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• 2018 Benelli Leoncino now in Malaysia – RM29,678

  In Benelli, Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 17 October 2017 4:40 pm / 19 comments

  

  As promised by Benelli earlier this year, the 2018 Benelli Leoncino – “Leoncino” meaning lion cub in Italian – is now in Malaysia, and priced at RM29,678, including GST and excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Launched alongside the 2018 Keeway K-Light 202, Cafe Racer 152 and Patagonian Eagle 250, the Leoncino takes the power plant from the Benelli TRK 502 adventure bike and puts in a retro scrambler-styled chassis.

  Carrying a two-cylinder, 500 cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled mill with four-valves per cylinder, the Leoncino has a claimed power output of 48 hp at 8,500 rpm and torque figure of 45 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Fed by EFI, the Benelli’s lion cub gets power to the ground via a six-speed gearbox with a cable actuated clutch.

  Sharing much of its running gear with the TRK 502, the Leoncino has the same frame and swingarm as the TRK 502, along with the suspension. An upside-down fork props up the front end, while an adjustable monoshock suspends the rear. In the braking department, a pair of hydraulic four-piston callipers grab 320 mm discs, while a single 260 mm diameter disc does duties at the back.

  

  

  

  ABS braking is standard for the Leoncino, as the bike is Euro 4 compliant, along with LED lighting and digital instrumentation in the cockpit. Rolling on 17-inch rubber, the seat height is set at an accommodating 810 mm, with the Leoncino weighing in at 196 kg and fuel carried in a 12.7-litre tank.

  There are two colour options available for the 2018 Benelli Leoncino – Leoncino Red and Vulcan Black, with the bike set to make an appearance in Malaysian Benelli dealers by the end of 2017. A two-year or 20,000 km manufacturing is offered.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 Keeway K-Light 202 retro, Cafe Racer 152 and Patagonian Eagle 250 in Malaysia – from RM6,521

  In Bikes, Keeway, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 17 October 2017 4:00 pm / 11 comments

  

  For the new year, three new models are making an appearance for Keeway Motorcycles – the K-Light 202 retro hot-rod, the Cafe Racer 152 and Patagonian Eagle 250 cruiser – priced at RM9,103, RM6,521 and RM9,951, respectively. All price include GST, but exclude road tax, insurance and registration.

  As a retro throwback to the ear of 50s and 60s hot-rodded motorcycles, the 2018 Keeway K-Light 202, priced at RM9,103 including GST, carries a single-cylinder, four-stroke, two-valve thumper engine displacing 197 cc. Power is rated at 12.8 hp at 7,500 rpm and torque comes in at 13.9 Nm at 6,000 rpm and there are two colour choices, red or black.

  Power gets to the ground via a five-speed gearbox and fuelling is by carburettor with liquid-cooling taking away engine heat. Braking is with a single disc front and rear on 17-inch and 15-inch wheels, respectively, and the suspension is non-adjustable.

  

  Also using a 149 cc single-cylinder, this time air-cooled, the 2018 Keeway Cafe Racer 152 goes for RM6,521, and its thumper produces 11.3 hp at 8,500 rpm and 11.1 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. The Cafe Racer’s gearbox is a five-speed affair, and a carburettor takes care of fuelling.

  Weighing in at 102 kg, the Cafe Racer carries fuel in a 12.1-litre tank, and suspension is with telescopic front fork, and oil-damped twin coil-spring shock absorbers in the rear. Rolling on 17-inch wheels, the Cafe Racer is braked with a single disc in front, and a drum brake at the back.

  New entry to the quarter-litre cruiser market is the 2018 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250, retailing for RM9,951. The Eagle 250 comes with a two-cylinder, 251 cc, oil-cooled power plant that puts out 17.4 hp at 8,000 rpm and 16.5 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm.

  

  Fuelled by carburettor, the Eagle 250 gets power to the ground via a five-speed gearbox, with final drive by chain. Clocking in at 145 kg, fuel for the Eagle 250 is carried in a 12-litre fuel tank, and seat height is set at 695 mm, with two colour choices available – Matte Black and Metallic Matte Red.

  All three Keeway models are set to hot authorised Keeway dealer showrooms in January 2018. The Keeway K-Light 202 retro hot-rod, the Cafe Racer 152 and Patagonian Eagle 250 cruiser come with a two-year or 20,000 km manufacturing warranty, whichever comes first.

