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• SIC and TOC sign Bina Bakat partnership program

  In Bikes, Cars, Local Bike News, Local News, Motorsports / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 23 July 2018 12:08 pm / 3 comments

  

  Intended to developed future talents for Malaysian motorsports, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and TOC Automotive College (TOC) have entered a partnership via the TOC Bina Bakat programme. The Bina Bakat programme provides students with a 100% education loan till graduation, with repayment beginning after job placement with partners such as SIC.

  Through its Motorsport Technology, Automotive Technology, Master Technician and Superbike Technician courses, TOC provides an entry and upgrade path for students interested in building a career in Malaysian and international motorsports. Students receive 80% practical experience and work on the same vehicles they will face in the work environment.

  Quoting college founder Adeline Foo, “the motorsport scene in Malaysia such as the iconic MotoGP is budding with top racing talents and there’s a rising interest… there should be fair competency through improved skillsets.” The event also had Malaysian MotoGP racer Hafizh Syahrin, Moto2 racer Adam Norrodin and SIC ‘Impian ke MotoGP’ programme mentor Zulfahmie Khairuddin in attendance.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Bosch is leading motorcycle safety technology

  In Bike Parts and Accessories, Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 19 July 2018 4:32 pm / 0 comment

  

  Many know Bosch for its safety solutions in cars but the German firm is also leading the way in motorcycle safety technology, or what it terms “Mobility Solutions.” Acknowledging motorcyclists are probably the most vulnerable of road users by population size, Bosch is developing safety technology for two-wheelers to decrease the possibility of accidents.

  One of these pieces of high-tech kit is Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which adjusts vehicle speed to the flow of traffic while maintaining a safe stopping distance. Much like the system found in four-wheelers, ACC for motorcycles allows the rider to focus attention on the road, especially in dense traffic conditions.

  In the encounter between a car and a motorcycle, the bike always comes worse off. This is dictated by physics. Bosch’s collision warning system alleviates this by sensing when another vehicle is dangerously close and if the rider does not take evasive action, warning is given via an optical or acoustic signal.

  More and more cars come with blind spot warning systems and the same technology is moving into two-wheelers. A radar sensor scans for surrounding vehicles when the bike is on the move, looking for objects in the rider’s blind spot and giving a warning when necessary.

  

  

  

  Several companies are coming up with vehicle-to-vehicle (V-to-V) communications systems although there has been no mandate from manufacturers or authorities to make such technology compulsory. However, Bosch is forging ahead with its own version of V-to-V for motorcycles, designed to function as a digital shield.

  Using the ITS G5 public WLAN standard, vehicles within a radius of several hundred meters exchange information about vehicle type, speed, position, and direction of travel. This allows vehicles to warn each other of approaching vehicles, allow for defensive driving and better anticipation of potential collisions.

  A potential life saver in Bosch’s arsenal of motorcycle technology is eCall which transmits an emergency call when it senses the rider is involved in a crash. For non-emergency situations such as breakdowns or accidents without injury, eCall independently calls a repair centre and sends necessary data for a rescue.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• VIDEO: Don’t hog the emergency lane – here’s why

  In Bikes, Cars, Local Bike News, Local News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 19 July 2018 9:23 am / 62 comments

  Despite many reminders and crackdowns on emergency lane usage by the authorities, it appears Malaysian motorists are a stubborn lot. A video posted by Facebook user Safwan Anaqi shows exactly why usage of the emergency lane is for, well, emergencies.

  The video shows an ambulance heading down the emergency lane on the two-lane road leading from Putrajaya heading towards Dengkil, Selangor. Both lanes are clogged with traffic queueing up for the four-way intersection some distance ahead, requiring the ambulance to use the emergency lane, as is necessary.

  However, some impatient drivers wanting to get ahead of the line of cars are in the way, and unable to cut back into the proper lane in order to let the ambulance pass. This is a clear illustration why road rules need to be followed and the emergency lane is to be kept clear at all times.

  

  Just because the emergency lane is empty, does not mean it will not be required at any time. That is why things are reserved for emergency use, they are there until needed.

  This is a gentle reminder that all of us need to adhere to road rules and be considerate drivers. Don’t block the way of emergency vehicles, the life you save could be of a loved one.

