The Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon has just been launched in Malaysia.
The Carbon variant features carbon-fibre components, red highlights and a unique alcantara leather seat.
Only 1921 units will be produced worldwide and you can book yours now.
Moto Guzzi Malaysia today introduced the limited edition Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon. An aesthetically racier, more performance oriented variant of the popular V7 III.
The Carbon variant, which was introduced at the Moto Guzzi showroom at The Gasket Alley in Petaling Jaya, is distinguished by its carbon fibre components such as the shortened fenders and side fairings, as well as the Matt black colour with red contrasting highlights on the engine cover, logo and front brake caliper.
The seat (above) is also unique to the Carbon model and is made of water repellent Alcantara, leather. It too features red highlight stitching as shown below. In fact, the carbon features many such unique features, such as the tank cap made of anodized black billet aluminum, headlight frame, injector covers and the rear brake master cylinder.
The Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon is made in limited number, 1921 to be exact, a number that recalls the year Moto Guzzi was established.
The series number of the model is identified by the plate on the handlebar riders as shown above. Also shown above is the dedicated single circular display, which is typical of variants such as the V7 III Stone, Rough and the Carbon. The V7 III Special, Racer and Milano variants on the other hand, have a second circular display for the rev counter.
At the heart of this Carbon model is a transversal V-twin engine, which is now in its third iteration since the original engine was first introduced back in 1967. The 744cc engine features twin valves with light allow pushrods and rockers as well as aluminium heads, pistons and cylinders that help to generate 52hp at 6200rpm and 60Nm of torque at 4900rpm.
Power is transferred via a six-speed transmission which was first introduced in the V7 II model, but with an updated, longer first and final gear ratio that are able to fully exploit the torque and power of the engine.
On the safety front, the V7 III Carbon comes equipped with a four-pot Brembo caliper up front gripping a 320mm disc brake, ABS braking as well as an adjustable traction control system called the Moto Guzzi Traction Control system, which can be adjusted to two sensitivity levels or turned off entirely. The rear brake consists of a 260mm disc with a twin-pot caliper and a master cylinder with built-in resorvoir.
As for the handling of the bike, the sitting position is commanding which is typical of modern-retro machines. The steel frame and the completely reworked front end of the third generation variant of the V7 is said to give the bike a steady feel at high speed and in corners.
As for the the shocks, the front features basic non-adjustable forks with 5.1-inch of travel which the rear is kept in check by a set up Kayaba shocks with 3.8-inch of travel at the rear, adjustable for pre-load and travel.
The limited-edition Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon is priced at RM74,900 and is now available for viewing at the Moto Guzzi showroom at The Gasket Alley in Petaling Jaya.
As motorcycles become ever more complex, technicians of higher knowledge are in demand.
More and more owners send their bikes to official workshops due to that complexity.
TOC Automotive College offers the Superbike Technician Course geared towards that goal.
Believe it or not, one of the greatest challenges of superbike ownership in Malaysia – and probably globally for that matter – after acquiring the bike of your dreams, is where to get it properly maintained. The bike industry is no different from the car industry when it comes to repairs and maintenance, with many owners either taking their pride and joy back to the official importer, or to someone they are familiar with at a workshop they’ve been going to for years and years.
Add to the fact that the motorcycle scene in Malaysia has been growing steadily over the last few yearswith so many new superbikes from various bike-makers have being introduced in rapid succession, there has never been a time when certified and qualified superbike mechanics were more in demand than right now.
Please click on the link below to know why it’s important to have certified technicians working on your bike.
And on a more personal note, we all have that one favourite superbike technician that we consider “a friend” and whole-heartedly recommend our fellow bikers to take their bikes to when they have a problem don’t we? So who’s to say that technician couldn’t be you! It’s a growing market that doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, and here’s your chance to be part of it…
TOC has developed a special “Superbike Technician Course” (SBC) to assist in what can only be described as a rapidly growing industry, as aforementioned.
The TOC SBC is made up of three levels of academic and career development, and all one needs is a minimum Form 3 education to apply for this 18-month course, which includes practical work-experience with TOC’s industry partners. The levels include:
Level 1:
Motorcycle workshop safety
Application of related study
Basic metal work and introduction to motorcycle technology
Power generation system (engine)
Repair and maintenance of motorcycle fuel & ignition systems
Supervised Industrial Training (SIT 1)
Level 2:
Repair & Maintain motorcycle engine systems
Power transmission system
Chassis – steering & suspension systems
Chassis – braking systems
Motorcycle service and maintenance
Supervised Industrial Training (SIT 2)
Level 3:
Motorcycle electrical systems
Drivability & Performance testing
Transmission system overhauling
Engine overhauling
Elective Programmes on specific motorcycle brand
Supervised Industrial Training (SIT 3)
Furthermore, upon completion of the 3-level course, career opportunities will abound in the fields of the motorcycle manufacturing industry, motorcycle assembly plants, motorcycle spare parts stores, motorcycle dealerships, motorcycle service & repair shops, Superbike Technician, or you can start your own motorcycle service and repair workshop.
