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• 2018 Kawasaki Z900 RS retro bike teaser for Malaysia

  In Bikes, Kawasaki, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 December 2017 6:47 pm / 11 comments

  

  A teaser image on Kawasaki Motors Malaysia’s Facebook page has appeared, showing a headlight and the tagline, “Ready for a surprise? Coming soon to Malaysia.” Although few details are discernible from the photo, we assume that this signals the impending launch of the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS retro-naked sports bike in Malaysia.

  First shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in October and subsequently at the EICMA show in Milan, the Z900RS carries classic motorcycle bodywork from the seventies, overlaying modern running gear. The Z900RS is derived from the current model Z900 naked sports bike.

  Carrying the same 948 cc, four-cylinder power plant as the Z900, the mill in the RS is tuned to give less top-end power with 111 hp at 8,500 rpm but more mid-range torque at 98.5Nm at 6,500 rpm. The frame has been redesigned to accommodate the humped fuel tank as well as the retro-styled bodywork.

  

  

  Z900RS

  

  New for the Z900RS is radially-mounted four-piston brake callipers, clamping 300 mm discs in front while the rear gets a dual-piston calliper and single 250 mm disc, with ABS and two-mode traction control. Rolling on 17-inch wheels, the Z900RS weighs in at 215 kg and carries fuel in a 17-litre tank.

  The current model Kawasaki Z900 is priced at RM49,158 for the base version, while the Z900 SE goes for RM50,959, with all prices including GST. When the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS is released next year, it is likely to be priced a little above the Z900, probably close to the RM58,000 Kawasaki asked for when it launched the W800 retro bike a few years ago, provided it comes in as a CKD unit.

  

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• Top 10 most popular videos on paultan.org in 2017

  In Bikes, Cars, Local News / By Jonathan Lee / 29 December 2017 4:48 pm / 8 comments

  

  First we brought you our top 10 reviews of the year, now let’s have a look at the top 10 videos on paultan.org. We’ve compiled this list after scouring the films that we have published on both YouTube and Facebook, combining the views on both sites to come up with the roll of videos you see below.

  As you can tell, Malaysians have been quite varied in their viewing tastes this year, with vehicles that range from a multi-million ringgit super limousine to a humble family hatchback. Numerous bikes too, including an Italian cruiser, an entry-level motorcycle from Munich and a nimble runabout scooter. There’s something for everyone, so sit back, grab a bowl of popcorn, and enjoy.

  10: FIRST RIDE: Yamaha NVX 155 Malaysian review – 273k views

  We start the list with a bike review. Yamaha hit the ground running with last year’s NMax, but it needed something to fill in the gap in the premium segment. Enter the NVX 155, which comes with a sportier, more aggressive design and features like ABS, keyless start and automatic engine start/stop. At RM10,500, it’s a little bit pricey for a ditty scooter, so we took it for a spin to find out if it was any good.

  9. FIRST LOOK: 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom in Malaysia – 282k views

  Our tour of the new Phantom got a surprising amount of traction with viewers, especially considering the more humdrum vehicles found elsewhere in this lineup. Of course, with a price that starts at RM2.2 million (before taxes) and brimmed with features such as powered coach doors, a “gallery” for art connoisseurs and a 6.75 litre biturbo V12 making a whopping 900 Nm of torque, it’s no wonder it grabbed the attention.

  8. FIRST RIDE: BMW G 310 R Malaysian review – 298k views

  It’s been a long time coming, the BMW G 310 R. Part of a collaboration with India’s TVS originally announced in 2013, the entry-level Motorrad – the company’s first modern sub-500 cc bike – was first shown in 2015 before finally going on sale here in August; its juicy price tag of RM26,900 made everyone sit up and take notice. Our video review looks at whether it’s a real BMW bike, or just a pretender with a propeller badge.

