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  • The news for a street circuit to host the Indonesia MotoGP in 2021 was met with skepticism.

  • The uninformed were of the opinion it’ll be dangerous for MotoGP riders and spectators.

  • However, the plans have already been drawn up to include safety features and approved by Dorna and FIM.

Dorna and the FIM recently confirmed that Indonesia will hold a MotoGP and WorldSBK round beginning 2021. The site chosen is in Lombok.

However, when the announcement said that it’ll be the first MotoGP “street circuit,” the news attracted the same kind of negativity in social media as everything else. There were comments such as, “If it’s going to get riders killed then they shouldn’t ride there.”

Hey, guess what? Dorna and the FIM have better brains than armchair engineers.

The skepticisms were addressed directly by Mark Huges of MRK1 Consulting along with RoadGrip Motorsport. The two international companies were appointed by the Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (IDTC) to plan, build and run the circuit.

“We are very conscious that when we announced this project there was a reasonable amount of scepticism about the concept of a street circuit,” Hughes said, during a presentation of the project at the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix.

“We have to make very clear that the track has been designed and will be built to the appropriate FIM safety standards for MotoGP.”

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta also said that they will not compromise with safety.

“We’ve always said that we don’t race in a street circuit, but this has all the facilities of a street circuit – in a middle of a ‘city’, all the hotels will be there – but with full security (safety) for the riders,” declared Ezpeleta.

The Lombok circuit isn’t like other “street circuits” that we know of, for example Monaco and Macao. Instead, it is purpose-built for racing but opened to the public after the race. That means it is opposite of Monaco and Macao where public roads are cordoned off for racing.

“The master plan for the resort [layout] was actually finished before we got involved. And then between Roadgrip, MRK1 and ITDC we’ve tweaked that track design,” Hughes said.

“We knew we couldn’t go in and entirely change it, there had already been too much invested in that, and with the support of Dorna and also the FIM we then made some small changes to accommodate the safety requirements for a Grade A license.”

“When you arrive for the race event it will be like arriving at any other MotoGP track. It will have all the infrastructure there,” Hughes added. “But a large percentage of that infrastructure would then come out in order to turn the track back into a road network for the resort for the rest of the year.”

Infrastructure at the track will also be turned over for public use when there are no races. For example, the pit building will be used as a conference centre.

So, this is why the track is called “something special.”

  • Dato’ Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali has resigned from his position in the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM).

  • He did so to concentrate on SIC’s efforts in the MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE championships.

  • Muizz Azli takes over from Dato’ Razlan in MAM.

Dato’ Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali (better known as Dato’ Razlan) has resigned from his position in the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), with effect from today.

Dato’ Razlan, who is Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO, decided on his resignation to focus on his works at the circuit as well as Team Principal representative of the newly-formed PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang MotoGP team, in addition to the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Teams in Moto2 and Moto3, and the MotoE electric motorcycle series. On the home front, SIC has a team in the Super 250 category in the Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship.

His letter of resignation was submitted to MAM President, Tan Sri Mokhzani Tun Mahathir who replaced Tan Sri Azman Yahya. The replacement is part of MAM restructuring exercise.

In developing and growing motorsport in Malaysia, MAM which was established in 2009 takes up the role as a sanctioning body while assisting clubs, event organisers, officials, competitors, commercial operators and sponsors to ensure the future growth of motorsport in its many disciplines. It will always remain MAM main objective to promote the development of Malaysian grassroots motorsports and local talents.

In the letter, Dato’ Razlan, said that his resignation was in the best interest of MAM.

Dato’ Razlan further announce that Muizz Azli will be his replacement. He opines that Muizz is a suitable candidate for this position as he has dealt with legal cases involving motorsport events. He further believes that Muizz is capable in structuring MAM and take it to the next level.

  • Biker groups are protecting mosques across New Zealand in the wake of the fatal mass shootings.

  • The shootings occurred on 15thMarch 2019 in two mosques in Christchurch, during Friday prayers.

  • The groups provide security for the Muslim communities to pray in peace.

Biker groups are protecting mosques across New Zealand in the wake of the fatal mass shootings. The shootings occurred on 15thMarch 2019 in two mosques in Christchurch, during Friday prayers. 50 people were killed while another 50 were injured.

Biker groups, or rather “gangs” as other media touted, them include The Mongrel Mob, King Cobra and The Black Power promised to protect their local Muslim communities.

The Mongrel Mob offered to shied Jamia Masjid Mosque in Hamilton. Waikato Mongrel Mob chapter president Sonny Fatu said, “We will support and assist our Muslim brothers and sisters for however long they need us.” He also added that his group was contacted by representatives saying the Muslim community were fearful about attending Friday prayers. “The question was posed whether we could be a part of the safety net for them to pray in peace without fear.”

“Of course we would do that, there was no question about that and we will be dressed appropriately. We will not be armed. We are peacefully securing the inner gated perimeter with other community members.”

