Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

Indian Motorcycles Unveil 2018 Lineup

Indian Motorcycles shows off 16 models for 2018
Lineup includes the new Scout Bobber, Chieftain Limited, Springfield Dark Horse and Roadmaster Elite.
Indian Motorcycles’ sales grew by 17% this spring alone.

Polaris axed its Victory brand in January this year in order to fully concentrate on its Indian Motorcycles concern, and the move has started to see positive results. It has been reported that Indian’s sales grew by 17% while Harley’s shrank by 7% in the past spring alone. Production has surged to more than 25,000 units at the time this article went live.

Indian Motorcycle’s 2018 lineup consists of 16 models, with 4 added to last year’s. Indian has added new features and new colours to several models.

2018 INDIAN SCOUT

There are three Scout versions, all sharing the same physical and mechanical features, except for engines and corresponding transmissions.

Indian Scout Sixty

The Scout Sixty is identical to the 2017 model, with the addition of two new colours and ABS corresponding to certain colours. Thunder Black and Polished Bronze are without ABS, while ABS is standard for Indian Motorcycle Red and Thunder Black over Titanium Metallic.

The Scout Sixty uses the 61 cubic-inch (999 cc) engine which produces 78 bhp, mated to a five-speed transmission.

Indian Scout

The Indian Scout received overwhelming response and was quickly sold out in Malaysia. For 2018, the Scout’s forks are upgraded to cartridge forks, Pirelli tyres are fitted and best of all, a leather pillion seat.

The Scout uses the 69 cubic-inch (1133 cc) engine which punches out 100 bhp, sent through a six-speed transmission.

Thunder Black and Metallic Jade colours are without ABS; Willow Green over Ivory Cream, Brilliant Blue over White, and Burgundy Red are with ABS.

Indian Scout Bobber

New for 2018, the Scout Bobber is styled as blacked-out and stripped down. The footpegs were moved moved back for a more cruiser style placement. The handlebars have been replaced with tracker style bars. The blacked out wheels are shod with knobby tyres and the suspension lowered by 25mm.

2018 INDIAN CRUISERS

Indian’s cruisers are distinguished from their bagger brethren by not having luggage fitted as standard.

Indian Chief Dark Horse

The Dark Horse comes only in matte black with blacked out detailing, accented by chrome. The valanced front and rear fenders are standard, of course. The Chief’s keyless ignition remains.

Indian Chief

The standard Chief comes in Steel Gray, has more chrome and cruise control compared to the Dark Horse.

Indian Chief Classic

The Chief Classic is distinguishable by the white walled tyres, spoked wheels and chrome hand controls. Plus chrome and more chrome.

2018 INDIAN BAGGERS

Baggers are motorcycles with baggage, whether saddlebags or hard panniers, and Indian’s lineup has more baggers than any other manufacturer’s.

Indian Chief Vintage

The Chief Vintage has standard leather seats, saddlebags and removable windshield. To complete the classic look, Indian gave the Chief Vintage whitewall tyres and spoked wheels. Removing the windshielf and saddlebags turn the bike into a boulevard cruiser.

Indian Springfield

Basically unchanged from 2017, there are new colours for 2018. Features such as the detachable hard panniers, detachable windshield, highway bar, keyless ignition, tyre pressure monitoring system and ABS remain standard.

Indian Springfield Dark Horse

The Dark Horse version is new for 2018, featuring matte black paint with gloss black detailing. Instead of the standard Springfield’s valanced front fender, the Dark Horse uses an open fender over a 19-inch cast wheel. It also includes a detachable windshield and hard panniers.

Indian Chieftain

The front end of the Chieftain has been replaced by the new open fender and 19-inch cast wheels. The windshield is powered and include driving lights. Other features include ABS, cruise control, keyless ignition, highway bar, hard panniers, and 7-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB input.

Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

The 2018 Chieftain Dark Horse comes with the fully loaded Ride Command infotainment system which includes GPS. The front end has also been replaced by the open fender and 19-inch wheel.

Indian Chieftain Classic

The Indian Chieftain Classic looks more traditional with the valanced fenders, 16-inch wheels and leather seat with fringes. But new for 2018 is the Ride Command infotainment system.

Indian Chieftain Limited

The Chieftain Limited is top model of the Chieftain family. The front end features a contrast cut 19-inch wheel with open fender.

2018 INDIAN TOURERS

Indian’s Roadmaster family is unmistakable, featuring saddlebags or panniers with large top cases. Best choice for long tours.

Indian Roadmaster Classic

The Roadmaster Classic is the entry point into the Indian touring family, yet it brims with all the necessary touring features such as luggage and the Ride Command infotainment system.

Indian Roadmaster

With hard panniers and top case, the Roadmaster looks more contemporary then the Roadmaster Classic. There are also hard wind deflectors ahead of the rider’s shins. The sound system is bumped up to 200 watts.

Indian Roadmaster Elite

The Roadmaster Elite is the Big Chief of Indian Motorcycle tribe.

It comes only in Cobalt Candy over Black Crystal, which is individually hand-finished in more than 30 hours. Real 23K gold leaf badging is then applied to the tank and engine components.

The Ride Command infotainment system packs a 300-watt punch. There are armrests for the passenger. The rider and passenger footboards are billet aluminium. A premium touring console tops the fuel tank.

2018 Yamaha X-Max 125 Debuts in Europe

2018 Yamaha X-Max 125 shows great looks and promise
The X-Max 125 is a worldwide best-seller
Part of Yamaha’s “MAX” scooter family

Yamaha has unveiled the new X-Max 125 scooter ahead of the release of their 2018 model line up.

While we do not see the X-Max in Malaysia, the model has sold more than 140,000 units worldwide.

The 2018 model will be EU-4 emissions compliant, hence the 125cc, single-cylinder engine is fed by electronic fuel injection which has low fuel consumption. Such prospects would make the X-Max popular in our country, due to the rising fuel prices.

Both the X-Max 125’s brakes feature ABS as standard. But it goes beyond that, as there is also traction control.

Yamaha has also upgraded the 2018 X-Max 125 to be even more practical. Case in point is the underseat storage space which could accommodate two full-face helmets. That large screen is adjustable, so are the handlebars. It also has a 12V power outlet, like in the NVX, which is fast becoming a pre-requisite.

Speaking of the NVX, the X-Max 125 also uses the Yamaha Smart Key as the former’s. The X-Max’s distinctive dual LCD instruments panels remain.

Yamaha has also started to imbue its family of scooters with a sense of familial ties through the design of their headlights and tail lights. One could instantly tell their make with just one glance.

Will the X-Max 125 ever make it here? Who knows. But it does show that Yamaha is serious about the scooter market.

But if you really want a scooter, check out the Yamaha NVX we tested recently. Click here to read the review of the NVX.

New Ducati Panigale V4 seen in all its glory

The upcoming Ducati Panigale V4 is not due to be official unveiled for another two months or so; Ducati will take the wraps off of it on November 5th, most likely during this year’s EICMA show. But because it is arguably the most anticipated motorcycle of the year, photos and teasers have already been hitting the internet for a while now.

The photo above was published in a few motorcycle websites and blogs, and shows what seems to be the full production ready machine.

This is not the only photo to hit the internet, just last week the photo below was uploaded, supposedly from a track test session. While the photo below is grainy and not does not show much about the bike, we do get the full view of the fairing while the photo above shows a clearer view of the rest of the bike.

The fairing is probably the biggest change to the new Panigale V4. The wordings on the side that clearly read Panigale V4 also confirm the fact that the new Ducati will retain the Panigale branding.

From these photos we can deduce that the new Ducati sports bike does not look all that different from the model it replaces. The headlights, seat and tail unit seem to be largely the same as the old bike.

