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  • 2018 Yamaha MT-09 now in Malaysia – RM47,388

    2018 Yamaha MT-09 now in Malaysia – RM47,388

    After a public unveiling last year at EICMA, where paultan.org featured the 2018 Yamaha MT-09 SP, the 2018 Yamaha MT-09 has been launched in Malaysia and priced at RM47,388 including GST. This updated naked sports bike now comes with a quickshifter, traction control, three riding modes and adjustable suspension.

    Still carrying the 847 cc, inline-triple, the MT-09 produces 115 hp at 10,000 rpm and 87.5 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. Power still gets to the ground via a six-speed gearbox, with Yamaha’s Assist & Slip (A&S) clutch that reduces clutch lever effort and prevents rear wheel slip during hard downshifts.

    New for for 2018 is the LED projector headlamp assembly that resembles the unit from the MT-10 litre-class naked sports bike. Also revised is the rear tail light assembly with LED lighting in two rows.

    ABS and traction control are now standard on the MT-09, along with a quickshifter for clutchless upshifts. Suspension on the MT-09 has also been upgraded, and now features both compression and rebound adjustment in the 41 mm diameter upside-down forks, while the rear has a monoshock adjustable for pre-load.

    Fuel for the MT-09 is carried in a 14-litre tank, and seat height is set at 820 mm. Braking is done with dual 298 mm diameter brake discs in front and a single disc at the back, with wet weight claimed to be 193 kg.

    Described as the “ultimate streetfighter” by Datuk Jim Khor, managing director of Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia, the MT-09 represents a renewed thrust into the local big bike market by the official Yamaha distributor. Citing market figures showing Yamaha having 28% of local market share of motorcycles above 200 cc locally, Khor said Yamaha Malaysia is evaluating the market demand closely for big bikes.

    2018 Yamaha MT-09 now in Malaysia – RM47,388

    During a press conference, Khor said the MT-09 is a CKD model, allowing for competitive pricing. However, the upgraded MT-09 SP, as well as the MT-10, would not likely be brought in due to it being a CBU model and unlikely to have competitive pricing in the local market.

    The same answer applied to the last of the supersports machines, the Yamaha R-6, which is the last currently available pure sports bike in the market after the demise of the Honda CBR600RR and Suzuki GSX-R600. “A lot depends on market demand, and whether we can support the bike properly as a CKD unit, so we shall see,” said Khor.

    In the Malaysian market, the 2018 Yamaha MT-09 goes up against the Triumph Street Triple S, priced at RM49,000, Kawasaki Z900 at RM49,158 and the Honda CB650F at RM44,995. The 2018 Yamaha MT-09 will be available at authorised Hong Leong Yamaha dealers at the end of January.

     
     
  • 2018 BMW Motorrad R nineT gets Dab Design ER Kit

    2018 BMW Motorrad R nineT gets Dab Design ER Kit

    Retro racers have now been around long enough that some are beginning to get a feeling of ennui, looking at similarly styled motorcycle over and over. Dab Design, from France, was founded by Simon Dabidie, who wants to resuscitate some of that early excitement of retro machines with the ER Kit, intended for the BMW Motorrad R nineT.

    While the R nineT is a striking motorcycle in and of itself, with its air/oil-cooled 1,170 cc flat-twin “Boxer” engine, and 110 hp and 119 Nm of torque on tap, the Dab Design kit does turn BMW Motorrad’s Heritage-series bike into something else. Resembling a cafe racer as might be dreamed up by science-fiction artist Chris Foss, the ER Kit, as its name suggests, is currently in concept stage and comes as a bolt-on kit using standard handtools.

    Preserving the frame, engine and rolling gear of any R nineT from 2014 on, the ER Kit – ER standing for “Enhanced Racer” – comes in 13 parts, all designed to be installed using the bike’s standard mounting points. Currently raising funds on fund-raising site Indiegogo through pre-orders, the kit was born out of a series of custom motorcycles built by Dab Design in 2017.