Interested? Refer to the flowchart below to see the process from the start of your journey to become a Certified Superbike Technician with TOC!
So what are you waiting for? If it has always been your dream to work in the motorcycle service line, or to start your very own motorcycle workshop, then this is the perfect platform to get you started on the path to achieving your dreams. Don’t wait, find out more about the TOC Superbike Technician Course at www.toc.edu.my or call (+603) 7960 8833 for more details.
To know more about TOC’s Superbike Technician Course, CLICK HERE! (Link to the link below)
Dani Pedrosa has officially announced his retirement from racing at yesterday’s MotoGP pre-race conference.
The Repsol Honda rider stated that although he had many great offers to continue racing, he needed to focus on other priorities in his life.
Dani Pedrosa is easily one of the most successful riders after a prosperous 18-year career.
After months of speculations, Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa finally made his official announcement regarding his future in MotoGP. At the end of the 2018 season, Dani Pedrosa will retire from motorcycle racing and yes, we are very sad to hear about it. (more…)
Boon Siew Honda has launched the 2018 Honda PCX commuter scooter.
The new model incorporates a host of new features.
The 2018 Honda PCX is priced at RM 10,999 with 0% GST, without road tax, insurance and registration.
As promised, Boon Siew Honda has launched the 2018 Honda PCX urban commuter scooter.
The new PCX combines the luxurious feel, performance, convenience, ease of use and fuel economy of the previous model with a host of new features.
First up, the 2018 Honda PCX’s genuine good looks have been refreshed with new body panels for what Honda calls a premium, sharper and sportier look. Complementing the new appearance is a compact dual-LED headlight with integrated Daytime Running Lights (DRL). An LED taillight completes the new design.
The changes are not only skin-deep as the bike also receives an all-new and lighter steel duplex cradle frame, which results in a shorter wheelbase for improved manoeuvrability and road feedback. The suspension has also been improved and the addition of new 14-inch alloy wheels, 27o rake and 19mm trail should result in an easily controllable ride.
Hydraulically damped, telescopic forks support the front, while dual coil-over shocks suspend the rear and swing-mount drive unit.
The seat is a low 764 mm and the narrow waist gives easy ground access for manoeuvring at parking speeds.
No scooter will be complete without ample storage space. As such, there is a 25-litre underseat storage compartment. Not only that, the seat is propped up by a spring-loaded hinge to ease access. The compartment can accommodate a full-face helmet. There is also a glove box at the front which includes a 12-volt adaptor for charging electronic devices.
In keeping with the times, Honda has also given the new PCX a fully digital instrument panel. It displays every data a rider requires such as speedometer, digital clock, odometer, Idling Stop System indicator, oil change (service) reminder, fuel gauge and fuel consumption indicator.
Speaking of fuel consumption, it was the Honda PCX which set the bar on fuel economy. Firstly, the PGM-FI electronic fuel injection system delivers accurately metered amounts of fuel for optimised performance and economy. Secondly is the Idling Stop system which made its debut on our streets in the first PCX. The fuel injection stops the engine and fuel delivery after idling for three seconds while all electrical systems are still functioning. The engine is restarted when the rider twists the throttle. Honda claims the new PCX’s fuel economy could reach 51.2 km/l with the Idling Stop system activated. You can expect a good range with the 8-litre fuel tank.
The 2018 Honda PCX is powered by a 149cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine with a bore and stroke of 57.3 mm and 57.91 mm, respectively. The engine pushes out a healthy 14.5 bhp (10.8 kW) at 8500 RPM and 13.6 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM.
The power is sent through a Honda V-Matic Dry-Type Automatic Centrifugal Clutch transmission on its way to the rear wheel. The transmission has been revised to further the range of gear ratios, hence delivering smooth acceleration and stronger acceleration from mid- to high-speed ranges, which makes it ideal for overtaking.
Also making its debut is the SMART Key System which incorporates keyless starting, anti-theft and answer-back features.
