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2022 Yamaha 135LC Fi V8 - from RM7,798

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• 2022 Yamaha 135LC V8 Fi SE Malaysia, RM8,198

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 11 May 2022 1:47 pm / 9 comments

  

  With Malaysian rider interest in the 2022 Yamaha 135LC Fi showing no signs of abating, here’s a look at the 135LC Fi SE, priced at RM8,198 excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Sold alongside the base model Yamaha 135LC Fi which retails at RM7,798, the SE comes with a model specific colour scheme and some extras.

  It should be noted the 135LC Fi, in base and SE model forms, is available only in Malaysia with it being unavailable in other ASEAN countries. Now in its eighth design iteration earning it the euphemism “V8” or “Version 8”, this year’s 135LC Fi is the first major makeover for the 135LC since it was launched in Malaysia in 2006.

  

  

  

  Differentiating the 135LC F1 SE from the base 135LC Fi is the cover set colour, in a shade called Desert Storm. Fans of the 135LC Fi can expect to see this paint choice offered for 2022 and 2023 before it is replaced, going by previous Hong Leong Yamaha new motorcycle model release practice.

  The 135LC Fi is powered by a Euro 4 compliant 135 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill fed by EFI. Power is claimed to be 12.4 hp at 8,000 pm while 12.2 Nm of torque is available at 6,000 rpm, almost similar numbers to the previous model Yamaha 135LC with 12 hp at 8,500 rpm and 11.79 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm.

  

  

  

  Aside from the colour scheme setting the 135LC Fi SE apart, a storage compartment comes as standard equipment, giving the rider some space for miscellaneous items. Also standard is a USB charging port for the rider’s electronics, located inside the compartment.

  Complementing the Yamaha Y16ZR (RM10,888) and Yamaha Y15ZR (RM8,498) which fall into the “Supercub” category with standard motorcycle gearbox and clutch, the 135 LC Fi instead remains true to its kapchai roots, with power going through a four-speed rotary gearbox and centrifugal clutch to the rear wheel, with chain final drive. A useful design change to the 135LC Fi comes in the form of a slightly bigger fuel tank, 4.6-litres compared against the outgoing 135LC’s 4-litres.

  

  The 135LC Fi tips the scales at 109 kg, adding 4 kg over the previous generation 135LC. Also new for the 135LC Fi is the instrument panel, a monochrome LCD display taken from the Y16ZR.

  No surprises on the suspension front, non-adjustable telescopic forks on the front 17-inch wheel and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the back. Braking uses hydraulic discs front and rear with the cast alloy wheels shod in 70/90 and 80/90 rubber.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2022 Harley-Davidson LiveWire S2 Del Mar LE launched – limited edition of 100 units, RM66k

  In Bikes, Electric motorcycles, Harley-Davidson, International Bike News, LiveWire / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 11 May 2022 8:55 am / 3 comments

  

  Second in its range of electric motorcycle (e-bike) offerings after Harley-Davidson (H-D) spun LiveWire off as its own separate brand, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar Launch Edition is now in the market, priced at approximately USD 15,000 (RM65,761). Made in a limited initial production run of 100 units on pre-order, the bad news is LiveWire has sold every single unit of the S2 Del Mar LE.

  Registration is being taken for the production version of the S2 Del Mar, though no information was forthcoming from H-D as to when this might take place. H-D has yet to release detailed specifications of the S2 Del Mar, including power rating of the motor and battery pack capacity.

  

  What information is available states the S2 Del Mar will produce the equivalent of 80 hp or more, with an estimated range of 160 km with the battery us gin Level 1 and 2 charging, though charging times were not mentioned. Weight is targeted to be 197 kg, with a zero to 100 kmh time of 3.5 seconds or better.

  From the press photos released, we can see the S2 Del Mar follows a flat tracker/scrambler design style, with an LED headlight in the same oblong shape as used in the Sportster. The S2 Del Mar is obviously targeted at a younger, urban audience, eschewing the use of chrome and other superfluous adornments, giving it a purposeful silhouette.

  

  The motor on the S2 Del Mar is located amidships, like the Livewire, with final drive by belt. The battery pack is located where the engine would be in a traditional motorcycle, with finning putting the viewer in mind of a big single-cylinder thumper.