  GALLERY: 2018 Keeway K-Light 202

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2018 Keeway Cafe Racer 152

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2018 Keeway Patagonian Eagle 250

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 Honda Goldwing photos leaked – now with DCT?

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 13 October 2017 5:46 pm / 3 comments

  

  It was expected that Honda would be making an announcement or more likely, an unveiling, of the 2018 Honda Goldwing, its grand touring motorcycle, but some photos appear to have been leaked from a press kit. As reported by Visordown, the new Goldwing still appears to carry its trademark flat-six, the clutch lever seems to be missing, perhaps indicating it will have Honda’s Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).

  Rumours of Honda using DCT in the 2018 Goldwing have been circulating for a couple of years now, and DCT is currently used in its CTX and NC model range, as well as the NM4 Vultus and X-ADV scooters, along with the CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure bike and VFR1200X sports tourer. No word on what the likely displacement of the new six-cylinder mill might be, but some quarters have suggested the Wing will clock in above the two-litre mark.

  The Goldwing has been around for 43 years, beginning with the one-litre GL1000 with a flat-four, through the 1,100 and 1,200 cc era of the Interstate and Aspencade in the 80s with full bodywork, and the one Malaysians know best, the GL1500 with its flat-six, before morphing into the GL1800 Goldwing of today.

  

  

  

  From the photos, the telescopic front fork is gone, replaced by a strut suspension setup with single shock absorber, similar to BMW Motorrad’s Telelever front suspension. A large TFT LCD screen makes an appearance in the cockpit between the gauges, replacing the current Goldwing setup of twin dials with a smaller central LCD screen, along with a rotary dial like the unit found in certain high-end cars.

  Using a dial instead of a touch screen makes sense, because trying to accurately put pressure on a single point on a screen can be difficult while wearing gloves. It can be safely assumed that modern motorcycle electronic conveniences such as traction control, cornering ABS and semi-active suspension will make an appearance in the 2018 Honda Goldwing, in keeping with the bike’s reputation of being the ultimate touring motorcycle, and a showcase of Honda’s engineering prowess.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Yamaha shows new e-bike tech at Tokyo Motor Show

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 13 October 2017 3:37 pm / 4 comments

  

  While primarily a showcase for cars, the Tokyo Motor Show also has motorcycle manufacturers taking the stands. Aside from Honda with the Neo Sports Concept and Kawasaki with the retro-style Z900RS scheduled for this year’s event, Yamaha will also be in attendance with an exhibit theme “Yamaha Future Garage: Resonate the Future.”

  Looking like something from the imagination of manga artist Masamune Shirow is the Motoroid, which draws inspiration from the realm of artificial intelligence. The Motoroid is capable of recognising its owner, and is meant to provide a feeling of Kando, a Japanese word meaning “feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement” when encountering something of value.

  Subject of a previous article on paultan.org, the Motobot Ver.2 is a Yamaha R1-M superbike mounted by a robot rider. Having undergone testing in 2016, Motobot’s target for 2017 is to top 280 km/h and surpass Valentino Rossi’s record time at the Yamaha test track.

  

  

  

  In the urban mobility arena, Yamaha has designed the MWC-4, a four-wheeled, Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) vehicle. Constructed to accommodate a passenger and a driver, the MWC-4 is powered by a an electric motor equipped with a range-extender and uses attitude-control technology which provides more comfort than a motorcycle, but leans into corners the same way.

  For electrical power assisted bicycles (e-bicycle), Yamaha is putting forward the YPJ-XC, based on the YPJ-MTB concept e-bicycle that was first shown in the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. The YPJ-XC carries Yamaha’s latest PW-X drive unit and is claimed to be closer to a production-ready model.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• VIDEO: 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS second video teaser

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kawasaki / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 12 October 2017 4:40 pm / 6 comments

  Here’s another teaser video from Kawasaki for the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS, this time showing the new retro four-cylinder machine in motion, as well as a close look at the headlight, exhaust and brakes. Based on the Z900 ABS naked sports bike, the Z900RS is being released to cash in on the current trend of motorcycles that look like they came from the 70s.

  Kawasaki’s previous attempt at the retro bike, the W800, was quite stylish, but did not garner much market interest. However, the Z900RS, harking back to the hey-day of the naked Universal Japanese Machine (UJM) in the seventies, looks to be a much more interesting machine.

