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  • The KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 series moves to KTM Malaysia’s Enduro Track at Sungai Buaya.

  • It attracted 101 entries, divided into 7 categories.

  • This round also added the Dual-Purpose and Women’s Categories.

Round 2 of the KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 saw even greater participation than Round 1 held in Sungai Petani, Kedah in April.

KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 Round 1

101 participants accepted the challenge to put their skills on the line in going up against fellow competitors in this all-make event.

Participants and their teams had started setting up their pit area and motorcycles from as early as 7am, accompanied by a constant stream of registrations right up to the start of proceedings. Race series sponsors such as Gracshaw and Shizens (facial care products, whom Gabit is the Brand Ambassador) had also set up their wares for display and branding.

KTM Malaysia’s Sungai Buaya track layout had been altered to provide an even greater challenge to the riders eliminate advantage through familiarity. KTM Malaysia’s factory rider Gabit Saleh and trials rider Acoi Pangkolo has worked throughout the week and night before the event to ready the track. The former laid out the enduro zones such as hill climbs, jungle tracks, whoops and jumps while the latter prepared the obstacle zone complete with large tyres and log crossings. The lap distance had been expanded to approximately 6-km long.

A safety briefing was carried out before the start of the race and competitors had their bikes fitted with transponders to accurately log their times.

The weather was hot and dusty throughout the day.

ED5 – CubCross Open

Proceedings got under way with the “smallest” class. As the name implies, these motorcycles started out as underbones, better known as kapchais, and were modified to carry longer travel suspension and among other things for off-road duties.

Being “Open” means a competitor could bring any Cubcross bike regardless of engine capacity or type.

Ahmad Kamarul Munir (#50) took the holeshot at the start and left everyone in the dust with a comfortable lead at the fall of the chequered flag. Hafizi Bin Usman (#78) crossed the line in second, while Ahmad Jafri Bin Razali (#22) completed the podium.

A total of 13 riders took part in this category.

ED4 – CKD Open

This class is meant for locally-assembled dirtbikes. As such, it was inundated with Kawasaki KLX150 and KLX250s. 23 participants took to the starting grid and they were given 30 minutes to complete as many laps as possible.

There was a fight for the lead began from the start. Besides that, the action soon got very entertaining for the crowd as the riders started making mistakes after mistakes. The logs proved especially troublesome for the 150s due to their low ground clearance.

Muhamad Amirul Bin Ramli (#42) pipped Muhammad Faiz Zulhilmi Bin Fasli (#94) by just 0.7 seconds at the finish line.

while Ahmad Kamarul Munir crossed the line less than 0.5 second behind the no. 2 placed man.

ED3 – Veteran Open

Action continue afterwards with the Veteran Open category, which is open to riders above 40 years old. The class saw a total of 18 riders. They were allocated 30 minutes plus 1 lap.

Asdin Udin led from start to finish, taking the checkered flag almost 2 minutes ahead of Richard Lim and 3 minutes from Mohd. Sanusi Bin Mohd. Yaman.

ED6 – D-P Rally

The D-P Rally (dual-purpose rally) is a new addition to the KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 series and is open to adventure motorcycles 650cc and above, attracting 11 entries.

Most of the participants had just completed the GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling jungle rally last weekend.

Ahmad Daniel Haiqal made a lightning start and rode with his trademark aggression ahead of Wong Chun Hing (better known as Bee Wong).

But Bee ran into a hole too hard and overstretched his chain, causing to slip repeatedly off the rear sprocket. He had no choice but to stop his KTM 1190 Adventure for repairs while other competitors passed him.

Ahmad Daniel Haiqal kept pushing hard on his Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro but a mistake relinquished his lead to Shamsul Azhar Abu Hazim (Acoi Pangkolo). The latter started riding harder after that point to open up a healthy gap all the way to the finish.

Bee then pushed hard to repass the field, save for Shamsul and Haiqal to finish third.

ED2 – KTM Open

This category is open to KTM dirtbikes only.

Ahmad Daniel Haiqal also participated and went on to win some 45 seconds ahead of Lai Wai Seng and 3 minutes ahead of Muhd Hazim to capture the second podium of the day.

With 24 entries, this class is an indication of the number of KTM dirtbikes in circulation.

However, the hot and dusty conditions took its toll on many riders; there were 8 non-finishers.

ED7 – Women Enduro

As with the D-P class, the Women Enduro category is a new addition to the KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018. The category is directly sponsored by Malaysian comedian and celebrity, Achey Bochey, who is an enduro rider himself.