But despite looking visually similar, the fairing is all-new, with the headlight recesses looking more like air ducts than headlight mounts. It is likely that the recesses will play a dual-role of channeling air to the radiators as well as headlight mounts.

Not much else is know about the new V4 except for the engine. According to Ducati, the new 1103cc V4 engine is derived from the race spec Desmosedici engine used in MotoGP. It produces 210hp and 120Nm of torque. There will also be another engine with less than 1000cc but producing more power. Ducati says that the engine will be used in the new Panigale R, and is already in advanced stages of testing.

Listen to the sound of Ducati’s new V4 engine in the video below:

Faizal Sukree: Meet Malaysia’s very own Mr. BMW GS and world conqueror!

Most of us can only dream about leaving the daily grind behind, hopping on a bike and riding off to a far away land. Work and family commitments keep us tied down from being truly free, but some people live the dream every day.

It is this writer’s long time dream to be able to ride from KL to London, just for the heck of it. And then maybe cross the pond for a ride across the United States, and perhaps across the Pacific over to Asia for a ride South to KL. It remains a dream. For now.

But there is one guy I personally admire, hope to emulate, and learnt a lot from during our 3 hour interview; Faizal Sukree, or better known globally as Malaysia’s ‘Mr GS’.

Faizal doesn’t only ride where he wants, when he wants, but sometimes gets paid to do it. Because of his vast experience in riding around the world he is also the perfect biking tour guide. Those that aspire to see the world on two wheels can hire Faizal as a tour guide. He handles everything from the logistics, to planning the routes, meals, permits, to where you are going to sleep for the night, everything.

Riding the world needs guts, skill, lots of determination, patience, understanding of cultures, but most importantly, it requires a lot of contacts.

“I have friends all over the world, and they are always willing to help me if i need help. I do the same when they are riding this side of the world, so we look out for each other,” said Faizal when we met up a while ago at La Bodega, Bangsar Shopping Centre.

I have been trying to score an interview with Faizal for months, but he was busy traveling so it took some time before our schedules met.

Globe riders (lets call them that) have a special something about them. They seem to have a certain detachment from the materialistic world. The way they dress, the hair, the aura, the way they talk, nothing about worldly luxuries seem to impress them. When Faizal and I spoke about bikes, he did not seem very interested. It was almost like he didn’t want to be there, preferring to be riding in some far away place. It is understandable though, why bother with everyday hustle when you can be riding.

“All I need is my BMW GS 800. I have a few bikes, some rare ones, some track bikes, some are regular every day bikes, but all I want and and the one bike that really impresses me is the BMW GS 800,” he explained.

He says the BMW GS 800 stands out from his stable of about a dozen or so motorcycles because of its simplicity and its robustness.

“It uses a chain drive which I can fix anywhere in the world. It doesn’t have a lot of electronics, the clutch only takes an hour to repair. I don’t need to worry about the hydraulic oil for the clutch as the F800 uses a cable clutch. It is simple and easy to use anywhere in the world,” he explained.

“For example, if you happen to break down in the middle of Mongolia, you will only be able to get spare parts from Beijing,”

Faizal has been riding since he was 16. He owned a YZ125 which he rode to school and everywhere else. “My aunt bought me that bike as my family never allowed me to have a motorcycle back then,” he fondly remembers.

However, the 40-year old father of 2 did not begin his tour riding career until 2007, when he and his neighbour bought a BMW GS 1200. That is when he says he “kena racun” (got bit) by the travel bug. They rode to Indo-China, Mae Hong Soon, Laos, around the Golden Triangle. They travelled so much that in just 2 years he was spending more time on the road than at home, and then he traded up to a GSA. But that did not turn out too good as it was too big and too heavy to be riding everywhere, and that is when he met the F800.

