Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world

Honda E-Clutch Extends to CL250

The trick Honda E-Clutch technology will be extended to more models in the maker’s line-up. Besides the current CBR650R, CB650R, and Rebel 250, the next model is Honda CL250.

Granted, those two models are not sold in Malaysia (yet), it is good to see it being offered on more models, and who knows, to the entire line-up, those with DCT not withstanding. So how about bringing it to the CBR250RR?

The Rebel 500 is available in Malaysia but who knows, it may also gain the E-Clutch technology (do not quote us, though). The bike shares the same 471cc, parallel-twin with the CL500, NX500, CBR500R, and CB500 Hornet.

The E-Clutch allows the rider to shift into gear from Neutral without using the clutch lever. And it is active as long as we do not use clutch lever while riding. Following this procedure allows us to stop in gear without needing to pull the clutch lever. The system also allows the rider to customise the clutch and gear engagement speed, for upshifts and downshifts independently i.e. SOFT, MEDIUM, HARD. Besides that, unlike Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) which allows for fully automated gear changes, E-Clutch retains the gear and clutch levers, and the rider still needs to change gears using the gear lever.

Do note that the E-Clutch system is entirely different from the centrifugal clutch found in small capacity motorcycles which allows for clutch-less shifting. The E-Clutch retails the standard multi-plate clutch but uses electro-mechanical actuators.

Honda’s E-Clutch technology also set forth the development and implementation of automatic clucth gearboxes in the industry, with several manufacturers developing their own systems: Yamaha’s Y-AMT, BMW Automated Shift Assistant, and KTM’s AMT. Ducati has also filing a patent for their automatic gearbox.

Castrol Partners with Honda for Malaysian Cub Prix and MotoGP

Honda racing motorcycles have adorned several famous liveries in the past, but there is one which is no less iconic: The Castrol colours. As such, the tradition continues with Castrol as the title sponsor of a Honda factory team. It extends to Malaysia as Castrol and Honda partner up for the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, besides extending their support to the Honda HRC Castrol Factory Team in MotoGP.

Castrol and Honda

Before going further, we are sure old-timer World Superbike fans fondly remember the Castrol liveried Honda RVF750 (RC45) battling in the World Superbike Championship in the mid-90s. John Kocinski then delivered a world title on that bike in 1997.

Colin Edwards would follow that feat with two titles, in 2000 and 2002, on the Castrol-liveried Honda VTR1000 SP1 (RC51). Those were arguably the Golden Age of Superbike racing.

Back to the present day

Coming back to the present day, Castrol and Boon Siew Honda Malaysia has collaborated to be the title sponsor of the CASTROL POWER1 HONDA YUZY RACING team, competing in the 2025 PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship.

Over to the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing, Castrol and Honda are partners for the Honda HRC Castrol factory team.

From the Press Release

Castrol, a global leader in advanced lubricant technology, kicks off 2025 with high-impact developments in its motorcycle racing portfolio: a new rider lineup for the CASTROL POWER1 HONDA YUZY RACING team in the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and an exciting global collaboration with the Honda HRC Factory MotoGP Team.

These parallel initiatives reinforce Castrol’s commitment to innovation, performance, and supporting talent on both local and international tracks.

Castrol will serve as the main sponsor and technical partner of the Honda HRC Factory MotoGP Team starting from the 2025 MotoGP season. Under this collaboration, Castrol will supply lubricants, fuels, and technical support, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two motorsport powerhouses.

The newly named Honda HRC Castrol team made its on-track debut at the MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang International Circuit on 5 February 2025, with the season having officially kicked off on 2 March in Buriram, Thailand.

“Castrol has a long history of using motorsport to showcase its technical capabilities and co- engineer new technologies. This collaboration is a great opportunity to connect even more closely with motorcycle racing fans and bike enthusiasts worldwide,” said Sandeep Sangwan, Chief Marketing Officer, Castrol.

“HRC and Castrol share the same vision and drive. We’ve had great success together in the past, and this renewed partnership is a natural fit,” added Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation.

Closer to home, CASTROL POWER1 HONDA YUZY RACING is proud to unveil its new rider lineup ahead of the 2025 Petronas MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, which kicks off on 19 and 20 April at Sepang (North) International Circuit, Selangor.

The team welcomes two new additions—Muhammad Haziq Hakimy Kamaruddin and Aisy Izz Hafiy Hairul Hafiz—who join returning rider Aqeel Danish Zaiermanhady to compete in the fiercely contested CP125 category.

Both Haziq Hakimy and Aisy bring proven credentials from the Honda One Make Challenge, with Hakimy placing third in 2022 and Aisy finishing runner-up in 2021. Their arrival signals a refreshed and ambitious push for podium finishes this season, following Md Haziq Hamdan’s third-place success in the ninth round of the 2024 season.

“We are optimistic about the new lineup this season and believe that all three riders can handle the job well and be main competitors for podium finishes,” said Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini, Team Manager of CASTROL POWER1 HONDA YUZY RACING. “Their recent training performances were impressive, and we’re confident this team will deliver exciting results throughout the season,” he added.

Keow Mei-Shan, Marketing Director of Castrol Malaysia & Singapore, added, “The new lineup reflects our commitment to nurturing young talents while continuing to strive for success on the track. We are thrilled to have Aqeel, Haziq Hakimy, and Aisy representing CASTROL POWER1 HONDA YUZY RACING. Their passion for racing and potential align with everything Castrol stands for.”

From the premier stage of MotoGP to the national circuits of Malaysia, Castrol POWER1 continues to be the driving force behind racing excellence—delivering superior engine protection, optimized performance, and confidence on every ride.

With its newly forged global partnership with Honda HRC and an energized domestic racing team, Castrol is poised to make 2025 a landmark year in motorcycle motorsports.

