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

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

Yamaha Files “Seamless” Transmission Patent for YZF-R1

Yamaha’s patent for a road-going “seamless” transmission for the YZF-R1 has been leaked online.
The seamless transmission was a revolution when Honda introduced it to their MotoGP bike.
The transmission is designed to provide a “seamless” drive.

When Honda innovated and used the “seamless” transmission it their MotoGP bikes a few years back, other manufacturers scrambled to produce their own. Now every MotoGP bike uses the transmission. We remembered when Yamaha was struggling to develop their own “seamless” gearbox during the 2014 Winter Test at the Sepang International Circuit. Jorge Lorenzo had pushed for his then team to debut it quickly as he was opinion that the system helped with stability during braking.

Well, now it’s Yamaha who had filed a patent for a similar system to be fitted to the YZF-R1.

The design for such a gearbox is complex but the idea is to deliver a seamless flow of power, even while shifting gears, hence the name. A quickshifters, on the other hand, actually interrupts power transmission momentarily when another gear is selected.

As an in-depth explanation will take something shorter than a thesis, we’ll be brief.

The seamless transmissions in MotoGP use a large number of pawls inside gear wheels that lock and unlock gears like ratchets, allowing two gears to be engaged at the same time. With the slower gear is freewheeling on the pawls, power from the engine is uninterrupted.

Truth is, there are a couple transmission systems on road bikes that transmit power without interruption – the CVT in scooters and Honda’s proprietary dual-clutch transmission (DCT) which is used in the Africa Twin, X-Adv, NC750, VFR1200 and Gold Wing among others. But these are different to the seamless gearboxes used by MotoGP bikes.

Yamaha’s design avoids the extra weight of Honda’s DCT and uses the normal hand-controlled clutch and foot-operated gearchanges. But just like its MotoGP counterpart, two gears are briefly connected during upshifts and downshifts. You may think it’s something like DCT but using gears instead.

While the benefits of seamless transmission may be negligible on the road except for bragging rights, it will may certainly benefit the Yamaha YZF-R1 in World Superbike racing.

The road technology is still in patent stage, so let’s hope to see it in production sooner or later.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia Releases Prices with SST

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has published the prices with SST.
The SST (Sales & Service Tax) came into effect on 1^st September 2018.
The rate is 10%.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has released the new prices of BMW motorcycles following the re-implementation of the Sales & Services Tax (SST) which took effect from 1^st September 2018.

As outlined by the Ministry of Finance, motorcycles under 250cc are exempted from SST, without other details. This meant that 10% SST is charged on motorcycles above 250cc regardless if they are CKD (completely knocked-down i.e. locally assembled) or CBU (completely built-up i.e. fully-imported).

Please refer to the table below.

Generally, prices have definitely hiked compared to when GST was set at 0% but they are perhaps more accurate if compared to the prices when 6% GST was implemented. Almost all models see price increases between RM 1,000 to RM 3,000 compared to when 6% GST applied but there are exceptions where the prices remained the same.

A check with BMW Motorrad Malaysia clarified that, “We wanted to make it affordable for everyone.”

Let’s take a look at a few key models.

In the Sports category, the prices of the ever-popular S 1000 RR superbike went up by RM 7,000 compared to 0% GST, but only increased by RM 1,000 over their 6% GST prices. The R 1200 RS went up by RM 2K.

Price in the Touring range which includes the R 1200 RT and K 1600 variants however, increase between RM 2,000 to RM 3,000 compared to compared to 6% GST.

The Roadsters, or “nakeds” for want of another definition, see their prices hiked by RM 2,000, except for the G 310 R, whose price remains at RM 26,900.

Over to the Heritage line-up, prices for the R nineT range see an increase of RM 1,000 except for the R nineT Pure and R nineT Racer variants.

As for the Adventure category where the R 1200 GS resides, the price of the G 310 GS remains the same at RM 29,900, while the rest see their prices increased.

Working with Certified Technicians: An Employer’s View

We spoke to Idon Pang, the Aftersales Manager for GB Workshop, the official aftersales service centre for Aprilia and Moto Guzzi Malaysia about certified technicians.
Idon iterates that there is a shortage of certified technicians in market.
Especially that motorcycles are now more and more complex due to electronics.

