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• BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy Southeast Asia 2016 begins in Chiangmai – Argentina takes first stage

  In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, International Bike News, Motorsports / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 February 2016 1:06 pm / 2 comments

  

  The BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy Southeast Asia 2016 kicked off yesterday in Chiangmai, Thailand. Starting at 8.30 am at the Rim Doi resort in Chiang Doi, Argentina took the first stage win, with 19 points. There are 19 teams taking part in this year’s edition of the race, comprising of riders of various nationalities, including an all-female team.

  Malaysia is represented by Mohd Faizal Sukree, 39, a businessman, who is racing under the Team South-East Asia banner. His team-mates are Peerapat Woratham from Thailand, 44, an engineer, and Tommy Lee Boon Jun from Singapore, also a businessman. The team is currently in joint 18th place with Team Alps with nine points.

  

  

  

  The first day of racing saw participants being challenged by 170 km of trail riding, with two special stages in-between. The first special stage, won by Team Germany, saw racers pushing their bikes, with engines running, down a track leading to the remains of a bridge, then push the bikes up and over an angled bridge section before lowering them over a metre to the ground below.

  The second special stage was a “slow race” that pitted riders against the clock, but for the slowest time to complete a sandy course, with each team lining up three abreast to literally take the longest time to ride from point A to point B. Points were deducted if the engine stalled, or feet touched the ground. Team South Africa took the honours for this stage.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Honda to produce X-ADV dual-purpose super-scooter?

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 February 2016 10:24 am / 4 comments

  

  

  First shown at the EICMA show last year as the “City Adventure”, rumours are being reported that Honda will be producing the concept bike as the X-ADV. The X-ADV, heavily camouflaged, has been spotted running around the streets of an un-named Italian city.

  Based on the 745 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine with eight-valves and a single overhead-cam used in Honda’s current model NC750 series and Integra scooter, the X-ADV will have 54 hp and 68 Nm torque fed into a DCT gearbox.

  The X-ADV appears to feature step-through styling, and dual-purpose patterned tyres that make it somewhat resemble the CRF1000L Africa Twin. This imagery is helped by the the up-swept exhaust, tall windscreen and hand-guards. Spoked wheels and long-travel suspension add to the illusion.

  This dual-purpose styled adventure super-scooter is likely to be a Europe-only model, where there is a demand for quirky designs that feed into day-dreams of crossing the Tunisian desert on two wheels. Nothing official from Honda on the existence of the X-ADV, but it might make it into the 2016 EICMA show.

  Would you buy one? Let us know what you think.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2016 Honda Integra
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

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• REVIEW: Benelli TnT25 – low-cost, stylish city riding

  In Benelli, Bike Reviews, Bikes / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 26 February 2016 5:47 pm / 16 comments

  

  Benelli Keeway Motorcycles (BKM) recently introduced the 2016 TnT25 in the Malaysian market. The name Benelli goes back a hundred years in Italy, as a maker of both firearms and motorcycles. Today Benelli makes a range of motorcycles under Qiang Jiang of China, while the firearms business continues as a separate entity.

  In November 2015, Benelli introduced the TnT25 in the region. Designed by the Benelli design office in Pesaro, Italy, the TnT25 is assembled in Malaysia by BKM at their factory in Bandar Bukit Beruntung in Selangor. Manufactured in China, the TnT25 is built to a price-point, and is designed for urban transportation as a proper motorcycle.

  The 2016 Benelli TnT25 is cheap at RM12,990, compared to other offerings in the quarter-litre class, such as the Kawasaki 250, Honda CBR250R and Yamaha R-25, which retail around the RM20,000 mark.

  

  

  But what the TnT25 shows isn’t necessarily cheap and low quality, which some perceive of made-in-China bikes. While many of the features we would expect from the major manufacturers are not there, the Benelli TnT25 doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is, affordable city transportation.

  At first glance, the naked Benelli TnT25 borrows a lot from the DNA of its siblings, the TnT300 and TnT600. After feedback from local riders that a 250 cc bike was preferable to upgrading their licenses to ‘B1’ or full ‘B’ status, Benelli produced the 250 to fulfil demand.