  Of note are the radial-mounted front brakes, dual-piston units, with an ABS sensor on the front wheel. Also evident is the LED headlight, which we assume will feature DRLs, as is de rigeur these days. A chrome exhaust end can is also shown, exiting on the right, which mimics the traditional 4-into-1 or 4-into-2-into-1 exhausts of that era.

  

  

  

  As the second of Kawasaki’s Z bikes, the Z900RS is scheduled to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 25. Check back in then when we provide you with photos of the Z900RS launch.

  The current model Z900 carries a 948 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four power plant that puts out 124 hp at 9,500 rpm and 98.6 Nm of torque at 7,700 rpm. Power gets to the ground via a six-speed gearbox, and ABS is standard equipment.

  In Malaysia the 2017 Kawasaki Z900 ABS comes in two versions, the base model and the SE, which retail at RM49,158 and RM50,959, respectively, including GST. The base model Z900 comes in grey, while the Special Edition is available in blue and includes a single seat cover, meter cover, DC outlet, radiator screen, sliders, engine covers, front-axle sliders and special graphics.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• MV Agusta shows 2018 F4 LH44 and F4 RC superbikes

  In Bikes, International Bike News, MV Agusta / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 11 October 2017 6:28 pm / 4 comments

  

  Ahead of the EICMA show in Milan, Italy this coming November, Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta has unveiled not one, but two limited edition superbikes, the F4 RC and F4 LH44. The F4 RC is a limited edition superbike based on MV Agusta’s racing machines – RC standing for Reparto Corse, or Racing Department – and the F4 LH 44, of which only 44 units will be made, continues Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton’s branding partnership with the Varese firm.

  As a replica of its World Superbike (WSBK) racing motorcycle, the MV Agusta F4 RC carries an inline four-cylinder engine, displacing 998 cc and producing a claimed 205 hp at 13,450 rpm and 115 Nm of torque at 9,300 rpm. Coming with the F4 RC is a wooden box containing a race kit, which includes an SC Project exhaust and ECU that bumps power up to 212 hp at 13,600 rpm.

  Suspension on the F4 RC is by Ohlins, as is customary at this level of performance, with a NIX 30 fork in front and a TTX 36 monoshock propping up the rear-end, full-adjustable, of course. Brembo GP monoblock radial-mounted four-piston callipers are mounted in front, grabbing a pair of 320 mm full-floating Brembo discs, with a Nissin four-piston unit doing braking duties at the back wheel.

  

  A full suite of electronics comes with the F4 RC, including MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) with eight fuel injectors – four by Mikuni and four by Marelli in the lower and upper inlet tract, respectively. Also included is Torque control with four maps, eight-level Traction Control with lean angle sensor and TSS Torque Shift System employing variable length intake runners, along with an up-and-down quickshifter.

  Taking the F4 RC as a basis, F4 LH44 follows on from the Brutale Dragster RR LH44. Clad in Bordeaux Scarf Red Base and Cycling Pearl White, the F4 LH 44 comes with a blacked out F4 Corsa Corsa engine, and special black anodising is applied to the Ohlins NIX 30 front fork.

  The F4 LH44 abounds in special parts, including carbon-fibre fairing pieces, racing tank cap, forged wheels and CNC-machined rear wheel nut, as well as special Pirelli Supercorsa SP tyres emblazoned with the LH44 logo. Pricing for the 2018 MV Agusta RC begins at around 40,000 pounds sterling (RM222,464) while pricing for the F4 LH44 is on application.

  GALLERY: 2018 MV Agusta F4 RC

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2018 MV Agusta F4 LH44

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Kawasaki teases supercharged motorbike for EICMA

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kawasaki / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 October 2017 5:49 pm / 2 comments

  Here’s another teaser, this time from Kawasaki, ahead of the EICMA, or Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori show in Milan, Italy. This short video is even shorter on details than the clip for Honda’s Neo Sports Cafe concept motorcycle, but it does promise a third supercharged motorcycle in its model lineup.

  According to the press blurb accompanying the video, the new model is supposed to be a sports-touring model, and promises a “unique power feeling with superior fuel economy.” Viewers are then asked to be prepared for “Sport Touring to accelerate impressively and efficiently into its next exciting phase.”