  Braking is done with Brembo callipers front and rear, with the S2 Del Mar looking like it rolls on rather chunky 17-inch wheels. Other modern accoutrements include upside forks, a monoshock at the rear and rather more modern (and functional) motorcycle steering geometry.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Harley-Davidson Pan America makes appearance in “Fast X” movie, ridden by Jason Momoa

  In Bikes, Harley-Davidson, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 May 2022 6:04 pm / 1 comment

  

  Filming is proceeding apace on “Fast X” (also known as Fast & Furious 10), with an on screen appearance by the Harley-Davidson Pan America adventure-tourer motorcycle (priced from RM99,900 in Malaysia). Ridden by action star Jason Momoa, the tenth movie in the “Fast and Furious” film franchise recently saw director Justin Lin leave the set, citing “creative differences” with the studio, Universal Pictures.

  With Lin replaced by director Louis Leterrier, filming has resumed in Rome, Italy, where Momoa was seen riding the Pan American dressed in leather pants and a snakeskin jacket in keeping with his role as the film’s villain. The Pan America itself has been modded for the film, bearing little resemblance to its real world form.

  Decked out in black paint, the Pan America’s exhaust piping is now a pair of straight pipes painted in red-orange. The headlight cowl, and headlight, is gone, replaced with the flat black plate with vent holes, mimicking the number plate used on flat track racers.

  

  The instrument panel is now a smartphone or small LCD display of some sort while the seat unit is modified to suit filming duties. What does remain is the Revolution Max 1250 V-twin with the Harley-Davidson “Bar and Shield” logo adorning the fuel tank.

  This time around, Momoa plays the villain of the piece, saying, “it’s fun, I get to play the bad guy, which I haven’t gotten to do for a while. Now, I get to be the bad boy. A very flamboyant bad boy. A little panache!”

   

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• Malaysian Hakim Danish shines in FIM Euro Talent Cup

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 9 May 2022 5:47 pm / 3 comments

  

  It appears competing in the 2022 FIM European Talent Cup (ETC) championship agrees with SIC (Sepang International Circuit) Racing’s Hakim Danish, with a podium place after last weekend’s racing in Portugal. Taking place at the Estoril Circuit, Portugal, in the opening race of the 2022 FIM JuniorGP season, Hakim placed fifth in Race 1, and gained his first ever podium spot with a second place finish in Race 2.

  Starting Race 1 in 10th position, Hakim fought hard against a crop of young European talent to grab fifth place. “For me, Race 1 was tiring because I was fighting hard to control my bike against other fast riders,” said Hakim after the race.

  

  However, the mechanics from team Monlau got cracking and made improvements to Hakim’s Honda NSF250 race machine ahead of Race 2. Despite starting from 12th on the grid, Hakim fought his way through the pack to finish second behind Joel Esteban of Aspar Junior Team and ahead of Rico Salmela of Estrella Garcia Racing Team.

  “I am really happy with Race 2 because this is my first time being on the European Talent Cup podium. The feeling of the bike is better than Race 1 all thanks to my team,” Hakim said. Hailing from Terengganu, Hakim is sponsored by SIC Racing, under the tutelage of Zulfahmi Kahiruddin of ZK Racing.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Dat Bike Weaver 200 leads e-bike charge in Vietnam – RM10,466, 200 km range, 6 kW electric motor

  In Bikes, Electric motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 9 May 2022 2:54 pm / 0 comment

  

  After recently securing 5.3 million USD (RM23.22 million) in venture capital, Dat Bike is bringing electric motorcycles (e-bikes) to Vietnam. Recognised by the Vietnam Ministry of Transportation as Vietnam’s first domestically made e-bike, Dat Bike has raised 10 million USD (RM43.81 million) in funding since its founding in 2019.

  Dat Bike currently offers two e-bike models, the Weaver and Weaver 200, with a direct-to-consumer distribution model via two physical stores in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as online sales. Led by Son Nguyen, Dat Bike e-bikes are designed by the company and 80% of its suppliers are located in Vietnam.

  Starting with the Dat Bike Weaver, Nguyen addressed the issue of comparable performance with a standard combustion engined motorcycle, with the Weaver, powered by a 5 kW motor and delivering an 80 km/h top speed with 100 km range, equal to a 100 cc motorcycle. Charging time using domestic current was listed at three hours.

  

  

  

  Dat Bike has since released the Weaver 200, building on the Weaver, with upgraded performance and range. The Weaver 200 will deliver a top speed of 90 km/h, with a range of 200 km on a single charge. The Weaver weighs 120 kg, with a 6 kW motor and a 72 Volt, 68 Ah lithium-ion battery pack.

