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  • Art of Speed (AOS) Malaysia traditionally holds lucky draws during their annual main event

  • The winner will walk away with a motorcycle, customized or stock

  • This year’s winner walked away with The Twinboss, a dual Yamaha RXZ-engined creation

Beautiful Machines, Sunway, Petaling Jaya, 20th September 2017 – Art of Speed (AOS) Malaysia presented lucky draw prize to the winner today.

Art of Speed (AOS) Malaysia have been organizing lucky draws on the final day of their amazing annual show.

Two years ago, the lucky walked away with a customized Triumph Bonneville, and last year’s winner went home with a new Triumph Street Twin.

Art of Speed celebrated its 6th annual show on the 29th and 30th July this year at MAEPS Serdang.

The bike on display during the Art of Speed Malaysia 2017

The process of determining the final starts with picking out three candidates via a lucky draw of ticket stubs during the weekend. A question is then directed at all three, and the candidate whose answer illicit the loudest cheer from the crowd is the winnder.

WIldman of MOONEYES applying pinstriping the tank

En. Mohd. Fadly bin Mohd. Zerain, 42, from Puncak Alam, Selangor won the prize this year.

Asep Ahmad (left) with the winner, Mohd. Fadly bin Mohd. Zerain

The prize is called “The Twinboss.” The bike is specially built around a pair of Yamaha RXZ 135cc, two-stroke engines, by FNG works. Fabrication of the frame, metal works and the rest of the tank and bodywork was performed by Beautiful Machines.

Twinboss’ builder, Irwann Cheng from FNG Works and Beautiful Machines’ owner, Rajay Singh were also present during the prize handover.

Twinboss’ builder, Irwann Cheng does a final shakedown run

The Twinboss specifications are:

  • Frame: Custom Special Construction (FEA tested)
  • Engine: Two Yamaha RXZ135
  • Exhaust: Made by Legend Racing Garage
  • Final Drivetrain: Chain
  • Front Wheel: 18″ alloy with Bridgestone safety tyre
  • Rear Wheel: 17″ alloy with Pirelli Slicks
  • Brakes: Dual piston disc brake (rear only)
  • Wiring: Custom
  • Primary Drive: Custom
  • Bodywork: Digger style. Tank and seat custom made by Beautiful Machines
  • Foot Control: Custom
  • Hand Control: Clip on handlebar with custom hidden throttle cable
  • Paintwork: By Slingshot
  • Pinstripe: Wildman, MOONEYES Japan
The Twinboss’ twin Yamaha RXZ engines

Also during the prize presentation, Asep Ahmad announced that Art of Speed will be touring under the name of “Gasolina Tour 2017”. Gasolina Tour 2017 will be held both as standalone and in support of local organizers to create quality content for their own community events.

Gasolina Tour 2017’s first stop was at the Port Dickson Bike Fest on 9 September and then Kelantan for the collaborative event called Speed Demon in conjunction with the Rugged Rachun Ride event organized by Rachun MC at Irama Beach, Bachok on 16 & 17 Sept 2017. Art of Speed Racing Division had also competed in the race. AOS also pick their AOS2018 VIP GUEST (AOS PICK) award at both events. AOS will then be heading to Johor to assist Leftee Works to co-host the annual global charity ride; the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride on the 24th September.

November will AOS invading Puteri Harbour in Johor as we participate in the yearly Iskarnival IP Kool Festival. The 5th Annual Art of Speed Johor will be bigger, better show with amazing content for bikers and car enthusiast at the three-day festival on the 24th, 25th and 26th November.

AOS will be heading to Japan to fulfill an invitation to attend the 26th Annual Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2017 on 3rd December. This year’s edition will see 20 participants from Malaysia & Indonesia taking part in the trip organized by AOS. More information about Gasolina Tour 2017 and our activities can be found on Art of Speed Malaysia’s social media pages on Facebook & Instagram.

PICTURE GALLERY

CMC Ario 110 & Italjet Buccaneer 250i launched!

Chear Global Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of CMC motorcycles here in Malaysia has just introduced their latest 2017 CMC Ario 110 moped and CMC Italjet Buccaneer 250i cafe racer. The launch was made at the ELITE Speedway Karting Circuit in Subang Jaya, Selangor earlier this morning.

Focusing on elevating their presence in the country’s motorcycle market especially the modern classic and lifestyle bikes, the two new additions have been designed to offer superb styling at affordable prices.

2017 CMC Ario 110 – RM3,988 (basic price without GST)

The new 2017 Ario 110 has been targeted to penetrate the ever growing demand for a good low capacity moped here in Malaysia.

According to Mr Leong King Choon, COO of CMC Motorcycles Malaysia, “We are excited to have a product of good design and superior performance in its class to offer the riding community and at an affordable price tag too.”