  After having ridden both the Kawasaki H2 and H2R, we can state with some certainty that Kawasaki’s supercharged engines are indeed strong performers, and deliver more than enough power to satisfy any rider. In the case of Kawasaki’s new supercharged Sport Touring, this might mean a replacement for the Z1000SX or the GTR1400.

  GALLERY: Kawasaki H2 and H2R

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Triumph Tiger Tramontana to race in Pan-African rally

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 October 2017 3:46 pm / 0 comment

  

  Taking a standard Triumph Tiger 800 XCx, brothers David and Felipe Lopez have created the Tiger Tramontana off-road rally race bike, which they intend to race in the Pan-African Rally. The 2,000 km long race sees competitors pitting themselves against the 40-degree heat and powder-fine sand of the desert in Morocco, Africa.

  Developed with collaboration with the works team in Hinckley, the Tramontana took six months to build, with Triumph engineers putting in time outside of work hours. Both David and Felipe are currently in training to see which of them will take the “race into hell”, the unofficial moniker of the Pan-African Rally which is held over five days from the town of Erfoud.

  Named after the north wind in the Pyrenees mountains in Spain, the Tramontana takes the 95 hp at 9,250 rpm and 79 Nm at 7,850 rpm, liquid-cooled, three-cylinder power plant from the XCx and places it in the Tiger’s frame, but with a shortened sub-frame. Other changes in the interests of increased performance include lighter headlights, a one-ff windscreen, modified body panels, sump guard, seat and rear mudguard.

  

  

  

  The biggest change is to the front of the standard Tiger XCx, with the Tramontana sporting a much taller Paris-Dakar Rally style front fairing. This is so that the Tramontana can accommodate the rally’s Roadbook, ICO and GPS beacon, all of which are essential to ensure the rider does not get lost in the immensity of the North African desert.

  “The modifications we’ve made to the Tiger Tramontana take the all-round capability of the Tiger 800 to a much more focussed level required for this type of extreme off-road riding, so the off-road capability has been enhanced significantly to be comparable to all of the rally enduro racing bikes in the field,” said David.

  In Malaysia, the 2017 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx adventure bike retails for RM72,900 while the more road-biased 800 XRx goes for RM67,900. All prices include GST, but exclude road tax, insurance and registration.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• VIDEO: 2018 Honda Neo Sports Cafe – Nov 6 release

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 October 2017 12:46 pm / 4 comments

  Honda has released a teaser video of its 2018 Honda Neo Sports Cafe ahead of its official unveiling at the Milan Motorcycle Show, or Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori (EICMA) on November 6. That the cafe racer trend is now in vogue in the motorcycling world should surprise no one, with almost every major manufacturer having a retro-styled model in the line up.

  Precious little can be seen in the 30-second video, but what little we can glean is the engine sound definitely comes from an inline-four, and the glimpse of engine block shows the mill is liquid-cooled. While Honda has previously shown the CB1100 concept motorcycles at the Osaka Motorcycle show, the engine on this machine is different, perhaps using the powerplant from the CBR1000RR?

  This would make it an interesting bike, along the lines of the Yamaha MT-10 naked sports that uses a de-tuned mill taken from the YZF-R1 superbike. In the meantime, it comes down to a game of wait and see, and paultan.org will be bringing you updates as soon as we get them.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2015 Honda CB1000R

  

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• 2018 Yamaha Y15ZR SE GP Edition released – RM8,891

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 9 October 2017 3:44 pm / 20 comments

  

  To celebrate the upcoming MotoGP at Sepang International Circuit this weekend, Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia has released the 2018 Yamaha Y15ZR GP Edition, priced at RM8,891 including GST, but excluding road tax, insurance and number plates. Decked out in Yamaha Racing Blue complete with the livery of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team, the Y15ZR has proven to be a local rider favourite in the supercub segment.

  Scheduled to hit official Yamaha dealer showrooms next week, the Y15ZR carries a 150 cc four-valve, four-stroke, liquid-cooled single cylinder engine fed by EFI, with a five-speed gearbox and chain final drive. Power output is a claimed 15.1 hp at 8,500 rpm, and torque is rated at 13.8 Nm at 7,000 rpm.

  Braking for the Y15ZR is done with single discs on the front and rear wheels, grabbed by hydraulic callipers. Fuel for this supercub is carried in a 4.2-litre tank, and seat height is set at 670 mm.

