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New Kawasaki ZX-14 to be less powerful

As you might have heard a couple of months ago, Kawasaki has updated the ZX-14 for 2016 with an updated engine to keep up with the strict European emission regulations.

This is due to the fact that the ZX-14 was one of the bikes that did not match the emissions standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

So, with a few tweaks to the powerplant, the bike is now ready for the European market. However, the bike’s maximum output, which stood at 210.7hp in the outgoing model, has been decreased to 199.9hp.

The latest EPA test data shows the model has a ‘new’ version of the 1441cc engine with a three-way catalyst rather than an ‘oxidising’ cat. Along with peak power, carbon monoxide emissions have also been lowered.

Set to be available in two variants (ZX-14R and the ZX-14R Performance Sports) for 2016, notable changes include the new instrument cluster with LCD displays with dot-pattern background, black and white interchangeable displays, Brembo M50 monobloc brake calipers with Brembo radial-pump master cylinder, stainless steel brake lines, Ohlins TTX39 rear shock absorber, as well as Akrapovic exhausts.

The hinged and strapless Vozz Helmets

As it is, the modern safety helmet has come a long way indeed. However, a firm called Vozz Helmets is out to change that with its range of helmets that feature a rather unorthodox yet ingenious design.

Vozz’s unconventional design features a rear access application without straps. The shell opens rearwards and makes wearing it much easier compared then the regular top-down insertion method. As a result, the design negates the need for chinstraps whilst boasting several benefits such as enhanced aerodynamics and increased protection.

Despite the narrow lower rim design, the Vozz’s rearward entry appears much easier to don. We also cannot help but notice that this rearward and strapless entry will favour riders who wear spectacles as well. Check out the video attached above for a better grasp of how this works.

Furthermore, the design also has several extras to protect its users beyond the point of operation. One of which is the rear shell doubling up as a head cup for attending paramedics during emergency extraction. The six-step disassembly can be accessed quickly via scanning a QR code placed in the helmet’s bottom rim by attending paramedics or emergency services personnel.

Vozz currently holds the master patent for the helmet design and is open towards licensing its technology to other parties. More information about the Vozz Helmet can be viewed via its official website, vozzhelmets.com.

Source: YouTube via CarBuzz.com
Images: VozzHelmets.com

KL Bike Week 2015 – Malaysian motorcycling culture at its finest

The annual KL Bike Week returned for its 2015 edition last weekend. Marking its seventh annual running, KL Bike Week 2015 celebrating the best of the maturing Malaysian motorcycling culture over the course of two days in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

As always, the event was organised by local custom bikes institution Red Garage Malaysia. It is here that some of Malaysia’s finest custom bike builders and artisans come together and put some of their best stuff on show. Also present here were custom culture artisans from elsewhere around region such as Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.

If you weren’t there last weekend, then you missed quite a spectacle indeed. Nevertheless, here’s our extensive gallery of images to show you just what KL Bike Week 2015 was all about.

KL Bike Week 2015 hosted perhaps one of the largest motorcycling gathering ever hosted in KL city. Of course, this brings lots of attention, thus the crowd.

Plenty of vendors, big and small, were present during KL Bike Week 2015. Whether it be apparels, accessories, parts (new and old), as well as souvenirs, the visiting two-wheeled enthusiasts weren’t disappointed.

Of course, no one wants a dirty bike, which explains the presence of several specialist motorcycle detailers offering on-site cleaning and detailing services.

If there’s one common strain with all the bikes that were present, it is none other than the fact that most are not stock. The Malaysian custom culture is alive and very eclectic to say the least, but it is showing healthy signs of maturing as well.

What goes well next to bikes? Babes of course! There were plenty to be found during KL Bike Week 2015.

And some even brought their pets! Though we were rather unsure if the snake was merely for show, or perhaps a ‘security’ measure of sort. Whatever it is, we wouldn’t mind trading places with ol’ snakey anytime.

The wide variety of bikes are a clear reflection of their owners. Whether you own a classic Vespa Lambretta in ‘survivor’ condition, a tricked- and chromed-out performance naked, a proper British icon, or even a prized custom-built creation, all were welcomed during KL Bike Week 2015.

Motorcycle enthusiasm is blind towards race, culture, religion, or even physical disability. This bloke is one prime example of the latter indeed.

Have a thing for the arts? These artisans would’ve fulfilled your needs and demands.

Have an old Vespa Lambretta? Why not give it a proper makeover? Or make chic office furniture out of it?

Competitions were held for best bike across several categories, as well as best custom helmet paintjob.