  7. FIRST LOOK: 2017 Honda CR-V 1.5 Turbo vs old 2.4 – 309k views

  One of the biggest launches of the year was the new CR-V, which shook up the midsize SUV market with a new turbocharged engine, a high level of standard equipment and the introduction of the Honda Sensing suite of driver assists in Malaysia. Clearly, many were wondering how the car compared to its predecessor, which explains the high view count of our new versus old comparison.

  6. FIRST LOOK: Honda City facelift quick preview walk-around – 311k views

  Just edging out the CR-V is its stablemate, the facelifted City. Malaysia’s best-selling B-segment sedan got a shot in the arm in March – the freshened exterior and extra kit put it in an even more unassailable position at the top of the class. Before the launch, we gave a quick walk-around preview of some of the changes made, and while we didn’t get access to the interior at the time, it still made our top 10.

  5. FIRST RIDE: 2017 Ducati XDiavel S Malaysian review – 324k views

  The Diavel was already a rather leisurely cruiser, so when Ducati rocked up with the Harley-Davidson-aping XDiavel, we were sceptical to say the least. It has all the right ingredients – a 156 hp/129 Nm 1,262 cc Testastretta V-twin engine with variable valve timing, a trellis frame and superbike brakes and suspension – but have all these been compromised by an American-friendly approach? This review sought to find that out.

  4. FIRST LOOK: Proton SUV to be based on Geely Boyue – 540k views

  The acquisition of Proton by Chinese giant Geely was all anyone could talk about in 2017, and one of the big outcomes of the news was that the national carmaker would be launching its very first SUV next year based on the midsize Boyue. The company brought along an example during the signing of a definitive agreement finalising the partnership, and as usual we were on hand to provide a walk-around tour of the car.

  3: DRIVEN 2017 #1: BMW 330e vs Mercedes-Benz C 350 e vs Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI – 557k views

  We kicked off the fourth season of the Driven Web Series with a bang, comparing the two premium plug-in hybrids in Malaysia – the 330e and the C 350 e. Just for good measure, we had the new Passat tag along as an cut-price alternative, with its minimalist style, classy cabin and proven engine and gearbox from the Golf GTI. We’ll be continuing the season into 2018, so stay tuned.

  2. FIRST LOOK: 2017 Honda Civic Type R FK8 in Malaysia – 634k views

  Another car that bucked the mainstream trend was the Civic Type R – a bewinged hot hatch that set the lap record for a front-wheel drive production vehicle on the hallowed Nürburgring Nordschleife. The spiritual successor to the only Type R officially sold in Malaysia, the FD2, the new FK8 combines outlandish styling, a 310 PS 2.0 litre turbo four and a honest-to-god six-speed manual transmission. All for a hefty RM320,000.

  1. 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3 and 1.5 review – 890k views

  Of course, as launches go, nothing can top the new Myvi. It’s easy to forget that the car was at one point Perodua’s best-selling model – what with the Axia usurping its crown in recent years – but the company brought the big guns with the third generation. There’s a pair of new engines, a surprising amount of standard kit (including LED headlights and keyless entry) and a swathe of safety equipment that includes segment-first autonomous emergency braking. We test them all and more in our full, in-depth review here.

   

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• 2018 Honda CB500F, CBR500R and CB500X released – now with ABS option, prices start from RM31,363

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 December 2017 5:46 pm / 10 comments

  

  2018 CBR500R Pearl Metalloid White, Red Stripe

  Undergoing a graphics update for new year, and now coming with ABS as optional across the range, are the 2018 Honda CB500F naked sports, CBR500R sports bike and the adventure-styled CB500X. The CB500F is priced at RM31,363 for the standard model, while adding ABS takes the price to RM34,861.

  For the sports rider, the base CBR500R will set you back RM31,681, with the ABS equipped CBR500R going for RM35,179. At the top of Honda’s middleweight motorcycle range in Malaysia is the CB500X, where the base model goes for RM31,893, and adding ABS brings pricing to RM35,391.

  All prices include GST, but exclude road tax, insurance and registration. A two-year or 20,000 km manufacturing warranty from Boon Siew Honda is included.

