to Gracshaw at +604 916 3876
In another sensational rumour or news – depending on if it goes through – in the KTM saga, BMW is said to be interested in buying KTM.
The news was posted by an Austrian business media oe24, saying that they learned from an insider familiar with KTM’s restructuring. Creditors are set to vote on KTM AG’s future later today (25th February) at 9:00 A.M. Austrian time (4:00 P.M. Malaysian time). The insider also told oe24 that Dr. Peter Vogl, who is the insolvency administrator, “has a preference for a specific buyer, namely BMW Motorrad.”
“At the settlement meeting on Tuesday, BMW Motorrad intends to step in as an investor and continue the KTM brand,” he further added.
The insider had also claimed that Oberbank is the party pushing BMW Motorrad to acquire KTM. “Their CEO, Franz Gasselsberger, has strong ties to the BMW Group, as the Oberbank is also the house bank for the BMW engine plant in Steyr.”
However, taking the BMW route would be disastrous for KTM’s 4,500 employees as they could be laid off by end-2025. It was said that BMW will want to move KTM’s research and development department to Munich, Germany, while production will move completely to India.
Additionally, KTM’s present suppliers in Austria will also lose out if the deal with BMW works out as the latter would definitely resort to their own suppliers. Hence, there is concern that there will be mass bankruptcies in Austria.
If that is not bad enough, BMW’s takeover would mean that the Austrian taxpayers will have to shoulder €225 million as the country’s insolvency burden equalisation fund pays for for the laid off workers.
On the other hand, BMW’s buyout will see BMW Motorrad’s MotoGP plans may be fast-tracked.
Now, for the highlight of the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025. The winner of the Overall Champion is the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX. The bike also captured the important Best Tourer 2025 category.
Suzuki already has the GSX-S1000GT, which is a sport-tourer. On the other hand, Suzuki calls the GSX-S1000GX “The Supreme Sport Crossover.” That is correct, it is a sport-tourer crossed with an adventure tourer.
It means that the bike has longer travel suspension, a more upright handblebar, and higher seat height.
Speaking of the suspension, it is Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension. It gets data from the inertial measurement unit (IMU) to deliver the right kind of damping, covering all aspects of riding. The rear suspension includes an auto-levelling feature which adjusts the spring’s preload to cater for different weights being carried. The right balance is always important in ensuring optimal control.
The engine is a 999cc inline-four is actually derived from the sublime 2005 GSX-R1000 K5 sportsbike. Yes, the very sportsbike that BMW used to develop their S 1000 RR sportsbike. It produces 150 HP at 11,000 RPM and 106 Nm at 9,250 RPM. This is a supremely wonderful engine, delivering all the torque and power at an instant, while still remaining smooth.
Despite its 845mm seat height which may be a little challenging for some riders, putting a foot on the ground was never an issue. In fact, the rider could use the electronic rear preload function to lower the back of the bike when he stops, and switch back to AUTO once under way.
That kind of up-specced package delivered a supremely capable motorcycle. Comfortable on bad roads, while being able to be hustled along quickly in the twisties. Together with the 19-litre fuel tank, chewing up thousands of kilometres in one day would be of no problem – the rider’s resolve and stamina is the only limitation.
Its selling price of RM 89,900 may be steep for some, but remember the great specs and that the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX is fully made in Japan.
What we liked: Great specs, engine, handling at a good price. Great value.
What we did not like: We tried hard to find something, but we could not.
Nett selling price: RM89,900
No better motorcycle deserves the Modern Classic of the Year (Below 500cc) award at the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025 than the Triumph Speed 400.
Anyone has to ride it just once and know how good it really is. Even we got blown away.
The new Triumph 400 line up had been in the works for so many years that some had begun to think that it would not come to fruition. The child of the Triumph UK and Bajaj Auto collaboration, the former had wanted to access the lower capacity market, which is especially lucrative in Asia.
But oh it was worth the long wait!
The Triumph Speed 400 is not what you think. It is a very complete and supremely capable motorcycle, despite its price.
The main character of any Triumph is the handling and this one demonstrates that philosophy the best, even among Triumphs. In fact, its handling is so good that if the motorcycling cliché “telepathic connection,” had not existed, it would have been written to describe it.
See that corner up ahead? Just pick your line and you are already at the exit, applying power. It did not matter what kind of corner, camber, radius, the Speed 400’s suspension lets the tyres bite into the road and flings you through them. We were even surprised to see the scuffed up the tyres – on a classic looking 400.
And that TR Series 398cc engine. (It is not shared with the Bajaj Dominar 400!) So torquey and has so much grunt up high in the rev range that you will not believe it is a single.
The whole package lets the bike handle like a 150cc motorcycle but with more torque, power, and better suspension. But wait, what sealed the deal for us was its relaxed riding position, practicality, and accessibility. Speaking of accessibility, anyone can ride well on this bike, without needing mountains of skill to conquer the er… mountain (no pun intended).
And it sells for only RM 26,900 which cost just a little more 250cc bikes. What value!
What we liked: Superb handling, easy to ride, practical, good engine, quality, value for money.
What we did not like: The first and second gears are too short.
Nett selling price: RM 26,900
Ah, the modern classic motorcycle. It harks back to the days when all motorcycles were of this form whether you rode them on the streets, raced them at the track or even off-road (modified suspension, of course). They were pure motorcycles without the modern-day segmentation, hence they could be called “standards.” And the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 embraces that spirit perfectly to win the Modern Classic Bike of the Year 2025 category in the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year 2025 Awards.
The Shotgun 650 has sportier ergonomics compared to the Interceptor 650. Additionally, the Shotgun has a custom bike feel to it. In fact, Royal Enfield stresses that they offer a large selection of accessories for this particular model (including the passenger seat).
Riding the Shotgun 650 is an experience of its own. As with other REs, it is not about going fast. Instead it is about feeling the thumps from the parallel-twin engine with a 270° crank. (It was a 360° crank which has the pistons rise and fall as a pair in the past.) The motor has a longer stroke, so it is all about torque.
Riding it up Genting Highlands was a joy as it thumped-thumped-thumped from corner to corner without bogging down and requiring multiple gear changes, apart from the two hairpins. Again, it is not about setting the fastest climb, but to destress on your off day on a bike.
It is of course a great bike for the daily commute, too, which returns us to the subject about the standard motorcycle.
What we liked: Thumping engine, good torque.
We we did not like: A little heavy.
Nett selling price: From RM 34,900
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