    Individual components of the ER Kit is the bodywork, fork head and support, mud guard, rear seat cowl and side covers, with a little electrical knowledge needed to install the headlight and LED DRLs. A unique touch is that aside from bodywork options in fibreglass or carbon-fibre, you can also choose natural flax fibre and the kit can be fitted to the R nineT Pure and Racer with some modification to the forks.

    The fibreglass ER Kit comes in a choice of standard BMW Motorrad colours of R nineT Pure, Black, Silver and Racer, with other colours on request. For the carbon-fibre ER Kit, the buyer has a choice of gloss or matte varnish, as does the flax fibre kit.

    Pricing for the Dab Design ER Kit for the BMW Motorrad R nineT is at a super early bird 50% discount on Indiegogo at 1,995 euro (RM9,509), while the carbon-fibre and flax versions go for 3,375 euro (RM16,086). Shipping is extra, and delivery is estimated to be June 2018.

     
     
  • 2018 MV Agusta restructuring to focus on Brutale 800 RR, return of Cagiva brand name as adventure bike?

    2018 MV Agusta restructuring to focus on Brutale 800 RR, return of Cagiva brand name as adventure bike?

    With a tumultuous 2016 – 2017 financial season behind them, Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta, based in Varese, Italy, seems to be reconsolidating its product line and focusing on the future. With the injection of fresh capital from the Black Ocean Group, owned by the Russian Savarov family, it seems MV Agusta has been given a new lease on life.

    Not much news has been coming out of the house of Castiglioni, but with the very low-key launch of the new Brutale 800 RR last year, it can be assumed that production will focus on the Brutale 800 triple engine. This will probably take the form of some special issues and limited editions focusing on the Dragster 800 RR.

    Looking forward, the rumoured Brutale four-cylinder looks to be gaining traction, as told to paultan.org during the EICMA by a source inside MV Agusta. From what was discussed, it looks like the new Brutale four will make a public appearance towards the end of 2018, and in RR and RC forms.

    It also looks like the Brutale range will be expanding, seeking to bring in new riders to the MV Agusta fold. The Brutale has always been known as a focused, high performance naked sports bike, and it seems MV Agusta wants to spread the love with a possible A2 license friendly, de-tuned Brutale.

    This would make some sense, as building brand loyalty from the beginning with entry-level and returning riders has worked for brands such as Ducati and Triumph, and BMW Motorrad has now entered the fray with the G 310 R and G 310 GS machines. One thing missing from MV Agusta’s range is an adventure-touring bike, a niche it currently addresses, somewhat, with the Turismo Veloce.

    All being well and good with the Turismo Veloce, it is still very much a sports bike at heart, and lacks something for the true overland rider. Thus, there might be a case for MV Agusta to bring back the Cagiva brand name.

    Cagiva is currently owned by the Castiglioni family as a brand name, and used to make a range of sports and adventure bikes. Malaysian riders will be most familiar with the Cagiva Mito, a seven-speed 125 cc two-stroker, styled by Massimo Tamburini, that used to tear up the streets of Kuala Lumpur. Might 2018 see the return of Cagiva? Time will tell.

     
     
  • Demak Motorcycles signs USD 50 mill Cambodia deal

    Demak Motorcycles signs USD 50 mill Cambodia deal

    After making inroads into the Sri Lankan market a few years previously, as well as Indonesia and the Philippines, Sarawak motorcycle assembler DNC Asiatic has signed an agreement with Asian Comfort Investment to promote and sell Demak motorcycles in Cambodia. Valued at USD 50 million (RM200 million), the agreement will see some 30 models from across the Demak range entering the Cambodian market.

    It is projected that 25,000 Demak motorcycles, scooters and utility vehicles of various types will be exported to Cambodia in 2018. Comprising of scooters and underbone motorcycles, as well as commercial and utility three- and four-wheelers, Demak produces products that are targeted towards the budget-conscious rider, small businesses and delivery services.

    The agreement was signed between Hu Ying, executive director of DNC Asiatic, and Sukhombith, country director of Asian Comfort Investment. Witnesses to the signing ceremony were the representative of the Cambodian Ambassador to Malaysia, HE Rath Many, ICSMEE Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat and director for ASEAN MATRADE YM Raja Badrul.