  For the local market, BKM is targetting the Benelli TnT25 at the lower to mid-end motorcycle market. So, what is the 2016 Benelli Tnt25 like to ride?

  Click here for the full review.

   

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• Teenagers aged 11 to 20 received 201,686 summonses in 2014 and 2015 for driving without licence – report

  In Bikes, Cars, Local News / By Jonathan Lee / 26 February 2016 3:51 pm / 13 comments

  

  Between 2014 and last year, as many as 201,686 summonses for driving without a licence have been issued nationwide by the police to teenagers aged 11 to 20 – some of them students – according to Utusan Melayu. Out of those, 99,782 summonses were issued in 2015, while 101,904 were handed out the year before.

  Bukit Aman traffic chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Mahamad Akhir Darus said that based on the age breakdown, 16,862 summonses were issued to those aged 11 to 15, while another 184,824 were issued to those aged between 16 and 20. Of the former figure, 8,467 summonses were issued last year, while those aged 16 to 20 years old were handed 91,315 summonses in 2015 and 93,509 in 2014.

  According to Mahamad Akhir, those aged between 21 and 25 were also convicted of driving without a licence, receiving 158,296 summonses between 2014 and last year. Moving up, those aged 26 to 30 years old received 127,798 summonses for both years, while those above 31 years of age were issued 145,429 summonses during the same period.

  In total, offenders of all age groups racked up a massive 633,209 summonses in 2014 and 2015. Akhbar said that the police is planning to drag traffic offenders driving without a licence straight to court without issuing any compounds.

  Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said that the proposal will be presented to the government as soon as possible in an effort to ensure all road users must have a valid driving licence and do not take their responsibilities lightly.

   

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• 2016 Ducati Hypermotard 939, 939 SP and Hyperstrada models launched – 115 hp, Euro 4 compliant

  In Bikes, Ducati, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 26 February 2016 2:51 pm / 4 comments

  

  Shown at the EICMA show last year, Ducati has officially launched the 2016 Hypermotard in 939 and 939 S variants. Boasting of a 10% increase in torque, the trio of Hypermotards now come with 113.5 hp and 97.9 Nm of torque, courtesy of a new 937 cc, liquid-cooled, Testastretta V-twin.

  While the 2016 939 and 939 SP Hypermotards retain the quintessential dirt-bike derived styling, the Hyperstrada is rather more toned down, and biased towards road use and highway cruising with the inclusion of a pair of soft-shell cases and a windshield.

  

  

  

  High-speed lunacy has alway been a trademark of the Hypermotard series, and to that end, Ducati has included its Ducati Safety Pack, which comprises of three-level ABS, eight-level traction control and three-riding modes, as well as ride-by-wire, in order to afford the rider a measure of control over the bike.

  The familiar Ducati trellis is front-and-center on the 2016 Hypermotard, and ties the 43 mm up-side down forks and progressive linkage rear suspension with Sachs monoshock together. The 939 SP gets Ohlins suspension, replacing the Sachs unit.

  

  

  Rolling on 17-inch, 10-spoke, light alloy wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso II rubber, this year’s Hypermotard promises fun for all. At least until the police take your license away. Personalisation options for the 2016 Hypermotard includes three packages – Sport, Touring and Urban – which are available from Ducati.

  The 2016 Ducati Hypermotard 939 comes in Star White Silk or Ducati Red, as does the Hyperstrada 939. A special livery has been created for the Hypermotard 939 SP. No word on pricing from Naza, importer for Ducati motorcycles in Malaysia, but paultan.org was told by a source to expect the arrival of the Hypermotard in Malaysia sometime in the third quarter.

  
  GALLERY: 2016 Ducati Hypermotard 939
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2016 Ducati Hypermotard 939 SP
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2016 Ducati Hyperstrada
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Public says no to legalised bike street racing in poll

  In Bikes, Local News / By Jonathan Lee / 26 February 2016 10:47 am / 32 comments

  

  An overwhelming 97% of the public have said no to the government’s proposal to hold legalised motorcycle street races on certain closed roads in Kuala Lumpur, in a Tuesday online poll (which can be found here) that was shared on social media, reported The Sun.

