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

2019 Yamaha 135 LC – More Attractive Updates

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has announced attractive updates for the 2019 Yamaha 135 LC.
Production continues for the bike as there is a steady demand.
Recommended selling price is RM 6,868.00 (not on-the-road).

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has announced attractive updates for the 2019 Yamaha 135 LC.

The Yamaha 135 LC was a gamechanger in the underbone i.e. kapchai segment when it was first introduced in 2005. It was the first to include many new features at the time but the most significant was its liquid-cooled engine, hence the “LC” denomination.

The first generation 135 LC still holds a legendary reputation as being the fastest kapchai ever built, until the advent of 150cc competitors.

But the model is beating after more than a decade later. It’s still a model which fills the gap between the 110 to 125cc smaller kapchais to its bigger Yamaha Y15ZR brethren. One can still see many old and new 135 LCs around, especially among the Food Panda and GrabFood boys and gals (bless ‘em).

Hence, these and more provide reasons to continue production with upgrades and updates along the way.

For 2019, the engine remains untouched i.e. 135cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder mated to a 4-speed transmission with auto clutch. The changes are aesthetics to “freshen” up the bike.

The cosmetic changes are:

Additional horn cover.
Air scoops on both sides of the bodywork.
Additional under cowl panel.
New speedometer panel.

It’s offered in three colours, namely Comet Grey, Fiery Red and Storm Blue.

HLYM recommends the selling price at RM 6,868 (excluding registration and insurance). Buyers will receive an exclusive stainless steel Yamaha brake disc lock.

2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Ducati Multistrada 950 S, Ducati Hypermotard 950 S, Ducati Diavel 1260 S Launched

Ducati Malaysia launched the 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Ducati Multistrada 950 S, Ducati Hypermotard 950 S, Ducati Diavel 1260 S tonight.
All bikes cater to different segments for riders seeking different types of rides.
The crown jewel is the Panigale V4 R superbike.

Ducati Malaysia launched nine new motorcycles for 2019 tonight. They included the Ducati Panigale V4 R, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Ducati Multistrada 950 S, Ducati Hypermotard 950 S, Ducati Diavel 1260 S and four Scrambler variants (please click here for the launch report).

All models have been highly anticipated since their launch late last year, more so the Panigale V4 R.

2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R – From RM 299,900

The Panigale V4 R is the homologation model for racing in the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK). The rules of the series require manufacturers to produce a certain number of specially-prepared variant that’s as close as possible to the race motorcycle and available to the public.

That’s where the Panigale V4 R fits in – being Ducati’s commitment to dominate WorldSBK that the factory once did. In other words, the Panigale V4 R is a pure race-ready road bike. Every part is designed for a purpose and none is superfluous.

Since its introduction in 2019 WorldSBK, Alvaro Bautista steered it to 9 race and 4 Superpole wins in six rounds. The Panigale V4 R’s stranglehold is so absolute that the organizers made Ducati cut the bike’s maximum rev limit.

Highlights (in addition to the V4 and V4 S):

MotoGP-inspired Desmosedici Stradale R 1000cc 90^oV4 engine.
56mm oval throttle bodies with variable height intake funnels.
The engine produces 221 hp (162 kW) at 15,250 RPM and 112 Nm of torque at 11,500 RPM, with a dry weight of only 172 kg.
STM EVO-SBK dry clutch system like its racing brethren.
Taller windscreen to flow air over rider’s helmet when in full tuck.
Aerobody with winglets adds 30kg of vertical load to the front wheel at 270km/h.
Extractors on fairing move 6% and 16% through the radiator and oil cooler, respectively.
Adjustable swingarm pivot (2mm) to change the bike’s chassis balance.
High-end Öhlins suspension.
Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Auto Tyre Calibration.
A Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides data to the ECU for traction and chassis control strategies.
High-resolution, 5-inch TFT display.
Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS) provides detailed lap analysis.
Pit lane speed limiter can be set to between 40 km/h to 80 km/h.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is available in any colour you like, as long as it’s red.