   

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• New Aprilia Malaysia distributor plans better service

  In Aprilia, Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 July 2018 5:09 pm / 6 comments

  

  With news of the appointment of Didi Resources as the new distributor in Malaysia for Italian performance motorcycle brand Aprilia, paultan.org sat down with Juan Chow Wee, its general manager. Juan discussed plans for Aprilia Malaysia, as well as considerations for the take over of customer care from the previous franchise holder, Naza Premira.

  “First off, we know we have a long road ahead of us to rebuild the Aprilia brand in Malaysia,” said Juan. “What we want to do now, we will engage with the customer initially,” Juan said, “and the workshop is ready to accept customer bikes.”

  While facilities are available immediately for service, minor repairs and warranty claims, Juan said full-scale operations for both the Aprilia showroom and workshop will begin in September. The distribution agreement for Naza Premira ends this July 31 and transitions to Didi Resources on August 1.

  

  “We will be looking into the current Aprilia dealers in Malaysia and there will be a realignment of the dealer structure,” Juan said, “and all the dealers will be re-evaluated and we are looking at the network to work with those dealers who meet Aprilia standards.”

  Juan also said the aim will be to have a key dealer in every region in the peninsula – Central, North, South and East Coast. “What we are looking at is having the Aprilia flagship store in The Gasket Alley, supporting the regional dealers,” he said.

  Current Aprilia owners will not be forgotten or sidelined during the transtion, said Juan. “Aprilia warranties and recalls will be supported immediately by us and we are aiming to get more owner involvement in the brand.”

  

  “We have planned many more activities for Aprilia owners, such as rides, track days, meeting the MotoGP riders,” Juan said. “We are not just looking at selling Aprilia motorcycles, it is an ownership campaign. The meaning of what it means to own an Aprilia, why you should buy an Aprilia,” he said.

  Asked about the 2019 Aprilia models that will be brought into Malaysia and when, Juan had this to say. “Right now our application for the franchise AP has been forwarded to the relevant authorities, pending due process and approval. We hope to have everything settled ahead of the Malaysian MotoGP in October.”

  As part of the campaign to kick-off the new Aprilia Malaysia operations, a gathering of Aprilia owners was organised. Some 80 Aprilia riders turned up at The Podium in Kayu Ara for a dinner and viewing of the German MotoGP.

   

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• 2019 MotoGP season sees Monster Energy replace Movistar as Yamaha MotoGP team main sponsor

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 July 2018 11:35 am / 3 comments

  

  Changing official team sponsors for the 2019 MotoGP season is Yamaha MotoGP Team, switching from Spaish telecommunications company Movistar, owned by Telefonica, to energy drinks brand Monster Energy. The new multi-year sponsorship agreement will see the Yamaha team rebranded as Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team.

  The team will see riders Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales carry the Monster Energy logo on their leathers, YZR-M1 race bikes, and on all Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team assets. This might mean the livery on the Yamaha race bikes will change to Monster Energy’s corporate colours of black and lime green.

  Monster Energy has been a Yamaha team sponsor since 2013, and now takes primary position in the sponsor roster. Sponsorship by Monster Energy for Yamaha also extends to Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Motocross, MotoAmerica SuperBike & SuperSport, FIM Motocross World Championship and Suzuka 8 Hours.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Aprilia appoints Didi Resources as Malaysia distributor

  In Aprilia, Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 July 2018 10:44 am / 2 comments

  

  Taking effect August 1, Didi Resources has been appointed as the official Malaysian distributor for Aprilia. This comes after Naza Premira announced that it will cease operating its Aprilia distributorship after a mutual decision with the Italian brand.

  The new Aprilia showroom and service facilities is located at The Gasket Alley, Petaling Jaya and will provide sales, aftersales, service and warranty for Aprilia owners, both current and future. Customers are assured of a seamless transition in customer care and service support, said Juan Chow Wee, general manager of Didi Resources.

  Didi Resources currently distributes another Piaggio brand, Moto Guzzi. Rewi Hamid Bugo, chairman of Didi Resources, said, “we are very honoured to be presented with this opportunity to manage Aprilia, a prestigious Piaggio Group brand for the Malaysian market. This complements the Moto Guzzi range… and completes our premium Italian motorcycle product range under Piaggio.”

