Didi Resources, the official distributor of Moto Guzzi and other Piaggio brands here in Malaysia (Vespa & Aprilia) is looking into expanding its business in the lifestyle department. Our recent outing to the IOI City Mall in Putrajaya saw that a Moto Guzzi lifestyle store will be opening soon at the shopping complex. (more…)
Ever dreamed about owning your own Moto Guzzi? Well, now you can with the Moto Guzzi Ride-Now-Pay-Later campaign.
Moto Guzzi Malaysia, through the official Malaysian distributor Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd. offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride away with that Guzzi you’ve been lusting after.
Those eligible can ride a Moto Guzzi motorcycle absolutely free for up to 6 months. That sounds like a great way to ride the bike to your favourite destinations with the money saved. Terms and conditions apply, of course.
The brand offers premium modern classic Italian bikes ranging from standards to café racers to the latest V85TT dual-sport (although not included in the promotion) model.
This special promotion is effect from 15th June to 31st August 2019. The motorcycle must be registered by 31st August 2019.
Participating dealers are as follows:
Buying a motorcycle is one of life’s greatest pleasures. A motorcycle represents freedom, but in the modern sense that usually means freedom from getting stuck in traffic, freedom to go anywhere, and the spirit of adventure.
But what about maintaining the motorcycle? The mechanical parts are usually sorted out by a trusty mechanic or even the service centre from where the motorcycle was bought from.
But the aesthetics of the bike, well that is the owners prerogative.
Not too long ago, I bought a Moto Guzzi V7 III Anniversario, one of 1000 around the world. Being a limited edition model built to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary, the motorcycle is fully decked out in chrome.
Everything from the tank to the mirrors and the mudguards is 100% chrome. And then there’s the saddle which is made out of plush brown leather.
I knew from the start that maintaining it was going to be difficult, but I didn’t know how difficult.
A ride in the rain resulted in the entire tank being blotched by rain spots. And with dirt being kicked up from the road, the chrome quickly becomes a dull shade of silver.
Maintaining it was, simply put, difficult.
Then I got a phone call one evening from a long lost friend – Mark.
“Horus have just opened a detailing shop bro, it is something I have been working on for a while now, come check it out,” said the enthusiastic voice over the phone.
Mark has always been one of those guys who you don’t see very often but you know is always there working on something awesome and always has a cool story to tell.
“I’ll come by tomorrow”, I responded.
Located at Temasya Glenmarie, Horus Premium Tints and Detailing Studio, the Malaysian dealer principal for Horus, specialises in everything needed to bring out the aesthetic shine in your car.
‘We started off in Singapore and did rather well, and now we’re in Malaysia with our good friend Azmi and looking to expand,” explained Mark.
On the topic of motorcycles, Horus did a fantastic job at working on the chrome and all the tiny bits. Detailing motorcycles is unlike a car, a bike has hundreds of tiny sensitive areas which if not handled carefully can be catastrophic.
The talented team at Horus consist of experienced bikers as well says that the entire process began with a an inspection of the bike, and from there the team planned out which Horus product to apply.
A bath with anti-static biodegradable shampoo started off the process followed by the usage of clay to remove heavy dirt.
This of course needed to be washed and wiped off before anything else could be done, so the Anniversario was cleaned and dried with a microfiber cloth.
From there the entire surface of the bike was wiped down with an alcohol based solvent which removes any excess oil and dirt. This was a necessary step as the next step involves paint correction to remove any scratches.
“We do that by using a medium cut polish, this retains the shine and removes small microscopic scratches. After that we leveled out the paint using a fine cut polish, this ensures the shine is consistent with zero paint defects,” explained Azmi Ismail, Managing Director of the Malaysia’s Horus dealer principal and another long time friend of mine.
From there, the entire process involved polishing with medium compound and the usage of solvents to remove any dirt and grime that may be tucked away deep inside the nooks and crannies of the bike.
To cap it all off, each component of the bike is cleaned with a microfiber cloth and a generous amount of Horus premium hybrid coating is applied to that extra shine.
It has been about three weeks now since I collected the bike. I have ridden the bike in the rain (in fact it rained right after I collected the bike) and it is now covered with dust again. But a quick swipe of a microfiber cloth immediately brings out the shine again.