There were just two registrations in the morning but the number of participants increased to 9 by the start of the race.

These ladies could not only ride but race too. The trio of Nur Haziyah Bt. Ramli, Nor Hasinah Mohamed and Siti Noor Safira Binti Mustafa were locked in a battle from early on, but it fizzled into a straight fight between Nur Haziyah and Nor Hasinah.

Nor Hasinah had led most of the race until she made a mistake which put here down and was passed by Nur Haziyah who romped home to take the win.

ED1 – Open Category

This is the premier category of the series, which attracts the top off-road riders in the country, including the aforementioned Ahmad Daniel Haikal, Muhammad Khairul Afif and Muhd. Habibullah Muhd. Saleh @ Gabit, among a total of 15 riders.

The action was fierce between the three in the early part of the race, before Haiqal pulled out a large lead from the rest of the field. But again, a mistake cost him dearly; to which Afif and Gabit capitalized on. However, both riders took it easy by the latter stages of the race, allowing Afif to win from Gabit by 10 seconds. Haiqal recovered to finish third, a distant 2 minutes behind.

Conclusion

The KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro has shown that off-road competition is healthy in Malaysia as the number of competitors are increasing by each round. KTM Malaysia’s decision to organize the Orange Enduro is also a positive gesture in allowing enthusiasts and pros to the opportunity to race and gauge their standards, regardless of the brand of motorcycle they are riding.

In fact, other manufacturers do not even organize their own off-road events on such a scale, despite the level of enthusiasm displayed at the Orange Enduro, including the dual-purpose and women’s categories. Look at how many participants signed up for the GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling the week prior.

There was also a huge turnout of spectators, which easily outnumbered the participants by 2:1.

It’s time for other manufacturers to step up to the plate.

PICTURE GALLERY

  • Pusingan 2 bagi siri perlumbaan KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 akan berlangsung pada 14 Julai 2018.
  • Pusingan 2 akan diadakan di Litar Enduro KTM Malaysia di Sungai Buaya, Rawang.
  • Hadiah menarik ditawarkan buat para peserta.

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  • Round 2 of the KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 series is set on 14th July 2018.

  • Round 2 will be held at KTM Malaysia’s Enduro Track at Sungai Buaya, Rawang.

  • Great prizes are on offer for the competitors.

KTM Malaysia had great plans when they organized the Orange Enduro 2018.

It was not only to highlight KTM’s strengths in the off-road segment, but also to allow for an outlet to all enduro enthusiasts to sharpen their skills, besides bringing new talents to the fore.

Round 1 of the KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 was carried out at the Sungai Petani Off-Road Track, in April 2018. It was highly successful, as it saw a great number of participants, despite the event’s date which clashed with other events.

Please click on the link below for our report on Round 1.

KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 Round 1

In the footsteps of that success, Round 2 is set to kick off on 14th July 2018. It will be held at the KTM Enduro Track at Sungai Buaya, Rawang this time.

As with Round 1, competitors may choose to join a number of categories:

  • ED1 – Open;
  • ED2 – KTM Enduro (for KTM riders only);
  • ED3 – Veteran Open;
  • ED4 – CKD;
  • ED5 – Cubcross;
  • ED6 – D-P (dual-purpose) rally; and
  • ED7 – Women Enduro fun race sponsored by celebrity Achey.

The Dual-Purpose is the new addition to the series, in order for dual-purpose/adventure riders to test their motorcycles in a competitive environment. This is great news as owners of these motorcycles could fully discover the adventure side of the motorcycles.

Participants of the KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 – Round 2 will have the opportunity to win more than RM 12,000 in cash (divided among different categories), Elf lubricants, Gracshaw helmets, and many more great prizes.

Prize money is divided into:

  • 1st – RM 200
  • 2nd – RM 100
  • 3rd – RM 80
  • 4th – RM 50
  • 5th – RM 50

The KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro is sponsored by Elf Lubricants (as the main sponsor), Gracshaw Helmets, Shizens Skincare (Gabit is the product ambassador), EDT Printing, Corporate Hero Printing, and Holeshot Motowear.

The KTM Malaysia Orange Enduro 2018 is slated to be one of KTM Malaysia’s largest events of the year.

  • Rimba Raid returns to Mat Daling from 6th to 8th July 2018.

  • There currently 200 registered participants representing 13 countries.