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Naza Premira no longer Aprilia Malaysian distributor

  In Aprilia, Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 17 July 2018 7:52 pm / 7 comments

  

  This July 31, 2018 sees the end of the distribution partnership between Naza Premira and Italian motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia. It was stated that the dissolution of the partnership is part of a brand rationalisation exercise on the part of Naza Premira.

  Sustainability and profitability were cited as primary reasons behind the parting of ways, which Naza Premira said is amicable. Owners of Aprilia motorcycles can continue obtaining service, spares and warranty support from Naza Premira till September 30, 2018.

  Following this, Naza Premira will continue holding the Malaysian distributorship for the Piaggio and Vespa scooter brands. It is expected that an announcement from Aprilia as to the identity of its new Malaysian distributorship will be appearing forthwith.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 Yamaha Grand Filano Hybrid in Thailand, RM7.5k

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 17 July 2018 2:21 pm / 7 comments

  

  Honda’s position as sole hybrid scooter maker in the world did not last long, with Yamaha introducing the 2018 Yamaha Grand Filano in Thailand at a price of 62,000 Thai baht (RM7,500). The Grand Filano is designed for urban use and comes in two variants – with and without ABS.

  The Grand Filano Hybrid is powered by a single-cylinder 125 cc Yamaha Blue Core engine fuelled by EFI, coupled with a Smart Motor Generator. This gives the Grand Filano extra electrical power and save fuel under certain conditions.

  Transmission is CVT, as is the norm with scooters, and this is complemented by engine start-stop with Yamaha’s Blue Core Efficiency engine design philosophy. For the Grand Filano, users have the option of leaving engine start-stop on or off, as desired.

  

  

  

  As befits a modern urban scooter, the Grand Filano comes equipped with all modern conveniences, including keyless start, full LED lighting front and rear and USB charging socket. A 27-litre storage compartment is found under the lift-up seat, along with easily stowable passenger footpegs and a colour TFT-LCD instrument panel in the cockpit.

  Rolling on 12-inch wheels, stopping is done with a hydraulic disc in front and drum brake at the back. Suspension is with conventional telescopic forks and swingarm mounted shock absorber.

  Seat height on the Grand Filano Hybrid is 790 mm and fuel is carried in a 4.4-litre tank, with weight being 102 kg for the ABS equipped version. The 2018 Yamaha Grand Filano Hybrid comes in several colour options, the non ABS model having five while the ABS model gets two.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Ducati and Audi to develop C-V2X traffic safety comms

  In Audi, Bikes, Cars, Ducati, International Bike News, Safety / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 17 July 2018 11:13 am / 0 comment

  

  Neuburg, 03.07.2018: xxx. Foto: Lukas Barth

  As part of its “Safety Road Map 2025”, Ducati and Audi are collaborating to demonstrate a vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communications system between motorcycles and cars. Existing projects for Ducati’s motorcycle safety initiative include extending cornering ABS to every bike in its range and motorcycle front and rear distance keeping radar.

  Extending the technology base a little further is C-V2X, a wireless communication system between road users such as cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicycles and infrastructure. Using a Audi Q7 and A4, together with a Ducati Multistrada 1200, situations involving both four- and two-wheelers in common traffic encounters were demonstrated and how C-V2X technology can be used to help improve road safety.

  

  

  

  These include Intersection Collision Warning, where a vehicle equipped with C-V2X technology pulls out from a junction with an adjoining road and avoids hitting a motorcycle rider who has the right of way. Another common potential accident situation is vehicles turning across the path of a motorcycle, which is addressed with Across Traffic Turn Collision Risk Warning.

  Considering the vulnerability of motorcycles in urban traffic and the lack of attention some car drivers pay to their surroundings with noses buried in mobile phones, technology such such as C-V2X could prove to be a life saver. What do you think? Leave a comment with your thoughts and opinions, below.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 Honda Dash 125 in Malaysia, from RM5,999

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 16 July 2018 2:37 pm / 20 comments

  

  First introduced in Malaysia in 2011, the 2018 Honda Dash 125 is now updated and priced at RM5,999 for the base model Type ‘S’ with single disc brake. It is joined by the double disc brake Type ‘R’ Wave Dash 125 at RM6,299 and Repsol Edition at RM6,499, with prices excluding road tax, insurance and registration.

