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  • Indonesia saw the largest number of motorcycle sales in the ASEAN region in 2018.

  • The total was nearly half of the total of the entire region.

  • The country’s large population and income level contributed to the number.

We know for many years that Indonesia is the largest market for motorcycles in the ASEAN region, but it was a toss-up between them and Vietnam.

However, new data by the ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF) and Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries (FAMI) confirmed that the largest number of motorcycles sold in 2018 was in Indonesia.

In that year alone, motorcycle manufacturers and distributors in the Republic of 260 million souls moved a total of 6,383,111 units. That number represents a whopping 47% of all motorcycle sales in the ASEAN region. In terms of ratio, 1 out of 40.7 persons bought a motorcycle.

The second largest market in 2018 was Vietnam, with 3,386,097 units moved. The population of the country is 94 million. Converting that to a ratio, 1 out of 27.7 persons purchased a bike.

So, although Indonesia contributed the larger total, more Vietnamese bought motorcycles. It could also means that there’s still much space for motorcycle sales, if we know the current motorcycle population in each country.

Anyhow, in third was Thailand with 1,788,323 bikes sold. The Kingdom’s motorcycle market looks to be reaching a saturation point. The Philippines followed closely with 1,582,901 units. Malaysia contributed a distant but not entirely small 494,254. Last was Singapore with 10,377 bikes.

  • Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia launched the 2019 Triumph Street Twin, Street Scrambler, Speed Twin, Scrambler 1200 XC and Scrambler 1200 XE tonight.

  • The Scrambler 1200 XC and XE variants are all-new.

  • Other models are very much updated.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia launched the 2019 Triumph Street Twin, Street Scrambler, Speed Twin, Scrambler 1200 XC and Scrambler 1200 XE tonight. Prices range from RM 55,900 to RM 86,900.

The models are:
  1. Street Twin.
  2. Street Scrambler.
  3. Speed Twin.
  4. Scrambler 1200 XC.
  5. Scrambler 1200 XE.

2019 Triumph Street Twin (from RM 55,900)

The Street Twin has enjoyed continued popularity since its launch in 2016. Being the most “contemporary” model in the Bonneville line-up means it’s the most sought after to play the role of a built platform. Yet, it is just as beautiful and unpretentious in its unmistakable Bonneville silhouette.

For 2019, Triumph has updated the Street Twin to turn into a class leader. Starting with the 900cc, 270o crank, DOHC, parallel-Twin which delivers a peak power of 65 PS at 7,500 RPM, while the maximum torque of 80 Nm is already available from 3,800 RPM. That’s a an increase of 18% in terms of power which equates to 10 PS.

Next, Triumph endowed the bike with dynamic handling, exceptional rider and pillion comfort, besides higher level of specification for greater control and improved ride. Now, there is a new 4-piston Brembo caliper up front for greater stopping power and rider control. The forks, too, have been updated to cartridge type.

Other highlights:
  • New Road and Rain riding modes for the optimum throttle map in all riding conditions.
  • Switchable traction control for the rider to choose optimum level of traction management for different riding conditions.
  • New Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as an accessory lets the rider monitor his tyre pressures for safety and confidence.

The 2019 Street Twin is offered in Matt Ironstone, Korosi Red and Jet Black.

2019 Triumph Street Scrambler (from RM 64,900)

This is one of BikesRepublic.com’s favourite bikes. Fun, easy to handle, full of character, and high-mounted exhaust pipes that garner as much attention as the bike itself (they won’t scald your and passenger’s thighs, we assure you).

As it shares the Street Twin’s engine, peak power is up to 65 PS and torque hikes up to 80 Nm.

Additionally, other highlights are the same, except for the rolling chassis. The forks are spaced wider for better control when riding off-road. They are cartridge forks, as well.

As for electronics, the 2019 Street Scrambler now features an off-road mode, in addition to Road and Rain.

The 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler is available in Fusion White, Cranberry Red and Khaki Green.

