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• 2018 Honda Vario 150 launched – from RM7,199

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 August 2018 7:00 pm / 23 comments

  

  Latest entry into the 150 cc scooter segment is the 2018 Honda Vario 150, priced at RM7,199 for the base model while the Repsol Edition goes for RM7,399, with zero-rated GST. Launched in Indonesia earlier this year, the Vario 150 is targeted to the urban rider with its aggressive styling bringing it head-to-head with its primary competition, the Yamaha NMax 155 (RM8,409 with zero-rated GST).

  LED lighting now standard on the Vario 150, front and back. Modern conveniences are also included for the Indonesia manufactured and locally assembled Vario scooter, including a full-LCD instrument panel, smart key system with alarm and call-back as well as start/stop engine function.

  The Vario 150 is powered by a single-cylinder SOHC power plant with liquid-cooling, and power gets to the ground via a V-Matic automatic gearbox. This is good for 13.1 PS at 8,500 rpm, with 13.4 Nm of torque on tap at 5,000 rpm.

  

  

  

  Weighing in at 112 kg with a seat height of 769 mm, the Vario 150 comes standard with an ACG starter and eSP technology in the engine design. Unique to the Vario scooters is Honda’s Combined Braking System (CBS), which activates the front disc and rear drum brake proportionally to aid braking efficiency.

  Suspension is with conventional telescopic forks in front and monoshock at the rear suspending the engine/swingarm with braking done by single hydraulic disc in front and drum back at the rear. Fuel is carried in a 5.5-litre tank while under the seat is an 18-litre capacity storage compartment.

  There are four colour options for the 2018 Honda Vario 150 – Pearl Magellanic Black, Pearl Nightfall Blue, Force Silver Metallic and the Repsol race livery. Coming with a two-year or 20,000 km manufacturing warranty, the Honda Vario 150 will be available in authorised Boon Siew Honda dealers from tomorrow.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Want to win a Ducati Panigale V4 Speciale for RM26?

  In Bikes, Ducati, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 August 2018 5:50 pm / 15 comments

  

  Here’s a chance to win a 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 Speciale, one of only 1,500 to be made worldwide, for only 5 pounds sterling (RM26.46). Sound too good to be true for a piece of Italian exotica worth 36,000 pounds sterling (RM185,352)? Apparently not.

  An anonymous English millionaire has put up a limited edition Panigale V4 Speciale as first prize in the world’s first global motorcycle competition. The prize is part of a fund raising campaign for Blood Bikes, whose volunteer riders provide free motorcycle courier assistance for urgent medical supplies.

  The cost of tickets to enter the competition cost 5 pounds each along with a 50 pence (RM2.65) registration fee. The competition is open to any person aged 18 and over, anywhere in the world, with the Panigale V4 Special being shipped free of charge to the winner, regardless of location.

  

  

  

  The winner will also receive a set of leathers and a lightweight carbon-fibre X-Lite helmet worth 1,000 pounds sterling (RM5,290). Nine runners up will each receive a X-lite X-803 Ultra Carbon helmet.

  Closing date for entries is September 30 and 20% of money raised will go to charities. The businessman is also offering his house as a prize in another online charity fundraiser.

  “The bike is incredible and a joy to ride but it’s also a real collectors’ item as there are only 1,500 in existence. We thought a competition would be a great way to raise money for Blood Bikes, a charity that does wonderful work,” said the businessman. Details of the competition are available on the contest website, ducatiforafiver.co.uk.

  

  DU 2017-10-03 1409

  Carrying a 90-degree V-four Stradale engine displacing 1,103 cc, with reverse-rotating crankshaft, power from the Stradale V-four mill is claimed to be more than 210 hp at 13,000 rpm. Ducati claims more than 120 Nm of torque between 8,750 and 12,250 rpm while the Panigale V4 Speciale gets 226 hp at 13,750 rpm and 133.6 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm.

  In Malaysia, the 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 retails for RM133,900 while the Panigale V4 S goes for RM173,900. The price for the 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 Speciale is tentatively set at RM359,900.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Indonesian company Wika to launch Gesits electric scooter in September, 50,000 units to be built this year

  In Bikes / By Anthony Lim / 29 August 2018 1:25 pm / 6 comments

  

  Indonesian company PT Wijaya Karya (Wika) has announced plans to produce 50,000 electric motorcycles this year, Jakarta Post reports. The Gesits (Garansindo Electric Scooter ITS), which will be built by PT Gesits Technologies Indo (GTI), will be launched next month.

