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  • The TOC Desmo Cup is the best way for Ducati owners to fully exploit the potential of their bike.
  • Race is open to all owners of the Ducati 848, Panigale 899 and 959, the 1098, 1198, Panigale 1199, 1299 and the brand-new Panigale V4.
  • Registration is open.
  • Round 1 takes place this weekend during the Malaysia Superbike Championship.

The Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) will be hosting the first round of the TOC Desmo Cup 2018 during the second round of the Malaysian Superbike Championship.

However, unlike the MSC series which has two race rounds per weekend, the TOC Desmo Cup will only race once in a 10 lap race format.

Taking place on the 27,28 and 29 of July at the Sepang International Circuit, the 2018 installation of the TOC Desmo Cup sees DOCM partnering the TOC Automotive College who comes on board as the title sponsor of the series.

Participants taking part in the series will be racing on their own bikes and the series is open to those riding the Ducati 848, Panigale 899 and 959, the 1098, 1198, Panigale 1199, 1299 and the brand-new Panigale V4.

Entry fee to the series is set at just RM500, while the price is as follows:

Race winners:
– 1st RM600 and trophy
– 2nd RM500 and trophy
– 3rd RM400 and trophy
– 4th trophy only
– 5th trophy only

Overall season championship prize money as follows:

– Overall points champion RM3000 and thropy
– Runners up champion RM2500 and trophy
– 3rd Overall RM2000 and trophy
– 4th Overall RM1500 and trophy
– 5th Overall RM1000 and trophy

The series will receive technical support from Ducati Malaysia who will be sending their trained mechanics to work on bikes. Lubricants will be supplied by Toyo Lubes while Kratos Motorsport, the distributor of K-Tec suspensions in Malaysia, will offer ride and handling support to all riders.

All riders intending to join the series must have a valid AAM license to take part in the races.

The following is the MSBK TOC Desmo Cup Supersport and Superstock Calendar:

– Round 1 : July 27th, 28th and 29th 2018
– Round 2: September 14th, 15th,16th 2018
– Round 3 and 4 : October 5th, 6th, 7th 2018

There’s a possibility that Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will run the first-ever Malaysian MotoGP team in 2019.

Rumours have indicated that the folks from SIC are heading to Jerez this weekend to work something out with MotoGP and Yamaha.

SIC might partner up with one of the existing private teams with hopes that they can bring in Hafizh, Yamaha, and some funds along with the deal.

We all know that 2019 will be a major season for the entire MotoGP grid. With the changes and additions satellite bikes and the possible reshuffling of riders, there are also rumours on Sepang International Circuit (SIC) securing the first Malaysian MotoGP team next season. (more…)

 

  • Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) telah membekalkan motosikal perlumbaan yang diperlukan untuk para penunggang muda yang dipilih untuk menyertai program SIC “Impian ke MotoGP”.
  • Beberapa buah unit motosikal jalan raya Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL yang telah ditala untuk perlumbaan yang akan digunakan oleh penunggang-penunggang tersebut untuk berlatih di bawah kelolaan Zulfahmi Khairuddin.
  • Kawasaki Malaysia dikenali kerana aktif bergiat dalam mendokong arena perlumbaan tempatan dan industri sukan permotoran kebangsaan.

(more…)

  • Lima penunggang muda telah terpilih untuk program “Impian ke MotoGP”, sebuah program yang dianjurkan oleh Litar Antarabangsa Sepang (SIC).
  • Penunggang yang berusia dari 13 hingga 15 tahun tersebut akan menjalani regimen latihan intensif yang diketuai oleh pelumba negara, Zulfahmi Khairuddin.
  • Dua penunggang terbaik akan diberikan peluang untuk bertanding di dalam siri perlumbaan FIM CEV Repsol Sepanyol dan juga Asian Road Racing Championship (ARRC) beserta dengan Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSC).

(more…)

Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) has supplied the race bikes needed for the young riders selected to undergo the Impian ke MotoGP SIC program.

A few units of the Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL streets bikes which have been tuned for racing will be used by the riders to train led by Zulfahmi Khairuddin.

