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Going the Distance for Love – Not!

A man had his motorcycle confiscated in a roadblock.
He had ridden 200km to visit his fiancée.
He was riding without a license and his bike had “fancy” number plates.

Love makes us do silly things, does it not?

A man’s desire to visit his fiancée saw him willing to ride more than 200 kilometres but was stopped just short of his destination.

The 22-year-old man who works as a mechanic was stopped in a joint-forces roadblock at the Alor Gajah-Melaka-Jasin road.

Director of Melaka Road Transport Department (better known as Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan – JPJ) Muhammad Firdaus Shariff told Harian Metro that his officers found found the mechanic had ridden without a valid license and his Yamaha Y15ZR was using “fancy” number plates. When queried, he told the officers that he was on his way to visit his fiancée.

The JPJ then confiscated the motorcycle.

The Director also revealed that the massive joint operation inspected 654 vehicles, and a total of 389 summonses were issued. The sting consisted of 146 JPJ, Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Royal Customs Department, Immigration Department, Road Safety Department and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Back to the question: How far are you willing to go for love? Have you ridden out in the middle of the night just because of your loved one merajuk (is sulking)?

Piaggio Loses Intellectual Property Case Against Zhejiang Zhongneng

Piaggio lost their Intellectual property case against Zhejiang Zhongneng (marketed as Znen).
The Italian manufacturer claimed that one of the Znen scooters copied the Vespa LX.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office didn’t think so.

It’s an understatement to say that many of Chinese motorcycle manufacturers blatantly infringe upon the intellectual properties of others, although a number are moving in their own direction. Such was the case of Piaggio & C. SpA versus Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group Co. Ltd.

Piaggio accused Zhejiang Zhongneng of copying the Vespa LX and brought the case to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

The Italian manufacturer stated that they have been in business since 1945, while the Chinese company started producing their line of scooters since 2005 (marketed as Znen). As such, the former was cited for imitating the LX’s lines in their product.

The EUIPO didn’t see it that way, however. They stated that it’s easy to distinguish between the two scooters. The Vespa LX’s classic lines are curved, while Zhejiang Zhongneng’s F9 are more boxy in appearance, hence there’s no mistaking one for the other.

Consequently, the court dismissed Piaggio’s claim as it would mean that the Chinese manufacturer did not infringe upon Piaggio’s intellectual property.

Check out the Znen’s website here. The disputed model isn’t listed anymore. The case had been pending since 2014, anyway.

Truth is, all modern step-through scooters were influenced by the Vespa. It was the brand which featured a bodywork which covers all the mechanicals. The designer did so to isolate the rider from being splashed by water, dirt and oils from the engine.

Two Students Invent Fingerprint Bike Starter

Two teen students invent a fingerprint bike starter system due to high cases of motorcycle theft.
Instead of a key, the owner’s registered fingerprint is required to start the bike.
It was a final year project for the two college students.

Two teen students invent a fingerprint bike starter system due to high cases of motorcycle theft.

The two 19-year-old students of Kolej Vokasional Bachok (Bachok Vocational College) Wan Amiruddin Wan Amran and Adeeb Aideen Mat Yusof built the system for their final year project in their Electronics Technology Diploma course.

Speaking to Harian Metro, Wan Amiruddin said that it took them six months to produce the system including building the prototype and testing it on a motorcycle.

The system can be installed in both motorcycles and cars.

Current motorcycle starter systems (those without chips embedded in keys) can easily be accessed by thieves. Thieves only need to twist the lock to start position and press the starter button.

Wan Amiruddin and Adeeb Aideen – Photo credit Nor Amalina Alias for Harian Metro

On the other hand, the fingerprint system requires fingerprint identification in order to allow the engine to be started.

The system uses the open source Arduino software which can include voice recognition and LCD display. The fingerprint scanner was imported from overseas. It’s attached directly to the engine without a need for an external battery source or charging.

The students said that they have already received orders from the collegemates and lecturers. They will also register the device’s intellectual property soon.

Source: Harian Metro

Modenas Pulsar NS160 and Modenas Kriss MR3 Launched

The Modenas Pulsar NS160 and Modenas Kriss MR3 were launched today.
The Pulsar NS160 shares the same frame with the NS200, compared to the Pulsar 150.
The Kriss MR3 continues with the Kriss MR2’s success.

The Modenas Pulsar NS160 and Modenas Kriss MR3 were launched today.

Both bikes expand Modenas’s offerings in the Malaysian lightweight motorcycle market, giving buyers more choices.

Modenas Pulsar NS160 (from RM7,577)

The Modenas Pulsar NS160 is the upgrade from the Pulsar 150. It shares styling elements of the NS200, apart from its narrower tyres, 240mm front brake disc, and engine.

Its 160cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine delivers 14.8hp and 14Nm of torque. That power is channelled through a five-speed transmission. The engine is secured to a perimeter frame from the Pulsar NS200.

The chassis consist of telescopic front forks and a gas-charged monoshock at the back. The split five-spoke wheels are mounted with 80/100 front and 110/80 rear tyres. Disc brakes handle braking on both ends and is supplemented with a single-channel ABS.

