Bikesrepublic

TOC Automotive College Superbike Technician Course

  • Motorsports is not just about riders trying to outdo each other.

  • Motorsports is becoming more complex as motorcycles get more complex.

  • The TOC Automotive College provides the TOC Superbike Technician Course to prepare the students for such eventualities.

When hear the word motorsports, it’s all too easy to visualize a bunch of bikes ridden at breakneck speeds, and their riders planting their knees firmly onto the track in the corners. But truth is, motorsports involves much more than just fast bikes and riders.

It’s safe to say that track action is only 10% of what goes on in motorsports. 90% is about preparation which includes bike setup, maintenance, and repair; data acquisition and analysis; rider conditioning; testing… the list goes on and on.

This is why motorsports is an “industry,” rather than just races in the actual sense. And the industry never sleeps.

Ever-evolving motorcycles

Motorcycles are evolving by leaps and bounds by every annual Intermot and EICMA motorshows. This is because manufacturers seek to outdo their rivals by introducing new and even more advanced models.

We used to marvel at electronic fuel injection 20 years ago, but now fuel injection works in tandem with traction control (TC) and rider-selectable power modes. Speaking of TC, it was a mere pipe dream but now virtually all systems are smarter and faster than even professional riders.

Ducati Panigale V4 R’s instrument display

Early TC systems were rudimentary, at best, relying on wheel-speed sensors but now they’re hooked up to a clever device called the Inertial Measurement Unit. Instead of just checking to see if a wheel or both wheels are slipping to regulate torque and power transmission, new TC systems actually proportions assistance according to the bike’s lean angles.

IMU-based TC has another benefit for the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Hence, IMU-equipped ABS not only helps to keep the wheels from locking up but it’s again lean-angle sensitive.

There’s also engine braking control, wheelie control, rear tyre lift mitigation, suspension control, launch control, quickshifter, etc.

2019 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory electronic suspension system

But of course, racing is about power. A number of manufacturers have equipped their bikes with variable valve timing (VVT). An engine with VVT is in effect two engines in one. Rather than being tuned for lots of power at the expense of torque or vice-versa, why not have both?

And we haven’t even touched on brakes, suspension and frames yet!

What does it mean for the industry?

The myriad of systems on modern bikes are electronically-controlled. Therefore, the motorsports industry needs to adapt by introducing parts and expertise to deal with electronics.

It’s no longer merely about twisting the suspension’s adjusters here besides wondering about what tyres to use or figuring the correct carburettor jetting. Each team must obtain the correct data to optimise their motorcycle setups.

Where is it headed?

In terms of machinery, they are getting more and more complex due to electronics. It’s electronics that unlock the full potential of modern bikes. Of course, all bikes are different in terms of mechanical setup, but they adhere to the same basic principles.

In terms of the motorsport industry, we will see increasing number of electronic engineers or mechanics that are savvy in electronics occupying places in race teams. Electronics used to be the domain of MotoGP prototype racing, but the technologies have been trickled down to other classes of bikes including roadgoing superbikes.

How does TOC play a part?

The Superbike Technician Course in the TOC Automotive College prepares the students by training them on real-world and motorsports applications.

It means that the students not only know how to work on the mechanical aspects, but also in terms of electronics.

In fact, TOC has worked with race teams in the Malaysian Superbike Championship (MSBK) and Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) by sending their students to work with the race teams. The students come away better prepared by the time they hit the job market.

Conclusion

Looking to spanner for pros? Look no further and check out the Superbike Technician Course at the TOC Automotive College. TOC also offers the Bina Bakat student loans programme.

Find out more about the TOC Superbike Technician Course at www.toc.edu.myor call (+603) 7960 8833 for more details.

CLICK HERE to know more about TOC’s Superbike Technician Course.

  • Bagaimana rasanya menjadi seorang pelajar di Kolej Automotif TOC?
  • Kami telah menemubual Louis Tan, seorang pelajar SKM Tahap 3.
  • Pelajar TOC mempunyai pelbagai peluang bermula dengan di mana mereka belajar hingga apabila mereka telah menamatkan pengajian.