  

  

  

  Launched in Malaysia in 2016, the Honda CB500-series bikes carry a 471 cc, DOHC, parallel-twin engine that puts out 49.6 hp at 8,500 rpm and 44 Nm at 7,000 rpm. A six-speed gearbox gets power to the ground with chain final drive.

  The CB500F and CBR500R get adjustable telescopic front forks and preload adjustable rear monoshock, while braking is done with single discs front and rear across the range. The R and F models get a 16.7-litre fuel tank, while the CB500X carries fuel in a 17.5-litre unit.

  

  

  

  Colour options are increased for 2018 for the CB500 range of bikes. The naked sports CB500F gets Force Silver Metallic, Candy Chromosphere Red and Candy Caribbean Blue Sea as colour choices.

  For the sportier CBR500R, the rider can choose between Pearl Metalloid White, Grand Prix Red or Graphite Black. Meanwhile, the CB500X now comes in Force Silver Metallic, Candy Chromosphere Red or Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Top 10 most popular paultan.org bike reviews in 2017

  In Bike Reviews, Bikes / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 December 2017 4:33 pm / 3 comments

  

  

  

  Although the editorial staff at paultan.org have our favourites amongst the cars and motorcycles we review throughout the year, you, dear readers, have your own particular choice on which reviews garner the most interest. In the case of motorcycle reviews, there was an eclectic mix of machines that drew the most readership.

  Right at the top, the 2017 Modenas Pulsar RS200 drew the most views, indicating there is a strong market interest in the resurgence of Malaysia’s motorcycle manufacturer. This re-badging tie-up with Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto, which also has the naked sports RS200 and V15 cruiser, is Modenas’ comeback to the local motorcycle market.

  Smaller motorcycles and scooter gained the most interest from paultan.org readers, as seen from the next three choices on the list. Coming in second as a favourite review with readers was the 2017 BMW Motorrad G 310 R, followed by the 2017 Yamaha NVX 155 and its sibling, the NMax.

  BMW Motorrad makes a second appearance in the readers’ most-read review list with the G 310 GS, the adventure version of the naked sports G 310 R. This is perhaps an indication there is strong interest in BMW’s baby motorrads, as the pair is below the RM30k price point.

  Ducati also makes a double appearance, with the XDiavel S power cruiser and the SuperSport S sports-tourer, as do Kawasaki, featuring reviews on the 2017 Kawasaki Z900 naked sports and Versys X-250. Thus, presented in order from least to most, here are the top 10 most read motorcycle reviews on paultan.org in 2017.

  10. 2017 Ducati SuperSport S – RM80,899

  

  When Ducati announced the SuperSport, some Ducatisti were quite excited, because, what’s not to like about a sports-tourer with the legendary handling of this Italian make. We took it on review, and yes, the hype was justified.

  9. 2017 Kawasaki Versys-X 250 – RM23,789,

  

  This baby adventure bike from Kawasaki is a new direction for the firm, locally. With the bigger siblings in the stable, the Versys 1000 and 650, being popular with riders wanting a versatile daily rider, the Versys X-250 wants to repeat that success in the quarter-litre market.

  8. 2018 BMW Motorrad G 310 GS – RM29,900

  

  BMW Motorrad’s baby GS drew a lot of attention from readers. Many complimented its looks and we liked its easy handling.

  7. 2017 Honda CB500X – RM35,391

  

  Honda’s entry into the middle end of the adventure bike market took the shape of the CB500X. Not exactly the most powerful of two-cylinder machines, the plush handling and easy riding characteristics of this bike were easy to like.

  6. 2017 Kawasaki Z900 ABS SE – RM50,959

  

  As the replacement for Kawasaki’s popular Z800 four-cylinder naked sports bike, the Z900 brought ABS into mix, in a lighter, smaller, better handling package. Readers liked the Z900’s price of around RM51,000, the increased power and reduced weight.

  5. 2017 Ducati XDiavel S – RM160,899

  

  Another appearance from premier Italian brand Ducati, this time with the XDiavel S power cruiser. Bold design, awesome power – 163 hp – and oozing attitude, readers liked this bike for not being the typical American iron.