Their latest moped option is powered by a 107cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, Euro3-compliant engine that produces 6.4hp at 7,500rpm and 7Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. CMC claims that their new Ario 110 is able to reach a maximum speed of 110km/h which is perfect for Malaysian highways and law-abiding citizens.

With a weight of 107kg, the Ario 110 promises great fuel economy which has been paired with its small but sufficient 4-litre fuel tank. Other specs include front telescopic fork, rear hydraulic coil spring and a braking package which consists of a front disc abd rear drum setup.

The 2017 Ario 110 is priced at RM3,988 (basic price without GST). There are two colours available; Metallic Red and Black.

2017 CMC Italjet Buccaneer 250i – RM15,500 (basic price without GST)

Together with the new CMC moped, the 2017 Italjet Buccaneer 250i cafe racer joined in the launch as well. With a very distinctive and beautiful design, we think will catch on with the modern classic motorcycle enthusiasts here in Malaysia.

“The cafe racer motorcycle remains hugely popular till today and in fact over the past few years has made a comeback, as many distributors are joining the bandwagon by offering models of similar design.”

The most interesting feature of the 2017 Italjet Buccaneer 250i has to be its 250cc, 60-degree V-twin, fuel-injected engine which churns out a respectable 17.4hp at 8,000rpm and 19Nm of torque at 6,000rpm.

The fuel tank is not only beautifully designed but also able to carry 14 litres of fuel. This means that the 2017 Italjet Buccaneer 250i is able to cover quite a distance before having to stop for a refuel.

All that power is transferred down to its rear 15-inch spoke wheel via a 5-speed manual transmission with a final chain drive setup.

The suspension package consists of a front telescopic fork and a rear monoshock system together with all-round disc brakes (280mm front, 240mm rear) for a controlled and smooth riding experience.

Those interested in getting a 2017 CMC Italjet Buccaneer 250i of your very own, it is priced at an impressive RM15,500 (basic price without GST). Three colour options are available; Yellow Gold, Black and Matte Black.

To know more about the new CMC bikes, head on over to www.cmcmotorcycles.com.my.

PICTURE GALLERY

Hard Rock Cafe Penang is running a lucky draw contest called the ‘Rock N Ride’ where the ultimate giveaway is a 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber worth RM74,990!

Each person who spends a minimum of RM250 at the Hard Rock Cafe Penang is entitled for one entry in the lucky draw.

The ‘Rock N Ride’ contest ends 14 December 2017 and the lucky draw will commence on 15 December 2017. Other prizes include a few nights stay at Casa Del Mar Langkawi and Hard Rock Hotel Penang.

You read the title right, ladies and gentlemen. Hard Rock Cafe Penang is running a very special contest dubbed the ‘Rock N Ride’ where the grand prize winner will walk away with the beautiful 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber worth RM74,990. (more…)

Our Funny Biker Stories series kicks off with this writer’s personal experience.

As long as you’ve met up with your biker buddies and other bikers, there are sure to be exchanges of motorcycling experiences. They range from the most interesting to the scariest, the most mundane to the funniest. But it’s usually the funniest stories that stay with us.

I’ve just taken hold of the Ninja 250R. Been away from motorcycling for 15 years and OH BOY, was I excited to be riding again.

The salesperson did a quick once-over about the bike but my mind was already tracing a route up Ulu Yam: Press this to… yeah yeah, shift pattern is… whatever, break-in procedure… okay okay.

I just wanted him to shoo off so that I could ride!

He eventually left after 3 long, agonising minutes. I started the bike up even before the needles swung back fully and clacked into first gear. The engine promptly cut out.

I shifted back to N, saw the green light and started again. Clacked into first and the engine died again.

Repeated for the third time. Same. What the….

I stomped back into the dealership. My voice went from a stock exhaust on an inline-Four to a Harley with straight pipes without silencer, yelling baby-making allegories at 8,000 RPM.

Said sales guys hurried to the bike. He got on, started it up, clicked into first, gave the throttle a couple of blips and rode off.

He came back around and I got back on. I started the bike, clicked into first and again, the engine flamed out. I gave him the “I’ll kill you and everyone you know” look.

He coolly said, “Please start again but don’t shift into first.”

I started the engine. And he kicked up the sidestand. “Now shift into first,” he said.

Oh yeah, the engine was alive.

“Sidestand,” he said. With that, he turned around and strode into the shop.

Ohhh.

(Up to that point, my habit had always been start, first gear in, sidestand up. I wasn’t aware of the advent of the sidestand safety switch while I was away.)