Detailing motorcycles is a long tedious process, and not everyone can do it as it requires knowledge of the internal electronics of the bike. Am I happy with the final result? Im ecstatic with it, and for a bike as unique as the Anniversario, every bit of shine matters.
Horus Premium Tints and Coating is located at 32-G, Japan Penguasa B U1/53B, Temasya Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Malaysia. And can be contacted at 0122749586.
Moto Guzzi Malaysia which is brought to you here in Malaysia by Didi Resources Sdn Bhd has officially introduced the brand’s latest and most advanced model yet, the 2019 Moto Guzzi MGX-21. Dubbed the “Flying Fortress”, this is the next step in Moto Guzzi’s technological advancements when it comes to their world of two-wheels. (more…)
The International Motomania of Kuala Lumpur 2019 rocked the capital over the weekend, from Friday 22ndFebruary to Sunday 24thFebruary.
Held at the Malaysian Tourism Centre (MaTiC), it attracted motorcycle riders and fans, and tourists alike. There were fun activities throughout the day and through the night, so visitors never felt bored throughout.
Premium motorcycle and motorcycle-related product vendors were also present, including Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya, Aprilia Malaysia, Moto Guzzi Malaysia, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor, Indian Motorcycles, Ducati Malaysia and Shell Advance Malaysia.
Shell Advance Malaysia’s booth was busy throughout the event due to a special promotion. Visitors who bought the Shell Advance AX7 and Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology received exclusive cool towels, motorcycle covers and goodie bag. They also qualified for the lucky draws on the last day.
Besides them, there were also other vendors who displayed their products such as luxury cars (including a Ford Mustang!), retro motorcycles (Suzuki Katana, Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf), riding gear and merchandize.
Activities included retro motorcycle competition, custom motorcycle competition, battle of the bands, and concerts featuring great rock icons such as Datuk Awie, Mus May, Bandi Amuk and others. There were also other local bands who took to the stage and they showcased the amount of raw talent Malaysians have.
Food and refreshment were provided by food trucks. They offered a great variety of local and international delights.
Video highlights from the ride.
“You have come to the right place to ride motorcycles. Southern Italy is too influenced by mediterranean culture, and Northern Italy is influenced by the Germans and the Swiss. Central Italy is still uniquely Italian, everything from the culture to the landscape,” said the cab driver at the Siena train station, en route to Hotel Montaperti, located about 20 minutes out of town.
Siena is an old medieval Italian town which can trace its history back for centuries, up until 900BC actually. Typical of old Italian towns with a storied past, Siena boasts old brick buildings, a central square, a tall clock tower and of course a huge intricately designed Catholic Church.
I had just arrived after a grueling 25 hour journey from KL. Though tiring, I had an entire day to recuperate for the ride ahead. Jet lagged, I decide to call it a day at about 7pm Italian time (1am back in Malaysia), but not before scrutinizing the beautiful Guzzis that dominated the hotel carpark.
Lined up neatly, there was every single modern Moto Guzzi you could think of, including the gargantuan MGX-21, the all-dominating Audace, the entire range of the V7 III as well as the V9. I knew happy days lay ahead, but first, I needed to lay my head down. Oh and there were a few Aprilias too, for the marshals to chase down anyone who strays away from the group.
Moto Guzzi has been enjoying a resurgence in Malaysia. The Italian bike maker is one of the oldest in the world, was the first to have a wind tunnel at its factory, was at one point the best selling motorcycle in the world, and is also the first bike maker to use a transversely mounted V-engine, a feature still seen today in all Moto Guzzi motorcycles.
So as the sun rose the next day, warming up the farm lands and gently lifting the fog from the night before to reveal the beautiful Tuscanian country side. I walked among the Guzzis, deciding on my stead for the day.
On my left was the MGX-21 Flying Fortress, a behemoth of a bike with plenty of carbon-fibre that didn’t do much to lighten the bike. I thought it looked cool, but despite being a fan of baggers, it just didn’t appeal to me all that much but I did end up riding it later. On the right were the range of V7s and V9s, which I thought I’d reserve for another day since I had four full days of riding ahead.
And so came the Audace, a bike that had just been launched in Malaysia and I had heard good things about from the many dealers who were also present at the ride. And so I settled on a Audace in Guzzi’s Matte Impetuoso Red. Placing my helmet on it confirmed it as mine for the day, a gentleman’s agreement everyone understood.