  4. 2016 Yamaha NMax – RM8,812

  

  One we did from the previous year, the first of Yamaha’s Blue Core design philosophy scooters, the NMax came right up against the Honda PCX in the urban scooter stakes, and it certainly looked the part. Sleek and futuristic in design, the riding public gave this a thumbs up well into 2017.

  3. 2016 Yamaha NVX 155 – RM10,500

  

  Taking the engine from the NMax, the NVX 155 wears sporty clothing and added ABS into the mix. Coming with keyless start and remote locking seat and fuel cover, the NVX gave riders all modern conveniences in a sporty handling package.

  2. 2017 BMW Motorrad G 310 R – RM26,900

  

  No surprises here, as Malaysian riders wanted to know what the naked sports BMW Motorrad G 310 R was like. We subjected the G 310 R to a non-stop four-hour endurance ride, stopping only for fuel and cigarettes, and the baby Beemer passed in the comfort and handling stakes.

  1. 2017 Modenas Pulsar RS200 – RM11,342

  

  That the 2017 Modenas Pulsar RS200 came out on top as a readers’ review favourite comes as no surprise. Malaysian riders were waiting for Modenas’ re-entry into the local market, and the RS200, along with the NS200 and V15 cruiser, were it.

   

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• Top 10 most popular bike posts on paultan.org in 2017

  In Bikes / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 December 2017 10:29 am / 7 comments

  

  

  

  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.

   

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• 2018 Suzuka 8-hours sees full Honda factory team

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 26 December 2017 11:26 am / 0 comment

  

  That Honda takes motor racing very seriously cannot be denied, engine failures in Formula 1 aside. In the motorcycle racing world, Honda, through its racing division Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has never been shy of spending millions of cubic dollars in the pursuit of trophies.

  For the 2018 Suzuka 8-hours endurance race, HRC will be fielding a full factory team, dubbed Team HRC, for the first time in a decade. While HRC has the best win record at Suzuka of any manufacturer – 27 first places over 40 races – it has been overshadowed by rival Yamaha over the previous three runnings of the race.

  HRC has previously run Suzuka through factory supported teams such as F.C.C. TSR Honda and Malaysian-led Satu Hati Honda Team Asia, but success has eluded the boys from Kumamoto, Japan. Yamaha topped the podium last year with the Yamaha Factory Racing Team, and Kawasaki was second with Kawasaki Team Green, while HRC came in third with F.C.C. TSR Honda.

  

  

  

  No rider line-up has been announced as yet, but Team HRC will be running a race superbike based on the Honda CBR1000RR SP2. The team will also be competing in the 2018 MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship with rider Takumi Takahashi.

  “Honda will be competing as a factory team for the first time in ten years in the JRR JSB1000 class, the pinnacle of road racing in Japan and a more intense 2018 season with 13 races over 9 rounds, and the Suzuka 8hours, an extremely challenging race,” said Yoshishige Nomura, president of HRC. The Suzuka 8-hours is seen as a very prestigious race in Japan, and market success can be determined by which brand wins the race.

  The big factory teams will have top-flight riders from other race series, such as MotoGP and World Superbikes, compete at the Suzuka 8-hours as part of their sponsorship obligations. Suzuka Circuit, located in Mie Prefecture, Japan, has a capacity of 155,000 spectators, and is operated by Mobilityland Corporation, a Honda Motor subsidiary company, which technically makes it HRC’s home track.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Thailand bans big bikes from national forest reserves

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 22 December 2017 5:20 pm / 19 comments

  

  A favourite destination for Malaysian bikers is Thailand, as can be seen from the large numbers of riders crossing the border every weekend and during the holidays. However, a new ruling by the Thai authorities might put a damper on things, especially for riders wanting to spend time in forest reserves across the border.