The 2018 Honda PCX is offered in the popular Pearl Metalloid White, and new Euphoria Red Metallic and Radiate Grey Metallic.
Boon Siew Honda priced at RM 10,999, with 0% GST, exclusive of road tax, insurance and registration.
The Art of Speed Malaysia 2018 is set to explode this 28 and 29 July 2018 and one lucky folk will bring home a custom 600cc Honda C70!
Dubbed “Papa Jahat” or “Bad Daddy”, the iconic Honda C70 is fitted with a 600cc single-cylinder engine from a Honda XR600R.
The awesome machine will be Sunday’s grand prize while Saturday’s lucky draw prize will be an amazing trip to Japan!
There are many iconic bikes from around the world that have gained legendary statuses and the Honda C70 was one of the first here in Malaysia to start the Supercub movement. For Art of Speed Malaysia 2018, they’ve taken the OG of kapcais and took it to a whole new level. (more…)
The GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling off-road event for enthusiasts ended highly successful.
It attracted 105 participants from Malaysia and the world over.
Everyone experienced the beauty of Malaysia regardless if they rode.
The fifth edition of Rimba Raid, Malaysia’s premier off-road event for enthusiasts, rocked to the nines.
It was a mere five months ago when Rimba Raid was organized at the sleepy community of Janda Baik, a stone’s throw away from Genting Highlands. A total of 60 competitors signed up for that edition, made up mostly of Malaysians with a few of neighbours from Singapore. Please click on the link below for our coverage.
This edition of Rimba Raid, on the other hand, was formally called GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling as the premier Italian motorcycle accessories manufacturer, GIVI, was the title sponsor. GIVI had not only brought along their booth to display a number of their latest products, but also supported the event by providing rider wear, goodies and lucky draw prizes to the participants.
Also present were Auto Bavaria BMW Motorrad, Ducati Malaysia, KTM Malaysia, and Red Bull.
Organizing the event at Mat Daling, Pahang was akin to returning home for Rimba Raid, as the inaugural edition was held there. However, instead of the individual tests formula followed previously, GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling was the largest and most ambitious venture ever devised and executed.
The main event was a timed 120-km Jungle Rally on Saturday (7th July), followed by a race on the river sandbank called “King of Sand” and Jungle Enduro on Sunday (8th July). Participants flocked in from all over Malaysia, plus those from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, Philippines, Great Britain, Italy, France for a grand total of 105 participants.
“We have been hoping for more international participants, especially from Thailand,” said Dato’ Capt. Nik of the organizers, Rimba Raid. “There ten of them here at Mat Daling and that makes us really proud.”
“We’ve always sponsored top motorsport events such as MotoGP, World Superbike, CubPrix, Dakar Rally and many more. We also support many motorcycle adventure projects. So, it is only right that we work together with Rimba Raid,” said Joseph Perucca, GIVI’s Overseas Operational Director. Besides that, GIVI’s products have been well-tested in the tough environments of rallying and adventure rides such as the annual GIVI Adventures to various locations around the world.
It was easy to see why Capt. Nik and Rimba Raid love Mat Daling. The area is primarily for small scaled logging and plantations. A tarred access road was built only recently and didn’t even appear on maps. It is also a distance away from the tourist site at Kuala Tahan, which meant deep jungles and scattered development.
The participants assembled at the Xscape Resort at Kuala Tahan on Friday, 6th July. They were assigned their rooms before being called back in the latter part of the afternoon for scrutineering, equipment checks and transponder installation.
Rimba Raid officials checked each participant’s bike for road worthiness which meant working lights, turnsignals, horn, brakes, off-road tyres, and that everything is secured. A competitor must have an off-road helmet; body armor for the chest and back, elbows and knees; off-road boots; gloves.
Being a rally, participants of the GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling will be flagged off on 30-second intervals, and finishing positions are determined based on the time they complete the 120-km jungle trail. As such, accuracy in timekeeping is the utmost importance and could only be accomplished by using transponders.
With 105 motorcycles to check, the activity ran all the way to just before dinner time.
The bikes were divided into Class A, Class B and Class C, depending on the engine capacity (hence power output). Class A is for dual-purpose (D-P) motorcycles above 800cc, Class B for D-Ps from 400cc to 800cc and Class is adventure motorcycles from 250cc to 750cc.