Kawasaki Malaysia is known for being active in supporting the local racing scene and national motorsports industry.

In our recent report this morning, five young riders have been chosen to join the Impian ke MotoGP or ‘Dream to MotoGP’ program organised by the Sepang International Circuit (SIC). The training program which will be spearheaded by our very own national rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin will begin in the next few weeks. (more…)

Five young riders have been chosen for the Impian ke MotoGP or ‘Dream to MotoGP’ program organised by Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Riders aged 13 to 15 will undergo an intensive training regime spearheaded by national racer, Zulfahmi Khairuddin.

The best two riders will be given the chance to compete in the Spanish FIM CEV Repsol as well as Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSC).

Out of the hundreds who applied for the ‘Impian ke MotoGP’ or ‘Dream to MotoGP’ program conducted by the Sepang International Circuit, 40 worthy individuals were chosen for the selection process a few days ago at the Sepang International Go Kart Circuit. (more…)

  • Bikes Republic was invited to attend the iconic Ducati Riding Experience, or better known simply as DRE.
  • While some classes focus on developing basic riding skills, this one was designed to sharpen track riding skills, and also to let participants experience the splendour of the machine tasked with entertaining everyone for the day – the Ducati Panigale 959.
  • The 959 took over from the ageing Panigale 899 as the entry level model to the wonderful world of Ducati sport bikes.
  • The 959 is not a heroes-only superbike, far from it actually. Say that you suddenly had the means to fork out RM99,999 for a 959, but had limited riding experience, you could actually get on a 959 and ride around with relative ease.

Some say that a Ducati is considered as a “must-own” motorcycle, no matter the model. They also say it is a right of passage to the life of a biker, and that every able biker with the means to do so has to, at some point, own a Ducati.

While sitting for my SPM examinations, I had printed out two postcard size photos of a Ducati 916 and pasted it to my study table as motivation to do well. The plan then was to study smart, graduate as a geologist, make a ton of money, and buy a 916, a Titan Coyote (really), and a Harley-Davidson. I was 17.

The plan, as with many things in life, did not work out as I had intended to but I was well into studying geology before deciding that rocks, mud, and off-shore work was not for me. I was fated for motorcycles, cars and computers.

My love for the 916 still burns, and though I have owned some fun machines, a 916 eluded me. But I still have a soft spot for everything Ducati.

A few months ago, Bikes Republic was invited to attend the iconic Ducati Riding Experience, or better known simply as DRE. The DRE is an exclusive training session for Ducati owners that focuses on building riding skills through various levels.

The one we attended was open for anyone willing to fork out 1000 Euros (about RM4,842 with today’s exchange rate) to experience riding a Ducati Panigale on track, under the watchful eye of super experienced Ducati trainers such as the legendary Dario Marchetti (DRE Technical Director and Daytona Champion), Alessandro Valia (Ducati official test rider and Italian Superbike Champion) and Manuel Poggiali (two-times 250cc world champion). These are just some of the instructors on hand, there were other legends from around the region as well, but more on that later.

The Ducati Riding Experience has many levels to it and all are held at different locations around the world. The one we attended was held at Sepang and focused on track riding. While some classes focus on developing basic riding skills, this one was designed to sharpen track riding skills, and also to let participants experience the splendour of the machine tasked with entertaining everyone for the day – the Ducati Panigale 959.

The 959 took over from the ageing Panigale 899 as the entry level model to the wonderful world of Ducati sport bikes. And though it may take a keen eye to tell the difference between the two, the differences are vast.

The most obvious difference is of course the engine, which now offers 57cc more capacity to take the total figure to 955cc. Power too has been uprated – where the 899 made 148bhp at 10,750rpm up to 157bhp at 10,500rpm.

But that is just on the power front, there is a galaxy of difference between both bikes such as a new crankshaft, camshaft, new pistons and con-rods, a new and quieter timing chain, thicker engine casing to reduce noise pollution, and a revised gearbox and rear sprocket (the 899 had a 44-teeth rear sprocket, while the 959 has one less at 43).

