Yamaha has always transferred their MotoGP liveries to their motorcycles in many markets including Malaysia. That started long ago with the 135 LC, then the Y15ZR, YZF-R25 and now the YZF-R15 (R15).
The Monster Energy GP edition was launched in the UK on the YZF-R125 months ago and it was high time for our turn.
What makes it special this time is the Monster Energy livery which was replicated by enthusiasts on their own. It was said that the Monster Energy sponsorship in MotoGP was brought along by Valentino Rossi. The energy drink sponsored him since the Movistar days.
The bike is mechanically identical to the standard R15. We found the standard bike good enough already anyway, so there’s no sense in disturbing its equilibrium.
However, to those who’ve not ridden the R15, the upside-down forks, chassis and 155cc VVT engine produce a lively and entertaining ride. You could even knee down in corners if ridden well.
The recommended basic selling price is from RM12,618 (not including road tax, insurance and number plates).
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) launched the 2019 Yamaha 135 LC Special Edition (SE) today.
The SE has a special Knight Blu colour and graphics.
The 135 LC soldiers on despite being launched a number of years ago.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) launched the 2019 Yamaha 135 LC Special Edition (SE) today.
The 135 LC continues to be a popular model, despite being launched some seven years ago. The reasons for its longevity are its evergreen styling, reliability, quality and affordable pricing. Many had thought that the model will be phased out or fade into obscurity with the introduction of the Y15ZR, but that clearly isn’t the case.
How many times have we received our orders from Grab Food and Food Panda riders on new 135 LCs (especially ones in gray with yellow rims)? Yamaha dealers are moving them relatively quickly too and there’s always stock for one.
The bike has gone through a number of small revisions but mostly in special MotoGP colours.
But now, the 2019 135 LC SE features Knight Blu colour and graphics. Additionally, there are 135 LC logo graphics on the cast wheels. It’s one way for a model refresher.
Each buyer will receive a Yamaha stainless steel disc lock. HLYM recommends the selling price from RM 7,118 (basic selling price without road tax, insurance and number plates). The bike will be available from 20th September 2019.
The 2017 Yamaha YZF-R1M is the “special edition” R1.
It was among the very first bikes to incorporate the 6-axis IMU and Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension.
It was also among the first to feature comprehensive electronic settings.
The Yamaha YZF-R1 or in this case the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R1M seems to hold a special place in the hearts of sportbike enthusiasts in Malaysia.
Many other superbikes have come along to take bites out of this models’ pie since its introduction in 2015. So, how does it hold up against the competition?
Introduction to the Yamaha YZF-R1M
This is the third generation R1 which debuted in 2015. There are two variants: The “regular” YZF-R1 and the higher spec’ed YZF-R1M in this test.
Its styling was generally well-received, but the front proved to be controversial back then. While it followed Rossi’s bike (large space for a number plate), the headlamp placing was initially panned. But it’s grown on us since then.
Looking at it now, the rest of the bike does look kind of old school. Yes, 4 years is too many in sportbike terms. While the newer bikes have more smooth panels, the R1M’s consists of many angles and pieces, making it look busy. Its silhouette is nice though: Aggressive and distinctive.
But the R1M was the first Japanese superbike to feature electronically controlled… well, everything. Engine power modes, engine back torque, traction control, suspension settings as well as the detailed controls are all accessed through the TFT screen’s menus. Sorry, I can’t find the control to make a caramel latte.
Riding the Yamaha YZF-R1M
The engine fired up with an immense roar, as if it’s got an aftermarket exhaust. The engine also emitted loud sounds, but that’s probably attributed to the thin walled engine covers.
But before moving off, it’s time to go through the settings. There were 4 power levels (1 being the lowest), 4 TC levels (1 provides the most intervention), 2 quickshifter modes, 3 engine braking levels, 4 suspension modes. Choosing a power level also changes the settings (except suspension) by default. However, you could choose the power level to your liking while customing the other parameters to your liking.
As for setting the Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension, the first, marked A-1 (automatic-1) is the stiffest with the most damping, while A-4 is the softest. I chose A-4 for road riding.
