The 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has been revealed. Kawasaki revised its looks and added some new features to make it an even better value for money.
The biggest news is of course the new 4.3-inch TFT screen. But it is not just a pretty screen as it includes features that could be found on bigger (read: more expensive) bikes. There is the auto contrast feature; Bluetooth connectivity for music and phone calls; GPS navigation via connection to a phone app; and thankfully a gear position indicator.
Also new are the LED headlamps. Kawasaki also revised the fairing to match that of the Ninja 400 and Ninja ZX-6R, for a more familial resemblance.
Since the Ninja 650 is considered a beginners bike and would be used for basically everything, the manufacturer revised the passenger’s seat, too.
Last but not least, there are now sportier graphics, no doubt inspired by the World Superbike race team. The manufacturer and team are still flush from winning their fifth consecutive WorldSBK title.
The engine was left alone. The 648cc, DOHC, parallel-twin still produces 67 bhp and 66 Nm of torque. It still has plenty of low-RPM and midrange punch.
Hafizh Syahrin revealed that he will not have a salary while racing in Moto2 in 2020.
He now needs to look for sponsors to help with flight tickets, lodging and training.
The Angel Nieto Team targets a top five finish for Hafizh.
Just after we published the story about Hafizh Syahrin returning to the Moto2 category with the Angel Nieto Team in 2020, a reader alerted us that the rider will be racing without a salary.
Instead, Hafizh will be paid an incentive every time he achieves a podium result. The team set a top five target for the Malaysian, judging by his previous experience and exploits in the class. He had finished in the top six in the 2016 and 2017 seasons before being tapped for MotoGP.
The rider revealed his desire to keep pushing for the best despite riding without a salary during a press conference yesterday.
“I do not know the cost at the moment. I need to look for sponsors to pay for the flight tickets, lodging and training while overseas.”
Hafizh also thanked Sepang International Circuit CEO, Dato’ Razlan Razali for being the most helpful individual during his struggles at the Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Racing team. He also revealed that there could be a MotoGP slot the following year should he finish in the top five.
Also for the first time, he also told the assembled press about his frustration with KTM and the RC16.
“My machine package was very different to my teammate Miguel Oliveira’s. I did not receive what was promised by the team. I was using an engine from the early season that was not upgraded at all.,” he said.
It was a bitter pill for the rider who lost out the 2018 MotoGP Rookie title by just 4 points to Franco Morbidelli who in turn was the 2017 Moto2 champion.
The march of technology impacts motorcycles directly.
Future motorcycles will be better, faster and safer.
It goes without saying that motorcycles and anything motorcycle-related will keep improving. The relentless march of technology is brought on by the relentless need to outdo the competition and sell more bikes, driven by the relentless appetite of riders.
Many years ago, no one could even fathom the thought of ABS or traction control. Now we have lean-angle sensitive ABS and traction control.
Let’s take a look at what we can expect in the near future and leave the concepts out.
1. More power, better control
Bikes will become more and more powerful. It’s demanded by customers everywhere, no matter how you cut it. But gone are the days when power outstripped the bike’s ability to control it. Bikes will have better chassis, brakes, tyres. Carbon brakes on the road? Bring it on!
While only Honda equipped certain models in the past, almost all manufacturers are equipping their bikes with this tech. The application of VVT/VVL applies to sportbikes, sport tourers, dual-sport bikes, tourer and even scooters these days. The tech hasn’t found industry-wide application for more bikes yet but ever-toughening emissions regulations will push VVT/VVL to the fore.
BMW Shift Cam engine
3. Supercharger/turbo
Only Kawasaki is utilising the supercharger at the moment but it might just become widespread. Again, to overcome emission requirements, forced induction is one sure way to overcome loss of power. Forcing in more air results in cleaner emissions. Cars and trucks are already doing this. The biggest factor is cost, of course. Supercharging and turbocharging requires complex support systems and materials.
H2R’s supercharger
4. All-wheel drive
Driving both wheels for optimum traction isn’t a new concept. What has kept manufacturers away is cost and the weight penalty. But as materials can be made lighter and stronger (enter 3D printing), it could be applied sooner than one would think.
Homemade all-wheel drive system – Photo credit newatlas.com
5. Self-riding motorcycles
As traffic picks up the world over and increases traffic jams and the chances of accidents, future motorcycles will form a part of a network of vehicles. This idea is being pursued seriously by many manufacturers and technology firms as we speak. The vehicles will communicate with each other and a network. The network will determine the best course of action and regulates traffic flow. Look out for the introduction when 5G networks are up and fully operational.
6. Smart helmets
Some of these are already here. They integrate data such as speed, RPM, heading, among others. It’s hoped that they avoid needing the rider to look down at the instrument panel and keep their eyes on the road at all times.
7. Electric/hybrid motorcycles
This is inevitable. Even Ducati’s CEO said that the future is electric. There are already a (small) number of electric bikes but they are expensive at the moment. There’s also the concern about charging infrastructure, charging times and battery longevity and safety, not the least. But battery technology as well as the electronics governing them are progressing quickly.
Anyway, some current electric bikes are already as fast if not faster than petro-powered bikes.
8. Better electronics
It would seem that current electronics have reach their zenith. Think about it: The aforementioned ABS and traction control, in addition to ride modes, wheelie control, engine braking control, quickshifter, rear wheel lift mitigation, slide control, electronically-controlled suspension, etc. etc. But don’t be surprised that there will be more. At the moment, the systems will react faster given the increasing computing power.
Hafizh Syahrin will join the Angel Nieto team for Moto2 in 2020.
He will partner current Moto3 title contender Aron Canet.
The team hasn’t announced which chassis will they be running.
Hafizh Syahrin fans and Malaysians can breathe a sigh of relief as the rider will join the Angel Nieto Team for the Moto2 championship in 2020.