(more…)

  • How is like to be a student at the TOC Automotive College?

  • We interviewed Louis Tan, an SKM Level 3 student.

  • TOC students have lots going for them from when they are studying to when they graduate.

As “The grass is on the other side” saying goes, it is always a pretty perspective to those looking in from the outside. It applies to just about everything in life: Other jobs, other countries, your mate’s girlfriend, another college.

We have published many articles regarding the TOC Automotive College from our point of view. However, we were always curious about how the college is truly like from an insider’s perspective i.e. from a student.

We grabbed one of TOC’s students and asked a few probing questions.

Louis Tan is now studying for the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 3. He began studying in TOC in 2017.

Bikes Republic (BR): How’s it like studying in the TOC Automotive College, generally?
Louis Tan (LT): Studying in TOC is very exciting, because they always come up with many ideas on how to prepare students for the actual working environment.

For example, my core study is not on motorsports but just a few weeks ago, I was at the Sepang International Circuit for the Malaysian Superbike Championship (MSBK). TOC and MSF gave me the chance to be a pit crew in the Hiap Aik Suzuki Team.

BR: What motivated you to enroll in TOC Automotive College?
LT: I was learning a different subject in another college prior to enrolling in TOC. I studied there for only one semester and decided it wasn’t my thing.

My passion is for automotive subjects. I looked around and decided TOC was the best, as it had the best facilities. But TOC was costlier. I went back to my Boss, who was sponsoring my studies, and he encouraged me to go ahead with TOC. He said quality is more important.

Besides the facilities, TOC has partnered with many organizations. That way, students have plenty of opportunities when they graduate and that is very important.

BR: Does TOC prepare you for the current advancements in automotive technology?
LT: Truthfully, a course makes up 50% of what you learn. The other 50% is up to your own initiative. However, a good course guides you to obtaining the correct information.

TOC’s course structure consists of just 20% classroom theory but 80% actual hands-on learning.

BR: What future do you see for yourself?
LT: There’s lots of good future after studying in TOC. You can choose to be a technician or mechanic, race engineer or aftersales manager.
BR: Which manufacturers can TOC students look forward to working in after graduation?
LT: A lot! We can choose from around 800 of TOC’s partners! We’ve got partners such as Ferrari, Ford, Perodua, Proton, Honda, Toyota, Peugeot and many, many more.
BR: How did you like being involved in motorsports?
LT: It was the first time I witnessed a race from behind the scenes. It was during this time that I saw the passion of the race teams.

It was a great experience as a crew, too. The race was declared a wet race, meaning the riders have to come in and swap tyres after the race had begun. Each team had only 10-minutes to do so.

But one of the bikes’ fuel line came loose and sprayed out fuel just before leaving the pits. We had to rush like crazy to fix it!

The tension was crazy. That’s something one couldn’t experience in a classroom.

BR: So, it looks like students can have a great time learning here?
LT: That’s right! I’m glad I came here!

 

CONCLUSION

As we’ve written many times before, the TOC Automotive College offers comprehensive learning environment as well as future for the students. The college also offers plenty of different courses in catering to each student’s interest.

So what are you waiting for? If it has always been your dream to work in the motorcycle service line, or to start your very own motorcycle workshop, then this is the perfect platform to get you started on the path to achieving your dreams. Don’t wait, find out more about the TOC Superbike Technician Course at www.toc.edu.myor call (+603) 7960 8833 for more details.

CLICK HEREto know more about TOC’s Superbike Technician Course.

  • Jangan biarkan kekangan kewangan menghalang anda daripada mengejar impian.
  • TOC Automotive College menawarkan pinjaman kewangan kepada mereka yang ingin mendaftar Kursus Juruteknik Superbike.
  • Pinjaman pendidikan Program Bina Bakat TOC membolehkan pelajar untuk tidak membayar semula pinjaman sehinggalah mereka bekerja.

(more…)

  • Don’t let money hold you back from your passion.

  • TOC Automotive College offers an education loan for anyone who wishes to enrol in the Superbike Technician Course.