2019 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro – From RM 138,900

The Multistrada 1260 Enduro expands the Multistrada 1260’s performance envelope to include off-road adventure riding.

The Enduro especially benefits from the 1262cc Testastretta DVT engine. The Desmodromic Variable Timing valve actuation system provides an ultra-smooth power and torque delivery, resulting in total rider confidence when riding in the rough.

Highlights:

1262cc 90^oV-Twin Testastretta DVT engine.
It produces 158 hp (116 kW) at 9,500 RPM and 128 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM.
Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts.
Redesigned chassis reduces suspension travel and seat height to 860mm.
Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO (DSS) semi-active electronic suspension. It can be tuned to 400 configurations.
Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control.
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) with 8 levels.
Vehicle Hold Control allows the bike to move off a slope of up to 24.5 degrees.
Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) utilize LEDs to illuminate the inside of corners when the bike is leaned over.
The bike weighs 225kg, dry.

2019 Multistrada 950 S – From RM 95,900

The Multistrada 950 S offers great versatility, comfort, performance and fun at a much more accessible level.

The 2019 models is redesigned to follow the Multistrada 1260’s family resemblance and is full of many great features.

Highlights:

937cc, 90^oV-Twin Testastretta 11^oengine.
It produces 113 hp (83 kW) at 9,000 RPM and 96 Nm of torque at 7,750 RPM.
Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts (Multistrada 950 S only).
Hydraulically-actuated clutch for reduced lever effort.
Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO (DSS) semi-active electronic suspension. It can be tuned to 400 configurations.
Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control.
Vehicle Hold Control allows the bike to move off a slope.
Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) illuminates the inside of corners when the bike is leaned over.
Cruise control.
The bike weighs 204 kg, dry.

2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 – From RM 75,900

The hooligan is back! The Hypermotard 950 embodies the essence of fun on two wheels, letting nothing stand in your way. It’s a bike for being thrown around through traffic and into corners, then pulling a massive crossed-up wheelie on the way out.

Highlights:

937cc, 90^oV-Twin Testastretta 11^oengine, with higher 13.3:1 compression ratio (up from 12.6:1).
It produces 114 hp (84 kW) at 9,000 RPM and 96 Nm of torque at 7,250 RPM.
Clutch with self-servo and anti-hop (slipper) functions.
A Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides data to the ECU for traction and chassis control strategies.
Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO.
New 45mm, fully-adjustable Marzocchi forks.
The bike weighs a lithe 178 kg, dry.

2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 S – From RM 139,900

The leading muscle cruiser, bar none. It combines the looks and attitude of a cruiser with Ducati’s superbike to deliver high performance and imposing street cred.

Highlights:

1262cc 90^oV-Twin Testastretta DVT engine.
It produces 159 hp (117 kW) at 9,500 RPM and 129 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM.
Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts.
High-handlebar and central footpegs power cruiser ergonomics.
Fully-adjustable forks.
Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO and Ducati Power Launch (DPL) EVO.
The bike weighs 218 kg, dry.

2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon, Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle, Ducati Scrambler Café Racer, Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Launched

Ducati Malaysia also launched the 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon, Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle, Ducati Scrambler Café Racer, Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled as part of the Scrambler 800 range.
Ducati Scrambler line-up offers bikes for carefree and joyful riding, and self-expression.
The 2019 line-up feature multiple updates.

In addition to the other five 2019 Ducati models, Ducati Malaysia also launched the 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon, Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle, Ducati Scrambler Café Racer, Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled as part of the Scrambler 800 range.

The Ducati Scrambler line-up offers bikes for carefree and joyful riding, and self-expression; all wrapped up in a modern-classic outlook. All four bikes share the same platform, with distinctive features to differentiate them.

For 2019, the Scrambler 800 underwent what Ducati calls a “Joyvolution.”