     
     
  • Caltex launches Havoline bike lube with Zoomtech

    Caltex launches Havoline bike lube with Zoomtech

    With some 12.5 million two-wheelers registered on Malaysian roads, Caltex launches the latest range of its motorcycle lubricant, the Caltex Havoline Super 4T SAE 5w-40 fully synthetic, priced at RM67 per litre. It is accompanied by the Havoline Super 4T in semi-synthetic and mineral, priced at RM30 and RM24 per litre, respectively and come with the new Zoomtech additive.

    Marketed locally by Chevron Malaysia, the range of Havoline Super 4T motorcycle lubricants feature Caltex C.O.R.E. Technology, which cleans the engine, provides oxidation stability, reduces engine heat damage and enhances acceleration. In addition, the Zoomtech additive in the Havoline Super 4T semi-synthetic delivers a 13% improvement in clutch static friction compared to the old formulation.

    As for the Havoline Super 4T fully synthetic, it is designed for high performance, large capacity motorcycles and provides 50% better oxidation stability than the API SN industry standard. Also launched was the upgraded Havoline Ezy 4T, for scooters, with lower friction and suitable for dry clutch gearboxes.

     
     
  • Brembo statement on brake master cylinder recall

    Brembo statement on brake master cylinder recall

    After news of an National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety recall for its brake master cylinder in the US, Brembo has issued an official statement regarding the issue. On its website, Brembo stated that the recall only affects radial master cylinder pistons in 15 mm and 16 mm diameters.

    Brake master cylinders with pistons in those diameters were produced between 2015 and 2017 and supplied to manufacturers as OEM equipment. Manufacturers listed in the statement are – Aprilia, Ducati, KTM, MV Agusta, TM Racing, Moto Morini and Horex.

    The recall does not affect manufacturers not listed above, and excludes brake master cylinders sold as aftermarket kits through Brembo authorised dealers. Manufacturers have been informed and owners of motorcycles with brake master cylinders affected by this recall are advised to contact the manufacturer directly for parts replacement.

     
     
  • Bandit 9 Odyssey – V-twin or electric, you choose

    Bandit 9 Odyssey – V-twin or electric, you choose

    Custom motorcycles are strange things, you either love them or loathe them. However, some custom machines do have a little to commend them, an example being the limited edition Bandit 9 Odyssey, which comes with a choice of internal combustion or dual-electric drive.

    Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Bandit 9 builds bikes that are inspired by science-fiction, among them the Dark Side, L-Concept and Eve, and now the latest addition to the catalogue, the Odyssey. Taking a minimalist approach, the Odyssey is a single smooth body shell over the frame and engine and as per the Bandit 9 name, only nine will ever be built.

    Everything that Bandit 9 builds is bespoke and custom, tailored to the customer’s taste, and for the Odyssey, the choice begins with either a 1,400 cc V-twin in the traditional manner, or a dual-electric drive, driving a shaft. Specifications are sparse for either power plant, as Bandit 9 very clearly states on its website, “we build works of art.”

    In the case of the Odyssey, this is readily apparent, using it as it does a combination of the tried and true, such as wheels made in Milan, Italy by Borrani, and Beringer Aerotec radial-mounted brake callipers. These are combined with high-tech items such as a see-through LED display projected from below the fuel tank, and disappears when the power is switched off.

    There is also a seat covered in Italian calf leather made from memory foam that takes the shape of the rider’s butt, and springs back to its original shape when the rider gets off. The tail light assembly is a single string of LEDs shaped in a horseshoe around the perimeter of the bodywork.

    Bandit 9 starts work on your Odyssey after receipt of a 50% down-payment, and the build takes between five to six months. As almost every aspect of the Bandit 9 Odyssey can be customised to whatever the customer wants, we would expect pricing to not be cheap.

     
     
  • 2018 Vins Duecinquanta – lightweight 250 two-stroke

    2018 Vins Duecinquanta – lightweight 250 two-stroke

    The racing adage of lightness equals speed is well known, and the 2018 Vin Duecinquanta 250 cc sports bike, priced at USD 48,000 (RM191,400) with the race version costing approximately USD 60,000 (RM239,250), takes it to the extreme. Coming in both road and race versions, does the Duecinquanta – meaning “250” in Italian – signal the return of the racing two-stroke?