  • The TOC Bina Bakat Program study loan means students do not have to pay until find a job.

A good education is lot like using a good umbrella when it rains. It protects you from everything that life throws at you and equips you with the necessary skill to survive situations. A certification program does exactly that and more often than not, lets you indulge in your passion.

TOC Automotive College recently introduced the Superbike Technician Course, a specialist course that aims to equip future motorcycle mechanics with the proper knowledge and certification to secure jobs. The course also aims to address the fact that motorcycle mechanics generally do not have any form of certification or professional training, but rather rely on knowledge handed down by friends or family.

There is an obvious glut in the industry when it comes to certified motorcycle mechanics. In a recent interview with the after sales manager of GB Workshop Idon Pang, it was made clear that the industry lacks “engineers” who are well trained to handle modern motorcycles.

“There is a big gap between current motorcycle technology and the people who are certified to handle and maintain these technologies or make it even better. The gap is very big,” explained Idon.

Working with Certified Technicians: An Employer’s View

The TOC Automotive College aims to address the obvious lack of professional talent in the industry through the Superbike Technician Course. But acknowledging the fact that certification courses can be expensive to pursue, the TOC Automotive College is offering a unique education loan called TOC Bina Bakat Program.

The TOC Bina Bakat program offers up to 100% loan for youths who want to pursue a course at the TOC Automotive College. Youths who qualify for the loan are not required to repay the education loan until the day they secure a job and begin to earn a salary.

Are you interested to pursue your passion in motorcycles, to begin a career that lets you indulge in your passions? Then click here for more information regarding the Superbikes Technician Course and the Bina Bakat education loan program.

So what are you waiting for? If it has always been your dream to work in the motorcycle service line, or to start your very own motorcycle workshop, then this is the perfect platform to get you started on the path to achieving your dreams. Don’t wait, find out more about the TOC Superbike Technician Course at www.toc.edu.my or call (+603) 7960 8833 for more details.

CLICK HERE to know more about TOC’s Superbike Technician Course.

  • Kami telah berbicara dengan Idon Pang, Pengurus Selepas Jualan untuk GB Workshop, pusat perkhidmatan selepas jualan rasmi buat Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, dan Vespa Malaysia mengenai juruteknik bertauliah.
  • Idon tekankan yang adanya kekurangan juruteknik bertauliah dalam pasaran.
  • Lebih-lebih untuk motosikal yang kini semakin lama semakin kompleks kerana kelengkapan elektroniknya.

(more…)

  • We spoke to Idon Pang, the Aftersales Manager for GB Workshop, the official aftersales service centre for Aprilia and Moto Guzzi Malaysia about certified technicians.

  • Idon iterates that there is a shortage of certified technicians in market.

  • Especially that motorcycles are now more and more complex due to electronics.

Since we have been posting about certified motorcycle technicians, we decided to speak to a well-known aftersales manager on his thoughts on the matter.

The person we spoke to was Idon Pang, who is known for his dedication to motorcycle aftersales, his resourcefulness, customer-centric ethics and experience in Moto Guzzi, Vespa and Aprilia motorcycles, among others.

Bikes Republic (BR): Hi Idon, we’d like to talk about your thoughts on certified motorcycle technicians.
Idon Pang (IP): Yes, sure. I have met some people and read about TOC Automotive College’s Superbike Technician Course recently and I think it’s a fantastic idea.

Certified Superbike Technicians are in demand!

I’ve been in the industry for more than ten years right now and my challenge in aftersales is having enough certified technicians to carry out the work. Many people don’t see it, but I think TOC have noticed this issue. There is a big gap between current motorcycle technology and the people who are certified to handle and maintain these technologies or making it even better. The gap is very big.

The European countries and also America have many certified technicians, called “engineers,” who are able to handle these new technologies.

Asia, on the other hand, is the fastest growing motorcycle market but the level of our workforce is very, very far behind.

That’s why I’m very happy to see TOC pick this up.

BR: What’s the difference in working with certified and non-certified technicians?
IP: I’ve been very fortunate to work with both throughout the years. In fact, I am a bit of both, as well.