Notable riders include Mohd. Habibullah Bin Mohd. Saleh, better known as Gabit (the 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto Champion, and Malaysian MX and Enduro champion);
past Rimba Raid Champion, Bee Wong and his younger brother who won at Rimba Raid Janda Baik, Alex Wong;
Malaysia’s No. 1 trial bike rider Acoi Pangkolo;
Mateo Graziani, the 2004 450cc-class winner at the Dakar Rally, riding the very bike he developed, the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled.
Rider briefing followed after dinner, with Dato’ Capt. Nik and Mr. Perucca delivering their speeches. Course planner and regular off-road guy Rob Armstrong presented the course briefing afterwards.
The 120-km Jungle Rally was divided into four sections, each with its unique features and challenges. Section 1 consisted of high-speed blasts on an active logging trail, wide enough for 10-wheel-drive timber trucks. Section 2 was mostly as hill climb over different terrains. Section 3 covered an abandoned timber route with tall elephant grass. Finally, Section 4 wound through an area prepared for plantation. Participants end their race at the river sandbank. We were also told to look out for wildlife.
GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling convoyed to the starting point from the resort at Kuala Tahan. The competitors were flagged off based on their competition numbers, while the medics followed after every few competitors.
The organizers, vendors and support entourage convoyed to the GIVI Village and tent city via the new access road.
News and drama started to filter through as the day progressed. The top guys were flying through through the sections with the jungle as the backdrop. There was also news of the jungle taking its toll on a few bikes as early as 10km into the jungle, while there were riders who got too tired to carry on.
But it was Gabit and his KTM 1050 Adventure that surprised everyone when he showed up even before the transponder crew had time to lay down the wires across the finish line to record his time. He rode up the finishing stage set up on the sandbank, had his picture taken, rolled back down to ride around for a few minutes and finally riding across the finishing line again to have his time recorded. Despite the hiccup, he still recorded an incredible time of 2 hours 33 minutes, 7 seconds. That’s an average speed of 47.02 km/h! That’s lightning fast for a ride through the jungle any way you cut it.
The second rider to appear out of the jungle was Graziani on the Ducati, who stopped the clock at 2h 41m 3s. It was definitely a valiant effort by Graziani who rode on a bike that was supposedly for light off-roading and more of a lifestyle product. Zulkarnain Tahir was 8 minutes behind Graziani on the rare BMW HP2 with a total time of 2h 49m 22s. Yes, many are still dazed to see the ultra-rare and desirable hence very expensive HP2 being bashed about in the jungle.
It was reported that Bee Wong’s KTM 1190 Adventure R suffered a front tyre puncture just 10km from the finish, but the plucky rider soldiered on to cross the line fourth.
In Class B, Nazmee Ramli won the race with a time of 2h 35m 28s on the BMW Sertao; Mohd. Syahidan was in second on the KTM 690 Enduro R with a time of 2h 48m 50s; and third went to Khairul Afif also on the KTM 690 Enduro R recording his time of 3h 1m 4s.
Alex Wong’s BMW F 800 GS has a fuel pump failure some 20km before the end, rendering him immobile.
Class C was of great interest to the fans and riders as it was a new class added to the Rimba Raid series. Ahmad Iezzam rode and incredible race to finish in 2h 28m 41s on his Honda CRF250L, followed by Mohd. Hairy who recorded 3h 19m 10s also on a CRF250L, and lastly Riza Zakaria on the new Royal Enfiled Himalayan with a time of 3h 26m 9s.
The participants retired to their tents set up on a field that evening. The winners’ prize presentation and lucky draw was held after dinner.
A special appreciation was also presented to the sole female rider, Echo Zhang from China.
Echo, the sole female participant
But while we slept under the Milky Way, the recovery crew worked through the night to pick up immobile bikes or whose riders could not continue were left on the trial. Bear in mind that the area is teeming with wild elephants, boars, gaurs, tigers and panthers, not to mention bees and aggressive bugs.
The Raja Pasir (King of Sand) race was held the next day, followed by the Jungle Enduro. We have yet to receive the official results, so we’ll report that in the next few days.
All in all, GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling was expertly organized. While it took the help of the locals and Orang Asli in the vicinity of Mat Daling to make it happen, the breadth and scale of the event was executed by the five members who make up the Rimba Raid committee. The trails were both challenging and fun in equal parts, there was plenty of support and everyone got to experience the beauty of Malaysia.
We spoke to a number of participants and everyone was positive about the event and wanted to do better the next time. However, it wasn’t very much about competition only; the spirit of camaraderie around the campsite was more of a community of off-road enthusiasts, which transcended ranks, the brand and type bike you rode; all were united as one people.