The first day was more of a “familiarization” ride for everyone – since the ride brought together riders from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and from other parts of the world, day one was a chance to get used to riding on the wrong side of the road, and to acclimatise to the chilly end-of-summer weather. And so we rode about 150km’s on the first day, but it was spectacular no less, we rode along the “Crete Senesi” region, across rolling green hills, through ancient villages, and a stop at the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, which was founded in the year 1313.
Officially called the ‘Moto Guzzi Tuscany Experience’, the ride takes place at different places around Europe at different times of the year. After Tuscany, the organising team headed to Sardinia for a similar ride there but for a different group of owners and distributors. The Moto Guzzi Experience of Tuscany was just one chapter of three separate rides, each designed to give owners the ultimate Moto Guzzi experience, with some of the most stunning landscapes a biker can experience.
Day 2 involved riding about 240km with a stop at the Piaggio Museum for lunch while admiring new and old models from Vespa and Aprilia but very little of Moto Guzzi, which was understandable since the brand is based in Mandello del Lario, which is closer to Milan.
I selfishly stuck to the Audace for a little while longer, it was perfect for the narrow country roads, obviously designed and built for leisurely cruising but with a wild side to it too. It is powered by a 1380cc V-twin engine that puts out 96hp and 121Nm of torque. Fast and comfortable, the Audace was probably the favourite of the lot as everyone seemed to not want to give it up for the next person, yours truly included.
After exploring the countryside, we stopped at the walled town of Volterra, another ancient town that has been continuously inhabited since at least 8th century BC. After some gelato and racking up the step counter, we swapped bikes for the ride back to the hotel. This time I jumped on the V9 Bobber.
I own a Harley-Davidson Sportster 48, and in my opinion, it is the most genuine Bobber in the market despite other brands having their own interpretation of it. The thick 90 section front tyre may give the 48 a clumsy feel up front, but there is just something about big fat tyres that add visual drama. The V9 Bobber however was a revelation of sorts, despite not having the visual appeal of the 48 or even the Triumph Bobber.
It too has a 90 section tyre up front but you sit upright with your feet resting on the mid-placed foot pegs. The sitting position is comfortable and borderline sporty even, which makes this Bobber surprisingly enthusiastic in the twisties. But naturally, handling is let down with that burly front tyre.
The V9 Bobber has the same 853cc V-twin engine as the Roamer with the same 55hp and 62Nm output. Though not terribly quick, the Bobber can be quite fun to ride, and quite comfortable despite the thinly padded seat. In terms of technical features, the V9 Bobber does not offer much, suspension set up consists of telescopic hydraulic forks up front and dual shock absorbers clutching a lightweight alloy swingarm with adjustable preload. The braking system is made up of a 320mm single disk up front with a Brembo four-piston caliper and a 260mm disc with twin piston caliper for the rear. ABS is offered as standard.
The one part where my 48 really sucks at is fuel range because of that tiny 8-litre peanut tank. I get range anxiety every time I ride long distance on the 48 so end up refuelling more often than I need to, and that is also partly why I am thinking of selling it for something more usable. And that is a problem the V9 Bobber does not have with its 15-litre fuel tank. It goes further and has the capability to carve a smile on anyone’s face.
Day 3 – 200km ride. The MGX-21 Flying Fortress is all about visual drama. It turns heads wherever it goes, and fans of sports bikes will appreciate the generous use of carbon-fibre almost everywhere you can think off (check out that carbon-fibre front wheel, below). And yet, despite being loaded with one of the lightest element in the world, the MGX-21 still somehow manages to weigh in at a stonking 336kg! That is seriously heavy, and trust me on this one, the Flying Fortress was not easy to ride, especially at low speed through traffic.
I found the bike to be clumsy, and because of its weight, it wasn’t a lot of fun in corners. It was fine in a straight line, comfortable and relaxing to ride, but not so at low speed. The bike is unlikely to make it to Malaysia, but as far as dramatic presence is concerned, the MGX-21 Flying Fortress looks like something out of a marvel comic.
I hopped on to the Moto Guzzi California next, for the ride to the wine producing town of Montelpulciano.
Like the rest of the towns we visited, Montelpulciano too has been around for millennia, and is surrounded by breathtaking landscape. The town was built on a limestone ridge 2000ft above ground, so you can imagine the views. Despite that, the town is better known for the wine it produces, specifically its ‘Vino Nobile’, which is considered to be the finest Italian wine.