  • The Kawasaki Test Ride Roadshow “Always Close to You” visits Plaza Angsana, Johor Bahru from 22nd to 24th September 2017

  • Test ride the latest Versys-X 250, Versys 650 ABS, Z650 ABS, Ninja 650 ABS, Z900 Special Edition (ABS)

  • Kawasaki owners can have their bikes serviced by professionally trained Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre personnel

The Kawasaki Test Ride Roadshow – called Always Close to You – visits Johore from 22nd to 24th September 2017 and here’s the perfect opportunity for Johoreans and those in the southern regions to test ride your dream Kawasaki.

To be held at the Plaza Angsana, Johor Bharu parking lot from from 10am to 6pm, Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) (KMSB) will organize a whole host of activities for everyone to have a good time, as with Kawasaki’s tagline – Let The Good Times Roll.

The main attraction will of course be the test rides, and KMSB will prepare their latest motorcycles for the program, including the Versys-X 250, Versys 650 ABS, Z650 ABS, Ninja 650 ABS, and Z900 Special Edition ABS. The test rides will highlight the performance, handling, comfort and versatility of these models. Visitors are sure to find one (or two, or all of them) which suits his/her personality.

Participants of the test ride will receive a lucky draw coupon each to stand a chance to win exciting prizes.

Apart from the test rides, KMSB will also display the Ninja ZX-10R WSBK Replica, the bike which had won the 2013, 2015 and 2016 World Superbike Championship titles. (Kawasaki may well be on their way to another WSBK title in 2017.) The world’s fastest production motorcycle, the supercharged Kawasaki H2 will the ZX-10R’s company.

Existing Kawasaki superbike owners will also enjoy the exclusive opportunity to have their pride and joy inspected and serviced by trained Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre (KESC) personnel.

Other than KMSB’s activities, representatives from Shoei helmets, Alpinestars riding gear, and Bridgestone tyres will put up their latest products on show. AEON Credit Service and Tokio Marine Insurance will be present as well to provide consultation should you fall in love with a bike you’ve just test rode.

The Kawasaki Test Ride Roadshow has come a long way since its start in May this year (click here to read about the first show). You may also check out KMSB’s Facebook page (click here) and website (click here) for more information.

  • Many countries in the world seek to stop producing petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040, latest

  • India, along with Norway take the charge to achieve by 2025

  • Malaysia targets phased electrification by 2030

Two months ago, the world’s automotive industry was rocked by the news of the UK government seeking to ban new petrol and diesel vehicles beginning 2040.

France, and cities such Madrid, Mexico City and Athens have also announced the same, while Scotland seeks to phase out internal combustion engines on their roads by 2032. Norway will transition to fully electric by 2025. China, the world’s largest auto producer (30 percent of the world’s cars), is considering a similar move.

Charging stations in Oslo, Norway

But it is India’s manufacturers – Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, TVS Motor, Mahindra Two Wheelers, Yamaha, and Bajaj Auto –  who are pushing hard to introduce mainstreams electric motorcycles by 2018, ahead of the country’s ambitious 2030 deadline.

Hero Photon

India is currently the largest market for motorcycles, with 17 million sold in 2016. Electric motorcycles (including scooters) however, only sold 4,500,00 in the past eight years.

The biggest hurdle for electric motorcycles is the very thing that gives it mobility – the battery. Lead acid batteries are widely available and inexpensive but they have shorter lifespans and take longer to charge, as opposed to lithium-ion batteries. However, li-ion batteries are expensive.

“It will take some time for electric cars to be sold en masse,” said Sohinder Gill, Director of Society of Electric Vehicles. “With cost of li-ion batteries coming down, performance has improved and more manufacturers have started work in the segment, which will give more choices to the consumer.”

Battery packs in a Brammo

Other than the cost, driven up the price of li-ion batteries, consumers will also face the lack of public charging stations. As such, TVS Motor will offer both hybrid and fully electric options.

Honda and Yamaha have been selling electric motorcycles outside of India, and are seeking to lower costs and ensure adequate infrastructure to support. Honda has been investing in electric vehicles for the last two decades.

Honda RC-E

How about us Malaysia?

Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said in April that Malaysia is moving towards becoming the marketing hub for electric vehicles. The ministry targets electrifying 100,000 cars, 100 motorcycles, 2,000 buses and the installation of 125,000 charging stations by 2030.

Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili

That means our nation’s vehicles will not be fully electric by 2030, if everything goes to plan. Implementation will most likely begin in urban and built-up areas.

Typical charging station in a shopping mall parking

In the meantime, Treelektrik is marketing the T-90 electric scooter in Malaysia. Buyers can choose between lead-acid or lithium-ion battery. Click here for more details on the Treelektrik and other fuel efficient motorcycles.

Treelektrik T-90

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