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Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Launches 2018 NVX Grand Prix Edition

The 2018 Yamaha NVX Grand Prix Edition commemorates Hong Leong Yamaha Motor’s involvement in MotoGP.
It is finished in the factory YZF-M1 racer paint scheme.
Priced from RM 10,606.00 (basic selling price inclusive of 0% SST and not on-the-road).

As the Malaysian MotoGP 2018 round draws near, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has launched the Yamaha NVX Grand Prix Special Edition.

This special edition also commemorates HLYM’s participation in MotoGP every year.

It is only fitting that HLYM does so as the Yamaha NVX was launched three years back at the Malaysian MotoGP round, with Valentino Rossi as the distinguished guest. He legendary rider also took part in unveiling and signing the NVX, also called the Aerox, during the event.

This special edition NVX is finished in Yamaha’s signature racing blue, as inspired by the YZF-M1 factory race bikes campaigned by Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinalez in the premier motorcycle racing championship.

Owners who purchase the Grand Prix edition will receive an exclusive riding jacket branded with NVX GP Edition patches and a Certificate of Ownership. This means the motorcycle is certified as the genuine GP Edition.

The Yamaha NVX GP Edition will be available at authorized Yamaha dealers commencing 21^st September 2018. HLYM has set the price at RM 10, 606.00 (basic selling price with 0% SST and not on-the-road), which is a RM 700 premium over the standard model.

Booby Trap at Motorcycle Lane Almost Beheaded Motorcyclist

Mohamad Afiq posted on his Facebook account that he contacted a booby trap on a motorcycle lane.
A fishing line was strung across the motorcycle lane, cutting his neck and damaging his helmet.
The location is the near the exit from DUKE highway to Taman Rowther and Taman Koperasi Polis 1, Gombak.

Just as we were writing a retort against a case of The Star publishing a “report” complaining about motorcycles invading the main throughway on the Federal Highway, a motorcyclist’s posting on his Facebook page has gone viral when he reported that he was almost beheaded by a booby trap strung across a motorcycle lane.

Mohamad Afiq Izwan Ismail, a university student, posted that the incident occurred around 6.30pm on Monday (17^th September). His neck and helmet apparently came into contact with a fishing line which was hung across the exit from DUKE highway to Taman Rowther and Taman Koperasi Polis 1 in Gombak.

“This is not a myth, as it happened to me,” he said in his post. “There’s some heartless human being who placed this trap near the corner. This is a fishing line which is rough. It’s painful!”

He echoed the concerns of many motorcyclists in the Klang Valley, as another rider was also snared by such a trap at the Federal Highway’s motorcycle lane last year. There have also been reported cases of armed robbery at night.

Mohamad Afiq posted a picture of his neck. He also claimed that his helmet (the chin strap, judging by the picture) was damaged.

“Imagine if someone sped through the lane without wearing a helmet. Wouldn’t the neck be cut?” he continued.

“A reminder to all those living in Gombak to be careful while travelling through this area especially at night.”

He had lodged a police report regarding the matter.

BMW Motorrad Officially Unveils New 2019 R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT

BMW Motorrad are quick to officially roll out the new 2019 R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT.
Both bikes will receive the new 1254cc Boxer with Shift Cam.
Both models will also see a number of upgrades besides the engine.

(Pictures courtesy of BMW Motorrad.)

Yes, as we had published earlier, BMW Motorrad decided to unveil the R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT even before the Intermot show.

So, what is all the bru-ha-ha with these two bikes, you ask?

The BMW R 1200 GS is simply the world’s best-selling motorcycle and is the cash cow for the Bavarian manufacturer. But other manufacturers are starting to encroach into BMW’s market share and it is time to move the yardstick. The obvious part to start with is obviously the liquid/air-cooled Boxer engine which began production in 2013.

As we had reported earlier, the new 1254cc Boxer is now equipped with Shift Cam, BMW’s variable valve timing apparatus. The powerplant now yields 136 bhp and 143 Nm of torque. 136 bhp is still behind the likes of the 160 bhp KTM 1290 Super Adventure among others, but according to BMW, even 125 bhp was enough.