The California is powered by the same 1380cc engine as the MGX-21, and also produces 96hp and 121Nm of torque. It too weighs in at 326kg, but unlike the MGX, the California does not have an inch of carbon-fibre anywhere. It is more of a laid back cruiser with a tall windscreen up front and huge foot boards. Handling was similar to the MGX, but somehow the California was more comfortable, perhaps it was the seat, or that my expectation was lower for a bike that did not come dripping in carbon fibre. Either way, I had a splendid time with the California, letting it soak up everything the road threw at us, gently squeezing the throttle without kicking down a gear, taking in views. It was perfect.
I rode the new V7 III Rough on the final day, which was a 100km ride to the town of Siena. The Rough can be interpreted as Guzzi’s attempt at creating a Scrambler of sorts, complete with knobby tyres, a purpose built handle bar and slim aluminium fenders reminiscent of scramblers of old. Some even see the Rough as a response to Ducati and Triumph, but unlike the models from the competition, the Rough is not a standalone model.
Like all V7 III’s, the base bike is always the same with the same 744cc V-twin engine powering all bikes, the same frame, the same wheel size, the same forks, every technical bit about the bike is the same for all V7 III models. And so the Rough is no different, it is the visual parts that differentiate one bike from another.
The Rough rides similarly to all other V7 models, though the knobby tyres require a little extra attention in and out of corners. But on the cobblestone roads around town, the tyres were perfect, giving the bike a level of confidence unlike any other V7 model, and this is with the traction control turned off. And that is the point here for the Moto Guzzi V7 range of bikes, each V7 III may have the same underpinnings, but ride the lot and the difference is clear as day.
After parking the bike at the cathedral at the centre of town, I ventured off with the rest of the Malaysian team to explore the inner workings of Siena. And that’s when I heard someone say:
“Hey man, nice t-shirt, do you ride a Guzzi?” came a voice from behind with a southern twang typical of southern US states, the type you usually hear in old John Wayne movies. I didn’t even get a chance to turn around when this guy sporting a cowboy hat and a thick ‘stache came up next to me. “Yes I do, we all do,” I said to him, gesturing towards the rest of the riders there, who after four days had become more of a family.
“I am from Texas and I ride a Moto Guzzi, we are rare but people who ride a Guzzi are a special bunch. They know their motorcycles, they simply do not like to be mainstream,” he quickly surmised. I laughed in agreement and after a few quick words and a handshake, he disappeared in the crowd of tourists.
And that got me thinking, there are lots of Moto Guzzi fans out there who appreciate the finer workings of a Guzzi, such as the 90-degree V-twin engine, or the ingenuity of its engineering, or perhaps they love the history of the brand. Either way, the love and passion for the brand is spread far and wide, and it was fantastic to spend a few days talking and learning from like minded people, some a lot older than me with decades more experience with Guzzis.
Back in KL and on my very own Moto Guzzi V7 III Anniversario, I found myself appreciating the bike a lot more than I did previously. Having met the people from the company who build these bikes and those that love the brand, there was a certain sense of pride riding a Moto Guzzi in Malaysia. It may not be the most advanced of motorcycles or the fastest, but it is a Moto Guzzi and everything about a Guzzi has come from nearly 100 years of pain staking engineering and board room meetings to keep the brand alive. And I appreciate that and the fact that it is still proudly built in Italy.
For more information about the Moto Guzzi Experience or to sign up for the 2019 ride, visit www.motoguzzi.com or theclan.motoguzzi.com or you can drop an email to motoguzzi@motoguzziexperience.com.
Welly World Cycle is a household name when it comes to buying new or used bikes and motorcycle accessories. The company is as synonymous with motorcycles as teh tarik is as synonymous with Malaysia.
Welly has been distributing big brand motorcycles for many years now, and does not just sell bikes but also has the know-how to maintain motorcycles through a well trained after sales team.
For years the company has been selling motorcycles from brands such as Ducati, Yamaha and even KTM to much success. The company has now expanded its business and is now the official dealer for Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles in Malaysia.
Welly World Cycle, or better known as Welly Sungai Buloh was appointed as official dealer for Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles recently, and will also provide after sales service for all Aprilia and Moto Guzzi owners in Malaysia.