There is also a slipper clutch while the Ducati Quick Shifter on the 959 features software derived from Ducati’s MotoGP race bikes. In simpler terms, the 959 shifts gears quicker than it takes you to read this sentence.

And just in case you were wondering, the chassis and overall design is not much different. The monocoque aluminium frame is shared by both bikes, and the two also feature the same 43mm fully-adjustable Showa BPF front forks and a fully-adjustable Sachs rear shock. The 959 also has a 5mm longer wheelbase.

There are other details too that make the 959 a better bike than the 899, such as the swingarm that is located 4mm lower to help maximise traction, “showered” injectors that have been carried over from the Panigale R, bigger exhaust diameter, and more importantly, a completely reworked exhaust system with the pipes located on the sides ala Panigale 1299 rather than the underbelly exhaust of the 899.

So an entry level superbike the 959 may be, but it is by no means a bike specifically built for those who just started riding yesterday. Don’t let its good looks and sexy silhouette fool you, the Panigale 959 is a proper crotch rocket, and one that rewards the rider who knows exactly what he is doing. And for those that do not, well there is an armada of onboard sensors designed to keep you safe and feeling like a hero.

But the 959 is not a heroes-only superbike, far from it actually. Say that you suddenly had the means to fork out RM99,999 for a 959, but had limited riding experience, you could actually get on a 959 and ride around with relative ease. The bike will warm up to you with its 176kg dry weight, immediately giving you confidence even at a crawl. The L-twin Desmodromic engine will inspire you to give it a burst of power, and you will because the sitting position is sporty but not aggressivel; nudging on comfortable. And the sound the engine creates seduces you to open up the throttle – just to hear the revs scream.

You might suddenly snap out of the 959’s allure and panic at the speed the bike has so easily piled on. Your lack of experience with superbikes may leave you confused while your senses may be overloaded with information, but Ducati has your back and has equipped the 959 with ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Engine Brake Control and even three different riding modes.

The riding modes is possibly what makes this sports bike such an approachable machine for just about any type of rider; it has race mode which gives you maximum performance, sport mode gives you the full power of the engine but with a restrained throttle response and heightened traction control interference, and wet mode keeps the entire package on a leash and is best for the inexperienced. But one thing is for sure, fun is guaranteed in all modes.

However, the Ducati 959 Panigale is most at home on the track. This is where its sporting DNA really shines through.

Back to the Ducati Riding Experience. So a few other participants from China, Hong Kong, Philippines, and I were paired together with Chinese Superbike Champion Simon Kwan as our instructor.

The most important thing about attending a riding class is of course the instructor. He or she does not need to be the best racer or the guy with the most wins, but he has to speak well and communicate his knowledge to his students. And that is why I am glad we got Simon because he speaks our kind of English, the kind that south east asians understand. I am sure the other instructors are brilliant at what they do, but language accents can be difficult sometimes.

The lessons were simple such as using the correct riding position (you should be able to insert your fist between your crotch and the tank), body position during cornering and braking. Simon keeps an eye out for all his participants, first by letting us follow him around the circuit, and later he rides behind you and comments on your style and do’s and dont’s later in the pit garage.

But most of all, you just end up having a lot of fun out on track with the 959.

I had the bike either in Sport or Race mode all weekend long, and it performed beautifully. My limited skills wouldn’t let me back the rear wheel into the corner, and neither would it let me manipulate the traction control to come sliding out of a corner with the rear wheel smoking. None of that. But the twin 320mm semi-floating front discs with Brembo monobloc 4-piston callipers with front wheel ABS allowed me to brake really late, while a single 245mm, twin-piston calliper with Bosch ABS kept the rear wheel in check.

I learned somewhere that the later you brake the more traction the front wheel has as it expands from all the forward inertia, but there’s a risk of upsetting the balance of the bike as you lean into the corner carrying a load of speed. Very few bikes give you the confidence to brake later and later, lap after lap, and the 959 is one of those bikes.