2019 Triumph Speed Twin (from RM 73,900)

The 2019 Speed Twin draws its inspiration directly from the 1937 Speed Twin, designed and engineered by the great Edward Turner. (We came across one at the Triumph Factory Visitors Experience in Hinckley.)

It may be easy to pass it off as a basic Thruxton, but that’s oversimplifying the model description.

As Triumph puts it, the Speed Twin “delivers comfort engaged with roadster ergonomics,” the riding position is adjusted for more comfort and straighter riding compared to the Thruxton’s café racer’s ergonomics.

The suspension consists high-specification cartridge forks and rear shocks that are adjustable for preload. Brakes are handled by dual 4-piston Brembo calipers that bite on dual discs.

The engine is the High-Power (HP) unit with the Thruxton’s racing tune. As such, it produces 97 PS at 6,750 RPM and 112 NM of torque at 4,950 RPM. That’s 49% and 40% more than the 2018 model, respectively.

As for the electronics suite, there are three modes: Sport, Road and Rain.

It is offered in three colours: Silver Ice and Storm Grey, Korosi Red and Storm Grey, and Jet Black.

2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and XE (from RM 80,900 and RM 86,900 respectively)

We’ve written about these two models at length as we were present during the launch in London. (Please click here for the full details and specifications.)

However, to refresh, these two bikes are the most off-road capable scramblers in the market. Triumph wanted to draw on the inspiration of their exploits in the off-road racing scene, specifically to when Steve McQueen and Bud Ekins rode their Triumph TR6 Trophy to multiple victories in the grueling Baja 500 desert rally.

As such, the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 is “The Real Deal.”

But it isn’t just a Bonneville with long-travel suspension. Triumph engineered it from the contact patch up.

Both variants utilize fully-adjustable Öhlins rear shocks with piggy reservoirs. The XC’s shocks provide 200mm of travel. The XE’s on the other hand, provide 250mm of travel.

As such, while both variants are fully off-road capable, the XC variant is biased more towards road riding, while the XE is for extreme off-roading.

The engine is derived from the High-Power version found on the Thruxton. However, it has a “Scrambler tune” for a flatter and fatter torque curve. It produces 90 PS at 7,400 RPM and 110 Nm at a low 3,950 RPM.

Highlights:
  • 2ndgeneration TFT instrumentation.Housed in the classic-looking nacelle is a truly modern TFT display, which is fully customizable.
  • Up to 6 riding modes.Both XC and XE feature Sport, Road, Rain, Off-road, and rider customizable. However, the XE has an extra Off-road Pro mode.
  • Optimized Cornering ABS.The XE uses a Continental IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to provide the data for lean-angle-sensitive Cornering ABS. It means that the ABS system knows how much pressure and slip to apply depending when you are leaned over in a corner.
  • Optimized Cornering Traction Control.The IMU also enables lean-sensitive traction control.
  • World’s first integrated GoPro control system. This is an option which allows the rider direct control of his GoPro camera with taking his hand off the handlebar. It also means that the rider doesn’t have to second guess if the camera is turned on or off!
  • Turn-by-turn navigation system.Navigation system powered by Google. Fitted with the Bluetooth connectivity option, the direction to the desired is showed in the TFT display. Besides that, the rider also has a route planner and points of interest at his disposal.

The Scrambler 1200 XC is offered in Jet Black and Matt Black; Khaki Green; and Brooklands Green.

The Scrambler 1200 XE is offered in Fusion White and Brooklands Green; Cobalt Blue and Jet Black.

  • HLYM announced the price for the 2019 YZF-R25 today.

  • The 2019 R25 retains the engine of its predecessor.

  • But there are many new features.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has announced the pricing for the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 (R25) today, after the preview back in January this year.

The price from RM 19,998 (basic selling price, not on-the-road) remains unchanged from its predecessor’s.

But while the 2019 model retains the same 250cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-Twin engine, there are a number of new enhanced features:

  1. Upside-down forks for better handling and road feedback.
  2. New aerodynamic bodywork inclusive of YZR-M1 style air intake.
  3. New fuel tank design for better seating position.
  4. New handlebar and ergonomics for the roads and track.
  5. LED lighting and new LCD instrument cluster.