  Up in displacement from the previous generation 109 cc Dash FI, the Dash 125 produces 9.85 hp at 8,000 rpm and 9.54 Nm of torque from its 124.89 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, two-valve engine. A four-speed automatic gearbox drives a chain to the rear wheel and fuelling is by Honda’s PGM-FI.

  Suspension is with conventional telescopic forks and twin shock absorbers adjustable for pre-load. Depending on model, the Dash 125 uses a hydraulic front disc brake and either a drum rear brake or hydraulic disc rear brake.

  

  

  

  Seat height on the Dash 125 is 767 mm from the ground with wet weight claimed to be 103 kg. Starting is with electric and kick-starting. The Dash 125 will be used in the Malaysian Cub Prix series in the Honda One-Make Race, with the race now being renamed the “Honda Dash 125 Challenge.”

  There are four colour options for the 2018 Honda Dash 125 – Pearl Magellanic Black, Vivacity Red, Pearl Nightfall Blue and Repsol racing livery. Deliveries of the Dash 125 at Boon Siew Honda Malaysia dealers will begin this week.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon in Malaysia – RM74,900

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Moto Guzzi / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 16 July 2018 12:46 pm / 1 comment

  

  After paultan.org had a quick look at the bike last week, the 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon made its debut in the Malaysian market at a price of RM74,900, excluding road tax, registration and insurance. Coming in a limited edition production run of 1921 – commemorating the year of Moto Guzzi’s establishment in Italy – the V7 II Carbon comes in a matte satin black finish.

  Complemented with carbon-fibre in the mud guards, side covers along with Brembo brakes front and rear, the V7 III Carbon is an extension of the current V7 III model range. The black carbon-fibre is set off by the cylinder heads of the 744 cc tranverse V-twin painted in racing red.

  Producing 52 hp at 6,200 rpm and 60 Nm of torque at 4,900 rpm, the V7 III uses a six-speed transmission and shaft final drive to get power to the rear wheel. The V7 III Carbon uses a slightly different first and sixth gear from the rest of the V7 III range to take advantage of the engine’s torque characteristics.

  

  

  

  Fuel is carried in a 21-litre tank, which is emblazoned with the Moto Guzzi eagle mascot in red anodized aluminium. A number plate indicating the edition number of the V7 III Carbon is located on the handlebar riser.

  The V7 III Carbon rolls on an 18-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear. Current models in the 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III range include the the Stone (RM63,113), Special (RM67,830), Racer (RM77,264) and Anniversario (RM76,321).

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Malaysian Hafizh gains 5 points at German MotoGP

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 16 July 2018 10:53 am / 4 comments

  

  Ahead of the month-long 2018 MotoGP summer break, Malaysian racer Hafizh Syahrin took 11th place at the German MotoGP in Sachsenring, gaining five more points in the world championship standing. This brings his total to 22 points and 16th place on the world championship ladder.

  Hafizh, riding the Monster Yamaha Tech3 #55, is now three points clear of Italian Franco Mordbidelli in his quest for the MotoGP “Rookie of the Year” title. In 2019, Hafizh moves with French racing outfit Tech3 to the KTM stable.

  The Pramac Motorrad MotoGP of Germany was won by Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda with a time of 41′.05.009. Fan favourite Valentino Rossi of Movistar Yamaha came in second, 2.196 seconds behind, followed by team mate Maverick Vinales.

  

  

  

  Marquez now leads the MotoGP World Championship leader board with 165 points after nine races, while seven-time world champion Rossi is second with 119 points. Third place Spaniard Vinales trails 10 points behind Rossi with 109 points.

  The anti-clockwise 3,671 metre long Sachsenring circuit in Chemnitz, Eastern Germany, was built from an existing road circuit in 1996, with 10 left turns out of its 13 corners. This has infamously led to many racers crashing at the right hand turn 11, which is preceded by seven left-turns.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• AOS 2018: “Papa Jahat” RM45k prize bike press reveal – custom build C70 kapchai with 600 cc engine

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 13 July 2018 4:43 pm / 16 comments

  

  Last year’s lucky draw winner at the Art of Speed festival (AOS 2018) went home with “Twin Boss” a double-engined Yamaha RXZ but for 2018, the prize is a little different, a 600 cc kapchai named Papa Jahat or “Bad Daddy”. Taking a Honda C70 as its basis, this monstrosity was put together by last year’s prize builder, Mohamad Irwann Mohd Azlan, better known as Cheng, from FNG Works of Ipoh.