  The ballot, which asked, “Do you agree with the plan to close certain roads in Kuala Lumpur to allow mat rempits to race?” racked up a total of 72,389 votes as of 10:30 am today, with 69,923 people disagreeing with the plan and only 2,466 wanting the government to go ahead with the proposal.

  This comes after the federal territories minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor said on Monday that he was considering closing specific roads once a week to allow motorcyclists to race, adding that the objective was to prevent motorcyclists from speeding in housing areas.

  However, he explained that Putrajaya was not promoting illegal racing but was trying to curb it by encouraging alternative methods. His reasoning was not to encourage the Mat Rempits to race, but to control the situation, adding that motorists needed to entertain themselves without harming the general public.

  

  In response to this, mayor Datuk Seri Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz said that he was open to the idea and wanted bikers to submit proposals, adding that DBKL would assist in road closures and other matters. However, the police were more cautious on the matter, with Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order director Comm Datuk Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim saying that a proper discussion with the federal territories ministry needed to be held.

  The Road Safety Department (JKJR) was also wary of the plan, raising concerns about traffic jams and the safety of people gathered on the pavement, as well as comparing it to the problems that arose from last year’s inaugural KL City Grand Prix. Soon after, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has said he will meet with the federal territories minister to discuss the matter further.

  What do you think of the idea of introducing organised street races in the city? Will it help in curbing the issue of illegal motorcycle racing, or will it make such bikers more brazen in their behaviour? Sound off in the comments section after the jump.

   

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• Proposed Tesla e-Bike design concept by Serrano

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 25 February 2016 6:57 pm / 11 comments

  

  Italian designer Antonio Serrano has put up a set of renderings, playing a “what-if?” game of Tesla manufacturing an electric motorcycle. This design concept would be made out of carbon fiber, aluminium, and high-strength plastic for lightness and strength.

  Dubbed the “Tesla e-Bike” by Serrano, the concept calls for hub-center steering, an engineering design last seen in public on the Bimota Tesi and Yamaha GTS 1000 over 20 years ago. An OLED dashboard display shows all essential information required in a high-tech, minimalistic fashion.

  “Tesla e-Bike is a conceptual project based on a vision what if Tesla Motors manufactured an electric motorcycle. Just like Tesla principles, this e-bike is high-tech, fast, efficient, and ecological,” says Serrano. No word on whether Elon Musk might be interested in this other-worldy design, but it certainly looks sleek and efficient.

  What do you think? Would this be your choice for an electric bike? Leave a comment with your thoughts and opinions below.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2016 Yamaha MT-09 in Malaysia – new colours, RM45k

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 25 February 2016 6:28 pm / 29 comments

  

  Hong Leong Yamaha has just announced pricing for the 2016 Yamaha MT-09 at RM44,653, which is unchanged from the 2015 price. The 2016 MT-09 now comes in two new colours for 2016 – Grey Night Fluo and Silver Grey & Race Blu.

  The MT-09 comes with a three-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve 847 cc engine in its die-cast aluminium diamond frame, driving a six-speed gearbox. Power output is claimed to be 115 hp at 11,500 rpm with 87.5 Nm torque at 8,500 rpm, fed by EFI.

  

  

  Although the CBU model is equipped with ABS and Traction Control System (TCS) as standard, the CKD model brought in locally doesn’t.The up-right riding position allows the rider full control, and a line of optional accessories is available from the Yamaha catalogue, including items such as a titanium exhaust system and rear carrier.

  The 2016 Yamaha MT-09 will be available in the Malaysian market from March. Yamaha have also announced the impending release of the MT-10 and MT-07 Moto Cage Night Fluo in the UK.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Honda Goldwing replacement rumoured for 2017

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 25 February 2016 1:09 pm / 1 comment

  

  The Honda Goldwing has been acknowledged as the epitome of long-distance highway tourers. Through its long, 42-year model history, beginning in October 1974 when the GL1000 flat-four was unveiled at the Cologne motor show in Germany, the Goldwing has undergone a continuous process of refinement.