Since we have been posting about certified motorcycle technicians, we decided to speak to a well-known aftersales manager on his thoughts on the matter.

The person we spoke to was Idon Pang, who is known for his dedication to motorcycle aftersales, his resourcefulness, customer-centric ethics and experience in Moto Guzzi, Vespa and Aprilia motorcycles, among others.

Bikes Republic (BR): Hi Idon, we’d like to talk about your thoughts on certified motorcycle technicians.
Idon Pang (IP): Yes, sure. I have met some people and read about TOC Automotive College’s Superbike Technician Course recently and I think it’s a fantastic idea.

I’ve been in the industry for more than ten years right now and my challenge in aftersales is having enough certified technicians to carry out the work. Many people don’t see it, but I think TOC have noticed this issue. There is a big gap between current motorcycle technology and the people who are certified to handle and maintain these technologies or making it even better. The gap is very big.

The European countries and also America have many certified technicians, called “engineers,” who are able to handle these new technologies.

Asia, on the other hand, is the fastest growing motorcycle market but the level of our workforce is very, very far behind.

That’s why I’m very happy to see TOC pick this up.

BR: What’s the difference in working with certified and non-certified technicians?
IP: I’ve been very fortunate to work with both throughout the years. In fact, I am a bit of both, as well.

I am certified for a number of motorcycle brands; as you know I’m more skilled towards Italian bikes. I learned through non-certified methods in the beginning. My sifus like the late Mr. Eddie Chia and later his sons, and a number of small motorcycle workshops taught me the tricks and tips of the trade. It’s from here that I saw both extremes.

Having certified technicians means that things had to be done to a certain standard. For example, Malaysia is now adopting standards for mechanics, so we are hopeful that this will provide better quality work for customers.

To be honest with you, certification alone isn’t enough as the student may study really hard just to pass exams, but they didn’t brush up on their practical skills they will lose them.

And I meant simple skills just as catching engine timing, using sensors to detect problems or troubleshoot, mechanical failures and so forth.

BR: Speaking about new motorcycle technology, how do you see the progress?
IP: It’s moving at a very rapid pace. Manufacturers are increasingly adding more new technologies every year to add value to their products.

The biggest thing now is of course electronics such as traction control, anti-wheelie, ABS. Things like APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control rider assist suite) have been around for about 10 years but it’s now being more and more prevalent throughout the industry.

But there are very feel few people who could understand, maintain and repair it. There are not more than two-handful of people who could work on these technologies currently in Malaysia.

So, certification in that area is very important. But that certification must also include practical training.

(Editor’s note: 70% of the TOC Superbike Technician Course consists of practical training, preparing the students for the real world.)

BR: How do you see the career paths of certified technicians?
IP: Firstly, it’s true that there are very good non-certified technicians who learned through the hard way and from the experience passed down through many generations. This is why there are motorcycle owners who send their bikes to them. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course.

But again, technology is outgrowing our skills. We are at this paradigm change in motorcycle technology and industry. And yet we aren’t churning out certified or skilled technicians fast enough.

Secondly, many of these experienced old-hands have retired or retired without passing on their knowledge to the new generation.

BR: What could the graduates of certified technicians expect in the market?
IP: The market is very lucrative. The aftersales market will keep growing regardless of the economy as owners will still need to maintain and repair their bikes.

We’ve seen this for many years. When the economy picks up, so do bike sales, consequently aftersales picks up too. When the economy slows down, bike sales will follow suit. However, instead of dropping, aftersales still picks up. That’s because instead of changing bikes, owners will maintain their bikes to make it last longer. Additionally, they will accessorize their bikes.

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.

CLICK HERE to know more about TOC’s Superbike Technician Course.

HOG PJ Breakfast Ride to Kodai Sarapan D’Sawah, Kuala Pilah

Harley-Davidson Petaling Jaya hosted the HOG PJ Breakfast Ride to Kodai Sarapan D’Sawah in Kuala Pilah yesterday.
Around 80 bikers consisting of current and new HOG PJ chapter members joined in festivities.
The famous breakfast destination was chosen due to its great food located near a beautiful paddy field surrounded by a mountainous background.