  The Weaver 200 features regenerative braking and connectivity to the rider’s smartphone including auto lock/unlock functionality with proximity detection. Pricing for the Weaver 200 is reported at USD 2,389 (RM10,466) while the Weaver is listed at USD 1,739 (RM7,619).

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2022 Yamaha Tricity 125 scooter updated for Europe

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 6 May 2022 10:18 am / 5 comments

  

  Updated for this year in Europe is the 2022 Yamaha Tricity 125 three-wheeled scooter. Designed primarily for urban commuting, the Tricity 125 has been on the market since 2014 and like its bigger three-wheeler sibling the Yamaha Niken, has built up a cult following.

  New for 2022 is the Euro 5 compliant 125 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, with Yamaha’s Blue Core engine efficiency design, engine stop-start and variable valve actuation (VVA). Fed by EFI, the Trinity’s power output is claimed to be 9 hp at 7,500 with 11.7 Nm of torque coming in at 7,250 rpm.

  

  

  

  The Tricity 125 uses an LMW (Leaning Multi Wheel) Ackermann steering with dual front wheels for increased stability and traction at the front end. Ride comfort and stability is increased with a redesigned chassis while revised twin shock absorbers at the rear deliver a high-quality ride.

  Twin 220 mm diameter front brake discs and a single 230 mm unit at the back come with Yamaha’s Unified Braking System (UBS), or combined braking, where the front and rear brakes are proportionately activated during stops to increase stability and safety. Weight for the Tricity 125 is listed at 156 kg, with 7.2 litres of fuel carried in the tank.

  

  Seat height is set at 780 mm and under the seat, a storage space large enough for a single full-face helmet can be found, and this is complemented by a storage cubby for miscellaneous items inside the front cowl. Inside the cockpit, a monochrome LCD instrument panel features Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone using Yamaha’s MyRide app.

  Other riding conveniences include LED lighting, keyless start and a larger footboard area for rider accessibility and a greater range of riding positions. The Yamaha Tricity 125 is available in Europe in three colour options – Icon Grey, Matte Grey and Milky White.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Ducati and VW Group to CKD bikes in Argentina

  In Bikes, Ducati, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 6 May 2022 8:36 am / 0 comment

  

  Scrambler Ducati Icon customised with the colours of the Argentinian flag

  An agreement has been reached between Ducati and Volkswagen Group Argentina for CKD assembly of Ducati motorcycles. CKD production at Volkswagen’s plant at the Córdoba Industrial Center, a manufacturing, agricultural and logistics hub in central Argentina, beginning end-2022 for local distribution.

  This will make Ducati’s assembly operations in Argentina its third overseas factory outside of Italy. The first model to be assembled at Córdoba Industrial Center will be the Scrambler Ducati Icon (the Scrambler Icon Dark is priced at RM49,900 in Malaysia.)

  Ducati currently has seven exclusive dealerships with integrated service in Argentina, including a showroom area and dedicated space for the Ducati Scrambler range. The commercial relationship between Ducati and Volkswagen Group Argentina began in 2013, after Audi AG bought the Italian motorcycle manufacturer globally in 2012.

   

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• 2022 QJMotor SRK600 launched in Malaysia, RM35.8k

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, QJMotor / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 May 2022 9:54 am / 4 comments

  

  Entering the middleweight motorcycle market in Malaysia is the 2022 QJ Motor SRK600, priced at RM35,888 excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Represented in Malaysia by MForce Bike Holdings, QJ Motor, which is under the strategic guidance of the Geely Group, also owns the Benelli motorcycle brand, and local riders might remember the TnT600 (previously sold at RM32,900) naked sports, which the SRK600 replaces.

  Launched during the May first holiday at the Benelli Best Shop in Johor Bharu, the SRK600 is the first of a range of QJ Motor two-wheelers to be launched in Malaysia. Additionally, distributors MForce, seeking to address previous issues with the provision of spares parts and service outside the northern region of the Peninsular, are in the process of opening a series of Benelli Best Shops in key cities as well as expending the Benelli dealer network in the central and southern region.

  

  

  

  Euro 5 compliant, the SRK600 carries an inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, 600 cc mill, producing 80.4 hp at 11,000 rpm with a peak torque of 55 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Direct competition for the SRK600 in Malaysia comes from the four-cylinder Honda CB650R, priced at RM43,499 and in comparison, the CB650R gets 93 hp and 64 Nm of torque from 649 cc.