    Carrying a 249 cc (288 cc in race trim) liquid-cooled two-cylinder tandem-twin with the cylinders canted forward 90-degrees, the Duecinquanta claims a dry weight of below 95 kg. While no power figures have been published for the road version, we would hazard a guess at about 70 hp, a figure is not out of the question.

    In Competizione fit out, the Duecinquanta weighs in below 85 kg and has a “more than 80 hp” power figure, giving it, according to Maranello, Italy-based Vins, a 240 km/h max speed. Said to be Euro 4 compliant, the Duecinquanta’s slightly over square engine bore is fed by EFI, and comes clad with carbon-fibre bodywork over a carbon-fibre monocouque chassis.

    Front suspension is a Hossack style design with twin wish-bone arms holding a carbon-fibre upright, while the rear is a push-rod suspension with fully-adjustable monoshock. Carbon-fibre is also used for the wheels, and machined billet aluminium parts abound, going some way to explaining the cost of the Duecinquanta.

    Braking is done with J Juan callipers, clamping twin full-floating 300 mm diameter discs in front, and a single 220 mm disc at the back, with ABS as standard. Vins claims the Duecinquanta is the lightest road legal sports bike manufactured, and we are inclined to believe them, when you consider a Honda EX-5 weighs 99 kg.

     
     
  • 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 in Malaysia this April? Booking price from RM133,900 to RM359,900

    2018 Ducati Panigale V4 in Malaysia this April? Booking price from RM133,900 to RM359,900

    As the replacement for Ducati’s venerated V-twin, the 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 has drawn a lot of interest amongst the Ducatisti, or Ducati fans, and we have news that it might be shown in Malaysia ahead of its Asian launch, tentatively set for June 26th. An unnamed source in Ducati informed us the Panigale V4 might have its Malaysian premiere this April, and bookings are currently being taken.

    A Facebook posting by Ducati Penang shows the tentative pricing for the Panigale V4 at RM133,900 for the base model. The Panigale V4S with Ohlins suspension is going for RM173,900, while the limited edition V4 Speciale with 226 hp is set at a nose-bleeding RM359,900.

    Replacing the 1299 Panigale at the top of Ducati’s superbike range, the Panigale V4 carries 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, with torque at more than 120 Nm between 8,750 and 12,250 rpm.

    The engine is fed by four oval throttle bodies with an equivalent diameter of 52 mm, coupled to variable length intake manifolds, and valve movement uses Ducati’s Desmodromic mechanical valve actuation. The famous Ducati trellis frame is now gone, replaced with a monocouque “Front Frame” that weighs only 4 kg, with the engine a load-bearing component.

    Difference between the base model 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 and the V4S is the electronic suspension, with Ohlins NIX30 front fork and TTX36 rear shock. The V4 Speciale is a 1,500 unit limited edition Panigale V4 that puts out 226 hp at 13,750 rpm and 133.6 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm.

     
     
  • No Brembo recall for PR16 brake cylinder in Malaysia

    No Brembo recall for PR16 brake cylinder in Malaysia

    After the NHTSA announcement of a recall for Brembo PR16 brake master cylinders in the US, both official distributors for Triumph and Ducati in Malaysia have confirmed that there is currently no recall notice for Malaysia. However, Ducati Malaysia is checking further with the home office in Italy for confirmation if any Ducati motorcycles in Malaysia are affected.

    As for Triumph, the brake master cylinder used in the 765 series of naked sports bikes is the PR14 model, and thus does not fall under the recall notice. The recall for Brembo PR16 brake master cylinders is currently applicable for motorcycles in the US, and remedial work is expected to begin on February 15.

    The recall is for replacement of the plastic master cylinder with an aluminium version, as the plastic cylinder may break due to hard use such as racing, or if the ABS is applied too frequently. We are currently awaiting a response from other motorcycle distributors in Malaysia, and will update when further news is received.