Police are Investigating Group of Motorcyclists not Using Motorcycle Lane on Second Penang Bridge

Police are investigating an incident involving a group of high-powered motorcyclists who were not riding in the designated motorcycle lane at Kilometer 0.4 of the Second Penang Bridge here, which went viral on social media.

South Seberang Perai District Police Chief, Superintendent Jay January Siowou, stated that investigations revealed the incident occurred at 4:35 PM last Friday.

According to him, the group of high-powered motorcyclists was riding from Batu Kawan toward Batu Maung.

“Their actions were extremely dangerous, not only to themselves but also posed a threat to the safety of other road users.

“This case will be investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act for reckless driving that endangers others.

“The police would like to emphasize that the safety of all road users is a shared responsibility,” he said in a statement.

He added that members of the public with further information regarding the incident are urged to come forward and assist in the investigation by contacting the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division of the South Seberang Perai District Police Headquarters (IPD) at 04-5858222.

Previously, a 33-second video went viral on Facebook (FB), showing a group of high-powered motorcyclists convoying and riding in lanes designated for cars and trucks.

FRU Truck Tragedy – Arrest Warrant Issued for Truck Company Owner

An arrest warrant has been issued for the owner of the lorry company involved in the accident that killed nine members of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU).

The owner of Tashveen Trading, a man named “Ravi”, failed to appear in court for the trial. Deputy Public Prosecutor Izzuddin Fakri Hamdan applied for the arrest warrant before Magistrate Naidatul Athirah Azman due to the company owner’s absence at the Teluk Intan Court today.

Naidatul Athirah granted the prosecution’s request and set 29 July as the next mention date for the arrest warrant.

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) had reportedly sent a summons notice to the company owner yesterday to attend the prosecution proceedings.

The owner was supposed to appear in court today to face charges under Sections 57 and 58 of the Land Public Transport Act (APAD) 2010, related to the lorry carrying a load that violated license conditions and exceeded the permitted gross vehicle weight (BDM).

In a statement on 30 May, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) announced the cancellation of the operating license for the gravel-carrying lorry company following the crash that killed nine FRU members on Jalan Sungai Lampam, Simpang Tangki Air, Langkap, on 13 May.

The revocation of the company’s operator license took effect on 29 May 2025, prohibiting the company from operating or providing any services using vehicles registered under the license.

APAD’s investigation found that the company failed to comply with the Industrial Safety Code of Practice (ICOP), did not ensure the Global Positioning System (GPS) was functional (and had expired), and carried cargo that did not match the type specified in the vehicle permit.

In the 8:50 a.m. incident on 13 May, an FRU truck carrying 18 personnel from Unit 5 based in Sungai Senam, Ipoh, collided with a gravel-laden lorry, resulting in 9 deaths, 2 critically injured, and 7 others wounded.

On 16 May, the lorry driver was charged with nine counts in the Sessions Court here.

203 Bus Accidents since 2023, say Police

There a total of 203 bus accidents in Malaysia since January 2023 to May this year. These bus-related accidents caused 39 deaths, 68 serious injuries, and 197 minor injuries. The total of 304 casualties averages close to 1.5 casualty rate per accident.

Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Director Datuk Seri Mohd. Yusri Hassan Basri said driver behaviour and vehicle condition were among the main causes of the crashes.

“Among them, drivers become fatigued from long hours without rest, lose focus, or exceed speed limits — especially on steep or slippery roads,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that inexperience, poor bus handling skills, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs also contributed to the incidents.

Of the total accidents, 104 occurred in 2023, 61 in 2024, and 38 in the first five months of this year.

Mechanical issues such as sudden brake or steering failure, worn-out tyres, or non-functioning lights were also identified as causes.

“Some accidents happened due to pressure from operators chasing tight schedules, with some buses not undergoing proper checks before departure,” Mohd Yusri said.

He also cited poor road conditions, bad weather, overcrowded buses, and weak company oversight as contributing factors.

CFMOTO 675NK Launched in Malaysia, From RM33,888

Hot on the heels of the CFMOTO 675 SR-R sportbike, the naked version CFMOTO 675NK has been launched in Malaysia. The launch took place at the Grand Opening of the CFMOTO Flagship Store by Men Huat Motors. Sdn. Bhd., in Ipoh, Perak.

Highlights of the CFMOTO 675NK

675cc, triple-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine which produces 94 hp (70kW) at 11,000 RPM and 70Nm of torque at 8,250 RPM.
The engine has 72mm x 55.2mm bore & stroke with a 11.5:1 compression ratio, and Bosch EFI.

Engine power is sent through a slipper clutch to a 6-speed transmission.
The quickshifter is a standard feature.

Tubular steel frame.
The suspension comprises of fully adjustable 41mm inverted forks in front, and a monoshock at the back.

Braking duties are handled by J.Juan components, including twin 300mm discs gripped by four-piston calipers up front, and a 240mm disc at the back.
Dual-channel ABS is a standard feature.

The wheels are lightweight aluminium, fitted with CST tyres of 120/70-R17 (front) and 180/55-R17 (rear).
Low ride height of 810 mm, length of 2020 mm, 849 mm width, 1155 mm height, and 1400 mm wheelbase.

15-litre fuel tank.
189 kg curb weight.

TFT display with connectivity through CFMOTO Ride App.
Electronics include two-level traction control (TCS), and real-time Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Full LED lighting.
Type-A and Type-C charging ports.

The recommended selling price for the CFMOTO 675NK is RM33,888 (not on-the-road) and are available in two colours namely Glacier White and Tundra Grey. Buyers can enjoy a two-year unlimited mileage warranty and access to genuine parts for online purchase through CFMOTO Malaysia.