  A six-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch and chain final drive gets power to the ground. Brand name components are used for the braking and suspension on the SRK600, with KYB providing preload-adjustable upside-down forks and monoshock, while Brembo does the braking with twin callipers in front and single unit the rear, while two-channel ABS is standard equipment.

  

  In terms of riding conveniences, the SRK600 comes with keyless start, LED lighting throughout and a USB charging port located above the upper triple clamp. Inside the cockpit, a 5-inch full-colour TFT-LCD displays all the necessary information with automatic switching between day and night modes.

  The SRK600 weighs in at 229 kg with 15-liters of fuel carried in the tank, while seat height is set at 800 mm. For Malaysia, there are two colour options available, White and Red, while stocks of the SRK600 will enter QJ Motor authorised dealer showrooms beginning mid-June.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Petronas, TVS Motor form Petronas TVS Racing India

  In Bikes, International Bike News, TVS Motors / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 April 2022 8:48 am / 3 comments

  

  Teaming up with TVS Motor Company, national oil company Petronas is title partner for India’s first factory racing team, TVS Racing. Dubbed Petronas TVS Racing Team, the sponsorship agreement sees Petronas supplying Petronas Sprinta high performance lubricants to the team, with the team participating in road, supercross and rally racing categories.

  Among championships contested by the team are the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC), Indian National Supercross Championship (INSC), and Indian National Rally Championship (INRC). In addition, Petronas Lubricants International will develop a co-branded oil with TVS, Petronas TVS TRU4 Race Pro, available in India from May 2022.

  

  “Petronas continues to make headway across the value chain in India including supplying LPG through IndianOil Petronas and provision of rooftop solar panels via AmPlus Energy. Petronas lubricants have a solid track record in global motorsport events, and we are proud to support TVS Racing’s ambitions,” said Petronas Group Strategic Communications Senior General Manager Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Suzuki Gixxer 250 and SF250 in Malaysia in 2023

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Suzuki Motorcycles / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 April 2022 5:40 pm / 5 comments

  

  2021 Suzuki Gixxer SF250

  For Malaysian riders waiting for Suzuki’s 250 cc models, the 2022 Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF250, expect to see the pair here in 2023. First launched in the India market in 2019, the Gixxer is also in Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, as well as the Philippines, so many have asked if this pair of quarter-litre Suzukis will make to Malaysia.

  The answer, you will be glad to hear, is yes, but not so quickly. Following the recent launch of the Suzuki Raider F150i, GSX-S150 and GSX-R150 in Malaysia, along with the bigger motorcycles in Suzuki Malaysia’s range, the Gixxer in 250 and SF250 variants will be released sometime next year.

  

  2021 Suzuki Gixxer 250

  paultan.org was not given a specific date, but our source inside Suzuki Malaysia whose credentials are impeccable told us an expected launch date is at least a year away, at a minimum. As for pricing, the Gixxer 250 and SF250 will be in line with competition in the local market such as the KTM Duke 250, retailing at RM21,500.

  Both the Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF250 are mechanically similar with the Gixxer 250 being a naked sports while the Gixxer SF250 is a sportsbike with full fairing. As per standard styling dynamics, the Gixxer 250 comes with taller handlebars with the Gixxer SF250 has semi-raised clip-ons.

  

  

  

  Both quarter-litre Suzukis carry the same power plant, a SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder mill, displacing 249 cc. With the engine fed by EFI, power is claimed to be 26 hp at 9,000 rpm while 22.6 Nm of torque comes in at 7,500 rpm.

  Those who may be asking if the two-cylinder Suzuki GSX-R 250 will be brought in, this will not happen as that is a model intended for the China market. Based on the older Suzuki Inazuma 250 engine, the GSX-R250 does not meet current emissions regulations for many countries.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2022 Yamaha NMax 155, Malaysia gets colour update?

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 26 April 2022 5:13 pm / 5 comments

  

  It appears the 2022 Yamaha NMax 155 will be getting colour updates for Malaysia, possibly as soon as just after Hari Raya Puasa. As for pricing, from we gather from sources in the market, the NMax 155 will likely have to same pricing as 2021, RM8,998, or possibly a little higher due to the vagaries of the exchange rate and shipping costs caused by the pandemic.

  No news on what the new colour ways will be, though we can expect to see, at the least, two new colour schemes for the 2022 NMax, with one colour carried over from last year. The 2021 NMax was available in the Malaysian market in two colour options, Power Grey and Icon Grey, and your guess is as good as ours which will be retained.

