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Petrol Motorcycles Banned in Hanoi from July 2025

The Vietnamese government will ban the use of petrol-powered motorcycles and scooters in the central area of Hanoi starting July 1, 2026. The order was announced by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The move is an effort to reduce the city’s worsening air pollution. Hanoi is often listed as one of the most polluted cities in the world. In addition to the dirty air, the city’s rivers are also reported to be polluted beyond safe levels.

However, the initial ban will only affect areas within Ring Road 1.

The Prime Minister also instructed the Hanoi People’s Committee to prepare a clear action plan to phase out fossil-fuel-powered motorcycles by mid-2026.

Implementation phase of the ban

July 1, 2026: The ban on petrol-powered motorcycles and mopeds will begin in areas within Ring Road 1 (i.e. the main city center).
January 1, 2028: The ban will be extended to areas within Ring Roads 1 and 2, including restrictions on the use of privately owned petrol cars.
By 2030: The restricted area will also include the 3rd Ring Road.

Preparing for the transition

The Hanoi government has been instructed to prepare a special plan called the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) by the third quarter of 2025.

Awareness campaigns will also be launched to help people adapt to the new regulations.

Focus on clean transportation

By the end of 2024, Hanoi recorded more than 9.2 million vehicles, including 6.9 million motorcycles and 1.1 million cars registered in the city itself.

In addition, about 1.2 million foreign vehicles also travel in Hanoi every day.

In place of gasoline-powered motorcycles, the city will expand the use of electric buses and trains, and build charging stations and maintenance centers for clean energy vehicles.

Other additional measures

Registration and parking fees for petrol vehicles will be increased in the city center by the end of 2025.
Single-use plastics will be banned in restaurants, hotels and eateries within the 1st Ring Road starting in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Polluting factories will be moved out of residential areas by 2028.
Rivers and drainage in the city will be cleaned through a special plan to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.
A modern and high-tech waste treatment plant will be built to reduce dependence on landfills.

Source: Vietnam Economic Times

Wayne Rainey Rides Again at Laguna Seca

Three-time 500cc World Champion, Wayne Rainey rode again at Laguna Seca after 32 years.

Rainey was paralysed from the chest down since his life-changing accident at the Misano Circuit in 1993. The legend had won several races at the Laguna Circuit when he campaigned in the AMA championships, prior to moving up to the 500cc World Championship.

This time, Rainey rode on the parade lap ahead of the 2025 AMA Superbike GP, and led several other legends including Kenny Roberts Sr., Kenny Roberts Jr., Freddie Spencer, and Ben Spies.

Rainey’s appearance on the circuit was an emotional affair, as many long-time MotoGP fans missed the Californian’s fiery determination to be the best of the best, and his precise skills on the track.

Yamaha Motor Europe and Yamaha Motor US had presented Rainey with a specially-built Yamaha XSR900 GP. It featured the maker’s Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Transmission) system, making it the only XSR900 GP to be equipped with it. For your reference, the Yamaha MT-09, on which the XSR900 was based, has the Y-AMT option. Apart from the transmission, the bike which Rainey rode also has a cushion on the back of the fuel tank to prop up his torso.

This was Rainey’s third ride on a motorcycle. He had previously rode at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2022, on a specially-modified 1992 Yamaha YZR500 which he won his third and last 500cc championship.

Action will be Taken Against Vehicle Repossessors who Act like Thugs

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will take strict action against vehicle repossessors who act like thugs and threaten users on the highway, following a recent viral incident involving a repossession agent on the North-South Expressway near the Pedas-Linggi Side Stop.

According to an official statement from the KPDN Enforcement Division, the agency has identified the agent involved after collaborating with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and enforcement action has been taken.

The KPDN said the ministry will revoke the EPS permit in question for violating the existing code of ethics and regulations and that each permit holder must adhere to strict guidelines, including not using force when carrying out the repossession process.

“According to data, a total of 3,869 valid EPS permit holders have been registered nationwide through the MyEPS system and they are subject to strict regulations set out in accordance with the Hire Purchase Act 1967 (Act 212),” said the KPDN.

According to the KPDN, among the conditions that must be complied with include not being allowed to enter the premises without permission or without a court order, being required to show the tenant’s identification card and related documents, giving the tenant a reasonable time to remove personal belongings, taking photographic documentation of the vehicle’s condition and listing the inventory, and being required to file a police report within 24 hours after the vehicle is towed.

“Any form of violence or intimidation during the vehicle towing process is a serious violation and can result in the permit being withdrawn and legal action being taken,” he said.

In addition, the KPDN said that between January 1, 2022 and June 25, 2025, the KPDN has conducted 762 inspections of repossession agents with four case actions recorded under Act 212 and a total of 27 complaints received during that period.

According to the KPDN, although the number of cases is not high, preventive approaches are always being intensified, including through consumer awareness campaigns to better understand their rights when dealing with car towing agents.

“We also encourage the public to channel information through the KITA GEMPUR initiative, including through channels such as WhatsApp (019-848 8000), the e-complaint portal (eaduan.kpdn.gov.my), the call centre (1-800-886-800) or the KPDN Ez ADU application,” the ministry said.