Speaking of Welly’s appointment, Juan Chow Wee (above, left), General Manager of Didi Resources Sdn Bhd, said, “We believe in finding the correct partner as this is important as we work together to build and develop the brand and its lifestyle. Welly World Cycle has a strong proven track record in delivering the best motorcycle ownership experience to its buyers by connecting to its owners personally”.
On behalf of Welly World Cycle, Ngo Yoke Kwang (better known as Ah Kwang, above), Managing Director said, “I am really happy to welcome these two legendary brands into our company portfolio. I believe 100% in strong after sales service, and believe that before selling any motorcycle brand, I need to ensure that the appropriate after sales support is in place. With Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, I want to create strong after sales support for both brands, so my customers know that they have the right support when they buy a Aprilia or a Moto Guzzi from us.”
“A Moto Guzzi is a lifestyle motorcycle with a great build quality, with the right type of after sales support, I am confident that my customers will have a good ownership experience. As for Aprilia, it is a motorcycle that does not need any introduction. It has amazing power and performance and all it needs to be the ultimate motorcycle to own is a good after sales network, to which I am fully committed to building for Aprilia buyers who purchase their Aprilia motorcycle from Welly World Cycle,” continued Kwang, pictured above with son Kim Seng and daughter Bee who is also the Champion of the MSF Superbike Championship.
Welly World Cycle has now begun all Moto Guzzi sales with prices starting from RM56,8000 for the V7 III Stone, and RM65,700 for the V7 III Racer and more attractive prices for other models in the Moto Guzzi range. Test ride models for the V7 III and the V9 are also available.
The company, which is very much family operated and offers a comprehensive after sales service centre, is also offering a weekend ride for anyone who buys a Moto Guzzi motorcycle from Welly World Cycle before the 2019 Chinese New Year.
Welly Sungai Buloh is located at No.2135, 2136 and 2137, Jalan 3/1, Batu 13 1/2, Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh, 4700 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Welly Sungai Buloh can be contacted at 012-5191200, 012 686 1768, 012-634,7113 or 012-7448391.
Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride meliputi motosikal moden retro seperti motosikal Moto Guzzi.
Motosikal Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon dan V7 III Rough telah dilancarkan sejurus sebelum acara tahun ini.
Para penunggang juga boleh mendapatkan pakaian segak dari Tiga Supply Co. dan Stronghold Cycles untuk acara DGR.
As the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) 2018 is just around the corner (30th September 2018), Moto Guzzi Malaysia dresses up for the event.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is an annual worldwide initiative which brings awareness to medical afflictions that inflict men, besides enlightening the general public that the majority of motorcyclists consist of gentlemen (and gentle ladies). Participants are encouraged to donate to a fund which carries out research on those afflictions.
Hence as part of its central theme, participants of the ride dress up dapper, as in riding in suits and formal wear. That is not all, however, participants are also encouraged to don in period and classic fashions.
All types of motorcycles are welcome although DGR is better known for an event which encompasses vintage, classic, modern retro, café racer, and custom motorcycles, besides any home-created motorized two-wheeler.
This is where Moto Guzzi fits in, as the Italian manufacturer which hails from Mandello, near the idyllic Lake Como, Italy is the heritage and classic line of the Piaggio Group.
Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone and Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Test & Review
To commemorate the upcoming DGR 2018, the Managing Director of Asia Pacific 2Wheeler, Piaggio Asia Pacific, Simone Niccolai dressed the part along with the management personnel of DIDI Resources Sdn. Bhd., Tiga Supply Co. and Stronghold Cycles, during the launch of the Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough.
In fact, both the Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough and V7 III Carbon were launched in time for the distinguished event. The V7 III is the entry-level range for the Italian manufacturer and is meant to be customized. Riders may choose from an extensive catalog for their needs.
(Please click on this link for more information on the V7 III Carbon and this link for the V7 III Rough.)
Tiga Supply Co. er… supplies the best selection of clothing for vintage, classic, modern retro, café racer, and custom motorcycles; everything from head to toe, besides dealing in vintage and retro bikes.
Stronghold Cycles on the other hand is the official dealer for Moto Guzzi at The Gasket Alley besides dealing in vintage and retro motorcycles, in addition to vintage rider wear.
Last but not least, DIDI Resources is the official importer and distributor of Moto Guzzi motorcycles in Malaysia.
So, please visit Moto Guzzi Malaysia, Tiga Supply Co. and Stronghold Cycles at The Gasket Alley in Petaling Jaya for prepare for your Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2018!
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