  According to Wika president director Tumiyana, production will be increased next year to around 100,000 to 150,000 units, and this will continuously increase in following years.

  The fully-electric Gesits is equipped with a 5 kW electric motor and powered by a removable lithium-ion battery, which offers the Gesits an operational range of around 80 to 100 km per charge. Maximum speed is 100 km/h.

  

  

  

  The report further indicates that the battery pack has a 1,980 Wh rating and full charging takes about 1.5 to three hours (original literature put the battery at 5,000 Wh and needing a three to four hour charge time). Features on the Gesits include daytime running lights, front telescopic/rear swing-arm monoshock suspension system and the monitoring of the battery system via an Android app.

  In 2016, the Gesits passed a 1,200 km endurance test from Jakarta to Bali, with a number of revisions being carried out to the design last year. The scooter, which will be produced with 89% local content, will be manufactured at GTI’s assembly plant in Cileungsi, Bogor, West Java.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Signals Edition launched – now with two-channel ABS, RM9,456

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Royal Enfield / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 August 2018 3:49 pm / 13 comments

  

  To commemorate its long association with the Indian military, Royal Enfield has launched the 2018 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Signals Edition. Priced at 1.62 lakh Indian rupees (RM9,456), ex-works Pune, the Classic 350 Signals Edition is the first Royal Enfield model to feature two-channel ABS.

  Deriving the model name from the Indian Army Corps of Signals, the Classic 350 Signals Edition comes in two versions – Airborne Blue and Storm Rider Sand – denoting the Air Force and Army, respectively, reports auto.ndtv.com. Purchase of the Signals Edition bikes will be exclusively through Royal Enfield’s website.

  The Signals Edition model comes with the same engine as the base Royal Enfield Classic 350 – a 346 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled mill with a claimed power output of 19 hp at 5,250 rpm and 28 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power is transmitted via a five-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

  

  

  

  Braking is done with a single hydraulic disc front and rear, and as mentioned earlier, the Signals Edition Classic 350 is equipped with two-channel ABS. Suspension is with conventional telescopic forks in front and twin shock absorbers at the back.

  Chrome is omitted from the Signals Edition, with the bike coming with blacked-out headlamp bezel, engine, crankcase cover, exhaust muffler, spoked wheels, and handlebar. The fuel tank is emblazoned with the Signal Corps insignia and a stencilled number indicates the edition production sequence.

   

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• 2019 Indian Scout and Scout Bobber revealed

  In Bikes, Indian Motorcycle, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 August 2018 12:12 pm / 2 comments

  

  Receiving a mid-model update for the coming year are the 2019 Indian Motorcycle Scout and Scout Bobber, which come in new colours. For the Indian Scout, colour options are Thunder Black, Deep Water Metallic, Metallic Jade, Indian Motorcycle Red over Thunder Black and Willow Green over Ivory Cream.

  Meanwhile, the rather more aggressively styled Indian Scout Bobber comes in Thunder Black, Thunder Black Smoke, White Smoke and Bronze Smoke for next year’s riding season. Of note is the inclusion of a USB charging port as standard, located next to the speedometer for charging the rider’s electronic devices.

  Carrying a 1,133 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, V-twin, the Scout mill produces 94 hp and 97 Nm of torque. Power gets to the ground via a six-speed gearbox and belt final drive.

  

  

  

  “The iconic Indian Scout family is a favourite amongst riders across the globe,” said Reid Wilson, senior director for Indian Motorcycle. “Since the addition of the Scout Bobber in July 2017, we’ve continued to evolve our Scout offering to meet the tastes of various riders, whether they prefer the heritage-inspired look of Scout Sixty and Scout or the stripped-down, blacked-out attitude of Scout Bobber.

  Current Indian Scout and Scout Bobber owners who wish to add the USB charging port to their steeds can purchase a kit which is compatible with Scouts going back to 2015 and any Scout Sixty to 2016. In Malaysia, the 2017 Indian Scout retails for approximately RM108,000.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Malindo Airlines and Triumph Malaysia treat orphans to “Kawan Awan Sayap Impian” flights

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 August 2018 4:13 pm / 6 comments

  

  As part of their social outreach and corporate social responsibility, Malindo Airlines and local Triumph Motorcycles distributor Fast Bikes held out a helping hand to orphans from four orphanages. Dubbed the “Kawan Awan Sayap Impian” 135 orphans, as well as four terminally ill children were hosted to breakfast at Triumph Malaysia in Petaling Jaya.