  Quoting a statement from department chief Thanya Netithammakun of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, the Bangkok Post reported that the restriction on large displacement motorcycles follows a ban on the consumption of alcohol in parks. This is in addition to no smoking signs being placed in park entrance areas as well as car parks under its jurisdiction.

  

  According to Netithammakun, large numbers of riders on big bikes would congregate in Khao Yi, a extensive forest encompassing the areas of Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok dan Saraburi. The reasoning for the ban was given as noise pollution, which, besides disturbing other park visitors, also has a negative impact on fauna in the forest reserve.

  Previously, visitors who disobeyed park rules would be removed from the area, but this ruling now prohibits big bikes from entering the forest reserve completely. Netithammakun said these measures are to protect the forest reserves during the long holiday period, adding that 12.9 million people visited Thailand’s national parks last year, generating a revenue of 2.4 billion Thai baht (RM29.8 million).

   

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• 2018 Malaysian debut for GPX Racing motorcycles

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 22 December 2017 3:38 pm / 9 comments

  

  A new name is entering the Malaysian motorcycle market in 2018, GPX Racing, originating from Thailand. Established as a brand in 2007, production of GPX Racing motorcycles started in 2009.

  With the construction of a production facility in Prachauthit, Thailand, GPX Racing has now expanded to not only Malaysia, but Cambodia, Philippines and Singapore. For the local market, GPX Racing is represented by Bike Continent, which is based in Johor Bahru, Johor.

  Two models will be released in Malaysia in the coming year, the Gentleman 200 and Demon 150-GN, styled as a cafe racer and naked mini bike, respectively. The Gentleman 200 is powered by a 197 cc, four-stroke single, while the Demon 150-GN uses a 149 cc, four-stroke single.

  

  These two models will be the first release in the Malaysian market, and are currently undergoing homologation and approval testing. GPX Racing also recently released the Demon 150-GR, a fully-faired sports bike using the same engine as the 150-GN.

  Pricing for the 2018 GPX Racing Gentleman 200 is said to be around RM11,000, while the Demon 150-GN will retail for approximately RM8,000. However, final pricing will be determined when the two Thai machines are released in the first quarter of next year.

  GALLERY: 2018 GPX Racing Gentleman 200

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2018 GPC Racing Demon 150-GN

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Petronas drops Hafizh Syahrin, to focus on Cub Prix and Moto 3 World Championship, grassroots racing

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 21 December 2017 6:41 pm / 16 comments

  

  National oil company Petronas has confirmed that Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah, who was slated to ride for Petronas Sprinta Racing in Moto2, will not be carrying its banner for the 2018 racing season. In an about turn of events, Hafizh was earlier said to be riding for Petronas Sprinta Racing, a team formed with the collaboration of Petronas and Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

  Instead, the 23-year old racer from Selangor will be riding exclusively for the SIC Racing Team in the Moto 2 category for next year. Hafizh previously raced in Moto 2 under Petronas Raceline Malaysia, as well as competing in the Malaysian Cub Prix, Asia Road Racing Championship and FIM CEV Championship.

  For the coming race season, Petronas will focus on the development of new riding talents via its grassroots programme in the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix. Petronas is also collaborating with SIC in the Moto3 World Championship via Petronas Sprinta Racing.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 MV Agusta Brutale 1200 four-cylinder soon?

  In Bikes, International Bike News, MV Agusta / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 20 December 2017 7:12 pm / 7 comments

  

  After several years of an acrimonious relationship with Mercedes-AMG, Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta has completed the buy–back of its outstanding shares from the German carmaker, officially ending the partnership. This means MV Agusta is now completely in the hands of chief operating officer Giovanni Castiglioni and ComSar Invest, an investment company owned by Black Ocean Group.

  While the actual partnership percentage is not known, Black Ocean is owned by the Russian Sardarov family and is assumed to be holding a major interest in MV Agusta Holding, which in turns owns MV Agusta Motor, according to a Asphalt and Rubber report. MV Agusta Motor is the division that makes the firms road-going motorcycles, which is a separate entity from the Castiglioni Research Center design house and MV Agusta Reparto Corse, its racing department.

