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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.

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.

Kingz MG Calls on Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ)

As part of their recognition of Harley-Davidson owners and groups, Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya plays host to their rides and activities.
The latest group to congregate at HDPJ was Kingz MG on their ride to the East Coast.
HDPJ supported the ride by providing technical support and Lucky Draw vouchers.

The setting of Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ) has truly benefitted Harley owners. As part of a service to owners, HDPJ played host to Kingz Motorcycle Group (MG) as a stop on their wide-ranging ride over the Malaysia Day weekend, from 14^th to 16^th September 2018.

The ride is part of a larger event called Eat, Travel, Ride International 2.0. The program is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, among others. The ride covers Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and Terengganu.

Kingz MG’s riders began the ride at the KL Tower and proceeded to Muzium Negara (National Museum) for a photoshoot and rode to HDPJ afterwards for another round of photoshoot.

HDPJ supported the ride by providing a support truck and technical personnel in addition to Lucky Draw vouchers for the ride’s annual dinner when the group reaches Kuala Terengganu. HDPJ Assistant Director, Chris Ruxton presented the group a plaque as a sign of support for the brotherhood.

It was a straight shot to Cherating for lunch before hooking up with Iron Head MG in Kemaman, Terengganu. The group stopped for the night at Marang.

Other activities planned for the ride were stops and photoshoots at unique attractions in the East Coast such as the Masjid Kristal (Crystal Mosque), Pantai Penarik, lunch at KT Durian Burung, an orphanage, Pantai Monica, all in Terengganu.

The total ride distance is 460 km, return. There were more than one hundred participants, not counting those from Iron Head MG.

PICTURE GALLERY

Naza Premira Introduces Vespa 946 (RED), Sprint Carbon and Sei Giorni

The three new Vespa models embody style, character and heritage.
The Vespa 946 (RED), Sprint Carbon and Sei Giorni caters to riders who seek specific characteristics.
All three models are available at Naza Premira and authorized dealers nationwide from September 2018.

The official Vespa distributor in Malaysia, Naza Premira has introduced three limited edition, stylish and exclusive Vespa modesl: The 946 (RED), Sprint Carbon and Sie Giorni.

Vespas are the expression of uniqueness, a distinctive lifestyle and Italian elegance. From the brand’s interpretation, Vespas are “Not for Everyone.”

The three new models are distinctively catered for different niches for those who seek different flavors instead of cookie-cutter volume production bikes. The exclusive Vespa 946 (RED), Vespa Sprint Carbon and Vespa Sei Giorni are available for viewing from September 2018 at selected authorised Vespa dealerships and outlets nationwide.

Vespa 946 (RED): For those who crave uniqueness and style

This model is the all-red special version of the 946. It has to be said that the 946 is uniquely styled while still retaining the Vespa DNA. Apart from that, the 946 (RED) also has safety features such as dual disc brakes, dual-channel ABS, and Piaggio Group’s proprietary traction control system called Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR).

The 946 (RED)’s bodywork is steel and complemented by aluminium components such as the mudguard and side covers that house the engine, transmission and other mechanical parts.

The bike is powered by a modern and eco-friendly 150cc, single-cylinder, three-valved, four-stroke engine, which is fuel efficient, emits very little emissions and quiet.

It is priced from RM 66,000 and available only in red.

Vespa Sprint Carbon: For sporty riders

The Vespa Sprint Carbon combines sporty personality and innovative technologies to invoke riding pleasure without sacrificing the heritage of vitality and youthfulness of the vespino.

It is lightweight and small while being both comfortable and protective. Being lightweight makes the bike extremely agile which is perfect for youths and those young at heart to enjoy around town.

The body is made entirely of steel. It also features a rectangular headlight and large 12-inch aluminium-alloy wheels. There is a USB socket inside the leg shield backplate compartment.

The Vespa Sprint Carbon is powered by Piaggio’s new and modern i-Get 150cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine which provides good performance, lower operating costs, high fuel efficiency and lower noise. The engine conforms to the stringent Euro 4 standard.

ABS is standard.

The Vespa Sprint Carbon is priced from RM 17,400 and is available only in black.

Vespa Sei Giorni: For those who seek travel and adventure

The original Sport “Sei Giorni” was made specifically for the “Sei Giorni Internazionale di Varese” competition in 1951. The bike went on to win 9 gold medals.

As such, the new Sei Giorni is the spiritual heir of the great bike. Made in limited numbers, each bike has a “Special Edition” plate bearing a serial number.

The bike is designed with characteristic elemets such as the “faro basso” low headlight position on the front fender, a handlebar which mimics the original, exposed metal pipe, and a black number plate. It also has a seat which mimics the single rider racing seat of the Sei Giorni but it is capable of carrying a passenger.

The Sei Giorni is powered by Vespa’s most powerful engine – a 300cc, single-cylider, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, EFI unit which produces 20.9 bhp (15.6 kW) at 7750 RPM.

As part of the GTS range, the Sei Giorni has a large helmet compartment and comfortable seats for long distance riding. It is also equipped with a USB port and front LED turnsignals that perform as daylight running lights.