I am certified for a number of motorcycle brands; as you know I’m more skilled towards Italian bikes. I learned through non-certified methods in the beginning. My sifus like the late Mr. Eddie Chia and later his sons, and a number of small motorcycle workshops taught me the tricks and tips of the trade. It’s from here that I saw both extremes.

Having certified technicians means that things had to be done to a certain standard. For example, Malaysia is now adopting standards for mechanics, so we are hopeful that this will provide better quality work for customers.

To be honest with you, certification alone isn’t enough as the student may study really hard just to pass exams, but they didn’t brush up on their practical skills they will lose them.

And I meant simple skills just as catching engine timing, using sensors to detect problems or troubleshoot, mechanical failures and so forth.

Why It is Important to have a Certified Technician Working on Your Bike

BR: Speaking about new motorcycle technology, how do you see the progress?
IP: It’s moving at a very rapid pace. Manufacturers are increasingly adding more new technologies every year to add value to their products.

The biggest thing now is of course electronics such as traction control, anti-wheelie, ABS. Things like APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control rider assist suite) have been around for about 10 years but it’s now being more and more prevalent throughout the industry.

But there are very feel few people who could understand, maintain and repair it. There are not more than two-handful of people who could work on these technologies currently in Malaysia.

So, certification in that area is very important. But that certification must also include practical training.

(Editor’s note: 70% of the TOC Superbike Technician Course consists of practical training, preparing the students for the real world.)

BR: How do you see the career paths of certified technicians?
IP: Firstly, it’s true that there are very good non-certified technicians who learned through the hard way and from the experience passed down through many generations. This is why there are motorcycle owners who send their bikes to them. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course.

But again, technology is outgrowing our skills. We are at this paradigm change in motorcycle technology and industry. And yet we aren’t churning out certified or skilled technicians fast enough.

Secondly, many of these experienced old-hands have retired or retired without passing on their knowledge to the new generation.

BR: What could the graduates of certified technicians expect in the market?
IP: The market is very lucrative. The aftersales market will keep growing regardless of the economy as owners will still need to maintain and repair their bikes.

We’ve seen this for many years. When the economy picks up, so do bike sales, consequently aftersales picks up too. When the economy slows down, bike sales will follow suit. However, instead of dropping, aftersales still picks up. That’s because instead of changing bikes, owners will maintain their bikes to make it last longer. Additionally, they will accessorize their bikes.

So what are you waiting for? If it has always been your dream to work in the motorcycle service line, or to start your very own motorcycle workshop, then this is the perfect platform to get you started on the path to achieving your dreams. Don’t wait, find out more about the TOC Superbike Technician Course at www.toc.edu.my or call (+603) 7960 8833 for more details.

CLICK HERE to know more about TOC’s Superbike Technician Course.

Study to be a Certified Superbike Technician at the TOC Automotive College

  • Motosikal adalah jentera yang kompleks dan menyelenggaranya memerlukan kemahiran.
  • Penyelenggaraan motosikal bukanlah sekadar menukar minyak dan penapisnya sahaja.
  • Ini adalah empat aspek yang paling dipandang remeh dalam penyelenggaraan motosikal.

(more…)

  • Motorcycles are complex machines and working on them needs expertise.

  • But motorcycle maintenance is not just about changing the oil and filter.

  • Here are the four most overlooked aspects of motorcycle maintenance.

For many of us, motorcycles are just another form of transportation that gets one particular job done; getting to desired destinations. All that we really consider when it comes to our travels are the amount of petrol in the tank, tyre conditions, basic service maintenance, and surprisingly, nothing more.

The motorcycle is a complex piece of machinery and some models by renowned manufacturers have simplified them down to their basic structures so that owners wouldn’t have to worry so much about their machines and overall conditions. And there are some which are technological marvels.

As simple as most bikes are, there are things that motorcyclists need to know about their bikes when it comes to the maintenance department. With that being said, here are 5 things you didn’t know about bikes (or 5 things you SHOULD know about bikes).