  What is more interesting is the announcement that the reorganisation of MV Agusta’s corporate structure will now allow it to concentrate on the production of a four-cylinder Brutale, something that has been overdue for while due to the Varese firm’s tangled financial issues. It remains to be seen if the new four-cylinder, said to be displacing 1,200 cc, will be a major release at EICMA, as is traditional, or will hit European dealer showrooms in time for the summer riding season.

  GALLERY: 2017 MV Agusta Brutale 1090

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Kawasaki Malaysia launches Safety Riding Course

  In Bikes, Kawasaki, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 20 December 2017 4:21 pm / 4 comments

  

  As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMM) has launched the Kawasaki Safety and Responsible Riding (KSRR) course. The riding programme is organised in collaboration with KMM’s principal Kawaasaki Heavy Industries and K-TEC Corporation, both from Japan.

  The programme is designed to raise rider awareness on safety, and the responsibility of being a motorcycle rider, in order to reduce traffic fatalities and accidents. The course focuses on bike handling and control and defensive riding, with K-TEC instructors training the initial batch of Malaysian instructors.

  This is inline with government efforts to reduce fatalities amongst road users, which reached 7,152 deaths from 521,440 reported accidents in 2016. The Kawasaki Safety and Responsible Riding Course will be initially held in the Klang Valley, before being rolled out to other locations throughout Malaysia.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX in Malaysia by second quarter

  In Bikes, Kawasaki, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 20 December 2017 10:48 am / 2 comments

  

  Shown at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, last October, the 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX super tourer will be launched in Malaysia by the second half of 2018. This was announced by Datuk Jeffrey Lim, general manager of Kawasaki Motors Malaysia, during the launch of the Kawasaki Safety and Responsible Riding Course at the Sepang Go-Kart circuit.

  During the press conference, in response to a question asked by paultan.org, Lim said efforts are being made to bring the H2 SX into the country by the first half of the year. However, it would be likely the official launch will be held later towards the end of the second quarter.

  The H2 SX comes in two versions, the base model and the SE, carrying a 998 cc four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, supercharged power plant mated to a six-speed gearbox. The engine has been redesigned for touring duties, and features new pistons, cylinder head, cylinder, crankshaft and camshafts.

  

  

  

  In addition, the frame for the H2 SX is different from the sports-oriented Kawasaki H2 and H2R, with new supercharger impeller and intake system. The H2 SX is 3 kg lighter in the intake system and exhaust than the H2, but down on power at 197 hp, with punchier mid-range torque for touring duties.

  Optional equipment panniers have custom fittings on the H2 SX frame, and inside the cockpit, a full-colour TFT LCD displays all the necessary information, an upgrade from the monochrome LCD unit on the H2. Lim did not mention pricing for the 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX, but the current model Kawasaki H2 retails in Malaysia for RM153,000, while the track-only H2R goes for RM260,000.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• REVIEW: KTM 390/250 Duke – full-size or half pint?

  In Bike Reviews, Bikes, KTM / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 19 December 2017 7:28 pm / 17 comments

  

  

  The middleweight and quarter-litre motorcycle market is the bread and butter for many manufacturers. In this arena, where you have the new riders, the young riders and the returning-to-the-fold riders, competition is fierce, and performance is paramount.

  You can judge the bikes in the arena by many measures. For most, it is cost, for others, handling, or comfort, or versatility. But, for a certain few, the author included, a motorcycle is measured by the grin it leaves on the rider’s face when the helmet comes off.

  To illustrate this, we have two examples on hand, cut from the same cloth, but alike as chalk and cheese. For your entertainment, we present, the 2017 KTM 390 Duke, priced at RM28,800, and its smaller sibling the 2017 KTM 250 Duke, going for RM21,730.

  

  The Duke name is well-known amongst Malaysian bikers, with a reputation for being nimble handling, front-wheel-in-the-air hooligan bikes, and this pair were revised for 2017. As single-cylinder machines, KTM’s Dukes were, first and foremost, always fun bikes to ride.