  • A rally kit handover was held together with GIVI Asia and Ducati Malaysia on 23rd June 2018.

If the previous editions of Rimba Raid were exciting, the latest iteration called GIVI Rimba Raid Mat Daling will be mind-blowing. Please click on the link below for our coverage of Rimba Raid at Janda Baik, Pahang earlier this year.

Rimba Raid @ Janda Baik 2018 a Rousing Success

Rimba Raid could probably regard Mat Daling as their spiritual home as it was here that the series began, hence would be incomplete without a return to the heart of Taman Negara (National Forest). The event takes place from 6th to 8th July 2018.

As Rimba Raid’s popularity grows over the years, this edition at Mat Daling will be the most ambitious yet, consisting of a 125-km rally spanning 3 days through some of the most beautiful environment Malaysia has to offer. There are currently 200 registered participants from 13 countries.

As such, the organizers provided the opportunity to competitors to collect their rally kit in advance prior to 6th July.

The event was held at Ducati Malaysia’s compound in Naza Auto Mall together with GIVI Asia as both Ducati is one of the sponsors and GIVI Asia is the main sponsor.

Each rally kit included a personalized rally jersey, official event shirt, numbered stickers for the participant’s motorcycle and extras provided by GIVI Asia.

These participants were also able to view and buy some of GIVI’s latest products (at special promotions) such as aluminium cases, waterproof luggage and helmets.

Some 130 participants showed up to collect their kits by the end of the day, allowing for a smoother registration process during the rally weekend.

The event will begin from Xscape Resort Taman Negara on 6th July 2018.

About Rimba Raid

Rimba Raid started off as a group of friends organizing off-road rides into out-of-the-way places in 2015. Now boasting events biannually in Janda Baik and Mat Daling, the Rimba Raid ride/camp events promote sustainable usage of Malaysia’s rainforest treasures and aim to develop a supportive community of like-minded dual sport enthusiasts in the region.

For more information about the Givi Rimba Raid Mat Daling event, please visit the Rimba Raid Facebook page or contact Dato’ Capt. Nik Huzlan at 019 231 0005.

Contact Info

Rimba Adventures Sdn Bhd
Ph: +6013 3357334
Email: info.rimbaraid@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RimbaRaidAdv/

  • Adventure riding takes you to places inaccessible to most others

  • Adventure riding takes practice and careful planning

  • Once experienced, it may become your only type of riding activity

Courtesy of adventureriderz.com

Adventure riding is fun in many more ways than one.

Why not ride an offroad trail or better yet, blaze your own trail to some waterfall in a jungle where no one has been to before, compared to visiting an easily accessible waterfall that’s overcrowded, dirty and dangerous with rubbish and human effluents?

But how does one go about with adventure riding? Some people may cynically say, “It isn’t an adventure unless something goes wrong.” It’s not as bad as that. Think about discovering the many God-made beauties our country has to offer.

Here are our top tips for adventure riding.

1. Get a Proper Adventure Bike

Starting with say, a Kawasaki Versys-X 250 or a Versys 650 ABS. Or just go ahead with a Kawasaki KLX150BF or KLX250 (you may want to leave the KLX450R for the pros, though). But for the sake of simplicity, we’ll just stick to the Versys-X in this article.

Kawasaki Versys-X. Courtesy of motorcycledaily.com

The Versys-X 250 fills the role of a lightweight adventure and commuter motorcycle nicely, as it has a good balance for adventure riding when standing up on the footpegs. It’s also equipped with spoked wheels instead of cast aluminium ones. Spoked wheels are more desirable for adventure riding as they are usually lighter, absorb shocks better and can be adjusted back to shape if dented.

KLX250

The KLX range is a no brainer when it comes to adventure riding, as they are enduro motorcycles – super lightweight, slim, long travel suspension, big spoked wheels, and torquey engines. The KX models, on the other hand, are competition models for motocross, supercross and conversion to supermoto, thus they are not road legal. But you could always truck it to the starting point of your ride.

KX250F

Depending on the severity of offroading on your adventure ride, you may need to replace the Versys-X’s stock tyres to more adventure-oriented ones, otherwise the standard tyres are fine. Adventure-specific tyres not only offer more offroad grip, but they also allow the pressure to be dropped safely (more on this below).

2. Get Proper Training

Adventure riding has its specific set of skills. The route you’re going to travel on may not be severe, but it’s always good to be prepared.