Anyway, let us get on with a few details of the new models.

2019 BMW R 1250 GS

The 2019 GS is looks outwardly similar to the current R 1200 GS except for a few changes.

Standard equipment will include Road and Rain riding modes, ASC (automatic Stability Control), HSC (Hill Start Control) and ABS Pro (Cornering ABS).
An optional Riding Modes Pro package which adds Dynamic riding mode and Dynamic Traction Control (DBC).

Specifically for the R 1250 GS, the package further adds Dynamic Pro, Enduro and Enduro Pro.
There is also Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) which prevents unintentional acceleration when braking.

2019 R 1250 GS in Exclusive paint scheme

The R 1250 GS will get a new 6.5” full-colour TFT display. Vehicle and connectivity functions are controlled via the standard BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller wheel.
LED lighting is standard, while LED DRL is optional.

Optional “Next Generation” Dynamic ESA is available for the GS. ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment).
As with the current ESA and ESA Dynamic systems, the suspension load and damping characteristics can be selected with the press of a switch, but adds a number more modes such as “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro,” plus “Enduro” and “Enduro Pro” just for the GS.

The new R 1250 GS will line up includes an off-road oriented R 1250 GS HP.
The HP is loaded up to the gills with off-road equipment. Optional for HP is the sports suspension with extended travel.

There are four new colour schemes – two basic and two in striking style.
The basic versions are Blackstorm metallic and Cosmic Blue metallic. On the striking side, one is the Exclusive which combines Blackstrom metallic and Night Black.

The other is the HP, finished in BMW’s racing colours and emphasizes off-road capabilities.

2019 BMW R 1250 RT

Much of the updates to the R 1250 GS were carried over to the R 1250 RT.
The new RT looks similar to the current R 1200 RT at first glance but there are a number of distinguishing differences, apart from the cylinder head covers.

The front brake calipers have been uprated, there are engine spoilers underneath the stator cover, the exhaust downpipes curve further back, and of course, the R 1250 RT badge.

The engine tuning, performance and gearing ratios are unchanged from the GS.

There are also two riding modes, “Road” and “Rain” besides ASC (automatic Stability Control) and HSC (Hill Start Control) as standard.

2019 R 1250 RT in Option 719 Spezial colour scheme

The RT gets a 5.7” full-colour TFT display, flanked by analog speedometer and tachometer, but no connectivity options yet.

Owners can upgrade to “Next Generation” Dynamic ESA; an option unavailable on the current R 1200 RT.

LED headlights and LED DRL are optional.

2019 R 1250 RT in Option 719 Spezial colour and optional brown seat

Colour options are basic option in Alpine White, Option 719 Spezial in Blue Planet metallic and Sparkling Storm metallic, Sport option in Mars Red metallic, Elegance in Carbon Black metallic.

BMW Motorrad Officially Unveils new 1250cc Boxer Engine

BMW Motorrad has unveiled the new R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT along with the new Boxer engine.
The new 1254cc engine is the fifth 4-valve Boxer version.
It boasts a 9% gain in power and 14% in torque, plus 4% reduction in fuel consumption.

(All pictures courtesy of BMW Motorrad.)

It was BMW Motorrad’s worst secret, because the news of a new 1250cc Boxer engine and RT broke out in the open as soon as they started working on the project. Hence probably why BMW decided to roll out the specs and features of the 2019 R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT even before the expected launch at Intermot.

For your information, the German manufacturer has followed their tradition of launching both new GS and RT simultaneously.

We have covered most of the techs of the new 1254cc Boxer with Shift Cam variable valve timing, so far but here is a little bit more about the new engine since the full spec sheets have been released, also.

BMW 1250 Boxer with Shift Cam

We have previously shown the illustration of the workings of the new Shift Cam technology, so please click on this link for more information and the video.