  But has this trait made it through to the new machines? We took both the KTM 390 Duke and 250 Duke on review, setting out to find what has changed, what has stayed the same, and was the mix still enough to make the rider smile?

  Read the full review of the 2017 KTM 390 Duke and 250 Duke after the jump.

   

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• Why is the 2018 Honda CBR250RR not in Malaysia yet?

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 15 December 2017 12:00 pm / 35 comments

  

  Now getting a little long in the tooth, the current model Honda CBR250R, with its single-cylinder engine, has been soldiering on, despite the release of the CBR250RR in Indonesia in 2016. Many readers are, naturally, asking why our neighbour gets this all-singing, all-dancing quarter-litre sports bike, while we settle for less.

  We posed this question to Nobuhide Nagata, chief executive officer of Boon Siew Honda (BSH), during the BSH media gathering held at Sepang International Circuit (SIC). Nagata explained that the Honda CBR250RR as it stands is not currently Euro 4 compliant, and this much-awaited sports bike will only enter Malaysia after it has passed homologation.

  “This is because Malaysia certification rules are very close to Euro 4, and for us to certify the CBR250RR only for Malaysia will be very expensive,” said Nagata. “So, it is better we wait for the CBR250RR to pass Europe law, then we can bring it here,” he said.

  

  

  

  Pressed on the question whether it will be confirmed if the CBR250RR will come to Malaysian shores, Nagata said the chances are good, but a lot will depend on final pricing. “If the bike is too expensive, then it will be difficult to sell, if only a small quantity,” Nagata said.

  Currently available only in Indonesia and the Japanese domestic market, the CBR250RR is also scheduled for potential introduction to the Philippines. Those nations have emissions rules that are easier to comply with than Euro 4, whilst Malaysia’s standards are close enough to European limits as to make a minimal difference.

  There you have it, boys and girls, the reason why the Honda CBR250RR is not in Malaysia, and not likely to make it much before the end of next year. In the meantime, the current model 2017 Honda CBR250R, relatively unchanged since 2011, retails for RM21,940 in black, with the red and yellow versions going for RM22,258.

  GALLERY: 2017 Honda CBR250RR “The Art of Kabuki”

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 Honda PCX Hybrid in Malaysia by end next year?

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 15 December 2017 10:13 am / 8 comments

  

  Electrification is a coming thing, whether petrol heads would like to admit it or not, and the motorcycle world is no different, with the impending launch of the 2018 Honda PCX Hybrid scooter in Malaysia. Slated to be happening somewhere “around the last quarter,” and if things go to plan, will be Boon Siew Honda’s (BSH) first foray into the area of hybrid two-wheelers in the local market.

  While there are many pure electric motorcycles (e-bikes) in the market, it is unfortunate charging infrastructure is still lagging. This is notably so for e-bikes, which usually do not have the space to carry long charging cables to reach a charging point which might be inconveniently located.

  In the case of the PCX Hybrid, Honda has combined the standard petrol engine with an electric drive. While details have been scarce on exactly how this was achieved within the small form factor of an urban scooter, Honda would only say “the compact hybrid system employs a high-output battery and ACG starter to assist the engine.”

  

  

  

  Not much else was available in the way of information, but Honda has stated that the PCX Hybrid, as well as the battery powered PCX Electric, will only be sold in the Asian market in 2018. In Malaysia, the current model 2017 Honda PCX with 149 cc single-cylinder, 12.5 hp engine is priced at RM11,568.

  Meanwhile, during the BSH media gathering held at the Sepang International Circuit, where Malaysian journalists were given the chance to ride the RC213V-S, it was announced that sales had increased by 18% compared to the previous year. Datuk Sri Tan Hui Jing, deputy chairman of BSH, said, “2018 is an important year for BSH to take a big step and move back to leadership position in the market. We are targeting to introduce around 10 brand new models and will certainly surprise everyone with our product lineup.”

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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