     
     
  • 2018 Benelli 402S – the Ducati XDiavel look-a-like

    2018 Benelli 402S – the Ducati XDiavel look-a-like

    After the reveal of the GPX Racing 150GR, with its Panigale looks, here’s another mimic of another Ducati design, the 2018 Benelli 402S that was displayed at the EICMA show the previous November. Seen from the side, the 402S looks for all the world like a Ducati XDiavel, save for the smaller dimension, though the front and rear lights are different.

    Carrying a much smaller 399 cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin, fed by EFI, the 402S comes with a six-speed gearbox. Claimed power is 39 hp at 9,000 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm.

    Twin 260 mm diameter brake discs are fixed to the front wheel, clamped by four-piston callipers, while the rear carries a single 240 disc and single-piston calliper. Standard fitment on the 402S is two-channel ABS.

    Rolling on 17-inch wheels, the front comes shod with 120/70 rubber, while the back tyre measures a wider 160/60. Wet of the 402S is 160 kg, and suspension is with an upside-fork in front and adjustable rear monoshock, with everything held together in a trellis frame.

    It remains to be seen what market reception for the 2018 Benelli 402S will be like in Malaysia, but we assume a lot will depend on the pricing. Current offerings for Benelli locally are the Benelli Leoncino retro scrambler at RM29,678, TRK 502 adventure bike at RM30,621 and 302R sports bike at RM23,201 along with the TnT135 mini-moto at RM8,469 and RFS150i supercub at RM7,407.

     
     
  • Brembo recalls PR16 brake master cylinder in US – Aprilia and Ducati motorcycles affected

    Brembo recalls PR16 brake master cylinder in US – Aprilia and Ducati motorcycles affected

    A safety recall issued by the NHTSA in the US covers Brembo front brake master cylinders and covers certain Aprilia and Ducati motorcycles. The safety concern is with regards to the front brake master cylinder piston, which is made of plastic and may crack after hard use.

    Models currently affected by the recall are the 2017 Aprilia RSV4 model range and the 2017 Aprilia Tuono 1100. Ducati models also fall under this recall, and the affected 2015 to 2018 model years are the 1299 Panigale, Panigale R, Monster 1200, Multistrada 1200 and 1260, XDiavel S and Scrambler 800 Cafe Racer.

    The specific Brembo brake master cylinder in question is the PR16 model, often used in conjunction with Brembo M50 callipers. Problems arise when the master cylinder, made from a plastic called polyphenylene sulphide may crack after hard use, such as racing, or when the motorcycle’s ABS is activated too frequently.

    Brembo recalls PR16 brake master cylinder in US – Aprilia and Ducati motorcycles affected

    Remedy for the this recall in the US is replacement of the plastic master cylinder piston with an aluminium unit. This replacement will be done at the respective brands’ authorised dealer and will be performed free-of-charge in the US beginning February 15.

    Application for the Brembo PR16 master cylinder is wide, and covers a multitude of top-end motorcycles, including other manufacturers such as KTM, Kawasaki, Triumph and others. Aprilia and Ducati owners may contact the relevant Malaysian distributor to find out if their particular machine is affected, while aftermarket users of the PR16 master cylinder are advised to contact Brembo directly.

     
     
  • Harley-Davidson trademarks “Bronx” – new model?

    Harley-Davidson trademarks “Bronx” – new model?

    Model Year 2018 New Model Photography

    An ambitious plan to launch 100 new models over the next five years – though we would hardly count variants within a model range as “new” – sees American motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson (H-D) eager to arrest the slide in sales and bring in a younger rider demographic. With that in mind, a filing at the US Patent and Trademark office shows applications by H-D for the names “Bronx” and “Harley-Davidson Bronx.”

    Details on the filing are minimal, but a motorcycle.com report says the names are for use on “motorcycles and structural parts therefor.” This could be an indicator that a brand new model will be joining the H-D catalogue, perhaps an urban-styled bobber of some sort, though it should be noted trademark applications can be used anytime within three years of the date of filing.

    Harley-Davidson trademarks “Bronx” – new model?