The shared new features are:

803cc, air-cooled, 2-valve, 90^oV-Twin which produces 73 hp (54 kW) at 8,250 RPM and 67 Nm at 5,750 RPM.
Hydraulically-actuated clutch with self-servo feature.
Adjustable clutch lever.
Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) assisted Cornering ABS.
Premium LED daytime running light (DRL).
Self-cancelling turnsignals.
More ergonomic switchgear.
Revised suspension.
Machine-finished 10-spoke alloy wheels, 18-inch front and 17-inch rear.
Updated instrumentation and Ducati Multimedia System ready.

2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon – From RM 52,900

The Icon started it all. This is where variations and customizations begin from.

And it’s all up to you: To ride it as it is, unburdened by anything unnecessary – just jump on and go. Or build it up to express your inner desires, your cool.

The Scrambler includes the above features and more under an unassuming exterior.

Please click on this link for the full test and review.

2019 Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle – From RM 62,900

As the name suggests, the Scrambler Full Throttle is the “muscle bike” of the line-up. It’s as if someone fed the Icon with A1 grain but laced with hormones.

Highlights:

New black-and-yellow colour scheme inspired by California racer Frankie Garcia who took part in the 2018 American Super Hooligan Championship.

New seat with passenger colour-coded seat cowl.
Side-mounted number plates.
Termignoni dual tail-pipes.
Cut front mudguard.
Low-positioned tapered handlebar.

2019 Ducati Scrambler Café Racer – From RM 67,900

What modern classic line-up is complete without a café racer?

But the Scrambler Café Racer takes it to another step by using the Silver Matt Ice livery and blue frame from the 125GP Desmo racer of yore.

Highlights:

17-inch Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres.
Low-rise handlebars for a sporty crouch.
Colour-coded passenger seat cowl.
Mirrors are mounted on the handlebar ends.
Dual tailpipe exhaust.
Distinctive nose fairing.
Stubby front mudguard.
Bruno Spaggiari’s Number 54 race number.

2019 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled 67,900

What’s a desert sled? Back in the 60’s and 70’s, American bikers in California and Baja stripped bikes of parts to reduce weight and fitted off-road tyres, spoked wheels, modified suspension and engine skid plates, and raced them in the desert.

Thus, true to its name, the Scrambler Desert Sled is the off-road variant in the line-up.

Highlights:

Adjustable Kayaba forks with 200mm travel.
Adjustable Kayaba rear shock with 200mm travel.
New seat maintains seat height of 860 mm.
Removable passenger footpegs.
19-inch front wheel, 17-inch rear wheel, shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally MTR tyres.
Off-road riding mode.
Reinforced frame.
Unique aluminium swingarm.
Official mesh headlight guard.
High front mudguard.
Extended rear mudguard.
High plate holder.
Dedicated logo.

Trans-Mongolia 2019, 65 Days of Amazing Adventure

The Trans-Mongolia 2019 adventure will cover 20,000 kilometres over 65 days through 11 countries.
It will push off on 21 August and end on 24 October in Paris, France.
There is a total of 12 bikes, supported by 4x4s.

How’s this for an epic motorcycle adventure? The Trans-Mongolia 2019 adventure will cover 20,000 kilometres over 65 days through 11 countries.

The adventure is organized by the group called 4×4 World Explorer which consists of hardcore adventure riders and 4×4 drivers. They’ve organized the Trans-Andes, Trans-Amazon, among others in the past.

The upcoming ride which will begin on 21^stAugust 2019 will ride through Thailand, Laos, and China before reaching Mongolia, hence the name. However, instead of turning back once they reach the country, the group will continue onwards through southern Russia (circumventing the Central Asian countries), Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany and finally ending in Paris, France on 24^thOctober.

The bikes and 4x4s will then be shipped back to Malaysia.

Expedition Leader, Mr. Thomas Foo presented some of the details during the launch at the Explorer Outfitter outlet in Publika, Kuala Lumpur.