Flip another page on the menu and you’ll find the suspension’s fine tuning. The best thing about the menu system is that it shows you where your starting point (after choosing the A level). If you reduce a parameter, the menu will show -1, up to -5, and vice versa. Awesome! This way, you don’t have to guess and go all bananas.
You can choose to set up the suspension manually and independent of the automatic settings too and save the settings in M-1, M-2 and M-3. There are 32 “click” to play with for each parameter just like those manual racing suspensions, but electronically.
Exiting the menus and back out the main screen, it shows all the pertinent data you’ll ever need. The top row shows your settings and you could change them on the fly. In ROAD mode, the screen displays speed in the middle. But if you switch to RACE mode, the speed display changes to a lap timer. Cool!
That’s 20 minutes gone just to set it up. Phew!
The seat was the tallest among all sportbikes even with the rear shock’s preload wound all the way out. The clip-ons were set low but reach to them was thankfully short, so you don’t look stretched out like roti canai dough.
I took a liking to the bike immediately.
Sat in the correct position (crotch about 2.5 cm/1 inch from the tank), the steering was light and didn’t feel like it needed herculean efforts to turn it. The fuel tank’s knee cut outs were right there where my knees were instead of being higher up.
The first gear was very long so I’d usually short-shift into second. Give it a fistful of gas and the bike just took off with one of the most beautiful soundtracks. Low down, it sounded like a V-Four but once the tach swung past 8,000 RPM it produced the V-Four roar mixed with an inline-Four wail. It’s one distinctive warble that no other bike produces.
That torque was the loveliest thing on this bike. Whereas certain inline-Four superbikes took time to accelerate from down low, the YZF-R1M took off like a missile homed in on its target. And that was in the lowest power level!
But even as speeds went well into triple digits, the bike stayed straight almost without a single weave. Most sportbikes will weave slightly since they were made to be super agile but the R1M stayed the course like it was on proverbial rails.
Yet, it was so easy to flick the bike over onto its side and making great use of the 200-section rear tyre. I credit that to the knee cutouts in the tank which enabled me to push my outside knee into it and help turn the bike. Additionally, the tank’s edges provided support for the forearms.
But again, the bike was super stable in midcorner. Choose your line, flick it in and throttle out. Done. It wasn’t only so in those long high-speed corners, for it exhibited the same kind of tenacity in slow corners going up Genting as well. Other bikes would push the front tyre in those slow hairpins but the R1M seems resolved to track through any corner.
This superb performance is credited to the Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension. It But that’s only half of the story as the YZF-R1M was among the very first motorcycles to incorporate the 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology. Data from the IMU is fed to the suspension’s control unit which monitors many parameters every few miliseconds and determines the best damping while braking, cornering and accelerating.
Thus, besides suspension control, the IMU data also serves the bike in terms of lean angle sensitive traction control (TCS), rear wheel slide control system (SCS), front lift control system (LIF) i.e. wheelie control, and launch control (LCS).
The tops of the tank’s knee cutouts were not far from the top my things and brace against them when I braked hard. They were absolutely perfect from my 167cm height, but I imagine those with long legs might find them a bit troublesome.
Speaking of braking, those calipers gripped like mad, despite not being the fangled Brembo. They’re not even monoblocs. I thought I was going to be thrown over the windshield the first time I clamped down with two fingers.
Verdict
The Yamaha YZF-R1M certainly changed the superbike game when it came out and still remains a powerhouse. 197 hp at 13,500 RPM and 112.4 Nm of torque is nothing to sneeze at!
The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M have been launched recently and we could only guess at how much better it would be!
The Yamaha XSR 155 was launched in Thailand recently.
It’s the neo classic model in Yamaha’s “155 family.”
It’s equipped with the 155cc VVA unit shared from the YZF-R15.
The Yamaha XSR 155 was just launched in Thailand to a rousing welcome.
It completes the “Yamaha 155” family which already includes the NVX (automatic scooter), Y15ZR, MT-15 naked bike and YZF-R15 sportbike.