BMW R 1250 GS Boxer Engine with “Shift Cam” Technology Illustrated

The new Boxer produces 136 bhp (100 kW) at 7,750 RPM and 143 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM, a 14% gain.
Comparatively, the current 1174cc engine produces 125 bhp (92 kW) and 125 Nm of torque at the same RPMs respectively. (Please refer to the dyno chart below, courtesy of mcnew.com.au)

Referring to the graph, horsepower is as linear as before, but the biggest gain for torque is from 5,000 RPM onwards.
There is 110 Nm (77% of maximum) on tap from 2,000 RPM, building to just over 120 Nm (84%) at 3,000 RPM.

This means there is acceleration practically anytime the rider opens the throttle.
The new engine gains up to 4% better fuel economy, while trading 5kg extra.

There is a new BMS-O engine control unit (ECU), slipper clutch as standard (finally!), upgraded lubrication and cooling system, quieter toothed (HyVo) timing chains, and two knock sensors.
The transmission has also been refined further.

That is it for now. Check back with us tonight as we take a closer look at both the new models.

Modenas Dominar D400 “Explore the Unexplored” Ride 2018 #2

The second Modenas Dominar D400 “Explore the Unexplored” Ride was carried out over the Malaysia Day weekend.
This trip was from Juru Autocity to Taiping and ending at the Belum Rainforest Resort.
The ride was also a part of the global #motography and local #motographymalaysia projects.

The second Modenas Dominar D400 “Explore the Unexplored” ride was held over the Malaysia Day weekend (17^th September 2018) after the successful first edition on 19th August 2018.

Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Ride

While the first ride was from Modenas’ HQ at Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor to Ipoh, Perak, this second ride covered the route from Juru Autocity, Penang to the Belum Rainforest Resort, Perak.

As with all the “Explore the Unexplored” rides, the activity caters exclusively to Modenas D400 owners, as the motorcycle is branded as a sport-tourer. The power and torque of the 373cc liquid-cooled engine and ergonomics allow the bike to be ridden far and wide.

These rides are also apart of Modenas/Bajaj Auto’s #motography project where pictures of interesting attractions are shared by Dominar D400 owners globally, thus forming a travelogue for owners to visit these very sites should they want to ride in other countries. Malaysian owners are to submit their photos under the #motographymalaysia hashtag.

The second ride began with rider registration and breakfast from 6.30am at the Restoran Nasi Kandar Pelita at Juru Autocity. It was a bigger group this time around, consisting of 25 participants. Modenas had informed us that these riders from the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia were really excited to take part.

A briefing was held by the Chief Marshal on the route, activities, potential hazards and group riding etiquette. Modenas provided technical personnel and two four-wheel wheeled vehicles as support.

The convoy began afterwards at 7.30am and headed to the historic city of Taiping. The convoy travelled in smart formation on the PLUS Highway, adhering to the speed limits and careful not to hamper traffic.

The group proceeded straight to the Taiping Lake Gardens for the first #motographymalaysia stop. The owners were allowed to explored sites around the Lake Gardens to shoot their best photos of their Dominar D400s.

Soon after, the participants rode to Kuala Kangsar, passing Grik and stopped at the Belum Rainforest Resort for lunch, the second #motographymalaysia stop in addition to some fun and games.

As first with the first stop at Taiping, the riders went out to shoot photographs after lunch. They returned to the game of the slowest rider and throwing and catching a water balloon.

The group dispersed from Grik as they had different plans.

PICTURE GALLERY

More Intrigues as Demak (DNC Asiatic) Goes into Receivership

Demak (DNC Asiatic) has gone into receivership as Maybank attempts to recoup the monies owed to them.
It is now learned that two directors and the general manager of the Banting plant could not be located.
Demak had been profitable for the last five years, despite some liabilities.

We reported in May this year that the DNC Asiatic, the manufacturer and distributor of Demak motorcycles had shut its factory and service centres, including the MV Agusta showroom and workshop.