The announcement was made today.
Hafizh will partner Spanish rider and current Moto3 title contender Aron Canet, who will move up to the intermediate class.
The Malaysian began his world championship career in Moto2. He joined as a wildcard in 2011 before progressing to become a full-time rider in 2014. He showed a steady progress from that point, achieving a number of podiums and finished in the Top Ten in 2016 and 2017.
He received the call from Tech 3 Yamaha’s boss Herve Poncharal to join the MotoGP team in 2018, replacing Jonas Folger who was afflicted with an illness. He progressed well and was in contention for the MotoGP Rookie title until a couple of unfortunate crashes saw Franco Morbidelli clinch the title instead.
Hafizh moved together with the Tech 3 team when they migrated to KTM. Unfortunately, he found it difficult to adapt to the KTM RC16 as did his ex-Tech 3 teammate and two-time Moto2 champion Johann Zarco. KTM announced bringing in Brad Binder to replace Hafizh in 2020, midway through the season. Zarco, on the other hand, pleaded for the team to rescind his 2020 contract. He was then removed from the team for the remainder of the 2019 season.
Although Hafizh spent a number of seasons in Moto2, he will find himself returning to bikes with different engine (Triumph) and chassis. The team didn’t announce which chassis will the opt for, since KTM will pull out of the 2020 Moto2 season.
There are four new colours for the 2019 Yamaha Ego Avantiz.
The model has been sold since 2016.
It continues to be popular among Malaysia motorcyclists.
Mention the name “Yamaha” in the small motorcycle segment and the Ysuku (Y15ZR) is the first model that comes to mind. Truth is, other models sell just as well. That’s why Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has just rolled out new colours for the 2019 Yamaha Ego Altiz.
Launched in 2016, the Ego Avantiz is the most popular twist-and-go scooter in its segment despite the onslaught of competitors.
The Yamaha is powered by a 125cc, air-cooled, SOHC engine which utilises Yamaha’s Blue Core set of solutions for optimum operational. The criteria include efficiency in cooling, low friction and lubrication. Consequently, the engine produces more power and torque while minimising fuel consumption and emissions.
Yamaha scooters always feature lots of storage space and the Ego Avantiz has a 14-litre underseat storage capacity.
Additionally, this model pioneered the use of LED headlamps and taillamp in its segment.
More importantly, the bike has a low seat height, making it accessible to anyone. But most important of all is its very affordable price.
So, it’s easy to see why the bike is still popular among Malaysian motorcyclists. As such, HLYM introduced four new colours for the 2019 Yamaha Ego Avantiz.
They are Blue, Cyan, Grey and Red. Pricing remains unchanged at RM 5,536 (basic sales price and not on-the-road). They will be available from this month onwards.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia rolled out exclusive aftersales programmes.
They are called Engine Oil Inclusive, Service Inclusive and Warranty Extension.
They offer BMW owners a complete peace of mind.
BMW Motorrad Malaysia introduced three new aftersales care programmes called Engine Oil Inclusive, Service Inclusive and Warranty Extension. The programmes cover new and existing BMW motorcycle customers in Malaysia.
BMW Motorrad Engine Oil Inclusive
This first ever Engine Oil Inclusive programme has two options i.e. three years (or 30,000KM) or five years (or 50,000KM). The programme offers regular engine oil services which also includes BMW ADVANTEC genuine oil and filter replacement for all new and registered BMW motorcycles dated under 10 years from first registration. The maintenance history of the motorcycles should be in accordance to the recommended service intervals and performed at authorised BMW Motorrad dealerships in the country for the programme to be valid.
BMW Motorrad Service Inclusive
The BMW Motorrad Service Inclusive programme offers an additional PLUS over and above the BMW Motorrad Engine Oil Inclusive programme. With Service Inclusive, customers are covered in terms of Valve Clearance Check, Fork Oil Check, Transmission Oil Change, Spark Plug replacement, Brake Fluid Change, Air Filter Change, CVT Belt Replacement, Fuel Filter Change and Rear Axle Oil Change.
Programme options are also over a period of three years (or 30,000KM) or five years (or 50,000KM), and is also available for BMW motorcycles under 10 years from its date of first registration. Prior maintenance history of the motorcycle should also be in accordance to the recommended service intervals and performed at authorised BMW Motorrad dealerships.
BMW Motorrad Warranty Extension
The BMW Motorrad Warranty Extension programme offers an added extension of the manufacturer’s warranty after the expiration of the statutory warranty period, including corrective work repairs with BMW genuine parts.
The add-on programme can be purchased as an additional one-year or two-year package above and beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, which was raised to a standard of three years for BMW motorcycles registered from January 1st, 2019.
The programme is available on offer for new and registered motorcycles dated 90 days from its first registration, but excludes the BMW Motorrad offering of the Roadside Assistance programme introduced earlier this year.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “A complete peace of mind ownership experience is the key to premium expression of a vehicle from the BMW Group. It is also how we differentiate ourselves to create value for our customers in the premium automotive industry.”
Hoelzl added that the ownership experience beyond the purchase of the vehicle is as important as the moment of truth in the purchasing decision process. He said, “This is the very reason we have the best ownership experience in the industry, from the best service and warranty programme to the best customer experience programme which can be seen in our monthly Net Promoter Scores (NPS).”
Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia said, “The new programmes are firsts in the Premium Motorcycle industry here in Malaysia.They are backed by the same standards we have for BMW Motorrad worldwide and are on offer at all our authorised BMW Motorrad dealerships. The aim here is to look after our customers in all the areas of maintenance so that they can simply Make Life a Ride!”
Recommended Retail Pricing for the First-Ever Service and Warranty Extension programmes are as per the attached price list. All programmes are also eligible to be financed completely from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.