Making an appearance was the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture, YB Datuk Mas Ermieyati binti Samsudin. The deputy minister was given a proper tour of the show grounds whilst riding shotgun with one of the members from the Malaysian Lady Bikers’ Club before officially launching KL Bike Week 2015 on the main stage.

Though it is well known as a gathering of choppers, KL Bike Week has since opened itself up to enthusiasts of other types and groups such as superbikers and dirt bikers. Making their presence felt here were the Ducati Club of Malaysia.

KL Bike Week 2015 was also an event where enthusiasts can spot some true rarities like this classic WW2-era BSA. Not only is it period-correct paint, there’s even period-correct and matching accessories primed as well.

Another rarity we spotted was this Suzuki GSX650S Katana. This modern classic from the 1980s invoked a lot of nostalgia, especially with its pop-up headlight feature. FYI, this modern classic is one of many up for sale by specialist importer Sri Changgong.

Another rarity we spotted was this, the Confederate Motorcycles X132 Hellcat Combat.

Together with our friends from Shell Advance Malaysia, BikesRepublic.com were also present at KL Bike Week 2015. Visitors at our booth took part in our special simulator time trials to win exclusive prizes from us and Shell.

It is hard to believe that this custom-built supermoto started out life as a mere Modenas Kriss moped. What was even more unbelievable was the fact that it was built by a bloke who’s barely 17 years old!

The festivities continued into the night where competition winners were awarded.

The evening soiree ended with the arrival of rockstar and actor Awie. Awie took to the stage with his band, Wings, to give KL Bike Week 2015 a fitting end.

KL Bike Week 2015

2015 Yamaha R1 and R1M recalled

Yamaha has announced that it is recalling all 2015 YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M bikes sold so far in the US, UK and Canada to replace the gearbox following a number of failures on the new model.

It is said that there have been a small number of second gear ratio failures on racing and track bikes under extreme load and with mistimed gear-changes, which have led to the gearboxes seizing.

While Yamaha UK hasn’t explained what is happening in detail to owners, Yamaha USA has sent out letters with the necessary details to owners, explaining what the problem was and what needed to be repaired.

“In affected motorcycles, both second gear wheel and pinion gears in the transmission may break as a result of extremely high stress and/or improper shifting. This is due to inadequate component strength and stress concentration at the gear teeth bottom land. In addition, the third and fourth wheel gears may be deformed or break as a result of excessive stress caused by hard usage.

This is due to inadequate component strength. If gears fail, the transmission could lock up, causing loss of control that could result in a crash with injury or death,” said the letter.

Video: BMW G310R in detail

BMW Motorrad rocked the motorcycling world when it finally decided to go big by going down-market. The firm has a strong foothold in the large-capacity segments already, so perhaps the creation of the all-new BMW G310R was inevitable.

It may be small, BMW has set its sights for world domination with its newest model. The firm recently released a promotional video that details some of the bike’s special traits and features in better.

If you didn’t know, the BMW G310R is the fruit of the German powerhouse’s partnership with India’s leading bike manufacturer, TVS. It comes powered using a newly developed 313cc single-cylinder engine with a claimed output of 34hp to propel a claimed unladen weight of 158.5kg (more details in our launch story).

Taking a few notes from Austrian rivals KTM, the BMW G310R is being mass-produced in India. The effort should see the baby beemer being priced similarly to its Austrian segment rival (read KTM 390 Duke). Suffice to say, this is one bike we are anxiously waiting for in 2016.

Source: YouTube via Visordown

MV Agusta enjoying 30% sales increase

It seems that the cash flow injection by new shareholders Mercedes-AMG have done wonders for the MV Agusta brand. MV Agusta looks set to end the year on a high note after it recorded a 30% increase of its sales for 2015.

The firm reportedly sold up to 9,000 units worldwide this year, with much of the brand’s growth recorded outside of its Italian home market. The brand’s performance in its home market remain rather flat with a0.1% decrease this year compared to 2014, but elsewhere, the MV brand is thriving to say the least. One key market for the brand is the UK where it recorded a staggering 140% increase compared to 2014.

2104-MV-Agusta-Turismo-Veloce-Lusso-800-04 — MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso 800

The firm states that revenue is up by 30% for 2015, which means it is enjoying larger-than-average contribution margin of 40%. Much of this is contributed by strong sales performance of several premium models, notably the likes of the Tursimo Veloce and Dragster RR.

However, it is worth noting that MV Agusta did not unveil a new-for-2016 model during the recent EICMA 2015 show. Whether the brand is able to retain this momentum next year without a substantially new model remains to be seen.

Sources: Asphaltandrubber and Visordown