  The 27-year old mechanical engineer was commissioned by the organisers of AOS 2018 to put together Papa Jahat for inclusion as first prize in the festival’s lucky draw. According to Cheng, the project was difficult due to the size of the engine which necessitated butchering the C70’s frame, but still preserving the looks and profile of the donor bike.

  A 39 mm PWK Keihin carburettor is mated to the 600 cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine with the entire wiring loom replaced . Despite looking that way, Papa Jahat is not lowered but in face, raised a little in front with lengthened leading-link front and 300 mm shock absorbers at the back, along with race shift pattern for the gearbox.

  

  

  

  The swingarm was lengthened by 50 mm over stock while the C70 monocoque frame was hacked to install a steel backbone. This then required the fuel tank to be made smaller, giving some 3-litres of capacity, or in the words of the author, “about enough to start the engine, go around the block and get arrested.”

  Although the build is not quite yet complete and AOS 2018 is only three weeks away on July 28 and 29 at Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), Cheng has resolved to finish his work in time. On the final day of AOS, one lucky visitor will get the chance to bring home Papa Jahat, which cost almost RM45,000 to construct.

  If anyone is curious, both the author and his colleague, Durrani Shahrom of paultan.org‘s BM section, took Papa Jahat out for a spin around the block. The verdict? Scary fast, easily goes sideways and heaps of fun.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Honda, Panasonic to start battery sharing in Indonesia

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 13 July 2018 2:47 pm / 6 comments

  

  Research into an experimental vehicle battery sharing programme is set to begin in Indonesia in December 2018 under the aegis of Honda Motor Co. and Panasonic Corporation. Located in Bandung City in West Java Province, Denpasar City in Bali Province and Kuta subdistrict in Badung Regency in Bali Province, the programme allows e-bike users to swap batteries at selected locations.

  Honda and Panasonic are collaborating to build several dozen charging stations, subsidised by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). Multiple batteries, or Mobile Power Packs, will be charged at these stations and users with low batteries can stop and swap their battery for a fully-charged unit.

  As the third largest motorcycle market in the world, Indonesia has been facing mounting problems with traffic congestion and vehicle emissions and it is hoped that electric vehicles will alleviate some of these issues. The project will be managed by joint-venture company Pt. HPP Energy Indonesia with on-site surveys and local coordination performed by Pacific Consultants.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 Honda PCX150 scooter in Malaysia – RM10,999

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 12 July 2018 6:19 pm / 19 comments

  

  Thoroughly updated and revised is the 2018 Honda PCX150 scooter, priced at RM10,999 without road tax, insurance and registration. First entering the Malaysian market in 2012, the PCX150 has proven popular with urban riders and is now updated with a lighter steel cradle frame.

  Carrying a 149 cc SOHC liquid-cooled engine, the PCX150 claims 14.5 hp at 8,500 rpm and 13.6 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Fuelling is with Honda’s PGM-Fi and power is delivered to the rear wheel via a CVT gearbox, as is the norm for scooters.

  Braking is done with a single hydraulic disc on the 14-inch front wheel and a drum brake on the 14-incher at the back. Suspension is with conventional telescopic forks on the front and dual shock absorbers adjustable for pre-load in the rear.

  

  

  

  Weighing in at 130 kg, the PCX150 has a seat height of 764 mm and a waisted middle profile that makes low speed manoeuvring easier. Lighting is now updated with LED headlight units with integrated DRL and LED tail light.

  A 25-litre storage space is found under the seat and fuel is carried in a 8-litre tank. The seat comes equipped with spring-loaded hinge, keeping it upright for ease of storage.

  

  

  

  Standard equipment is the SMART Key System which features keyless starting, anti-theft alarm and answer-back system which help owners locate their scooter. Inside the cockpit an LCD display contains all necessary information and a 12-volt adaptor for charging electronics.

  Alongside the current model colour option of Pearl Metalloid White, two new colour options are provided for the 2018 Honda PCX150 scooter – Euphoria Red Metallic and Radiate Grey Metallic. Deliveries of the PCX150 to Boon Siew Honda dealers is expected to begin in August.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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