Photo credit Getty Images and Business Insider

Dr. Asad Moshin, head of the Waikato Muslim Association said he appreciated the support received from different sections of society, different interests and different dispositions. “It all gives us strength to overcome the grief we are undergoing.”

“We would like to welcome them to come into the mosque and pray with us. They are part of us as we are part of them. Islam is inclusive, free of judgment – we don’t see gang members, as we see them.”

“We value them as humans and appreciate that they value us too.”

Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Dr. Moshin also said, “There are no fears and we are not sacred. They don’t have to stand outside the mosque, they can come inside, right behind where the sermon is given.”

Members of The King Cobra group also paid their respects to senior members of the Al-Masjid Al-Jamie mosque in Ponsonby on Saturday.

Other Mongrel Mob chapters have also shown their support throughout the country, including the Aotearoa branch who paid their respects at Hagley College school in Christchurch.

Even one of the group’s Australian chapters has reportedly been patrolling a mosque in Sydney.

BikesRepublic.com would like to convey our condolences and feeling of shock and grief to the victims’ families over the cowardly attack.

On the bike groups, we salute you, Brothers!

Source: Evening Standard

  • A client in Germany commission this Boss Hoss Lamborghini.

  • It combines a Boss Hoss motorcycle and Lamborghini Aventador.

  • The engine is probably the 6200cc, V-8 LS 445 for the Corvette.

So, you’ve got a whole shed-load of bikes and sportscars sitting idle in the garage, including a Boss Hoss V-8 cruiser and Lamborghini Aventador. What do you do? Yeah, what do you do?

Turn it into a bike/Lambo trike! Yikes!

That’s what might have happened when the customer commissioned this build. Although the first thing that springs to mind might’ve been the American Boss Hoss who built it, that’s actually half right because it was actually put together by their branch in Germany.

The heart of this monster is the 6200cc (not a typo!), V-8, 445 hp, 445 lb. ft. LS 445 Corvette engine. The powerplant is the weapon of choice since the founder Monte Warne created the first Boss Hoss in 1990.

While we’re not so much of car fans, we do feel a twinge of sadness seeing a bike and car were sacrificed this way. But that’s his money, probably too much of it in this case!

  • Indonesia saw the largest number of motorcycle sales in the ASEAN region in 2018.

  • The total was nearly half of the total of the entire region.

  • The country’s large population and income level contributed to the number.

We know for many years that Indonesia is the largest market for motorcycles in the ASEAN region, but it was a toss-up between them and Vietnam.

However, new data by the ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF) and Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries (FAMI) confirmed that the largest number of motorcycles sold in 2018 was in Indonesia.

In that year alone, motorcycle manufacturers and distributors in the Republic of 260 million souls moved a total of 6,383,111 units. That number represents a whopping 47% of all motorcycle sales in the ASEAN region. In terms of ratio, 1 out of 40.7 persons bought a motorcycle.

The second largest market in 2018 was Vietnam, with 3,386,097 units moved. The population of the country is 94 million. Converting that to a ratio, 1 out of 27.7 persons purchased a bike.

So, although Indonesia contributed the larger total, more Vietnamese bought motorcycles. It could also means that there’s still much space for motorcycle sales, if we know the current motorcycle population in each country.

Anyhow, in third was Thailand with 1,788,323 bikes sold. The Kingdom’s motorcycle market looks to be reaching a saturation point. The Philippines followed closely with 1,582,901 units. Malaysia contributed a distant but not entirely small 494,254. Last was Singapore with 10,377 bikes.

  • Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia launched the 2019 Triumph Street Twin, Street Scrambler, Speed Twin, Scrambler 1200 XC and Scrambler 1200 XE tonight.

  • The Scrambler 1200 XC and XE variants are all-new.

  • Other models are very much updated.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia launched the 2019 Triumph Street Twin, Street Scrambler, Speed Twin, Scrambler 1200 XC and Scrambler 1200 XE tonight. Prices range from RM 55,900 to RM 86,900.

The models are:
  1. Street Twin.
  2. Street Scrambler.
  3. Speed Twin.
  4. Scrambler 1200 XC.
  5. Scrambler 1200 XE.

2019 Triumph Street Twin (from RM 55,900)

The Street Twin has enjoyed continued popularity since its launch in 2016. Being the most “contemporary” model in the Bonneville line-up means it’s the most sought after to play the role of a built platform. Yet, it is just as beautiful and unpretentious in its unmistakable Bonneville silhouette.

For 2019, Triumph has updated the Street Twin to turn into a class leader. Starting with the 900cc, 270o crank, DOHC, parallel-Twin which delivers a peak power of 65 PS at 7,500 RPM, while the maximum torque of 80 Nm is already available from 3,800 RPM. That’s a an increase of 18% in terms of power which equates to 10 PS.