“It is like seeing seven different worlds in one ride,” he said. The riders will be supported by a number of 4x4s.

The 12 motorcycles are the BMW G 310 GS, sponsored by Tian Siang Motorrad in Ipoh, Perak. While they don’t seem much to some out there, the small capacity, single-cylinder bike is reliable and tough enough to stand up to the challenges during the trip. But in case anything breaks, it’s an easy fix compared to more complex models. Besides that, the lack of weight will soon be the rider’s best friend when the going gets tough. Would you prefer to ride on through or wrestle with a heavy bike? That’s why almost all world travelers including Anita Yusof opt for simple, lightweight bikes.

GIVI Asia Sdn. Bhd. also played their part by sponsoring touring equipment to the riders. It’s a huge list but here are some of them: X.01 Tourer adventure helmet, B32 Bold Advance top box, PWB02 waterproof waist pouch, CRS02.AX Comfort rain suit, VEST02 high-visibility vest, and a new, taller windscreen. GIVI Asia Managing Director Mr. Oh Hai Swee and Marketing Manager Sam Sharman were present during the presentation.

The Trans-Mongolia adventure will be flagged off on 21^stAugust in Putrajaya.

Please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/4x4worldexplorer/ for more details.

PICTURE GALLERY

KTM 790 Adventure R Rally Unveiled

An even more dirt-focused KTM 790 Adventure R Rally will be added to the model’s ranks.
It gets the best of KTM’s off-road parts including suspension.
Only 500 will be built for 2020.

The KTM 790 Adventure is touted as the company’s attempt to revolutionize the dual-purpose/adventure segment. Now, a third variant called the KTM 790 Adventure R Rally is added to the line-up.

Although all three variants are positioned deep in the adventure market, they were given distinctively different characteristics to suit riders of different disposition. The standard 790 Adventure is more road biased although it’s still very much an off-roader. The 790 Adventure R is the off-road biased variant for seasoned and skilled off-road riders. The 790 Adventure R Rally you see here is for the hardcore off-roader. Think of it as 18 SX, softcore and hardcore.

The Adventure R already has some of the best features for off-road riding, but the Adventure R Rally takes it even further.

Starting with the suspension, the Rally gets the WP XPLOR PRO 7548 forks with cone valve technology. The rear shock is a WP XPLOR PRO 6746 with a progressive damping system (PDS) setup. The change of suspension raises the seat height by another 30 mm over the Adventure R’s 880 mm to 910 mm. That’s dirt bike territory. The wheels are also narrower and uses inner tubes.

The package also includes KTM Quickshifter+ (for up- and downshifts), even flatter seat, rally footpegs and Akrapovic exhaust. There are also translucent deflectors beside the headlamp nacelle.

No price was provided, but KTM will build on 500 of these babies for the model year 2020.

Yamaha Y15ZR V2 Ultraman Special Edition Launched

Only 100 units of the Yamaha Y15ZR V2 Ultraman Special Edition are offered.
It is an officially-licensed Ultraman product.
Priced from RM 12,688, net selling price.

Welly Assorted Sdn. Bhd. launched the Yamaha Y15ZR Ultraman Special Edition over the weekend.

This special edition is an initiative by Welly Assorted to deliver two legends in one, namely the Yamaha Y15ZR V2 and Ultraman. Welly’s boss knows that there are many Ultraman fans in the country. There are those who had grown up with the superhero, and those among the younger generation who are current fans. Hence this particular model is targeted at the age group between 25 to 40 years old.

The special edition is the result of a collaboration between Welly Assorted and Taigaco Sdn. Bhd. Taigaco is the licensing agent of the Ultraman characters and brand for Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Brunei. Yamaha Y15ZR V2 Ultraman Special Edition is therefore a licensed product.

The Ultraman graphics on the bodywork are airbrushed and not mere vinyl stickers. The bike is already fitted with high-grade brake and clutch levers, original Yamaha engine guard and red wheels. There is also a commemorative plaque.