The Pulsar NS160 is seen as the entry level model, compared to the NS200. It offers better affordability in the naked style of the Pulsar NS200. It may prove to handle better and nimbler than the NS200 due to its lighter weight, while still retaining the Pulsar NS200’s chassis. Modenas brands the model as the obvious upgrade from kapchais.

Modenas targets to sell at least 1,500 units of the Pulsar NS160.

Highlights:

Four-stroke, 160cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, fuel-injected, SOHC engine, with Digital Triple Spark Ignition (DTSi).
Fuel-injection system is supplied by Bosch.
The engine produces 14.8hp (11.05kW) at 8,500 RPM and 14Nm.
5-speed gearbox.
Nitrox gas-charged rear shock.
LED lighting for headlights and turn signals.

The bike will be available from October 2019 and is priced from RM7,577.

Modenas Kriss MR3 110 (from RM3,377)

The Modenas Kriss MR3 continues the success of the Kriss MR2. “MR” stands for “motosikal rakyat” or “people’s motorcycle.”

The model is designed to be affordable by a larger portion of motorcyclists, enabling to have their own transportation.

Highlights:

Certified as an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV).
110cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
It produces 4.7hp at 8,000 RPM.
Telescopic forks and twin rear shocks.
Sport headlamp and tail lamp designs.
4.2-litre fuel tank.
Up to 200km range.

It is available at dealers from October 2019 and priced from RM3,377.

KTM Adds GasGas to Portfolio

KTM has inked a joint venture with Spanish manufacturer GasGas.
The cooperation will see the co-development of trials, enduro and electric bikes in Spain.
While GasGas is predominantly known as a trials manufacturer, they manufacturer other offroad bikes as well.

KTM has inked a joint venture with Spanish manufacturer GasGas.

The deal was inked between KTM Industries AG and Black Toro Capital, the owners of GasGas Motorcycles.

The cooperation will see the co-development of trials, enduro and electric bikes in Spain. The press release also stated that production of GasGas bikes and Torot electric vehicles will continue in Girona, Spain. GaGas will also benefit from KTM’s extensive sales and distribution network.

KTM will have three brands under their umbrella i.e. KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas. However, the joint venture is subject to antitrust authorities’ approval.

Earlier, it was announced that KTM Industries Group will be known as the Pierer Mobility Group in the future. KTM is now Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. Besides owning Husqvarna and the possibility of GasGas soon, the group also owns WP Suspension.

On the other hand, GasGas specializes in offroad motorcycles since their inception in 1985. Their first bike was a trials bike in 1985, followed by enduro and motocross bikes in 1989, before adding quads to their model line-up in 2002.

Since then, they are predominantly known as a trials bike manufacturer when Jordi Tarrés won three successive world trials championships in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

Additionally, they won the Trial Outdoor World Championship in 2005 and 2006 with Adam Raga. Raga also took the Trial Indoor World Championship in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

While they’ve made a name in trials, the company was also successful in enduro events. Paul Edmonson won two World Enduro Championships – the 125cc title in 1994 and 250cc title in 1996. Petteri Silvan then won the 250cc championship in 1999, followed by Petri Pohiamo in the 125cc class in 2003.

Rimba Raid 2020 at Mat Daling is Set

Rimba Raid 2020 is set to be held at Mat Daling from 24^thto 26^thJuly 2020.
The route is between 360 to 420 km.
The number of spots for competitors has grown to a total of 230.

Mark your calendars – Rimba Raid 2020 is set to be held at Mat Daling from 24^thto 26^thJuly 2020.

Details are scant at the moment, but here’s what we gathered from Rimba Raid’s official Facebook page:

ROUTE

360 to 420km route consisting mostly of jungles.
10% of consists of plantations with a mix of medium- and high-speed sections.
10% are technical but unlike Green Hell in Janda Baik.

DURATION

Day 1 for scrutineering.
Day 2 for race to Mat Daling.
Day 3 for a race to a yet determined venue.
Day 4 event ends.

NAVIGATION

Electronic roadbooks issued on GIVI mounts and brackets.
Secondary navigation tool are GPS units supplied by competitors themselves. This is mandatory.

CHANGE OF ELIGIBLE BIKES

Class C will be dropped.
An Enduro Rally Class consisting of Open to singles 250cc above will replace Class C.
FEs (four-stroke enduros) and TPIs (two-stroke transfer port injection) are eligible but subject to certain conditions.
Roadgoing trail bikes such as the Honda CRF-L, Kawasaki KLX, Suzuki DR can be fitted with bigger fuel tanks and other modifications.
Pure enduro bikes must be in near-stock configuration with standard fuel tanks (exhaust and suspension mods are acceptable).

ENTRY DETAILS

Entry fee will be announced later.

NUMBER OF COMPETITORS

Class A – 100
Class B – 30
Enduro Rally – 100

Rimba Raid has definitely gone from a hobby event to a full-fledged competition on the motorsport calendar. The number of competitors has grown tremendously and is attracting more and more overseas riders. However, Malaysian riders still hold the title as “Kings of the Jungle” up to this year’s event.

Rimba Raid could also be seen as the breeding ground for talent. Recently, the three members of the Malaysian team in team BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy had competed in Rimba Raid.

So, do join Rimba Raid and bring your family along to witness some of the best off-road action.