For a lot of bikers here in Malaysia, Sunday morning is the time to get their bikes rolling for a nice ride to their favourite routes and locations. These include having a nice breakfast with good friends at beautiful destinations, which was what the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Petaling Jaya chapter did yesterday. (more…)

New KTM 1090 Adventure Spied

KTM is updating and introducing new models to most of their line-up.
Next on the list being updated is the 1050/1090 Adventure.
The new bike may get a boost to 1150cc besides other technological updates.

When KTM released the 1050 Adventure, it was intended to introduce newcomers to KTM’s world of adventure motorcycles. The biggest complained however was “not powerful” enough as it made “only” 95 bhp. KTM responded by offering the 1090 Adventure which produced 123 bhp.

However, the 1090 Adventure is essentially a tuned-up 1050 Adventure as they both share the same capacity. Besides that, the 1050/1090 design is getting a little long in the tooth. Factor in the upcoming 790 Adventure and you have a bike (the 1050/1090) that seems redundant, if not obsolete.

Lastly, KTM does not have a model which bridges the gap between the 1050/1090 Adventure and 1290 Super Adventure models.

With all this in mind, it is of no surprise that the Austrian behemoth seem to be testing a 1150cc-engined 1090 Adventure, reported MCN.

Sources close to MCN also reported that the upcoming bike should very well receive new electronic features to bring it up-to-date such as TFT display, lean-sensitive traction control and Cornering ABS, and perhaps a quick shifter.

The increase in capacity will equal an increase in power, naturally. It is speculated that it will be in the 130 bhp range or thereabouts.

Also, judging from the spy photograph, the new 1090 Adventure may also receive a fresh look similar to the 1290 Super Adventure for family resemblance.

The new bike should appear in 2019 for the 2020 model year, again, in time for the new Euro 5 emissions standard.

2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: More Power!

Kawasaki has updated the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R to produce more horsepower.
Updates are centred on the valvetrain and reducing moving mass.
The updates show that Kawasaki intends to retain the World Superbike crown.

Horsepower. You can never have enough. Kawasaki has announced that the 2019 Ninja ZX-10R will receive a list of changes that will take its power output even higher.

Kawasaki may have won four World Superbike championships in 2013 with Tom Sykes, and 2015, 2016, 2017 with Jonathan Rea, while currently leading the series with the latter rider, they know that they will be under stiff competition from Ducati with the new Panigale V4 and possibly a new Honda CBR1000RR next year.

The new Ninja ZX-10R’s cylinder head has been redesigned to be more compact to aid quicker combustion. The valvetrain will now have the cams acting directly on finger followers, rather than on tappets, resulting in a 20 percent reduction in mass. It also makes it easier to install more aggressive cam profiles. Consequently, the engine can sustain high RPMs more reliably.

Finally, to mark the updated engine, the cylinder head cover will be painted in red.

There are three variants of the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R: Base, SE and RR.

Ninja ZX-10R

The base 2019 Ninja ZX-10R will have its power increased to 203 PS (200 bhp), without ram air. Expect to see around 210 bhp with ram air. It will receive the updated valvetrain and cylinder head cover. It will also feature the bi-directional Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) that was previously available on the SE and RR only.

Ninja ZX-10R SE

The 2019 Ninja ZX-10R SE is considered the flagship model as the RR is a race homologation model. Apart from the valvetrain updates, it will feature Kawasaki’s advanced electronic suspension (KECS) and forged Marchesini rims. Areas prone to scratches are covered with Kawasaki’s proprietary “self-healing” paint, as with the 2019 Ninja H2. Power is the same as the based Ninja ZX-10R.

Ninja ZX-10RR

The 2019 Ninja ZX-10RR will receive Pankl titanium connecting rods that save 400g over the standard bike’s, reducing the crankshaft’s inertia by 5% and yield a 600 RPM increase. Kawasaki quoted 201 bhp peak power without ram air. It will be available only in Lime Green and production is limited to 500 units.

A “Performance” variant for all three types are also available.