As with its bigger brother the XSR 700 and XSR 900, the XSR 155 takes on the “neo classic” styling which combines modern and classic elements. Think round headlight and taillight, teardrop shaped fuel tank, ribbed bench seat (some call it the “bread loaf” seat”), megaphone exhaust. The seat features a tan-colour cover to lend an even more classic look. The exhaust heat shield is in perforated tommy gun style. The instrument cluster is round in shape. Finally, a tall handlebar completes the package.
Powering the XSR 155 is the 155cc liquid-cooled Single with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) from the YZF-R15. Yamaha didn’t fettle with it in any way thus the performance figures are 19 hp and 14.7 Nm of torque.
The engine is suspended in Yamaha’s signature Deltabox, while the front forks are upside-down. A monoshock takes care of rear end suspension duties.
The bike is priced at THB 91,500 (RM 12,363 as of 17thAugust). Plan on seeing the bike in Malaysia at the end of 2020, should Hong Leong Yamaha Motor chooses to assembled it locally.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) launched the limited edition Yamaha Y15ZR V2 Doxou and Yamaha NVX Doxou.
They were unveiled at the Yamaha Gen Blu Festival 2019.
The festival entered the Malaysian Book of Records with the largest number – 11,836 – of Yamaha motorcycles in one place.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) launched the limited edition Yamaha Y15ZR V2 Doxou and Yamaha NVX Doxou at the Yamaha Gen Blu Festival 2019. The festival also saw the biggest attendance of 11,836 Yamaha motorcycles in one place thereby earning a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records.
The Y15ZR V2 Doxou and NVX Doxou represent not only lines of limited edition motorcycles, but also a complete lifestyle. That’s because the Doxou family encompasses a complete collection of official apparel and merchandise.
Additionally, each owner receive exclusive premium gift set which consists of specially-designed Doxou headphones and keychain. But more importantly, he/she also receives an exclusive certificate inscribed with the specific bike’s chassis and engine numbers. Great collector’s item and resale value, eh?
The Y15ZR V2 Doxou is priced at RM 8,868 (selling price) and will be available from dealers beginning mid-August. Pricing and availability of the NVX Doxou will be announced at a later date.
Meanwhile, the Yamaha Gen Blue Festival 2019 was a huge success. Apart from seeing the largest get-together, there were also a wide array of activities for both Yamaha owners and their families.
The attendees came in through convoys organised in different regions of the country.
To begin, the Yamaha Gallery showcased the 40 years of HLYM’s electrifying growth and success in Malaysia.
Bikes displayed include legends that ruled the Malaysian roads such as the RX-100, RX-Z, SRZ110, TZM150, 125Z, before progressing to the new bikes. There were also race classic race bikes such as the YZF-750, TZ-250, YZR-500.
HLYM also set up test rides, a bike clinic, NVX Challenge race, special sale of merchandise besides parts and accessories.
There was also a hotly contested custom bike competition. It was divided into different categories. The entries were dazzling. There were YZF-R25s dressed up like superbikes, a YZF-R15 which looked exactly like a YZF-R1M complete with wide tyres and Akrapovic race exhaust, Y15ZRs that were completely kitted out; superbly restored RZ-350LC Eddie Lawson Edition; the list goes on and on.
Many vendors also made their presence, providing a whole range of products and services.
Lucky draws were carried out by Hong Leong Yamaha throughout the day. A lucky soul went home with the Grand Prize of an MT-09.
Don’t despair if you missed this great event. Be prepared for an even bigger one in 2020. (But first, look out for the HLYM Malaysian MotoGP convoy!)
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd (HLYM) memperkenalkan program Waranti Lanjutan sekaligus membenarkan pelanggan di Malaysia untuk menikmati perlindungan yang lebih lama.
Setiap pelanggan kini akan mendapat pertambahan perlindungan selama satu tahun di atas perlindungan sedia ada yang didatangkan ketika membeli motosikal. Program Waranti Lanjutan ini meliputi perlindungan sehingga dua tahun atau 20,000km (mana satu yang sampai dahulu).
Program ini hanya merangkumi motosikal yang berdaftar pada atau selepas 1 Julai 2019 – termasuk semua model Yamaha keluaran HLYM Malaysia.