The 2019 R25 is offered in two colours, Blue and Red and will be available from the 3rdweek of March. Buyers will receive exclusive stainless steel Yamaha Disc Lock complete with “reminder” cable.

  • 2019 BMW S 1000 RR price was finally revealed in the USA.

  • Starting at USD 16,999, owners could opt for different packages according to their needs.

  • The pricing looks like great value compared to other European supersport motorcycles.

Finally, we get an idea of how much the much-awaited 2019 BMW S 1000 RR will cost.

BMW Motorrad revealed the price at USD 16,999. However, that’s for the base model. As with all BMW motorcycles, there are different levels of “packages” to fit every rider’s fancy.

“Select” Package

For an extra USD 1,400, the package includes BMW’s DDC (Dynamic Damping Control) semi-active electronic suspension, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system and heated grips.

The bike now costs approximately USD 18,400.

“Race” Package

Top up another USD 1,600 (to the Select Package) and you get the “Race” package. It adds the “Ride Modes Pro” electronic suite which includes launch control, wheelie control, race modes, dynamic traction control, slide control, etc. etc. You will also receive a lithium-ion battery and forged aluminium wheels.

The bike now costs approximately USD 20,000.

“M” Package

For the ultimate built, get the “M” package and will receive carbon fibre wheels with everything else in place.

And finally, the price is now approximately USD 22,100.

We would like to add that you do get lots of goodies at USD 22,100, compared to other current European supersport models.

Of course, the pricing will be different when it arrives in Malaysia, but at least we have an inkling of how much we need to save for. Wished we started saving from when we were six-years-old…

  • Just as we thought we’re riding out the heat, here comes the haze!

  • Here are a number of tips for riding in the haze.

  • Reduce your exposure as must much as you possibly can.

There seems to be no respite for us Malaysian motorcyclists when it comes to the weather, is there? First it was the superheated days and now the haze is back with a vengeance. What’s next?

But here are a few tips to ease our daily battles with the environment.

  1. Wear a balaclava. Wearing a balaclava covers your nose and mouth and filters out particulates. As a bonus, it keeps dust out and protects your neck, too. While not as effective as a surgical mask in filtering out smoke, a balaclava is made to fit inside a helmet.

  1. Riding mask/Surgical mask. This is the best option. There are many types of masks, including activated charcoal-infused ones and, the N95 type for the ultimate filtration. Try and see which is best for you. The drawback is that the mask becomes displaced when you pull on your helmet.

  1. Hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best in this case with the haze. Being inert means you can wash your face with it, too. On what liquids are the best for bikers, please refer to our earlier article.

  1. Eye drops. Get a bottle and keep it in your pocket. It truly helps to keep your eyes from getting irritated, cutting down the chance of squinting while riding.

5. Quit smoking. We know, this is a long shot of a request. The haze presents the best chance of cutting back or even quitting altogether.

  • The recall for the 2019 Kawasaki Z900 line-up for a potential ABS issue applies to the US only.

  • There is no notice issued for Malaysian owners yet.

  • The issue arose after improper machining of the ABS pump.

The factory recall for the 2019 Kawasaki Z900 line-up over potential ABS issues is for the American market, only.

BikesRepublic.com has sought the confirmation from Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (KMMSB) over the matter. According to KMMSB, Kawasaki Heavy Industries have not issued a notice on the recall in Malaysia.

The current notice is issued by Kawasaki together with the American National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA). Therefore, it applies to Z900 line-up owners in the United States, at the moment.

The recall was made after the discovery of improperly machined ABS pump. The machining process has the potential of leaving aluminium debris inside. If this happens, the ABS pump could malfunction and cause the wheel or wheels to lock up.

Kawasaki USA confirmed that 497 units are involved in the recall and will notify the owners. If you are reading this from the United States, you may contact Kawasaki customer service line there 1-866-802-9381 (regarding recall number MC19-01). Please have your VIN ready. You may get in touch with the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 and quote campaign number 19V083000.

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