  Also, don’t expect changes in the engine room for the NMax, with power coming from a single-cylinder, SOHC, 155 cc VVA engine. Power output is claimed to be 14.9 hp at 8,000 rpm and 14.4 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, going through the rear wheel via CVT gearbox and belt drive.

  

  As per the 2021 NMax, LED lighting made an appearance last year, so it can safely assumed the specification for that will not change, with four low LED beams and twin high beams, and a four LED tail light. Inside the cockpit, a monochrome LCD display shows all the necessary information the rider needs.

  Riding conveniences include smart key operation, a USB charging port and idle start-stop while a 23.3-litre storage compartment is found under the seat while the fuel tank contains 7.3-litres of fuel. As for ABS, this is fitted as standard equipment in Thailand and Europe, and as a model variant in Indonesia, so we hope this essential piece of safety equipment makes it to Malaysia this year.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer in Malaysia – RM130,900, 1,160 cc triple, 148 hp, 130 Nm torque

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 26 April 2022 1:11 pm / 0 comment

  

  After the announcement by distributors Fast Bikes in February, the 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer is now in Malaysia, priced at RM130,900. This top-of-the-range Triumph adventure-touring machine comes in two variants, the base model available in Sapphire Black or Snowdonia White at RM130,900, while the Matte Khaki Tiger 2100 Rally Explorer 1200 goes for RM131,900, a RM1,000 premium.

  The Tiger 1200’s all-new T-place crank inline-triple engine displacing 1,160 cc and liquid-cooling, DOHC and 12 valves delivers 148 hp at 9,000 rpm with 130 Nm of torque available at 7,000 rpm. For comparison, the BMW Motorrad R1250 GSA – RM136,500 in Malaysia – with its boxer-twin gets 136 hp at 7,750 rpm and 143 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm.

  

  

  

  Fuel capacity for the Explorer version on the Tiger 1200 is 30-litres, identical to the R1250 GSA. Power for the Tiger 1200 goes through ground via a six-speed gearbox and shaft final drive, while tubeless spoked wheel sizing is 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, fitted with 90/90 front and 150/70 rear Metzeler Karoo Street rubber.

  Six ride modes are available in the riding aids suite – Road, Rain, Sport, Rider-configurable, Off-Road and Off-Road Pro – while Optimised Cornering Traction Control comes as standard. Also standard equipment on the Rally Explorer is Triumph’s Blind Spot Radar system, developed in partnership with Continental.

  

  

  

  The system provides Blind Spot Assist using a rear facing radar to let the rider know when another vehicle is in their blind spot, and Lane Change Assist, which gives warning if the rider indicates to change lane and there is a vehicle approaching.

  Suspension at the front end is done with Showa 49 mm diameter upside-down semi-avtice damping forks while the back is held up with a Showa monoshock with semi-active damping and electronic preload adjustment, with suspension travel identical at both ends at 220 mm. Brembo provides M4.32 Stylema brake callipers for the front, clamping twin 320 mm floating discs, with Magura HC1 span-adjustable radial master cylinder with two-channel ABS as standard.

  

  Weighing in at 261 kg with a 90% full fuel tank, the Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer comes with a two position adjustable seat, placing the rider either 875 mm or 890 mm off the ground. Inside the cockpit a 7-inch TFT-LCD screen comes with Bluetooth smartphone connectivity enabling phone calls, turn-by-turn navigation and GoPro control.

  Rounding the list of riding conveniences is cruise control, heated grips, heated seat, USB charging port and type pressure monitoring system. Also standard is Triumph Shift Assist for clutches gear changes and Hill Hold Control for setting off on a steep incline.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2022 Moto Morini X-Cape 650 and 650X adventure tourers in Malaysia, priced at RM39,999 and RM43,999

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Moto Morini / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 22 April 2022 7:37 pm / 9 comments

  

  2022 Moto Morini X-Cape 650X

  After a preview of the 2022 Moto Morini X-Cape 650 in January, the X-Cape 650 and X-Cape 650X have been officially launched in Malaysia, priced at RM39,999 and RM43,499 respectively. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance and registration and every Moto Morini in Malaysia comes with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects with stock available in authorised Moto Morini Malaysia dealer showrooms come mid-May.