This model is available only in green and priced from RM 38,000.

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

It has been rumoured that the new R 1250 GS will be powered by a new Boxer engine with variable valve timing.
A promotional video has surfaced online confirming the rumors.
The video also illustrates how the “Shift Cam” technology works besides the look of the new GS.

It was hotly rumoured that the new 1254cc Boxer engine in the new 2019 BMW R 1250 GS will feature variable valve and cam timing but there was no concrete proof. But now, a promotional video has surfaced online which illustrates the new Boxer engine with “Shift Cam” technology, courtesy of Motocular.com.

The system aims to provide the best acceleration along with high power gains, while maintaining smooth power delivery, and lower fuel consumption as well as exhaust emissions to meet the tough Euro 5 standard.

To achieve those targets, the BMW Shift Cam system is simple, utilizing an intake camshaft with two cam profiles and a mechanical shift gate at one end.

At low engine loads (lower RPMs), the shift gate engages the camshaft and locks the low lift and short duration cam lobes over the finger followers. That way, both intake and exhaust vavles shut quickly for less overlap, promoting low-end torque.

Conversely, at high engine loads (higher RPMs), the shift gate… er… shifts the camshaft to present the high lift and longer duration cam lobes. Consequently, the intake valves shut later for more valve overlap timing, raising the engine’s power output.

It is the best of both worlds. (You may read more about valve overlap in this article.)

The new Boxer is claimed to produce 136 bhp and 143 Nm of torque, up from 125 bhp and 125 Nm of the present 1176cc engine.

Valve cover of the new engine – Courtesy of motocular.com

Besides seeing how the new engine works, the video also revealed how the 2019 BMW R 1250 GS will look like.

As we have reported earlier, the new engine may also power the entire Boxer-engined line-up. The R 1250 GS and new models should make their first official appearance at the Intermot show in a few weeks’ time.

Moto Guzzi Unveils V85 TT Official Pictures

The Moto Guzzi V85 TT replaces the cancelled Stelvio 1200.
The photos of the production version show that it is off-road capable.
The production V85 TT should appear at EICMA in November.

Moto Guzzi has finally unveiled the V85 TT adventure bike’s official production model photos.

The V85 concept was unveiled at EICMA 2017 to much anticipation as it seeks to replace the Stelvio 1200 which had been cancelled as it could not meet the Euro 4 emissions standards.

The production V85 TT looks remarkably similar to its EICMA concept, with only small changes. While Moto Guzzi did not release the bike’s specs, we could draw a few conclusions from these pictures.

Firstly, it surely looks more off-road capable that the V7 III Rough. We could see the headlamp mounts have been beefed up.

Apart from that, the handguards also carry the mirrors. Moving to the back, the rear portion of the subframe has fewer joints in its latticework. The production version’s exhaust canister is also larger and painted in black, besides having a heat shield next to the passenger’s footpeg.

The shape of the fuel tank is the same, although the paint scheme’s striping is diagonal instead of being horizontal.

The front brakes consist of twin discs clamped by radially-mounted, four-piston Brembo calipers.

The engine should be a new 850cc unit, said to produce 79 bhp, compared to the V9’s 850cc engine which produces 53.6 bhp.

The V85 TT will feature a fully-digital LCD instrument display. There is a compass bearing surrounding the screen. We wonder if it is merely decorative? (Please refer to the photo below).

What intrigues us is the two-helmet symbol in the display. The bike does not seem to be suspended by electronically-adjustable suspension, so that symbol could only mean integrated Bluetooth connectivity between the rider and passenger.

The smartphone symbol points towards Piaggio’s app which integrates with the bike to show upcoming service, locating the bike in a parking lot, locating the nearest petrol station and helping to call pre-stored emergency contacts.

Going further, notice the rain symbol and the word “PIOGGIA”? Pioggia means rain in Italian and it looks like the bike has ride modes and a ride-by-wire throttle.

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Latest News

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.

As part of their recognition of Harley-Davidson owners and groups, Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya plays host to their rides and activities.

The latest group to congregate at HDPJ was Kingz MG on their ride to the East Coast.

HDPJ supported the ride by providing technical support and Lucky Draw vouchers.

PICTURE GALLERY

The three new Vespa models embody style, character and heritage.

The Vespa 946 (RED), Sprint Carbon and Sei Giorni caters to riders who seek specific characteristics.

All three models are available at Naza Premira and authorized dealers nationwide from September 2018.

Vespa 946 (RED): For those who crave uniqueness and style

Vespa Sprint Carbon: For sporty riders

Vespa Sei Giorni: For those who seek travel and adventure

It has been rumoured that the new R 1250 GS will be powered by a new Boxer engine with variable valve timing.

A promotional video has surfaced online confirming the rumors.

The video also illustrates how the “Shift Cam” technology works besides the look of the new GS.

The Moto Guzzi V85 TT replaces the cancelled Stelvio 1200.

The photos of the production version show that it is off-road capable.

The production V85 TT should appear at EICMA in November.

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