  

  

  

  Weighing in at 115 kg, the Y15ZR has a standard telescopic fork in front, and monoshock at the back. In the cockpit, a large analogue speedometer sits on the left side, with an LCD display on the right, showing the odometer and fuel gauge.

  The current 2017 Yamaha Y15ZR also comes in Blue, Red and Black, and is priced at RM8,361. Competition for the Y15ZR in Malaysia includes the Honda RS150R at RM8,478 and the Benelli RFS150i at RM7,407.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• FIRST RIDE: 2018 Modenas Dominar 400 – 35 PS, thumping good fun, and it’s coming to Malaysia soon!

  In Bike Reviews, Local Bike News, Modenas / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 6 October 2017 7:10 pm / 48 comments

  

  With the release of five new motorcycle and scooter models recently, and the promise of a sixth, Malaysian motorcycle manufacturer Modenas has seen something of a resurgence this year. This was something we welcomed, after having the firm lay fallow for many years, with the last major model launch being in 2011, some six years ago.

  So, with a collaboration with manufactuing giant Bajaj Auto of India, Modenas is now back in the market with several motorcycles that originated from the Bajaj works. The first three launched in Malaysia were the Pulsar RS200 sports bike, the NS200 naked sports and the V15 cruiser.

  However, not wanting to stand still and waste momentum, the first quarter of 2018 will see the launch of another new model, and certainly a new area of operations for Modenas. This is the Modenas Dominar 400, a single-cylinder naked sports machine that draws DNA from the KTM 390 Duke.

  

  Now, some might say this is merely a re-badging exercise, and what would be the point? Well, it has to be pointed out that developing any motorcycle, or car, is an exercise in millions, if not billions, of ringgit, and the fastest, most cost effective solution to bringing a new vehicle to market is to leverage on previous research and development.

  In order to prove this, Modenas arranged for a media visit to the Bajaj plant in Chakan, India, and paultan.org was given the chance to take the new Dominar 400 out on the test track. Additionally, Modenas allowed us an extended session at the Unimap track in Gurun, Kedah, where we took the opportunity to put the Dominar through the paces.

  Read the full ride impression of the 2018 Modenas Dominar 400 after the jump.

   

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• Ducati deal is dead in the water – stays part of Audi

  In Bikes, Ducati, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 October 2017 12:01 pm / 7 comments

  

  After much to-ing and fro-ing, and numerous rumours, it seems to be confirmed that the proposed sale of Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati is now off. This was reported on Italian news site moto.it, which said Thomas Sedran, Volkwagen’s strategic director, had gone on record at the end of August saying that the sale of assets “was not a priority.”

  While no official statement has been issued, sources inside Ducati said the entire saga ended with the closing of the sales dossier in the hands of New York based Evercore Partners. The consulting firm was entrusted with overseeing the sale of the Bologna firm, and identifying suitable buyers.

  

  However, Volkswagen’s advisory board, of which half the seats are occupied by its worker’s unions, along with representatives from the Porsche and Peich families, slammed the brakes on the deal two months ago. The advisory board oversees the sale of any major assets within the the Volkswagen group.

  The sale process, in response to possible financial constraints faced by Volkwagen resulting from Dieselgate, began early last year and numerous possible purchasers were identified, among which were motorcycle makers such as Harley-Davidson and India’s Eicher Motors, as well as Italy’s Benetton family. Volkswagen, via car maker Audi, purchased Ducati in 2012 for 962 million euro (RM4.7 billion) and has a current valuation of over 1.5 billion euros (RM7.4 billion), contributing 7% to Audi’s turnover last year.

   

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• Honda Riding Assist-e e-bike to be displayed at Tokyo Motor Show – the bike that stands up on its own

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 October 2017 10:50 am / 13 comments

  

  It is a known fact that motorcycles, once taken off the side stand, have difficulty staying upright without assistance from the rider. Honda seeks to address that issue with the Riding Assist-e electric motorcycle that stands straight up at low speeds without any input from the rider.

  Some might ask what the point of such a bike might, given that the skill of staying upright at walking speeds is something good riders practice and display on a daily basis. However, for a certain segment of the riding population, older folks, ladies or riders with physical disabilities, the Assist-e allows for control of the bike, without requiring a great degree of rider strength.