“Langkah ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keyakinan pelanggan terhadap HLYM dan persaingan dalam industri permotoran Malaysia sekaligus menyuntik kesan positif terhadap pasaran keseluruhan,” demikian kenyataan dikeluarkan Pengarah Urusan HLYM, Dato Jim Khor.
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.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) held their 21st annual Yamaha Balik Kampung Road Safety Campaign over the last three days
Held in three separate locations, it seeks to remind and educate motorcyclists about road safety.
HLYM and other vendors also provided activities on road safety.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) held their 21st annual Yamaha Balik Kampung Road Safety Campaign over the last three days. The campaign was held in collaboration with the Malaysia Motorcycle and Scooter Dealers Association (MMSDA).
The campaign was held in three separate locations in Peninsular Malaysia, namely the Betaria Business Centre in Seremban, Perhentian Sebelah Petaling Jaya along the LDP highway, and Kompleks Sukan & Rekreasi Sony in Seberang Perai.
This year’s theme was “Tunggang Berhati-hati, Keluarga Tersayang Menanti” (Ride Safely, Your Loved Ones Await). It was a call to riding safely in view of the many road accidents and fatalities, especially during the festive season. It aims to nurture good road safety practices among local motorcyclist in line with the government’s aspiration is reducing road-user fatality rates.
Road safety messages were emphasized during the event through various activities. Taking part were the Yamaha Safety Riding School (YSRS) and Yamaha Safey Riding Science (YSRS). HLYM also performed 8-point safety checks for all motorcycles, regardless of brand. Also present was NGK Spark Plugs Malaysia Berhad who carried out spark plug safety check. Tyre education was provided by FKR Marketing Sdn. Bhd.
A total of 900 SIRIM-approved helmets were handed out by Aeon Credit and KHI Helmets Industries Sdn. Bhd. Safety vests were also provided by Pacific & Orient Insurance Co. Bhd.
HLYM also took the opportunity to introduce the “Yamaha Cares Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) logo.
The launch was officiated by YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, the Minister of Transport Malaysia; Dato’ Jim Khor, Managing Director HLYM; and Mr. Wee Hong, Chairman of MMSDA.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motors has initiated a recall for the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 and Yamaha XMAX.
The campaign covers the replacement of the brake lever.
It begins in mid-July, 2019.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motors has initiated a recall for the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R25 and Yamaha XMAX.
The recall involves replacing the brake lever as a safety precaution. The decision was made by Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. (i.e. Yamaha Japan). The campaign first began in the United States when dealers found a number of levers of the YZF-R3 snapping during hard braking.
Brittleness is usually associated with the presence of impurities in the metal during the casting process.
The Malaysian recall campaign will commence from mid-July onwards by region. Hong Leong Yamaha will strive to contact the owners of the affected bikes.
In the meantime, please refer to the table below for the range of chassis numbers involved.
The 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT brings many yet subtle revisions to the line-up.
Yet these revisions add to one great motorcycle.
It’s price is really difficult to ignore.
The 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT now wears the hallowed “GT” moniker.
GT stands for Gran Turismo, or Grand Touring in Italian. The GT name usually alludes to a sports car that is not only fast but coddles its occupants in great comfort. Best examples of GT are the Lamborghini Avantador, Ferrari F8, Porsche Turbo and those in the same ilk.
Well, looks like have to find out if the Tracer 900 GT is worthy of the designation, since Yamaha placed it as such, don’t we?
Introduction to the 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT
The model was unveiled in Malaysia earlier this year and it seems like its manufacturer listened to their customers’ feedback in making the 900 GT even better than its predecessor, the MT-09 Tracer.
So, while both bikes are almost identical in terms of styling, there are almost worlds apart when ridden. Sure, the inline-Triple CP3 engine sourced from the MT-09 is retained along with 115 hp and 87.5 Nm, as with the frame. However, the bike is almost completely new.
Highlights and revisions
The larger windscreen is now adjustable.
Cruise control.
Quick Shifter (upshifts only).
Cruise control.
Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display.
Swingarm extended by 60mm.
YCC-T ride by wire.
D-Mode engine power selector.
Switchable traction control system (TCS).
60 mm longer swingarm.
30 mm longer passenger footpegs.
