Despite a softening motorcycle market, both worldwide and in Malaysia, 2017 was an exciting year for Malaysian riders. All the major manufacturers had new releases in the quarter-litre and middleweight class, and several brands made a comeback in the local market, notably Italian names MV Agusta and Moto Guzzi.
Shocking news was the decision by Harley-Davidson to terminate its 22-year relationship with Naza, and shifting to a new distributor. A few new names also popped up over the year, such as MForce Bike in Penang taking over the Benelli distributorship, and Sarawak name Demak coming out with a range of budget-conscious bikes for the local market.
In terms of news, the most popular motorcycle story on paultan.org in 2017 was the launch of the 2017 Yamaha NVX 155 scooter. As an extension of the Yamaha NMax, the NVX – known as the Aerox in some markets – was eagerly awaited by local riders, and from what we hear in the market, there is a several month-long waiting list for this two-wheeler.
The second most popular story for the year was the launch of the 2017 Honda RS150R, a new direction for Boon Siew Honda in the supercub category, going up against the very popular Yamaha Y15ZR. This six-speeder kapchai has proven popular amongst riders who want a little more comfort and are willing to give up the sportier handling of the Y15ZR.
Other notable stories for 2017 was the launch of the BMW Motorrad G 310 R, along with the Modenas Pulsar NS200 and RS200, which signalled the return of Malaysia’s only motorcycle manufacturer to the market.
While there was much reader interest in new bikes in the local market, one of the top 10 stories was for a bike that has not been launched in Malaysia as yet, the Honda CBR250RR. For your perusal, here are the top 10 motorcycle stories on paultan.org for 2017, ranked from lowest, to highest.
10. 2017 Kawasaki Z900, Ninja 650, Z650 and Versys-X 250 launched in Malaysia
Starting 2017 in a big way was Kawasaki Motors Malaysia, with the launch of three new models – the Kawasaki Z900 ABS, the Kawasaki Z650 naked sports ABS, the Ninja 650 ABS sports bike and the Versys X-250 adventure bike. Replacing three outgoing models, and exploring a brand new market segment in the quarter-litre arena, Kawasaki Malaysia showed its intent in retaining top position in the local big bike market.
9. Can motorcycles use the highway emergency lane?
This controversial topic generated 165 comments from readers, and drew heated debate from both sides of the motorcycle/car divide. At the end, while many readers accepted that the law is the law, most felt allowing smaller and slower motorcycles to use the emergency lane to allow for better traffic separation is the safer option.
8. 2017 Ducati price list for Malaysia
Malaysian riders are big fans of this premier Italian motorcycle brand, and the readership numbers reflected this. paultan.org was given a pre-release copy of the 2017 Ducati Malaysia price list, along with news of new model launches in May, and readers were in turn shocked and surprised at the pricing for some of the bikes.
7. Why is the Honda CBR250RR not in Malaysia yet?
Local riders have been waiting for the launch of the Honda CBR250RR, the much anticipated model replacement for the Honda CBR250R, but the wait is not over yet. We were told by Boon Siew Honda the Malaysian launch of the CBR250RR will only happen after it has passed European certification, with no firm dates given.
6. Illegal for motorcycles to use the fast lane in Malaysia?
Another controversial topic, and one that spurred 172 comments from readers, this time prompted by an e-mail from a paultan.org reader whose car was damaged by a motorcyclist overtaking on the right between his car and a concrete barrier when he was driving in the fast lane. The comments showed a clear divide between riders and drivers, with most wanting both sides to be considerate and share the road safely.
5. 2017 Benelli RFS150i Malaysia launch – RM6,988
Another supercub, this time from Benelli, the 2017 RFS150i gave Malaysian riders a third choice in this category, apart from the Honda RS150R and the Yamaha Y15ZR. Competitively priced, with sporty looks and upside-down forks, this six-speeder promises much, and a full review will be published soon.
4. 2017 Modenas Pulsar NS200 and RS200 launched – from RM9,222
After laying low for almost six years, Malaysian motorcycle manufacturer Modenas signalled its comeback to the market with the launch of three new models sourced from Indian bike maker Bajaj Auto – the 2017 Modenas Pulsar NS200 naked sports, along with the RS200 sports bike. In addition, the Modenas V15 cruiser was also released, and the Modenas Dominar 400 is due in the early part of next year.
3. 2017 BMW G 310 R now in Malaysia – RM26,900
This one made many local bikers sit up and take notice, signalling as it does the return of a baby BMW Motorrad, the first since the 1960s. The 2017 BMW Motorrad G 310 R is made in India by BMW’s manufacturing partner TVS, and is designed for urban riding and daily commuting.
2. 2016 Honda RS150R Malaysia launch
Boon Siew Honda, in 2016, made a bold move for a traditionally conservative Malaysian motorcycle company, and launched the RS150R supercub. From what we noted, local riders appreciated this, and we have seen lots of RS150Rs on local roads.
1. 2017 Yamaha NVX scooter launched in Malaysia – RM10,500
Launched with a bang by no less a personality than Malaysian fan favourite Valentino Rossi, the 2017 Yamaha NVX immediately found a place in the hearts and minds of local riders. This sophisticated scooter comes with modern conveniences such as keyless start, ABS, and remote seat and fuel opening.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Great Job Mohan… Happy New Year and we hope there are more company sending bikes in 2018 for your review.
Another year of job well done Mohan.
All the bikes that I wanted a review you have covered, san maybe the CBR250RR (but is more of Boon Siew’s fault)
Paul Tan please give him a pay raise…
Can motorcycles use the highway emergency lane? Any answer now.
Here I reply again. So you want bikes to que in the highway as well? So that you in your car will be further back in the lane? Bikes are OK. Since they can clear the lane fast enough when an ambulance approach from behind
Other countries launch upmarket beautiful motorcycles at much lower prices. Here?
Tax the rich no problemo
Dun really know why but I guess Kawasaki is not bringing in the W175 & W250 retro looking bikes… ever to our shores.