  The children were later escorted to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport by a convoy of Triumph riders, also known as the “RAT Pack” or Riders Association of Triumph. On arrival, the children were taken on joyride flights around city airspace at 2,500 feet, for many of them their first experience of flight.

  RAT Pack members were generous with donations, along with sponsorship from Kenanga Investors and others. The event was organised with the help of Captain Nik Huzlan and the Rimba raid team.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• VIDEO: Triumph teases new 2019 Scrambler 1200 twin

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 August 2018 2:30 pm / 0 comment

  It had to happen, and it has, with the release of the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 twin in this pre-release video. The teaser video does not reveal much, but it can be safely assumed the Scrambler 1200 will obviously be Hinckley’s signature twin.

  What can be seen from the video is the long-legged front suspension, with the gaiters on the bottom end suggesting these will be upside-down units. A skid plate is also in evidence, signifying the off-road intentions of the Scrambler 1200.

  Up front is what appears to be an LED headlamp, along with handlebar guards for that authentic off-roader look. As Triumph already has the basic building blocks of a 1,200 cc twin in the current Bonneville series, it would be likely the Scrambler will come in a different state of tune.

  

  Other details include a proper 21-inch spoked front wheel, with the strong possibility of a 19-incher in the back, with spoked wheels. Based on what paultan.org saw on the Triumph Tiger 800 in Milan, Italy last year, the new Scrambler 1200 will have ride modes and switchable traction control, possibly with a ‘Custom’ or ‘Pro’ mode for serious dirt riding.

  In the world of retro scramblers, competition for the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 will come from the 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100, recently launched in Malaysia at the Art of Speed custom show and priced from RM83,000. From the video, the Scrambler 1200 will receive its global launch at the end of October.

  GALLERY: 2017 Triumph Street Scrambler

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 SYM E Bonus 110 in Malaysia, from RM3,768

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, SYM / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 24 August 2018 3:28 pm / 17 comments

  

  Making its return to Malaysia since its first introduction in 2010, the 2018 SYM E Bonus now comes in three variants – the SYM E Bonus 110, E Bonus 110 H and Bonus 110SR. The E Bonus 110 is priced at RM3,768, while the E Bonus 110 H and the Bonus 110SR retail at RM3,898 and RM4,278, respectively.

  Carrying an air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-valve 108 cc power plant that is Euro 3 compliant and produces 7.1 hp at 7,500 rpm and 7.45 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. As is standard for underbone motorcycles, the E Bonus uses a four-speed rotary gearbox and chain final drive.

  Major difference between the E Bonus models is the use of front and rear drum brakes for the base model and the 110 H, while the 110SR gets a single disc on the front wheel and drum at the rear. Additionally the base model E Bonus 110 gets spoked wheels, with the 110 H and 110SR getting cast wheels.

  

  

  Suspension in front is with conventional telescopic forks and twin coil-spring shock absorbers in the back. The E Bonus 110 SR also comes with a USB socket for charging the rider’s electronic devices.

  The E Bonus weighs in at 103 kg dry, with fuel carried in a 4-litre tank and starting is electric with a secondary kick starter. A storage compartment is found under the seat for storing miscellaneous items.

  There are three colour options for the 2018 SYM E Bonus – blue, black and red. Availability of the SYM E Bonus will be in September, while the E Bonus 110 H and 110SR will be in SYM dealer showrooms in November.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2019 Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 launched – RM87,964

  In Bikes, Harley-Davidson, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 23 August 2018 12:39 pm / 7 comments

  

  MY19 FXDRS FXDR 114. Softail.

  It appears iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, Harley-Davidson (H-D), is serious in its bid to bring its catalogue into the modern age, with the launch of the 2019 Harley-Davidson FXDR 114, with pricing starting from USD 21,439 (RM87,964) for the basic black model. Choosing a colour option for the FXDR 114 bumps the price up to USD 21,749 (RM89,290).

  Notable updates to the FXDR 114 “power cruiser” in H-D’s Softail range is ABS as standard and the use of composite materials to save weight. According to H-D, the FXDR 114 weighs in at 303 kg, ready to go, with a seat height of 720 mm.