Best way to learn this is at Most Fun Gym (MFG), operated by Malaysian veteran GP rider and legend, Oh Kah Beng. MFG may seem to be a hardcore motocross school, but it’s otherwise in reality. You don’t have to do the jumps. Learning offroad means learning the skills to control a motorcycle over low to no-grip situations through mastering throttle control, brake control, body control, body positioning, vision.

Training at Most Fun Gym

You’ll find your road riding skills improve too. That’s why MotoGP champs ride offroad on their off days.

3. Packing Up

This may seem frivolous but packing plays a big role in a safe hence enjoyable adventure ride.

Loaded up GIVI’s top case and panniers

A few extra items should be brought along:

  1. Extra tool kit. Or a good multi-tool set with extensive attachments.
  2. Cable ties. The most important kit by far.
  3. Tyre tube or tyre puncture repair kit.
  4. Compact electric air pump for the tyres.
  5. Tyre pressure gauge.
  6. First aid kit.
  7. Flashlight.
Courtesy of advpulse

For one, heavy items such as tool kits, or camping equipment should be packed low in the panniers. Locating them high up results in a high centre of gravity and causing the top-heavy feeling (the bike likes to tip over at slow speeds).

Important items like the wallet, phone, cigarettes/vape, lighters should be packed in a waterproof or ziplock bag, and be easily accessible, so you don’t have to dig through everything to look for them.

Courtesy of advpulse

Not least of all, hook the motorcycle’s key to a large keychain. It’ll give you a good chance of locating it should it be dropped into a pool of mud or water.

Kawasaki floating keychain

4. Riding Gear

Adventure riding gear is the best as they are designed to be tough, protective and comfortable.

Hevik adventure jacket

However, if there are certain constraints, motocross wear is fine, but do wear full body armour including knee and shin guards.

Acerbis body armour

The subject of boots is open to contention, however. Many choose to wear motocross boots but this writer prefers adventure riding boots such as the TCX Track WP. First of all, the latter is more flexible, which increases comfort greatly. Secondly, adventure boots have more “aggressive” sole patterns compared to MX boots. That’s important in case you get off and push the bike. MX boots’ soles are smoother, made for sliding across the track while cornering, which means you may not have much traction in the rough.

TCX Track Evo WP adventure boots

An adventure helmet (full-face with a peak) is good, so is a motocross helmet, as they provide optimal airflow. A roadracing full-face will have you out of breath in a jiffy. An open-face is inadvisable as it doesn’t have the protective chinbar.

HJC FG-X offroad helmet

5. Tyre Pressure

With all that out of the way, it’s time to ride.

But hang on! We need to work on the tyre pressures first!

Again, if the adventure ride consists of serious offroading, the tyre pressures needs to be reduced.

Reducing the tyre pressure lets the tread “open up” for a wider footprint. The lower pressure also allows the tyres to absorb shocks from irregular surfaces, rocks and tree roots.

Reducing tyre pressure

Typical road pressures are anywhere between 200 kPa front to 280 kPa rear. A drop of half will suffice. For example, if the recommended pressure for your bike is 200 kPa, drop it to 100 kPa.

Remember we recommended that you bring a tyre pressure gauge? This is what it’s for. Also, keep in mind to re-inflate the tyres back up to the recommended pressures when you ride home on the road. That’s what the air compressor is for.

Stop & Go portable air compressor

6. Stand Up

Get your buttocks off the seat and bend your knees a little, using your legs as shock absorbers for the rear. Lean your chest slightly towards the fuel tank and splay your elbows outwards, but do not press down on the handlebar. Use them as additional shock absorbers for the front, instead.

Stand up when riding offroad. Courtesy of advpulse

Standing up brings your centre-of-gravity (CoG) down to the footpegs. Also, having your body off the seat means you don’t get hammered when the bike moves around underneath you. Sitting down in the seat, will have the bike taking you for a ride as it snakes, squirms and bounces.

The Versys models have short fuel tanks; the Versys-X’s fuel tank is sloped sharply downwards at the rear so that the rider may position his body weight towards the front when standing up.

7. Ride Loose

Your grip, arms, torso and legs should be relaxed. This allows the bike to do what it’s supposed to, and letting the suspension soak up the bumps. Fighting the bike will only exacerbate a situation. Your job is just to point the bike towards where you want it to go.

Relax your arms, legs and body – Courtesy of advpulse

8. Push Down

Cornering on the road or track means leaning your body to the inside of the corner.