However, no one could put a finger on why the company tanked so quickly after showing so much promise, especially after opening their new office building and factory in Banting, Selangor. The lack of a definitive answer meant speculations started flying.

Now there seems to be a revelation of what happened. The Edge had recently reported that the company has gone into receivership as DNC Asiatic Holdings Sdn. Bhd. as Maybank seeks to recoup the monies owed to them.

The Edge discovered that work halted at both the Banting and Kuching plants two months ago, following the disappearance of two DNC Asiatic directors and general manager six months ago.

The business paper also performed a check with the Companies Commision of Malaysia (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia or SSM), the shareholders are Gao Rong (70%), Dato’ Seri Feona Sim @ Norjanah. The directors are Gao, Sim, Sharifah Nong Jasima Syed Junaidi and Hu Ying. Lim Boo Hing is the company’s secretary as well as General Manager at the Banting plant. Both Gao and Hu are Chinese nationals who have since become Malaysian citizens.

According to The Edge’s sources, Gao, Hu and Lim could not be located.

Dato’ Seri Feona Sim the spouse of former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. Sharifah, on the hand, is the couple’s daughter.

Contrary to popular belief, the SSM revealed that DNC Asiatic had been profitable for the last five years. In fact, revenues had more than doubled to RM 195.59 million in the financial year ended 31^st December 2016, compared to RM 92.57 million in FY 2012. Accordingly, net profit rose to RM 10.73 million in FY 2016 as opposed to RM 8.17 million in FY 2012.

From that, DNC Asiatic’s accumulated profit was RM 73.38 million in FY 2016 with total liabilities of RM 129.33 million. Also, according to SSM, the company may owe Maybank as much as RM 54 million, besides other debts to Kuwait Finance House and Bank Islam.

However, DNC Asiatic announced that they had entered the Cambodian market and would be shipping 25,000 motorcycles and parts worth US$ 56 million by the second quarter of this year. This is on top of the motorcycles being exported to Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Executive Hu quoted that they had started to shift their focus towards the export market, with half of the annual 60,000 units produced at Banting being exported. Production capacity at the Kuching plant was also reported to be at 60,000 per year.

Additionally, DNC Asiatic had been building a plant in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as we have reported.

That was the report be obtained but again, we could only speculated about the missing directors and general manager. However, we now know that production had stopped after their disappearance.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

The 2018 Yamaha NVX Grand Prix Edition commemorates Hong Leong Yamaha Motor’s involvement in MotoGP.

It is finished in the factory YZF-M1 racer paint scheme.

Priced from RM 10,606.00 (basic selling price inclusive of 0% SST and not on-the-road).

Mohamad Afiq posted on his Facebook account that he contacted a booby trap on a motorcycle lane.

A fishing line was strung across the motorcycle lane, cutting his neck and damaging his helmet.

The location is the near the exit from DUKE highway to Taman Rowther and Taman Koperasi Polis 1, Gombak.

BMW Motorrad are quick to officially roll out the new 2019 R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT.

Both bikes will receive the new 1254cc Boxer with Shift Cam.

Both models will also see a number of upgrades besides the engine.

2019 BMW R 1250 GS

2019 BMW R 1250 RT

BMW Motorrad has unveiled the new R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT along with the new Boxer engine.

The new 1254cc engine is the fifth 4-valve Boxer version.

It boasts a 9% gain in power and 14% in torque, plus 4% reduction in fuel consumption.

BMW 1250 Boxer with Shift Cam

The second Modenas Dominar D400 “Explore the Unexplored” Ride was carried out over the Malaysia Day weekend.

This trip was from Juru Autocity to Taiping and ending at the Belum Rainforest Resort.

The ride was also a part of the global #motography and local #motographymalaysia projects.

PICTURE GALLERY

Demak (DNC Asiatic) has gone into receivership as Maybank attempts to recoup the monies owed to them.

It is now learned that two directors and the general manager of the Banting plant could not be located.

Demak had been profitable for the last five years, despite some liabilities.

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