1. For God’s sake, service your brakes!

We all know for a fact that going fast on any motorcycle is super exhilarating (especially high-performance ones like the BMW S 1000 RR and the Ducati Panigale V4 S). As much fun as hitting the redline and hitting all the gears, stopping power needs to be at its optimum to ensure a smooth and safe stop.

Most workshops with certified mechanics and superbike technicians will give a quick once over to basically ensure that the calipers are clean, discs are smooth, and brake pads are still good. If the bike is sent to places where they don’t have any service record, it’s difficult to determine the most overlooked aspect of brake maintenance: replacing the brake fluids.

If you’re starting to notice that your brake levers are going soft or limp on you, it is usually the main indicator to get your brake fluids changed. Most bike manuals would suggest you do this every two years to ensure that the brake fluid is fresh and the absence of air bubbles in the system.

Bleeding the brake – Courtesy of motorcyclistonline.com

Uncertain of when was the last time this happened? Certified mechanics and technicians can usually tell just by looking at the colour of the brake fluid. For your information, brake fluids are usually crystal clear with a tinge of yellow. As fluids get older and degrade, they get darker and cloudier.

Although the of bleeding the old fluid and replacing it with a fresh batch is not difficult, utmost care must be taken as you do not want to leave air bubbles in the system. Besides, brake fluid is highly corrosive and will cause paint damage if they land on other parts of the bike.

Also of important note is replacing the brake fluid for motorcycles with ABS. The bleeding process is straightforward, but air bubbles should never be allowed to enter the ABS modulator. If it did then you would need an electronic ABS tester to flush it out of the system, otherwise the motorcycle will have braking issues! Where can you find this tester? At official workshops (manned by certified technicians, of course).

In short, head to workshops with certified technicians to get your brake fluids checked (and replaced!).

2. Give your forks a chance!

Your suspension system needs to be periodically checked, as well. We’re talking about your bike’s front forks and rear shock absorber(s). Most affordable small-capacity bikes only have the option to replace them once they’re worn out but it’s more likely to be cheaper than tearing it apart for service.

For bigger bikes with higher-end gears, the suspension package will last for a long time provided that you go through the periodically-scheduled maintenance on time.

Take for example, the forks. Forks not only hold the front wheel, allow you to steer the bike and absorb shocks, they are also important in providing front tyre feedback to the rider.

Suspension service – Courtesy of jamespackwoodracing.co.uk

The service process for forks is needs a meticulous working etiquette as they consist of high-precision components. This is where you should really look for a workshop with a dedicated team of certified technicians to work on your bike. Trust us on this one, you’ll be thanking us later.

3. Valve clearance is vital!

Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight head – courtesy of bikebandit.com

Valve clearance check-up is one of the most important (and probably the biggest) service aspect for your motorcycle. Why? Because wear and tear and heat in the valvetrain will affect the position of valve and clearance size. Wrong valve clearance will first lead to a nasty-sounding valvetrain. If the issue is not addressed over time, your engine will start to lose performance, stutter and just will not run. In extreme cases, the valves may even contact the piston’s crown resulting in catastrophic failure!

Bikers love to hate this particular maintenance procedure as they are slightly more on the expensive side and it take time as it involves working and removing vital engine components. When to check the valve clearance is different for every bike so make sure you double check with your bike’s manufacturer manual and certified workshops.

Valve clearance adjustment – Courtesy of www.transmoto.com.au

For smaller bikes, this process is quite easy to do (provided that you have the right tools) but vital parts of the bikes like body panels, fuel tanks, and maybe more need to be remove in order to successfully complete the process. Having doubts? Keep calm and send your bike over to a certified superbike technician!

4. Keep cool with coolant!

Lastly, we’re going to touch on your bike’s overall cooling system. Those with air-cooled bikes can start riding because this advice is for those with liquid-cooling. Go ahead, we’ll meet you at the rendezvous point!

Why is it important to check your bike’s cooling system? First of all, the liquid coolant used in your bikes contains active ingredients or agents that help to control corrosion. These agents degrade over time and once it’s dirty, it won’t be as efficient to keep things nice and cool.