  Carrying the Milwaukee-Eight 114 four-valve per cylinder V-twin mill, displacing 1,868 cc, the FXDR has 160 Nm of torque on tap at 3,500 rpm. As is usual, H-D does not provide horsepower figures for the FXDR 114, but going from previous experience, some 90-odd ponies would sound about right.

  

  MY19 FXDRS FXDR 114. Softail. INTERNATIONAL ONLY

  More weight reduction is realised in the aluminium swingarm, losing 4.62 kg from the steel Softail swingarm, from 10.88 kg to 6.25 kg. This is 43% in percentage terms and is combined with a welded aluminium tubing sub-frame clad with a composite material tail section, saving a further 3.2 kg in the process.

  The FXDR 114 rolls on a 19-inch wheel in front, a forged aluminum Ace unit that is a lightweight design with thin spokes. The rear end is propped up by a 240 section 18-inch wheel, in line with H-D’s current styling of fat rear wheels for its Softail range.

  Inverted 43 mm diameter front forks are used, with twin four-piston callipers clamping 300 mm fixed discs. The rear end has a monoshock with a single two-piston calliper brake grabbing a floating disc.

  

  Updating the electrics, H-D has fitted the FXDR with LED lighting all round, with a 5.4 cm LCD display showing all the necessary information. Fuel is carried in the stretched 16.7 litre tank and H-D claims the FXDR has some 32 degrees of lean angle on either side of the bike.

  Other riding conveniences on the FXDR 114 include keyless ignition, a H-D Smart Security System and a USB charging port. The 2019 Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 comes in six colour choices – Vivid Black, Black Denim, Industrial Gray Denim, Wicked Red Denim, Bonneville Salt Denim, and Rawhide Denim.

  

  MY19 FXDRS FXDR 114. Softail.

  

  MY19 FXDRS FXDR 114. Softail.

  

  MY19 FXDRS FXDR 114. Softail.

  

  MY19 FXDRS FXDR 114. Softail. CANADA ONLY

  

  MY19 FXDRS FXDR 114. Softail. INTERNATIONAL ONLY

  
  

  

  Model Year 2019 GAP Photography

  

  Model Year 2019 GAP Photography. INTERNATIONAL ONLY

  

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• 2019 BMW Motorrad GS adventure bike to be a 1250?

  In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 20 August 2018 1:36 pm / 0 comment

  

  As BMW Motorrad’s best-seller, the R 1200 GS series of adventure/overland motorcycles has been a best-seller for the Munich firm for the last couple of decades. Rumours have arisen the generation GS might see an increase in engine displacement to 1,254 cc from the current 1,170 cc.

  For 2019, the GS will be dubbed the R 1250 GS, reports website bikesocial. There will be two flavours of the R 1250 GS, the base model and the R 1250 GS Adventure.

  A corresponding increase in power is anticipated, to 136 PS from the current 125 PS, or, in metric terms, exactly 100 kW. It can be assumed that torque numbers will see a similar rise, but no numbers were revealed in the report.

  

  

  

  There is also the rumour of variable valve timing, something a lot of bike makers are looking into to increase power and performance while still meeting emissions standards. For the R 1250 GS, spyshots in the wild show a different cylinder head from the current R 1200 GS, lending credence to the rumour.

  Weight is reported to have gone up slightly, by 5 kg from the current 244 kg. This can be attributed to a new exhaust system that is five decibels softer than present as well as the rumoured variable valve timing head.

  Overall dimensions for the 2019 BMW Motorrad R 1250 GS re not much changed from the R 1200 GS, with wheelbase up slightly from the current model, from 1,500 mm to 1,507 mm, while the Adventure model stays the same. It is expected the new R 1250 GS will have its public reveal at the Intermot show in Germany this October.

  GALLERY: 2018 BMW Motorrad R 1200 GS/GSA

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 Sarolea Manx7 e-bike – 450 Nm, from RM201,273

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 20 August 2018 9:42 am / 8 comments

  

  After four seasons of competing in the Isle of Man TT (IoMTT), Belgian electric motorcycle (e-bike) outfit Sarolea has opened the order book the 2018 Sarolea Manx7. Based on the SP7 TT Zero racer, the Manx7 is derived from Sarolea’s four seasons of racing the e-bike class at the isle of Man (IoMTT).