Narrower handlebar.
LED lighting (except the turn signals).
Comfort seats.
Revised rider ergonomics.
Larger passenger grab bars.
Fully-adjustable forks.
New rear shock with remote preload adjuster.
New centre stand.
Riding impression
Again, the changes are subtle on paper, but they add up to a greater effect. The handlebar was first inkling of the changes when you climb on. It’s now only narrower but also moved back to meet the rider. The change gives the rider a slightly forward slant of the upper torso, putting more weight on the front end and feeling natural at the same time.
You now stare at a TFT screen instead of the previous yesteryear-looking LCD cluster. However, the size of the TFT on the Tracer 900 is rather small… especially for someone who’s getting older like me. Still, it’s a welcome change from the Super Tenere’s “TV screen.”
That’s because every aspect for performance, riding data and setup is carried out through the screen, through a new scroll thumb wheel on the right switch handlebar.
As for riding modes and TCS levels, you need to select your preferred combination before you start riding, because you can’t do so while the bike is on the fly. Instead, you have to stop the bike or coast in Neutral at low speeds to change the D-Mode. Bummer.
The three D-Modes are carried over from the MT-09 and MT-09 Tracer, providing a quick reaction to throttle movements. The acceleration was exhilarating and addicting, least to say, as you grab one gear and another using the quickshifter!
Such reactions used to be the biggest irritation for its forebears, but no longer!
The solution wasn’t in the throttle feel, but the suspension, instead. The rear shock is new and looks beefier than the old unit. It’s still adjustable for preload and rebound damping, but now it doesn’t pump and down through high-speed sweepers. Tuned correctly, the Tracer 900 GT is one of the nimblest bikes in the market.
My spouse takes on the role of backseat reviewer and ranked the seat’s comfort higher up the scale, plus the better-acting new rear shock.
Adding to the rear shock’s performance is the longer swingarm. Yes, it looks just like the one on the previous model but it was truly discernable when you ride it – 60 mm is rather a lot to miss! It provided a whole lot more straight-line stability but perhaps more importantly was allowing the bike to “finish the corners” much better now – cracking the throttle mid-turn didn’t sent the bike wide as a longer swingarm acts to keep more weight on the front tyre when the gas comes on.
The new windscreen truly worked. The material is clearer than its predecessor’s and the sides were designed to keep windblast off the rider’s chest yet allowing enough through to keep him cool.
Last but not least, the centrestand is a great addition. However, it turned out to also be the one point which we didn’t like most. It’s very wide at the base and grounded very quickly even before the footpeg feelers did.
Conclusion
It’s amazing what listening to your customers can yield. The 2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT is the perfect embodiment of such a strategy.
At just RM 58,800 (basic selling price) the bike offers a great value for money which cannot be ignored. It’ll take you to places you want to go while looking and sounding good.
In a nutshell, yes, the bike is worthy of the “GT” name.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. (HLYM) revealed the price of the 2019 Yamaha Y15ZR v2 today.
The recommended selling price is RM 8,168 (not inclusive of insurance, road tax and registration fee).
Certain dealers are taking deposits but do check to see when the bike will be available.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. (HLYM) revealed the price of the 2019 Yamaha Y15ZR v2 today. The pricing follows the launch about a fortnight ago.
HLYM recommended basic selling price is RM 8,168 (not inclusive of insurance, road tax and registration fee). Customers will receive a sturdy Yamaha disc lock with reminder cable, free-of-charge.
The highly anticipated v2 (for Version 2) replaces its predecessor, the Y15ZR. The v2 still uses the same 150cc high power engine. However, there are a number of important updates to extend the model’s lifeline.
New features are:
New streamlined headlamp design with LED lighting.
Fully digital speedometer.
Wider front tyre size (90/80-17) for better handling, especially around corners.
Hazard lamp and passing lamp.
New graphics.
The new Yamaha Y15ZR is offered in four exciting colours:
Striking Cyan.
Storm Blue.
Blazing Red.
Dynamid Gray.
Certain authorized dealers are already taking bookings. However, do check to see when the bikes will arrive. New Yamaha models are known to sell out even before they hit the dealerships!