  This trick is probably done with self-correcting gyroscopes, something seen previously in the Honda Riding Assist equipped motorcycle, shown at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, US, in 2016. From the press photos, the Riding Assist-e e-bike appears to have an electric motor stowed below the seat, with a shaft providing drive to the single-sided swingarm mounted rear wheel.

  

  

  

  The beam and tube frame wraps around the motor, and what appears to be a battery pack is stowed where the engine would go on a normal motorcycle. It is not known what tech might be hiding under the white “fuel tank”, but we would hazard a guess at this is where the gyroscopes and electronic wizardry might live.

  Inside the cockpit a single LCD monitor shows speed, and temperature – whether this is a reading for lean angle, ambient temperature or the heat emanating from the battery pack is anyone’s guess. A “Mode 4” display might indicate the degree of intervention the Riding Assist feature provides, and the mysterious “W.H.O.” in the top right corner could mean anything, except the World Health Organisation.

  What do you think? Is this the future of motorcycling, where basic skills are being removed from the rider’s control, as has been done in the world of cars where driving aids like rear view cameras and lane keeping sensors serve to dumb down driving skill? Leave a comment with your thoughts and opinions, below.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Modenas signs “Safety Riding” programme MoU

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Modenas / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 October 2017 5:20 pm / 4 comments

  

  In order to promote safety amongst motorcyclists on the road, Malaysian motorcycle manufacturer Modenas has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kedah Industrial Skills Management Development Centre (KISMEC) to develop a Safety Riding programme. The programme was established to raise awareness on road and riding safety as well as input into the proper way to ride motorcycles, in response to rising fatalities amongst local road users.

  The MoU was signed by Amirudin Abdul Kadir, Modenas chief executive officer and Mohd Yusuri Yusof, executive director of KISMEC. “Police statistics show that in 2014, there were a total of 125,712 accident cases involving motorcycles, an increase of 4,012 cases over the previous year, in which 121,700 cases were recorded,” said Amirudin.

  “As a motorcycle manufacturer, Modenas is compelled to address this issue to reduce the number of accidents. Although we have previously established such a safety riding course, the response was less than expected due to time and cost constraints, leading us to collaborate with KISMEC in order to develop this programme,” Amirudin said.

  

  

  

  The course is divided into two modules – theory and practical. In the theory module, participants will learn about the rules and regulations applicable to motorcycle riders and safe riding techniques such as braking and cornering.

  For the practical portion of the Safety Riding programme, riders will implement techniques learned during the theory module. Riders will practice on a specially constructed track at the Modenas plant in Gurun, Kedah.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2018 Triumph Speedmaster and Bobber Black launch

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 October 2017 12:55 pm / 6 comments

  

  Building on the success of its Modern Classics range, Triumph has launched a new cruiser for the upcoming model year, the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster, as well as a variant to an existing model, the Bonneville Bobber Black. Replacing the outgoing machine, the later generation Speedmaster takes the current model Bobber as a base, and adds a twin-seat setup and twin disc brakes.

  Carrying the latest iteration of the vertical parallel-twin from Hinckley, the Speedmaster carries the Bonneville 1200 HT mill in a hardtail frame. Power for the liquid-cooled power plant is rated at 77 PS at 6,100 rpm and puts out 106 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm with power getting to the ground via a six-speed gearbox.

  This is an increase of 42% in torque over the previous generation Speedmaster, and 10% more than the current model Triumph Bonneville T120. As for power, the 2018 Speedmaster makes 25% more ponies than the outgoing model, and 10% more than the T120.

  

  

  

  Braking for the Speedmaster is by Brembo, using twin-piston callipers clamping 310 mm discs, an upgrade from the single-disc setup used on the Bonneville Bobber. Front suspension is with a pair of 41 mm telescopic forks with 90 mm of travel, while the cruiser’s rear end is propped up by an RSU monoshock that offers 73 mm of wheel travel and stepless pre-load adjustment.

  Lighting on the Speedmaster is a full LED setup, including DRLs, while a single round instrument pod graces the cockpit, following the lines of the Bobber. Standard fitment on the new machine is ABS, switchable traction control and two ride modes – Road and Rain.

  Also included in the standard equipment is ride-by-wire, and an engine immobiliser with transponder key. Assisting the rider is a torque assist clutch which lowers lever effort and single-button cruise control – press once to activate, press again to set speed, and once more to cancel.

  For more details and full gallery, click here.

   

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