Next, Triumph endowed the bike with dynamic handling, exceptional rider and pillion comfort, besides higher level of specification for greater control and improved ride. Now, there is a new 4-piston Brembo caliper up front for greater stopping power and rider control. The forks, too, have been updated to cartridge type.

Other highlights:
  • New Road and Rain riding modes for the optimum throttle map in all riding conditions.
  • Switchable traction control for the rider to choose optimum level of traction management for different riding conditions.
  • New Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) as an accessory lets the rider monitor his tyre pressures for safety and confidence.

The 2019 Street Twin is offered in Matt Ironstone, Korosi Red and Jet Black.

2019 Triumph Street Scrambler (from RM 64,900)

This is one of BikesRepublic.com’s favourite bikes. Fun, easy to handle, full of character, and high-mounted exhaust pipes that garner as much attention as the bike itself (they won’t scald your and passenger’s thighs, we assure you).

As it shares the Street Twin’s engine, peak power is up to 65 PS and torque hikes up to 80 Nm.

Additionally, other highlights are the same, except for the rolling chassis. The forks are spaced wider for better control when riding off-road. They are cartridge forks, as well.

As for electronics, the 2019 Street Scrambler now features an off-road mode, in addition to Road and Rain.

The 2019 Triumph Street Scrambler is available in Fusion White, Cranberry Red and Khaki Green.

2019 Triumph Speed Twin (from RM 73,900)

The 2019 Speed Twin draws its inspiration directly from the 1937 Speed Twin, designed and engineered by the great Edward Turner. (We came across one at the Triumph Factory Visitors Experience in Hinckley.)

It may be easy to pass it off as a basic Thruxton, but that’s oversimplifying the model description.

As Triumph puts it, the Speed Twin “delivers comfort engaged with roadster ergonomics,” the riding position is adjusted for more comfort and straighter riding compared to the Thruxton’s café racer’s ergonomics.

The suspension consists high-specification cartridge forks and rear shocks that are adjustable for preload. Brakes are handled by dual 4-piston Brembo calipers that bite on dual discs.

The engine is the High-Power (HP) unit with the Thruxton’s racing tune. As such, it produces 97 PS at 6,750 RPM and 112 NM of torque at 4,950 RPM. That’s 49% and 40% more than the 2018 model, respectively.

As for the electronics suite, there are three modes: Sport, Road and Rain.

It is offered in three colours: Silver Ice and Storm Grey, Korosi Red and Storm Grey, and Jet Black.

2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and XE (from RM 80,900 and RM 86,900 respectively)

We’ve written about these two models at length as we were present during the launch in London. (Please click here for the full details and specifications.)

However, to refresh, these two bikes are the most off-road capable scramblers in the market. Triumph wanted to draw on the inspiration of their exploits in the off-road racing scene, specifically to when Steve McQueen and Bud Ekins rode their Triumph TR6 Trophy to multiple victories in the grueling Baja 500 desert rally.

As such, the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 is “The Real Deal.”

But it isn’t just a Bonneville with long-travel suspension. Triumph engineered it from the contact patch up.

Both variants utilize fully-adjustable Öhlins rear shocks with piggy reservoirs. The XC’s shocks provide 200mm of travel. The XE’s on the other hand, provide 250mm of travel.

As such, while both variants are fully off-road capable, the XC variant is biased more towards road riding, while the XE is for extreme off-roading.

The engine is derived from the High-Power version found on the Thruxton. However, it has a “Scrambler tune” for a flatter and fatter torque curve. It produces 90 PS at 7,400 RPM and 110 Nm at a low 3,950 RPM.

Highlights:
  • 2ndgeneration TFT instrumentation.Housed in the classic-looking nacelle is a truly modern TFT display, which is fully customizable.
  • Up to 6 riding modes.Both XC and XE feature Sport, Road, Rain, Off-road, and rider customizable. However, the XE has an extra Off-road Pro mode.
  • Optimized Cornering ABS.The XE uses a Continental IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to provide the data for lean-angle-sensitive Cornering ABS. It means that the ABS system knows how much pressure and slip to apply depending when you are leaned over in a corner.
  • Optimized Cornering Traction Control.The IMU also enables lean-sensitive traction control.
  • World’s first integrated GoPro control system. This is an option which allows the rider direct control of his GoPro camera with taking his hand off the handlebar. It also means that the rider doesn’t have to second guess if the camera is turned on or off!
  • Turn-by-turn navigation system.Navigation system powered by Google. Fitted with the Bluetooth connectivity option, the direction to the desired is showed in the TFT display. Besides that, the rider also has a route planner and points of interest at his disposal.

The Scrambler 1200 XC is offered in Jet Black and Matt Black; Khaki Green; and Brooklands Green.

The Scrambler 1200 XE is offered in Fusion White and Brooklands Green; Cobalt Blue and Jet Black.

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