Like your brake fluid, replacing the liquid coolant is also advised to be done every two (or three, depending on the manufacturer) years. Doing it yourself is not difficult but you’ll need to find the proper way of disposing the used coolant as some types are toxic, and can damage the environment plus affect your health if it contacts your skin.

Apart from replacing the brake fluids, you also need to check the radiator, hoses, and clamps. Rubber hoses must be in good condition (pliable with no cracks). Hose clamps should be nice and tight, too. As for the radiator, look out for any physical damage. If there’s any bent cooling fins, you can easily straighten them out with a small screwdriver.

Overall, maintaining your motorcycle is more than just ensuring that there’s fresh oil and oil filter every time it is sent to the workshop. With proper workshops and certified technicians, keeping tabs of these five most overlooked aspects will be a whole lot easier on your machine as well as your ease of mind. So keep calm, ride safe, and practise proper bike care!

5. Certification guarantees satisfaction!

Worried about sending your bikes to shady workshops and characters? Well, you should! Your bikes are like your own body and when it comes to healthcare, you only want the best so why should it be different for your bikes?

Workshops, mechanics and technicians with proper certifications gained from programs coordinated by fine institutions like the TOC Automotive College offer, provide, and supply the nation with certified and highly-trained technicians who have experience in working with bikes ranging from small-capacity daily bikes to high-performance track racing machines.

It is always advisable to send your bikes to the manufacturer’s authorised service centres but when there’s none around, it’s always good for you to send your bikes to places with proper certifications when it comes to the workshops as well as the technicians working on the machines.

To know about the demand for certified superbike technicians, CLICK HERE.

Certified Superbike Technicians are now in demand!

Please visit the TOC Automotive College Facebook page or their campus (map below) or call call (+603) 7960 8833 for more information. Likewise, you can find more information about the TOC Bina Bakat Program here, or email info@toc.edu.my. Please click on this link for further information on the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

“Foreman” Oh Kah Beng answers a good question about tyre wear in this edition of TechTOC with “Foreman” Oh.
It goes without saying that your bike is only as good as the tyres it wears. Tyre wear must be kept an eye on at all times.

QUESTION:

How do I know when is the right time to change my tyres? Manufacturers say when the threads are worn to certain depth but my friends say I could use them until they look like racing tyres. Out of curiosity, how does one check the wear on racing tyres?
Ahmad Sukri – Johor Bahru

ANSWER:

On street tyres, there are small “TWI” prints embossed on the outer edges of the thread surface to specify the locations of the respective “thread wear indicator.” Now, move your sight directly across the width of the tyre from the TWI print and you should spot a little “knob” which protrudes inside the tyre’s groove. If the surrounding tyre threads have worn down to this knob, it is time to replace the tyre. Allowing the tyre to wear beyond that indicator isn’t a good idea as there isn’t enough groove depth to evacuate water. This is considering normal wear.
As for a slick racing tyre, the wear indicators are signified by visible pin holes from left to right across the tyre.
There are other factors that you should also consider such as age of the tires (5 years from time of manufacture), signs of abnormal wear (one side worn more than the other), signs of heavy damage (parts of the thread peel off, for example), already patched too many times, obvious signs of deterioration such as cracks.
Just one word of advice, please remember to check your tyre pressure at least once a week. This is the time when you may pick up on the condition of the tyres, also.

Keep sending in your questions to me at TechTOC with Foreman Oh to stand the chance of receiving a complimentary session at Most Fun Gym.

You may follow us at Most Fun Gym – MFG through our Facebook page.

Please visit the TOC Automotive College Facebook page or their campus (map below) or call call (+603) 7960 8833 for more information. Likewise, you can find more information about the TOC Bina Bakat Program here, or email info@toc.edu.my. Please click on this link for further information on the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

  • No one likes squealing and squeaking brakes.

  • We’ve had a follower sending this good question.

  • Here Foreman Oh gives his answer on what causes it and how to remedy it.

The question for TechTOC with Foreman Oh Kah Beng today is about squealing disc brakes, something that none of us like. What could be the cause and what would be the solution? TOC Automotive College Motorsports Consultant and Most Fun Gym Principal Instructor, Foreman Oh Kah Beng answers.