    Model Year 2018 New Model Photography. INTERNATIONAL ONLY

    While there is no further information, the name Bronx, a New York City borough with a reputation gang activities in the 1930s’ and high poverty and unemployment in the 70s’, is today a revitalised area with major residential construction. As such, a Harley-Davidson Bronx might have the image of a fat-tyred, low riding V-twin, capable of fast quarter-miles.

    In Malaysia, distributorship of H-D has recently changed hands, with H-D Asia opening a new showroom and 3S facility in The Gasket Alley, Petaling Jaya and two more more centres to start in Malacca and Penang this year. The H-D service facility is currently open and accepting motorcycles for service, while the showroom will be opening shortly.

     
     
  • 2018 Honda CB4 Interceptor concept – retro racer

    2018 Honda CB4 Interceptor concept – retro racer

    Shown during the 2017 EICMA show in Milan last November, the Honda CB4 Interceptor concept bike is based around the Neo Sports Cafe design that was shown in Tokyo last year. The Interceptor name began in 1983 for Honda, with the first of the V-four sports bikes that were avant-garde and cutting edge then, but this time around, it is being applied to a retro-looking racer.

    Taking cues from the Honda Bol D’or racers of the 80s, notably the CBR1000F, the CB4 Interceptor has its roots in the CB4 Concept that was given public display in 2015. Pride of place is given to an inline-four with a four-into-one exhaust.

    Shod in racing slicks, Brembo Monobloc radial callipers clamp solid floating brake discs in front – when was the last time you saw a large displacement motorcycle without drilled discs? – while Ohlins supplies the suspension front and rear. Honda’s Pro Arm single-sided swingarm holds up the rear-end, with a five-spoke wheel derived from the NSR racing motorcycles.

    Designed by Italian designer Valerio Aiello, the CB4 Interceptor is murdered out in matte black, and the lines of the front cowl flow seamlessly into the tank. Inside the cockpit a gauge displays the necessary information for the rider, while a touchscreen located on the tank shows navigation as well as connectivity, including the ability to make emergency calls.

    Interestingly, a fan powered by the forward motion of the CB4 Interceptor provides power for the touch screen, decreasing battery load. Starting is keyless with a start button, located on the tank where the key barrel would be in a normal bike.

    As for Malaysia, 2018 will see the release of the CBR1000R, alongside the CBR1000RR superbike, CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure bike and the X-Adv adventure scooter. Competition in the local market for the Honda CBR1000R includes the BMW Motorrad S1000R, priced at RM92,900 and the Suzuki GSX-S1000 at RM74,094.

     
     
  • 2018 GPX Racing Demon 150GR in Malaysia soon

    2018 GPX Racing Demon 150GR in Malaysia soon

    After news of the impending launch of two new motorcycles from Thailand – the 2018 GPX Racing Demon 150GN naked sports and Gentleman 200 retro – another model from our neighbour up north will be making its debut after July, the GPX Racing 150GR sports bike. This fully-faired sports bike is expected to be priced at around RM11,000, putting it in the budget end of the market.

    Carrying a 149 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a six-speed gearbox, the Demon 150GR looks for all the world like a miniature Ducati Panigale. Suspension is with upside-down forks in front and a monoshock in the rear, and the 150GR is claimed to weight 130 kg.

    Braking is done with hydraulic single discs front and rear, and the Demon 150-GR rolls on 14-inch wheels, with seat height at a low 780 mm. Inside the cockpit is an LCD screen displaying all the necessary information and full LED lighting is found on the Demon 150GR.

    From the GPX Racing website, there are three colour options for the Demon 50-GR – Red, Matte Black and White – though it is not known whether all the colours or only a selection will make it to the local market. Additionally, there are two “Sports” colour schemes available, in red/white/grey and grey/white but it is not known if Malaysia will get the full range of colour options.

    While the Malaysian launch of the GPX Racing Demon 150GR will be in the latter part of the year, the naked sports Demon 150GN and retro-styled Gentleman 200 will hit the market in the first quarter of 2018. What do you think? Is a budget sub-200 cc motorcycle something you need? Leave a comment with your thoughts and opinions below.

     
     
 
 
 

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Last Updated Apr 25, 2024