When adventure or offroad riding, keep your body straight up and push the handlebar and footpeg downwards.

9. Sit Down

Standing up is necessary when you travel straight or around a gentle curve. But you need to sit back down for sharper corners.

Sit down for sharper and faster corners – Courtesy of advpulse

Keep your upper body straight up and push the handlebar downward. Stick your leg out but that leg’s knee should touch the bike. Splaying your leg wide will have the bike sliding and can lead to a lowside.

10. Throttle Control

Throttle control is probably the single most important control in adventure riding (so is on the road, as a matter of fact).

Modulate the throttle smoothly when turning it on or shutting it. Roll it on, roll it off – never slam it open or slam it shut.

If the bike slides in a turn, don’t slam shut the throttle like what your instinct tells you to do. A slide doesn’t mean the bike is totally out of control. It’s just a sign that the sliding tyre or tyres have less traction.

Stay on the gas! – Courtesy of Ksatria Pinandhita

Instead, you could maintain the same throttle position and lift the bike up slightly by either using your leg or the handlebar, or both. If you need to slow down more, remember to roll off the throttle. Cutting the throttle immediately when the bike is sliding will cause an abrupt back-torque (engine braking) and that will result in the tyre breaking all available traction.

When we tested the Versys-X, we noticed that the engine’s power is softer initially, before picking up at 3000 RPM. On one hand, that’s to not scare beginners, but it’s also meant for smoother throttle response when adventure riding. The model is also equipped with a Slip & Assist clutch to control engine braking.

11. Don’t Jump on it!

As with the throttle, you should also be smooth on the brakes. Never grab the brakes but apply pressure progressively.

Additionally, do not brake in a slide. Use the throttle.

Similar to the throttle, the Versys-X’s front brake is a little soft at the beginning of its stroke.

The Versys-X’s brakes are nicely progressive

12. Look!

The simple adage applies: “You go where you look.”

Don’t stare at the big rock in your path if you don’t intend to hit it. Look to the sides and you will miss it.

Look where you want to go – Courtesy of rockymountainatvmc

So, there you go. Follow these pointers and you will want to forget about road riding and who knows, you may devote yourself to adventure riding. These tips may seem complicated at first, but they are actually rather simple and straightforward when you put them together.

Enjoy that waterfall!

 

 

  • Neematic, pencipta salah sebuah basikal elektrik paling berkuasa dunia telah memilih Chris Birch sebagai duta baru mereka.
  • Pelumba rali motosikal terkemuka itu yang telah berlumba di International Six Day Enduro (ISDE), Rali Dakar, dan Hard Enduro akan membantu dalam pembangunan serta jualan untuk jenama berkenaan.
  • Basikal janaan elektrik terbaru mereka, Neematic FR/1, telah diperkenalkan pada tahun lalu ketika acara International Motorcycle, Scooter and E-Bike (Intermot) Fair akan mula dihantar menjelang pertengahan 2018.

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Neematic, the creators of one of the most powerful electric bikes has chosen Chris Birch as their new ambassador.

The well-known motorcycle rally racer who has raced in International Six Day Enduro (ISDE), Dakar Rally and Hard Enduro will assist in development as well as sales for the brand.

Their flagship electric-powered bike, the Neematic FR/1, was introduced last year during the International Motorcycle, Scooter and E-Bike (Intermot) Fair will begin shipping by mid 2018.

The proud purveyors of Neematic, one of the world’s most powerful electric bikes is proud to announce their partnership with one of the world’s most respected enduro racer, Chris Birch. Being a hardcore off-road enthusiast and well-known figure in the industry, Neematic is confident that the election of Chris Birch as their ambassador will bring only wonders to the brand. (more…)

Russian sidecar motorcycle maker Ural releases video showing how it conducts gruelling products tests.

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New off-road track called Velocita Park launched by Cervello Tres, Velocifero and CTX Velocifero EV Circuit Malaysiadsc_0249

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The purveyor of fine hobbies, Cervello Tres, the great minds who brought in the all new M.A.D. by Velocifero, launched a new off-road track specially designed for the off-road fun machine called the Velocita Park in Cahaya SPK, ,Shah Alam. Velocita Park is owned by one of the Cervello Tres reseller, Velocita. (more…)

Ducati @ EICMA 2016: Ducati shines as the home team with five new models bowing in Milan.

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We ride the adventure segment’s newest darling, the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, and loved it!

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Epic video shows all-new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure bike doubling up as a stunt bike!

(more…)

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