  Designed by Serge Rusak, carbon-fibre features prominently in the Manx7, notably the monocouque frame and swingarm. Motive power comes from an air-cooled brushless 3-phase 120 kW DC motor powered by a choice of three lithium-ion battery packs – 14, 18 and 22 kWh with chain final drive.

  This is the equivalent of 163 hp and 450 Nm of torque and Sarolea claims the e-bike will get to 240 km/h. Depending on the choice of battery pack, the Manx7 has a range of 230 km with the 14 kWh pack, while the 18 and 22 kWh batteries deliver 280 and 330 km of range, respectively.

  

  Charging to 80% battery capacity is claimed to take 20 minutes. What is astounding about the Manx7 is the claimed weight of 217 kg, a result of the earlier mentioned use of carbon-fibre as well as titanium bolts and the Plexiglas bodywork by Fabbri Accessori.

  Suspension for the Manx7 is by Ohlins, a FGRT-200 fork in front and TTX36 monoshock in the back. Braking duties are performed by Beringer, with a pair of four-piston Aerotec callipers on the front and a single two-piston Aerotec calliper on the rear OZ Racing wheels.

  Pricing for the 2018 Sarolea Manx7 e-bike starts at 42,975 euro (RM201,273) for the 14 kWh model, rising to 46,280 euro (RM216,752) for the 18 kWh battery. The Manx7 equipped with the 22 kWh battery pack is priced at 48,760 euro (RM228,368).

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• MSF celebrates Merdeka with night endurance race

  In Bikes, Cars, Local News, Motorsports / By Jonathan Lee / 17 August 2018 7:45 pm / 7 comments

  

  It’s fast coming up to the 61st year of Malaysia’s independence, and the Malaysian Speed Festival (MSF) is gearing up to the occasion with 14 non-stop hours of fierce car and motorcycle racing, drifting action and a celebration of automotive culture at large with the series’ Merdeka round on August 31 itself.

  The event features this year’s only Enduro Cup for the SuperTurismo race series, held at night under the bright new 150-lumen lights of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) for the first time since the series, previously called Saturday Night Fever (SNF), received its MSF branding.

  The races are held in a 40-minute endurance format, with the same wide variety of race car categories covering everything from tiny kei cars like the Perodua Kancil to popular Honda and Toyota models. The longer races are bound to push drivers, technicians and engineers to their limits.

  Also returning is the MSF Superbikes series, which has been well received with the grid for Round 2 in April being full within an hour of registration opening – such is the eagerness of bike racers to compete. As usual, there are Super 400 and Super 1000 categories corresponding to the engine capacities, and each is split further into three groups depending on the respective riders’ pace. There will now be a dedicated female category as well, paving the way for an increasing number of women to participate in the series.

  

  Fans of sideways action will be delighted to find that the MSF Drift Gonzo is back, providing a time- and points-based challenge for drivers looking to slither their way around a laid-out course in the most outlandish way possible. In total, over 630 drivers and riders across various disciplines took part in Round 2, so expect the same level of packed, close-fought competition.

  There are other activities in store for those catching the action, as automotive lifestyle group NoEqual will be hosting its Tea and Tires V3.0 event that will show off the coolest customised vehicles. In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy refreshments from various food trucks at the North and South Paddock and at the Grandstand area.

  Once again, the MSF Merdeka round will be happening on August 31, with full-day passes offered at RM20 per person before 10am and RM35 after. The tickets come with free grandstand seating and access to all racing events happening that day.

   

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• Shanghai Customs eCub2 electrifies old Honda Cubs

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 17 August 2018 3:34 pm / 5 comments

  

  Vehicle pollution has reached epic proportions in China, and its government has taken the drastic move of banning internal combustion powered scooters from city centres. This has led to a proliferation of electric motorcycles (e-bikes) and bicycles but has given rise to another problem, what do you do with all the old scooters and kapchais now filling up junkyards?

  Shanghai Customs, located in Putuo, Shanghai, believes it has the answer with the eCub2 that repurposes old Honda C70s. Discarding the single-cylinder mill from the C70, Shanghai Customs inserts an 6061 aluminium swingarm that carries a hub-mounted electric motor.

  The motor is rated at 1000 watts and is powered by an easily removable 3.7 volt, 3,400 mAh lithium-ion Panasonic battery pack located under the seat. Shanghai Customs claims the eCub2 with travel 40 km at 45 km/h, making it suitable for urban use.