So what inspires a person to just up and go ride around the world? Surely there must be a trigger point; Faizal’s trigger was a movie – the Motorcycle Diaries to be exact. “There was no one who truly inspired me to go riding, but when I watched that movie, it somehow motivated me to just go out and ride,” said Faizal, when asked about his inspiration.

The Motorcycle Diaries is a fascinating movie of a young Che Guevara (yes that Che, the freedom fighter who was best friends with Fidel Castro) who embarked on a motorcycle ride throughout South America with a friend. It was during the ride that he was exposed to the disparities and exploitation of the South American people by wealthy industrialists. It is hailed as a must watch movie for motorcycle fans. Check out the movie trailer above.

A man who is constantly on the road surely has a number of horror stories to share, but not Faizal. Sure there are the usual difficulties of crossing borders, language barriers, egoistic authorities, and the lot, but one of the most scariest moment for the young adventurer happened close to the Arctic, in Alaska to be precise.

“I was riding along on the ice and and snow when I suddenly remembered that I had taken out my knife during the last refuel stop. It dawned on me that I could have left it back at the station. So I was padding down my jacket while riding, trying to find the knife. I got a little distracted and the next thing you know there was a sharp corner ahead. It was all white so I did not really notice the corner until the last minute. And the next thing you know I was tumbling down a 30 meter deep ravine.”

“There was no one there, not a soul. I waited helplessly in the cold for a good half hour until a trucker passed by. He used his rope to pull the bike out of the ravine. The bike had extensive damage on it, but it was rideable. I did some quick repairs to make it road worthy, and rode the bike for about 2000 kilometers before I could really fix it all up. I swear by my BMW F800 GS. I rode it for a good 172,000 kilometers without any problems. And the first major problem came in Seattle, when the radiator fan needed to be fixed.”

The man has many stories, like how he had to carefully negotiate with AK-47 wielding gunmen at the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. But there have been more good memories than bad ones for Faizal. Cigarettes and some sign language got him and his group out of that situation.

His fondest memory is of a family in Tajikistan.

“It was a stormy night and the snow storm was getting worst. I was with a group of riders and we arrived at this mountain pass just as the storm was turning to its worst. I saw a 5 year old boy there who urged me to stop riding, so we slowed. The boy’s father soon showed up and both of them offered their home for us to stay. I had to stay for 2 days for the storm to subside. They fed the group and made us feel at home. We rode out again after 2 days and it was then we realised how important their help was because the road ahead was really bad. There is no way we would have made it through that storm in roads like that.”

One would imagine that a man who has ridden across 82 countries in 6 continents would have very few or no destinations left to be conquered, but Faizal is yet to ride in Africa. He calls Africa the ride of a lifetime, and is already planning a riding trip throughout Africa. “It will take me six months to ride Africa, but it is my dream to do it. I want to experience the country, the animals, the people, the terrain. I will ride Africa soon, and am preparing for the trip.”

Besides being an adventure freak, Faizal is also Malaysia’s first representative to the glamorous and extremely challenging BMW GS Trophy. The GS Trophy is the biggest adventure motorcycle challenge in the world, and Faizal says it is one of his biggest honors to be chosen to represent Malaysia for it.

“I was riding in Morocco when it received news that I had been chosen to represent Malaysia. Almost immediately I rode about 3000km to Madrid, left my bike at the Malaysian embassy there. Next thing you know I was on a flight back to Malaysia to rest for a few days. Then I travelled to Phuket Thailand for the qualifiers, and then to Chiang Mai for the finals. It was truly an honor to be competing with the best GS riders in the world.”

Faizal is one of the few true adventurers left, the kind that can simply drop it all and go away for a while to discover the world. Even as I write this, he is somewhere in Europe, I know because he keeps posting all this beautiful sceneries and such on his Facebook and Instagram page and it keeps making me jealous.

A true biker who credits his wife and family for their support and understanding.

All photos by Faizal Sukree and friends.

Find out more about the BMW F800 GS here!

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