Of course there is modern technology like the Engine Brake Control that helps keep things in check. There is also the traction control that is adjustable in eight different levels with level 1 being the least intrusive. This helps you burst out of a corner with the quick shifter banging home the gears just as the rev limiter comes on. Did I say that the 959 makes you feel like a hero? Well, it does. The 959 Panigale is like a good friend that always has your back, the kind that always hangs out with you and laughs at your silly jokes, but is always up for some fun anytime you want to.

Every once in a while comes a bike that expertly balances the demands of a street bike and a track bike. This is no easy task because track bikes are focused machines with dedicated technologies designed for maximum performance. While street bikes are usually set up for comfort, safety, convenience and fuel efficiency with a dash of good looks sprinkled on for good measure. The bikes that manage to do both are remembered and talked about at the pub. But the bikes that do both so effortlessly and with such surgical precision, now those are the bikes that go down in the history books as legends. The Ducati 959 Panigale is one of those bikes because its feathery weight, advanced technologies, and superb engine and handling. But mostly it will be remembered for being mega fun to ride no matter the occasion.

And the DRE? It is well worth the money and a must try experience for every type of biker.

Enjoy the photo gallery below, courtesy of the official photographers from the day:

 

  • Hafizh Syahrin telah diatur untuk menjadi penunggang MotoGP Malaysia yang pertama pada tahun 2019.
  • Dia akan menyertai pasukan Petronas Sprinta Racing pada tahun hadapan, diuruskan oleh SIC (Sepang International Circuit).
  • Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif SIC, Datuk Razlan, yakin yang Hafizh akan melakukan yang lebih baik bagi tahun hadapan.

(more…)

  • Hafizh Syahrin is slated to be Malaysia’s first MotoGP rider in 2019.

  • He will join the Petronas Sprinta Racing team next year, managed by the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

  • SIC CEO, Datuk Razlan, is confident Hafizh will do better next year.

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is determined to groom Hafizh Syahrin for the big time: MotoGP.

As was reported earlier, Hafizh Syahrin’s long-time team Moto2, Petronas Raceline Malaysia had split ways for the 2018 Moto2 season (click here for our report). Hafizh will join the Petronas Sprinta Racing Moto2 team next year. The team is managed by SIC.

SIC’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Razlan Razali has expressed the intention of having Hafizh in MotoGP with Dorna and MotoGP teams. “We have expressed our interest with Dorna and also discussed the matter with a number of MotoGP teams this past week,” he said.

Datuk Razlan Ramli, courtesy of gpmalaysia

But the 2018 slots have all been taken. “There are still slots available for new satellite teams in 2019,” added Datuk Razlan.

Datuk Razlan is confident that Hafizh will do better with Petronas Sprinta Racing, before making the leap to the top class.

The fact that Malaysian racers, including Hafizh, have traditionally done well in wet weather is not lost upon Datuk Razlan, “We also need them to do well in dry races. Hafizh has done well (in mixed weather races) here at and this is what we want.”

Hafizh at SIC, courtesy of Pescao55

Datuk Razlan believes Hafizh will do better in 2018 as Petronas Sprinta Racing (read: SIC) will provide him a better bike and mechanics.

The target for Hafizh Syahrin is to finish in the overall top five in the Moto2 class next year. Syahrin is currently in 11th this season, with one race to go. He had finished 9th overall in 2016.

Difficulties saw Hafizh finishing last Sunday’s Shell Malaysia Moto2 race in sixth, after qualifying in tenth.

This report is adapted from Sepang Circuits Facebook post. You could visit their Facebook page by clicking here.

And have you heard that Petronas wants to give some lucky people a year’s worth of engine lubricants? You can be one of those lucky people too by taking part in a simple contest. For more information on the contest, you can visit www.mymesra.com.my/pengejarimpian

1. Visit the Shell Advance Ride Thru Service booth

Are you riding to Sepang to watch the race? Then be sure to visit the Shell Advance booth at the PA1 parking lot ride opposite the main entrance (Welcome Centre). Buy any Shell Advance motorcycle lubricant and you will get a free engine service, free engine filter, free food and drinks, and you stand a chance to win other great goodies. Check out the video we created at last year’s Shell Ride Thru Service so you know what to expect!

https://www.facebook.com/BikesRepublic/videos/1351494048214910/

2. Don’t have a ticket to watch the race? Then visit the Shell Advance Ride Thru booth – again!

Yes that’s right. Shell Advance Malaysia wants to give you free tickets to the Shell Hillstand to watch the race. All you have to do is buy a Shell Advance AX7 or Ultra and service your bike at the Ride Through Service! So if you do not have tickets, this is your chance.

3. Get ready to shop!

The Malaysian MotoGP is the best time to buy merchandise of your favourite team or racer. There will be plenty of Valentino Rossi merchandise on sale, and at great prices too. So bring your wallet, and make sure there is a load of cash in it.

4. Visit the HJC booth to check out a special helmet

Of course there are going to be other helmet brands there too, and you should visit them too, but HJC Helmets is known to make some amazing helmets and are among the most affordable in the market right now. The latest helmet models are a unique line that include a few Marvel superheroes. But the latest design is one that will grab the attention of cartoon lovers with a design from the Cars 3 cartoon series. Don’t miss out the intricate details of the new HJC helmet.

5. Get up close and personal with the amazing Kawasaki H2R

The Kawasaki H2R needs no introduction, it is alien in comparison to regular bikes. Made of carbon fibre, the supercharged motorcycle is capable of hitting 400km/h. But it looks like it going really fast even while standing still. Marvel at this engineering masterpiece at the Kawasaki booth. Read more about this amazing machine here!

6. Check out the vast array of KTM bikes

Don’t let this team photo fool you, KTM makes motorcycles for track riders, adventurers and daily commuters.

KTM Motorcycles are becoming more and more popular now, and they are among a few manufacturers that have a complete range of motorcycles from dirt bikes to everyday commuters. There is a KTM motorcycle for everybody. And if you are a fan of the marque, there is also plenty of official merchandise to buy.

7. Stay hydrated with Red Bull

Over the years, the Red Bull marquee has built a reputation as the most happening booth during MotoGP thanks to its party like atmosphere. It is also the only booth during MotoGP that allows alcohol. So visit the Red Bull marquee, watch the race live, cool down with the air-conditioned tent. And if alcohol is not your thing, then simply load up on the Red Bull energy drink.

8. Take lots of selfies with the models

Where ever there are fast bikes there are bound to be plenty of beautiful women, and that is the case during MotoGP as well. There will be a long line of guys waiting to get a selfie with the gorgeous models, and they oblige with a smile. Just make sure your wife or girlfriend is not with you though.

9. Check out the new BMW bikes

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has a prominent booth just at the entrance to the grand stand area. And just like KTM, they have a complete range of motorcycles the fits almost all budgets. From the extremely loveable G310R, to the outrageous BMW HP4 Race that costs an astonishing RM520,900. Read about both the bikes here!

10. Win various goodies

A number of booths will be giving away free merchandise in return for something. Givi for example was giving away a very cool coin box after you like their Facebook page. We also know other stands are also doing the same, so keep a look out for all the free stuff on offer.

11. Watch the race!

This is a no-brainer. We are at the second last race of the season, and Spaniard Marc Marquez is leading the championship again. In second place is Andrea Dovizioso who still has a good chance of winning the championship provided something happens to Marquez, which is unlikely. There is definitely going to be good action to watch at the race. Also, our local boys Adam Norrodin, Hafizh Syahrin, Khairul Idham Pawi as well as wildcard rider Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin will all have plenty to prove at their home race. So whatever you do, no matter how many hot models there are to take photos with, or how many free goodies there are – do not miss the race!

See you there!

By the way, have you heard that Petronas wants to give some lucky people a year’s worth of engine lubricants? You can be one of those lucky people too by taking part in a simple contest. For more information on the contest, you can visit www.mymesra.com.my/pengejarimpian

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