  

  

  

  Bodywork from the Honda Cub as we know has been removed, giving the eCub2 a minimalist, stripped-down look reminiscent of a motorcycle from a dystopian post-nuclear apocalypse movie. All wiring is hidden under the frame where possible, and the instrument panel is the rider’s smartphone, displaying speed, battery charge, range and the such.

  Lighting is with LEDs, front and back, in order to save battery power. Rear suspension is done with a pair of adjustable shocks.

  Shanghai Customs is a team of expatriates in China led by New Zealander Matthew Waddick. The company is in the process of producing kits that allow users to convert Honda C70s to eCub2 specification with pricing and availability to be released at the end of August.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• REVIEW: BMW S1000RR vs S1000R vs S1000XR – which four-cylinder Motorrad is the one for you?

  In Bike Reviews, Bikes, BMW Motorrad / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 14 August 2018 7:02 pm / 6 comments

  

  As purveyor of the benchmark overlander motorcycle, BMW Motorrad strives to provide a motorcycle for every rider and every occasion. This is perhaps exemplified by its trio of four-cylinder litre bikes, the BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR superbike, the S 1000 R naked sports and the S 1000 XR sports-tourer, priced at RM100,875, RM82,006 (for 2018 model year) and RM99,930, respectively, with zero-rated GST.

  Some may accuse BMW Motorrad of chasing every single market niche there is, and truth be told, several other manufacturers have followed suit, notably Ducati, and now, even Harley-Davidson. Say what you want about the boys from Munich, they do produce very competent motorcycles.

  This is not to say German motorcycles don’t have any faults, they do indeed. Anyone who says otherwise is deluding themselves, and the author has had first-hand experience with some of BMW’s finest going back to the first K-series bikes.

  

  Of course BMW Motorrad is known for its boxer engine, which has survived into the modern age and found a home in a range of sports and touring bikes. But, BMW’s four-cylinder S-series machines are sold alongside the twins, covering some of the same market segments.

  So, BMW Motorrad messaged us asking if we wanted to take all three S bikes for a spin, but could the author handle all three at once? Let’s just say new helmets were purchased specifically for this review.

  Read the full review of the 2017 BMW Motorrad S 1000 RR, S 1000 R and S 1000 XR after the jump.

   

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• 2019 SIC Yamaha MotoGP team signs Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo for next season

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 13 August 2018 7:15 pm / 10 comments

  

  With the formation of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and Angel Nieto Team as a Yamaha MotoGP satellite team, it was announced that riders Franco Morbidelli (23) and Frenchman Fabio Quartararo (19) have been signed for the 2019 season. This was confirmed by Yamaha Factory Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis.

  Italian Morbidelli, who hails from Rome, Italy, is currently riding for Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) satellite team EG 0,0 Marc VDS. Starting in Moto2 in 2013, Morbidelli was 2017 Moto2 World Champion.

  Frenchman Quartararo, who hails from Nice, France, started in Moto3 in 2015 before making the move to Moto2 in 2017 with Pons HP40, riding a Kalex. He finished ninth in last year’s Moto2 championship standings.

  

  

  

  Speaking to ex-racer and pitlane reporter Simon Crafar, Jarvis said Yamaha has a hand in rider selection, although the final decision rests with the team. “I wouldn’t say we don’t have a say but ultimately the decision on the riders is that of the satellite team,” he said, “they’re an independent team.”

  “Any rider they select needs to be finally approved by us at being at the level and the capacity to ride the M1,” said Jarvis. “So, they’ve chosen to go for Franco Morbidelli, who is a rider who is very interesting to us because he’s a World Champion, he’s an Academy rider and he definitely has talent.”

  Asked about the SIC Yamaha team’s choice of second rider Quartaro, Jarvis said although Quartaro is young, he is talented and showed promise in 2018 with future potential. “I think the case of (Hafizh) Syahrin has shown that sometimes you can take a choice and if the guy’s got talent and is brought in without expectation, he can deliver,” Jarvis said.

  

  

  

  Jarvis however declined to comment on the amount of factory support the SIC Yamaha would be receiving. “It will be something like Tech 3 or more than that,” said Jarvis.

  This might mean the SIC Yamaha team could be getting race machinery a year or two removed from the current generation of MotoGP bikes. What do you think? Has SIC Yamaha made the right choice for 2019 or should there be more Malaysian representation at the top flight of motorcycle motorsport?

  GALLERY: Franco Morbidelli

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Fabio Quartararo

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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