  Coming in as a CKD model, there are three colour options for the base model X-Cape 650 and the 650X – Dolomites Red, Monte Blance White and Carrara Grey. Difference between the two X-Cape 650s is in the wheels, the 650X coming with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels, while the base variant gets alloy wheels in the same diameter, shod with 110/80 and 150/70 tyres.

  

  

  

  Power for both X-Capes is the same, a 649 cc, liquid-cooled two-cylinder with a claimed power output of 59 hp at 8,250 rpm with 56 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm, fed by Bosch EFI. A six-speed gearbox and chain final drive gets power to the ground.

  Bosch supplies two-wheel 9.1 Mb ABS for the X-Cape, with Brembo doing the braking with twin two-piston callipers clamping 298 mm floating discs on the front wheel and a two-piston calliper and 255 mm disc at the back. For riders desiring to go off-road, the ABS system on the X-Cape 650 can be switched off.

  

  2022 Moto Morini X-Cape 650

  Front suspension is done with a Marzocchi upside-down fork in front and preload-adjustable monoshock at the back. LED lighting is used throughout on the X-Cape, with a 7-inch TFT-LCD screen in the cockpit displaying all the necessary information, including Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone.

  Weighing in at 213 kg dry, the X-Cape 650 carries 18-litres of fuel carried in the tank. Seat height is listed as 820 mm and there is 175 mm of ground clearance with primary competition for the X-Cape 650 in Malaysia comes from the Suzuki V-Strom 650XT, priced at RM37,989.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2022 MotoGP: Damok gets wild card ride in Moto 3

  In Bikes, International Bike News, MotoGP / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 22 April 2022 4:47 pm / 0 comment

  

  Malaysian racer Syarifuddin Azman, better known as Damok to fans, has scored a wild card ride in the 2022 Moto 3 championship. Damok will be riding for Rivacold Snipers Team in the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimao this weekend as well as the following round in Jerez, Spain.

  Standing in for the injured Alberto Surra who crashed during practice at the US round of this year’s MotoGP, Damok expressed gratitude during an online video press conference with assembled Malaysian media. “I am glad to be given this chance to compete,” said the 21-year old Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Racing Team rider.

  

  “I will have to get used to a new team, a new way of doing things very quickly, but I am familiar with the Honda (NSF250R) raced in Moto 3,” said Damok. Asked if this would perhaps turned into a chance to appear full time for Snipers, Damok was realistic about his expectations.

  “Injuries (like those suffered by Surro) can take a long time to heal. Hopefully, my performance will speak for itself. I intend to place strongly in the points this year,” he said. With this wild card ride, Damok hopes to make up for the disappointment of not getting a place in Moto 3 for 2022 due to the lack of a sponsor.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Vietnam to ban bikes in Hanoi by 2025, experts call to improve public transport first – should KL follow suit?

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 22 April 2022 1:10 pm / 22 comments

  

  A plan to ban motorcycles in Hanoi, Vietnam by 2025 should only be contingent on the availability of adequate public transport infrastructure, say the country’s transport experts. The proposal – mooted as far back as 2016 – by the ruling Hanoi People’s Committee aims to reduce congestion in core districts in the city by 2025, reports vnexpress.net.

  Phan Le Binh, a traffic planner, urged Hanoi to consider if the city’s public transport infrastructure is adequate to meet demand in four years’ time. “It means there must be designated areas to limit or ban motorcycles, instead of having a carpet ban in entire districts. Only when public transport can meet 60-70 percent of travel needs should Hanoi ban personal vehicles,” he said.

  Phan cited the example of Yangon, Myanmar, where a motorcycle ban increased the number of personal cars, worsening traffic jams. “Car prices are going down, meaning people will buy more, but a car takes up five times the space of a motorbike. There is also no guarantee that banning motorbikes will help relieve traffic congestion,” said Phan.

  

  “Hanoi should provide a solution to convince people to switch vehicles. That is the issue to be debated about, not just a motorcycle ban,” said Nguyen Van Quyen, head of the Vietnam Automobile Transport Association. He added Vietnam’s capital city should look into diversifying its public transport, such using smaller buses in narrow streets and encourage walking and cycling by providing bike lanes and maintaining sidewalks.

  Hanoi, a city with a population of eight million people, has a vehicle population of 6.4 million, including 5.6 million motorcycles. The plan sees motorcycles banned in all districts through which the third ring road passes and on three major roads – Truong Sa, Hoang Sa and National Highway 5 and will be expanded to all districts within the fourth ring road after 2030.

   

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