QUESTION:

My brakes are always squealing when I apply them. I have tried cleaning them but it still happens.

— TAN SUAN HOR, Melaka, Kawasaki ER-6n

ANSWER:

May I assume that you clean your brakes (disc brakes?) with commercially available brake cleaner solutions? You may try to do so if you are not already. Spray onto the discs directly and wipe off the residue. Be careful to not spray onto painted areas such as the rims and leave it on!

Cleaning brake discs – Courtesy of rideapart.com

However, if you have already done so and they still squeak, the discs are most probably “glazed.” Sand and dirt picked up during rain storms will get trapped between the brake pads and discs. Then as you brake, enough heat is generated to embed the sand and dirt into the discs. This is glazing. As such, you need to either “skim” the discs if they are within their wear tolerance or replace them altogether if they are not. There are workshops who provide this service.

Glazed brake disc

Other conditions that can cause brake squeal are worn pads, broken securing clip (which holds the pads in place at the back of caliper), pads with insufficient insulation or insulation shims, and no surface cut (which is common on motorcycle brake discs).

Parts of brake pads

Hence, you may also try different brake pad compounds. Those with high metallic content (usually those marked “FOR RACING”) will scour the discs and squeal. Keep an ear out when a racing superbike comes to a stop in the pits.

Keep sending in your questions to me at TechTOC with Foreman Oh to stand the chance of receiving a complimentary session at Most Fun Gym.

You may follow us at Most Fun Gym – MFG through our Facebook page.

Please visit the TOC Automotive College Facebook page or their campus (map below) or call call (+603) 7960 8833 for more information. Likewise, you can find more information about the TOC Bina Bakat Program here, or email info@toc.edu.my. Please click on this link for further information on the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

  • The inaugural round of the TOC Desmo Cup was held during Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship.

  • This new series was the result of the cooperation between TOC Automotive College and Desmo Owners Club Malaysia.

  • The competitors’ bikes were worked on by facilitators of the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

The TOC Automotive College and Desmo Club Malaysia had signed a partnership recently to work hand-in-hand to create a new series called the TOC Desmo Cup exclusively for Ducati owners, beginning Round 2 of the 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship.

There was a total of six competitors in this series, making for a humble beginning. More riders had wanted to join initially but couldn’t prepare enough in time.

But while any Ducati makes for a great track weapon, all six were on the Ducati 898, 1098 and 1198 variants. The 1098 made its debut in 2007, the 848 in 2008, and 1198 in 2009. It meant they could be considered “outdated” in the pantheon of superbikes. (Carlos Checa won the 2011 WSBK rider and manufacturer title on a satellite 1098, nonetheless.)

Carlos Checa in 2011 – Courtesy of Sport Rider

Such a scenario created a unique challenge for any team to keep the bikes competitive, but thankfully, the TOC Desmo Cup has help from the TOC Automotive College in the form of TOC Superbike Technician Course lecturers to work on those Ducatis.

On the other hand, TOC also benefits as their facilitators and students obtain the experience of working in a hectic environment.

It was visible that both parties worked well together and not one bike suffered any mechanical failure throughout the weekend.

Again, it demonstrates the importance of having certified technicians working on your bike.

 

As for the TOC Desmo Cup series, it was well-organized among the ranks, hence everything went on without a hitch. The riders are riding buddies and friends, which provided an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and ribbing each other.

Zulkiply Yahya won the inaugural race ahead of Sarul Fahmi Mohd. Zaini and Syamsul Bakthiar Esa.

Watch out for the next round as more competitors come onbard.

Besides supplying the manpower, the TOC Automotive College upped the ante in projecting their branding from this round, by putting up boards of their Bina Bakat program and also the Superbike Technician Course in the paddocks.

Please visit TOC Automotive College’s Facebook page or their campus (map below) or call call (+603) 7960 8833 for more information. Likewise, you can find more information about the TOC Bina Bakat Program here, or email info@toc.edu.my. Please click on this link for further information on the TOC Superbike Technician Course.

PICTURE GALLERY

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube