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• Podride – the all-weather four-wheeled personal e-bike

  In Bikes, Cars, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 April 2016 10:58 am / 15 comments

  

  From the country that gave the world the adjustable wrench, three-point seatbelt and GPS, now comes the Podride, an all-weather, four-wheeled bicycle, fully-enclosed by a fabric body, and with an electric motor. The brain-child of Swedish designer Mikael Kjellman, Podride was developed a year ago as a prototype personal transport.

  This four-wheeled bicycle – also called a velomobile, quad bike or quadracycle – has a fully enclosed waterproof body with a recumbent seating position that places the rider the same height as a typical saloon car. The Podride is powered by the rider, using 14-speed bicycle gearing, or with the 250-watt electric e-bike motor, and steering uses a pair of tillers.

  There is a small storage space in the rear, and the Podride even has a manual windshield wiper. Headlights and turn signals are also included in the design. Kjellman says the top speed of the Podride is 25 km/h, as governed by Swedish law, and range is approximately 60 km on battery power.

  

  

  

  Designed to tackle the snow and ice of Sweden, the Podride rolls on 20-inch wheels, and has a turning radius of only 1.75 metres. Weighing 70 kg, and with a wheelbase of 880 mm, this velomobile is meant for use on both public roads and bicycle paths.

  Kjellman says that if the Podride – currently seeking crowdfunding – reaches mass production, the price would be between 2,000 to 3,000 euro (RM8,900 to RM13,400). What do you think? The Podride wouldn’t be very practical in Malaysian weather, but there might be some specialised applications for it. Leave a comment with your thoughts and opinions.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Scomadi scooters from UK opens KL 3S concept centre – Turismo Leggera TL125, from RM9,069

  In Bikes, Cars, Local Bike News, Scomadi / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 16 April 2016 4:02 pm / 13 comments

  

  Scomadi scooters, the revival of the famed Italian scooter brand that is not Vespa, today opened the Scomadi Kuala Lumpur 3S Concept Centre in Setapak. The brain-child of Frank Sanderson and Paul Melici, performance scooter specialists from 30-plus years ago, Scomadi their take on an up-dated Lambretta of the sixties.

  Under the auspices of V Power Motor, the concept centre provides sales, service and accessories for Scomadi’s current range of two models in Malaysia. These are the Turismo Leggera TL125 standard (RM9,095) and SE (RM9,625), both of which are powered by a 125 cc air-cooled single-cylinder, two-valve engine.

  Mounted in standard scooter fashion as part of the swing-arm underneath the rear body-work, the Scomadi Turismo Leggera TL125 has 9.39 hp at 6,500 rpm and 8.90 Nm of torque t 7,200 rpm available, pushing 100 kg of weight. While not sounding like much, Sanderson and Melici point out that Scomadi is more about the lifestyle and image than outright performance.

  

  “Scomadi is a lifestyle machine. It is more about the image, about belonging to a group, getting together with like-minded riders,” said Sanderson. “But that is not to say Scomadi scooters can’t perform. The chassis was developed over 10 to 15 years, with Scomadi founded in 2006,” added Melici.

  A new production facility in Thailand is expected to come on-line within the next 12 months, and will produce between 400 to 500 scooters a week. Scomadi is currently working on making its scooters Euro4 compliant, and also showed a 250 cc, six-speed, manual twist-shift performance scooter in 2015, which will be shown again at Cologne, Germany later this year.

  “We’re also working on a 400 cc concept scooter which we hope to have ready by 2018,” Melici said. Sanderson added, “a 200 cc liquid-cooled engine is also in the works, which should be ready for testing soon.” Both Sanderson and Melici have a long history with performance scooters and scooter racing going back decades, with Sanderson having a hand in the development of a rather infamous RD350LC YPVS engine-powered scooter in the 80s.

  

  Designed by Sanderson and Melici, made in China and Taiwan, and assembled for the Malaysian market in a plant in Tampoi, Johor, Scomadi scooters have embarked on an aggressive expansion plan, focusing on South-East Asia as the world’s largest market for scooters. This has been proven in the market reception of the Turismo Leggera TL125, which has pleasantly surprised Sanderson and Melici.

  This UK-driving license friendly scooter has gained popularity over there, with over 1,000 units sold in the first six months of operation. Scomadi have sold between 5,000 to 6,000 units worldwide, with Malaysia seeing 600 Turismo Leggeras sold since November 2015.

  The Scomadi Turismo Leggera TL125 comes in two versions, the standard and SE. The standard retails for RM9,095 including GST, and comes in Magma Red, Onyx Black, Ocean Blue and Ocean Blue/Magma Red. The SE model goes for RM9,625 including GST, and comes in Matte Grey and a limited edition Chrome.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• BMW Thailand aims to export 10,000 cars this year

  In BMW, BMW Motorrad, Cars, International News / By Gerard Lye / 15 April 2016 3:24 pm / 12 comments

  

  BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand has announced that it will be looking to increase its completely built-up (CBU) exports for 2016 and the following year. The Group aims to ship 10,000 cars annually, mainly to China, according to a report by the Bangkok Post.

  The increase in shipments is in line with the company’s international growth strategy. In September 2015, BMW’s Munich headquarters announced it will invest 1.1 billion baht into expanding the Amata City industrial estate factory in Rayong, which is operated by BMW Manufacturing Thailand.

  With the expansion being completed earlier this year, the factory now has an annual production capacity that is double of before, capable of producing 20,000 BMWs and MINIs. Additionally, motorcycle production has also increased from 1,000 to 10,000 per year

  The Rayong factory has been shipping BMW cars to Malaysia since 2006, and only begun exporting motorcycles to China beginning from last year (1,000 units shipping to Malaysia and China). Both countries are the only international export destinations for the factory until now.

  

  

  According to CEO and president of BMW Thailand Matthias Pfalz, the majority of car shipments from the factory for 2016 will be two BMW SUV models – the X3 and X5. The factory’s production catalogue comprises eight BMW models – 1 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Gran Turismo, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X5. It also makes the MINI Countryman.

  On the BMW Motorrad side, the F700GS, F800R, F800GS, F800GT, S1000R, S1000RR, R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure is produced there as well. This makes the Rayong facility the only site in BMW’s global network with full operations for all three brands.

  Pfalz also added that the group had set up an international purchasing office in Thailand to ship auto parts and components to 30 factories in 14 Asian countries. In the future, the group also plans to assemble BMW’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for the first time, with the X5 xDrive40e being the first (currently imported).

  In 2015, the Group posted record sales figures of 8,768 cars, a gain of 5% from the previous year. BMW passenger vehicles attributed 7,751 units (up 4%), while MINI saw 1,017 cars delivered, a 10% increase. BMW Motorrad registered 1,280 motorcycles sold, an impressive 83% jump from the previous year.

   

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• Modenas and Kawasaki in RM79.98 million RRPT deal

  In Bikes, Kawasaki, Local Bike News, Modenas / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 15 April 2016 10:18 am / 12 comments

  

  Modenas, otherwise known as DRB-Hicom’s Motosikal Dan Enjin Nasional (National Motorcycle and Engine) division has entered into a recurrent related party transactions (RRPT) with Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan, worth RM79.98 million.

  As reported by Bernama, DRB-Hicom said the RRPT includes the provision of technical support, payment of royalties and supply of completely-knocked-down components for motorcycles by Kawasaki to Modenas. Concurrently, Modenas will also supply motorcycle components to Kawasaki.

  In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, DRB-Hicom reported that the RRPT is necessary for day-to-day operations, and is in the normal course of business for Modenas. “The RRPT is entered into at arm’s length basis and on normal commercial terms which are not more favourable to the related party than those generally available to the public,” as detailed in the filing.

   

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• BMW Motorrad UK confirms G310R adventure bike

  In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, Cars, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 15 April 2016 9:57 am / 0 comment

  

  While awaiting the impending release of the 2016 BMW Motorrad G310R, its entry into the small displacement motorcycle market, a report has emerged that an adventure version of the G310R is in the works, and might hit the market as soon as 2017.

  With rumours of KTM working on a overlander version of the 390, and Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki looking into small displacement versions of its dual-purpose bikes, perhaps this news really doesn’t come as a surprise.

  According to Adventure Bike Rider, quoting an article carried in Motorcycle Sport and Leisure, BMW Motorrad UK director Phil Horton said in an interview, “there are plenty more bikes to come, including, hopefully in 2017, a G310R GS-style derivative.”

  

  

  

  This could mean BMW are covering all the bases with its new G310R 313 cc engine, developed in collaboration with TVS of India, Motorrad’s manufacturing partner in this region. TVS have shown a concept of the Akula 310, a full-fairing sportsbike based on the G310R naked roadster.

  The 2016 BMW G310R comes with a 313 cc liquid-cooled single cylinder engine that pumps out 34 hp and 28 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. BMW Motorrad Malaysia has been tight-lipped about when the 2016 G310R will arrive in Malaysia, and how much it would likely cost.

  GALLERY: 2016 BMW Motorrad G310R

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  BMW G 310 R (K03)

  
  

  

  BMW G 310 R (K03)

  

  BMW G 310 R (K03)

  

  BMW G 310 R (K03)

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2016 BMW Motorrad R1200 GS
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2016 BMW F700 GS
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Ministry to proceed with road closure for rempit racing

  In Bikes, Cars, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 15 April 2016 9:01 am / 78 comments

  

  Despite protests and criticism from the public, the government will proceed with the closure of public roads for the purpose of allowing motorcyclists to race. In a report by The Sun Daily, Federal Territories deputy minister Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan said options are being explored by the ministry on how to ensure the event can be organised properly.

  “We are also gathering input from all the comments and feedback given by the public on the event to prevent any mishaps or damage to any infrastructure,” said Loga. Local councils under the purview of the ministry are currently conducting studies to determine the best location and time to hold such events, added Loga.

  “The road closure will be at the Federal Territories – Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan – but time and location will be determined based on the findings by the councils,” he said. Loga was responding to the proposal by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor in February to close certain public roads to allow motorcycle racing by illegal street racers on kapchais, commonly known as “mat rempit“.

   

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• REVIEW: 2016 Ducati Multistrada 1200 – for all reasons

  In Bike Reviews, Bikes, Cars, Ducati / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 14 April 2016 9:02 pm / 8 comments

  

  The large-displacement sports-touring segment is a crowded one these days, especially in the dual-purpose segment. While some manufacturers, like BMW Motorrad, fall on the more off-road side of things with the GS-series, others, such as Ducati, favour the sportier rider who wants a big dual-purpose sports-tourer that goes fast, and isn’t too concerned about the dirty stuff.

  Since 2003, the Multistrada has been filling a sports-touring niche that feeds the appetite for a fast, capable, good-handling, dual-purpose motorcycle that does many things well. Designed to be many things to all riders, for all reasons, the Multistrada proved to be very competent at delivering whatever the rider asked of it.

  To actually provide the rider with what it has promised, Ducati has thrown almost every possible piece of electronic tech at the latest Multistrada 1200, making this bike a technological tour-de-force. While riders might say that adding riding modes and controls to a bike removes some of the essence of what makes a motorcycle, well, a motorcycle, the Multistrada would be a handful to ride with none of this electronic wizardry.

  

  

  This is simply because the 1,200 cc V-twin Testastretta engine, with its variable valve timing, lets the Multistrada put out some 160 hp, which, for a dual-purpose sports-tourer, is a humongous amount of power. As the Pirelli tagline goes, “power is nothing without control”, and control, oddly enough, is what Ducati delivers with the electronics suite on the Multistrada.

  From the first-generation Pierre Terblanche-designed Multistrada 1000 DS with its 998 cc V-twin back in 2003, through the 1,100 cc version in 2007 to the first Multistrada 1200 in 2010, what is the second-generation Multistrada like to ride and live with? Find out more after the jump.

  Read the rest of the review here

   

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• Future Suzuki GSX-R superbike to have turbocharger?

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Suzuki Motorcycles / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 13 April 2016 11:54 am / 1 comment

  

  After the success of the 2016 Kawasaki H2 and H2R, which brought supercharging for motorcycles back to public attention, it appears as if Suzuki might be going the same way for its GSX-R superbikes, if rumours are to be believed. According to an autoevolution report, patent drawings have appeared showing what appears to be a very Gixxer-like sportsbike with an intake plenum apparently accommodating a forced induction system.

  Forced induction is not new to Suzuki, after its release of the XN-85 into the market back in the 80s. Using the inline-four, DOHC, GSX engine, the 673 cc XN-85 – the ’85’ was the bike’s hp rating – was supposed to herald a new age of powerful motorcycles that weighed less than normally aspirated bikes.

  

  As emissions standards become more stringent worldwide, manufacturers are looking to get more power and efficiency from smaller capacity engines. This trend is apparent in cars on the market today, and motorcycle engines, despite their fuel efficiency, will not be far behind.

  Aside from the drawings, there is no other real information about what Suzuki might be up to with forced induction for its road-going bikes. A rumour from earlier this year had some pictures on what looked like a Hayabusa with a 1,400 cc power-plant getting a turbocharger, but everything seems to have gone quiet since then.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2016 Ducati 959 and 1299 Panigale test riders wanted

  In Bikes, Cars, Ducati, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 13 April 2016 10:17 am / 3 comments

  

  If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a professional motorcycle test rider, and have perhaps the most awesome job in the world, well, this might be your chance. Ducati is looking for 160 test riders to take the 2016 1299 Panigale, and the brand-new 959 Panigale, through the paces at a racetrack in May.

  There’s only one catch, the test rides take place in the UK, at the Silverstone and Snetterton tracks. Organised by Ducati’s UK division, interested riders can apply by filling in a form on Ducati’s UK website, and try their luck.

  Selection is by lottery, and successful applicants are expected to have their own race-certified helmet and race-suit, and will have to bear their own travel and accommodation expenses. Those who do not make the first round cut will have their names placed on the reserve list.

  

  

  

  The 2016 959 Panigale was shown at EICMA in November last year, and is Ducati’s latest version of its take on an entry-level superbike. The brand-new 959 Panigale has a 955 cc version of the Superquadro V-twin engine, putting out 157 hp and 107.4 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm.

  As big brother to the 959, the 1299 Panigale comes with the same Superquadro engine, but with 1,285 cc. This lets the 1299 Panigale produce 205 hp and 144.6 Nm of torque at 8,750 rpm. Both Panigale superbikes come with ride-by-wire, ABS, traction control and ride modes, along with a slew of other riding aids.

  

  

  

  In Malaysia, the Ducati 1299 Panigale retails for RM172,999, and the 1299 Panigale S for RM210,999. The top-of-the-line 1199 Panigale R goes for RM263,999. Prices include GST, but exclude registration, road tax and insurance.

  As can be expected, interest from the motorcycling public in the 2016 959 Panigale is high, with many wanting to see how the newcomer stacks up against the previous 899 Panigale. It can be safely assumed that newbies and inexperienced riders need not apply to be a Panigale test rider.

  GALLERY: 2016 Ducati 959 Panigale
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2015 Ducati 1299 Panigale S with Ducati Performance Kit
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• IIMS 2016: Honda NM4 Vultus maxi-scooter on show

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 13 April 2016 10:15 am / 10 comments

  

  Reminiscent of the motorcycle ridden by character Tetsuo Shima in Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga and anime “Akira“, the Honda NM4 Vultus was spotted on Honda’s display at the Indonesia International motor show, and we took the opportunity to have a closer look at the maxi-scooter, which still looks like something out of a science-fiction movie.

  The NM4 Vultus uses the 670 cc parallel-twin, eight-valve, liquid-cooled PGM-FI engine derived from the rest of Honda’s range of super-scooters such as the Integra and CT series, and an automatic six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Weighing in at 255 kg, the NM4 is heavy, and the 11-litre fuel tank is not going to go give a lot of range between fuel stops. ABS and Honda’s Combined Braking system come standard on the NM4.

  

  

  

  Coming with an LCD instrument panel that changes colour to suit rider preference, cycling through a range of 25 shades, the NM4 Vultus can have the screen matching the paint-job. The adjustable rider back-rest allows for the rider to customise the seating position.

  The Honda NM4 Vultus has a listed price of USD10,994 (RM42,500) and comes with optional accessories such as a taller windscreen and passenger backrest. A range of 11 special-order colours is also available, and adds USD185 (RM715) to the retail price.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• VIDEO: Which is best, a Formula 1 car or a superbike?

  In BMW Motorrad, Cars, International News, Videos / By Gerard Lye / 12 April 2016 5:06 pm / 7 comments

  It’s an age old debate – which is better, a car or a motorcycle? Many have attempted to come up with a conclusive answer to the question, and here’s another. Before we get into the nitty gritty of the face-off, let’s get to know the participants.

  Representing the car will be former F1 driver and current Channel 4 presenter David Coulthard. At the Englishman’s disposal is the 2012 Championship-winning Red Bull Racing RB8 Formula 1 car, the one which packs a 2.4 litre V8 that revs to 18,000 rpm.

  Defending the honour of the bike is English motorcycle racer and television personality Guy Martin. The multiple Isle of Man TT participant will take on the F1 car using his very own BMW S1000RR that has been prepared by the Tyco BMW Motorad team.

  

  If all this appears familiar, that is because this video you’re watching here is the full episode of the Speed with Guy Martin: F1 Special. Earlier, we gave you a small taste of said episode, where Coulthard raced against Martin in a four-lap race around the Silverstone circuit.

  The nearly hour-long episode features many other tests to determine which of the two machines is best. A series of head-to-head challenges, including a drag race, slalom and braking tests, attempt to identify the strengths and weaknesses of both machines, leading up to a full-on race between the two.

  Additionally, we are also introduced to the physical and mental demands required of drivers/riders in both racing disciplines. Overall, the show goes far beyond the standard “F1 car vs superbike” theme to better explain the intricacies of both motorsports, and is certainly worth a watch.

   

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• Police issued 491,479 red light fines in KL last year

  In Bikes, Cars, Local News / By Jonathan Lee / 12 April 2016 10:34 am / 15 comments

  

  The Kuala Lumpur traffic police has issued nearly half a million summonses to road users for running the red light last year, according to a Bernama report.

  City traffic police chief ACP Mohd Nadzri Hussain said that 491,479 fines were levied in 2015 – out of those, 78% were caught committing the offence by the Red Light Surveillance Camera System (RLSC) that is installed at 17 hotspots in the city. The rest were detected directly by traffic police officers while on duty.

  “Summonses for the same violation from January to March this year increased by 29% when 142,039 summonses were recorded, compared to 110,021 during the same period last year,” he said, adding that there were 51 accidents attributed to running the red light last year. Between January and March 2016, the offence caused 11 accidents and one fatality.

  

  A total of 240 traffic police officers are said to be on traffic control duty in the federal capital each day, with the focus being on peak hours from 6:00 am to 10:00 am and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. “We are also monitoring accident-prone spots and will recommend to Bukit Aman to install more RLSC cameras there,” Nadzri said.

  This statement was echoed by Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS) director-general Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon, who said that the proposal to increase the number of cameras was the best initiative to improve discipline among road users and to encourage them to obey the red light.

  According to Wong, studies by MIROS in several countries have shown that using technologies such as countdown timers have reduced traffic offences by between 40% and 90%, as they keep drivers calm while waiting for their turn to cross a junction.

   

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• 2016 KTM 390 Adventure render – next dual-purpose?

  In Bikes, Cars, International Bike News, KTM / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 12 April 2016 10:33 am / 0 comment

  

  Rumours have been circulating that KTM, purveyor of motorcycles that are “ready to race”, is in the process of putting together a 390 cc version of its big ‘Adventure’ models. Currently confined to the 1050, 1190, 1190R and the 1290, KTMs Adventure series bikes have been making waves in the market, especially in India, where its partnership with Bajaj has resulted in the RC and Duke series bikes becoming more mainstream.

  From Indian auto website rushlane, this rendering of a KTM 390 Adventure by designer Pratyush Rout follows the styling cues of the bigger Adventure bikes, notably the bluff-fronted nose of the huge 1290 Adventure. The graphics are very Duke-like, and ties in nicely with KTM range of graphics for its bikes.

  While the first-generation 390 bikes wouldn’t have allowed the production of an Adventure model, the second-gen bikes, seen camouflaged on public roads during testing, have a different sub-frame, which would allow such a variant in the range. This is in keeping with KTMs current philosophy for its Duke and RC series bikes, which share a common engine and similar frame, but with different bodywork and suspension settings.

  

  The KTM 390 currently comes in two flavours, the naked 390 Duke and the fully-faired sports RC 390. Using a 375 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with four-valves and DOHC, the 390 engine produces 44 hp, fed by EFI.

  With a dry weight of only 139 kg in Duke form, the current 390-series bikes in KTMs range have filled two market niches, and with a rumoured Adventure variant, possibly a third.

  KTM Malaysia has both the 390 Duke and RC 390 available in the showroom. The naked 390 Duke retails for RM26,200, while the RC 390 sportsbike goes for RM27,200. The 2016 KTM 1050 Adventure in CKD form retails for RM73,021 including GST.

  GALLERY: 2016 KTM 1050 Adventure
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2016 KTM RC 390
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2016 KTM 390 Duke
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• IIMS 2016: Big Bear Choppers Titanium on display

  In Bikes, Cars / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 12 April 2016 10:32 am / 1 comment

  

  Choppers, as a sub-section of the motorcycling community, ride to the beat of a different drummer. Using large-capacity V-twins, choppers have become an accepted part of the biking scene, a far cry from its days as a band of outlaws seeking to rebel.

  On display at the Indonesian International motor show was Big Bear Choppers, from San Bernardino, California. Specialising in choppers mounted with 1.8-litre V111 V-twins fr om S&S Cycles, Big Bear specialises in long, low-to-the-ground choppers with raked-out forks.

  

  

  Of special was the Titanium, a lowrider softtail with a titanium frame. While many choppers have bodywork and accessories machined and forged out of a variety of metals, titanium – due to its cost and difficulty to weld – is rarely seen in the custom motorcycle world.

  Big Bear Choppers offers a range of custom choppers on its website, with pricing ranging from US37,900 (RM147,000) for the base Titanium model, Big Bear choppers also come with either carburettors or EFI, as well as complete build kits.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• IIMS 2016: Honda CBR500R – entry-level middleweight

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 12 April 2016 10:32 am / 7 comments

  

  Shown at the Indonesia International motor show 2016 was the 2016 Honda CBR500R, a middle-weight sports bike offering sportsbike-styling with a power rating that is both newbie friendly, but still enough to be entertaining in the twisties.

  On display was a murdered-out 2016 CBR500R, a 471 cc parallel-twin fed by EFI and driving a six-speed gearbox, with vibration kept to a minimum by a counter-balancer. The twin produces 49.6 hp and 43 Nm of torque. Styling follows cues from the CBR500R’s bigger brothers, the CBR600R and CBR1000R sportsbikes.

  

  

  

  Braking is done with single-discs front and rear, and Honda’s Pro-Link rear suspension design takes care of the back, with 41 mm diameter forks in front. Weighing in at 192 kg wet, and with a seat height of 790 mm, the CBR500R is designed to be rider-friendly and easy to ride.

  Boon Siew Honda does not show the 2016 Honda CBR500R on its website – the 2013 CBR500R is still shown as its current offering, alongside the CB500F and CB500X.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  2016 Honda CBR500R

  
  

   

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