KPDN stressed that vehicle towing agents who fail to comply with permit conditions and work ethics may be subject to permit cancellation and prosecution, in accordance with the provisions of the law in force.

Castrol Power1 Ultimate Superbike 10W-50 Motor Oil Launched

Castrol, a global leader in lubricants and innovation, has launched the Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE SUPERBIKE 10W-50, a new advanced fully synthetic motorcycle engine oil designed for riders who demand the best from their machines.

Formulated with insights from the racetrack and engineered for everyday use, this latest addition to the Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE range delivers powerful acceleration, long-lasting protection, and a smoother ride – even under the toughest riding conditions. Central to its performance is Castrol’s unique 5-in-1 racing ester formula, designed to deliver:

Excellent acceleration – Esters reduce metal-to-metal friction, enabling quicker power delivery and helping riders gain an edge, with bikes travelling up to 8 meters ahead of those using competitor oils*.
Enhanced protection – Provides over 50% better wear protection** than is required by standard API SN limits, extending engine life even under high-performance stress.
Enduring performance – Maintains performance and oil stability across long distances, including 3,000 km of continuous riding*.
Smooth riding – Rated JASO MA2, the highest clutch performance rating, supporting responsive gear shifts and reduced slippage.
Engine cooling – Maintains clean internal engine conditions and viscosity consistency, reducing harmful deposits and heat buildup.

*Based on data modelled from results of extensive testing using a Honda CBR300 engine over a 30-second full-throttle acceleration. Actual performance may vary by engine type, conditions, and other external factors.

** Based on testing in the Sequence IVA (ASTM D6891) industry standard wear test.

Performance riders can feel

Tailored for high-performance superbikes, Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE SUPERBIKE 10W-50 is engineered to unleash the full potential of your motorcycle. In extensive testing, riders experienced faster acceleration, smoother clutch engagement, and quieter gear shifts. The oil retained peak performance even after thousands of kilometres, providing confidence and reliability for both daily riders and racing enthusiasts.

Product trials conducted with over 2,000 km of convoy riding showed an impressive rider satisfaction score of 85 out of 100 – with every participant saying they would recommend it.

“I could immediately feel the difference – the engine ran quieter, the temperature remained stable even during long rides, and the overall performance remained smooth without any disruption. The throttle response was sharp and powerful, especially during aggressive gear shifts – truly impressive,” said Veteran Malaysian racer Wazi Abdul Hamid, who also tested the product.

“At Castrol, our mission is to help riders push boundaries without compromising on engine protection,” said Joshua Tan, Marketing Director, Castrol Malaysia & Singapore.

“With the new Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE SUPERBIKE 10W-50, we’re proud to deliver a product that not only performs but enhances the overall riding experience.”

Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE SUPERBIKE 10W-50 is now available at all authorized Castrol motorcycle workshops and online through official platforms.

Honda CB1000F SE to be Launched at Suzuka 8 Hours?

The Honda CB1000F concept had garnered many calls for it to be produced since it was shown off at Osaka Motorcycle Show in March. Now, Honda Global says there will be special booth to preview the model at the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, from 1st to 3rd August.

Judging from the photos, this upcoming CB1000F uses the 2025 CB1000/Hornet 1000’s frame, swingarm, and engine. The engine is adopted from the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade and tuned for low- and midrange torque, which produces 150 hp (155 hp on the 2025 CB1000 SE due to the RC exhaust valve).

Honda Global has not provided any detail on the suspension yet, but while the CB1000 uses Showa BFF-SP forks and monoshock, the CB1000 SE uses gold coloured Showa BFF-SP forks and an Öhlins TTX36 monoshock.

The main difference between the two is the styling: The CB1000 is a naked bike, while the CB1000F is full retro, like the CB900F which Freddie Spencer rode to the 1982 AMA Superbike class win at the Daytona Super Speedway.

Elsewhere, the CB1000F includes a rectangular taillight and muscular fuel tank with an elevated central section where the filler cap sits. The circular headlight gives the bike a fresh style with LED running lights.

Also note that the concept shown at the Osaka show had a round headlight only, while the teaser silhouette had a bikini fairing over the headlight.

We can’t wait!!!

Government Allocates Extra RM3.5 Million for MyLesen Program

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will allocate RM3.5 million in initiatives to support the second phase of the MyLesen (B2) program, involving an additional 10,000 participants nationwide this year.

Its minister, Anthony Loke, said that in the first six months of this year, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had processed applications for 15,000 participants in the MyLesen (B2) program.

“For the second half of the year, we will add another 10,000 participants nationwide, involving an allocation of RM3.5 million. The cost per participant is RM350,” he said.

The MyLesen program is a government initiative through JPJ and strategic partners, focusing on helping low-income B40 groups, including students, obtain a legal, accessible, and affordable Class B2 motorcycle license.

Loke said this year, the ministry is introducing a new approach targeting youth and students as one of the main beneficiary groups.

He said this additional quota would not only provide more opportunities for youth and students to obtain a legal license but also help reduce cases of unlicensed riders, which is one of the main causes of road accidents.

The Seremban MP also expressed concern over reports of many students riding motorcycles to school without a license.

“I hope that, in addition to the State Education Department, schools can also help ensure that every student who rides a motorcycle to school has a valid license,” he said.