  As the very first shaft-drive motorcycle that Honda produced, the Goldwing occupies flagship status in Honda’s entire range of motorcycles, being the largest, and quite possibly the most comfortable, bike it manufactures. In its current incarnation, the Goldwing has a 1,832 cc, flat-six with PGM-FI that puts out 118 hp and 167 Nm of torque.

  Launched in 2001, the GL1800 has been carrying the touring motorcycle torch for Honda for almost 15 years, and rumours are rife that the fifth-generation “Wing” will be replaced in 2017, according to a Visordown report. Wings have also been a showcase for Honda’s motorcycle technology, and the 2017 Goldwing replacement will probably be no different.

  

  

  Motorcycle technology and engineering have progressed by leaps and bounds over the last decade-and-a-half, so expect the new Goldwing to come with Honda’s Dual-Clutch semi-automatic transmission (DCT), versions of which can be seen on the VFR, NC, CTX, NM and CRF range of bikes, among others. Semi-active suspension will probably be a feature, controlling ride height and suspension compliance in response to the heavy loads “wingers” sometimes subject their bikes to.

  Reports have shown a front suspension system for the next-gen Goldwing using one of two variants of a completely new type of leading-link front suspension with a complicated multi-point linkage and a single shock. Multi-link front suspensions are not new, and have been proven to cope to braking and cornering loads at the front much better than traditional telescopic forks, but were usually not used due to weight considerations.

  

  

  

  This would matter little to the Goldwing, which weighs 407 kg wet in its current incarnation. Electronics will be another area where the replacement Goldwing will show its strengths, building on the current model’s full suite of navigation and entertainment systems. The large collection of buttons and switches on both handle-bar pods, something that freaked wingers out when the GL1500 first appeared in the early 90s, will probably be re-organised and some functions re-located to a tank touchscreen, according to patents filed by Honda.

  The 2015 Honda Goldwing retails in Malaysia for approximately RM180,000, depending on accessories and specification.

  GALLERY: Honda Goldwing (1974-2015)
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Uber launches new UberMOTO bike service in BKK

  In Bikes, International News, Public Transport / By Gerard Lye / 25 February 2016 12:58 pm / 6 comments

  

  Uber has launched its first motorbike service in Thailand, expanding beyond the company’s traditional four-wheeled ride offerings. Dubbed UberMOTO, the service went live as a pilot programme in Bangkok recently.

  The new service is aimed at cities where traffic congestion is particularly severe. According to Uber, over 1,500 new cars find their way onto the streets of Bangkok daily, with the average daily commute taking 120 minutes, while traffic speeds have dropped to under 16 km/h (11 km/h during rush hour).

  For Bangkok Uber users, UberMOTO will be available as another option within the Uber app, with the same mechanics as its traditional car services. Therefore, each motorcycle driver will have undergone a screening process which includes a police background check.

  

  Furthermore, all of Uber’s standard product safety features are in place before, during and after every UberMOTO ride, like live GPS tracking, two-way feedback and the ability to share trip details with family and friends.

  Each UberMOTO driver will also have an extra helmet on hand for their passenger, in accordance to local traffic laws. The rides are offered at a base rate of 10 baht (RM1.18), plus 3.5 baht a kilometer (41 sen) and 0.85 baht (10 sen) a minute . A minimum fare as well as cancellation fee are both 10 baht (RM1.18). Payment can be done via cash or credit card.

  In its launch phase, UberMOTO will be available in the Sathorn, Siam and Silom areas. Uber plans to expand the service’s coverage to more location around Bangkok in the future. What do you think of UberMOTO? Do you think it will be a good addition to Uber services in Malaysia?

   

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• VIDEO: Yamaha Aerox 125LC ad with Valentino Rossi

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 25 February 2016 12:53 pm / 0 comment

  Yamaha Motor Indonesia has released an advertisement on the Aerox 125LC scooter, featuring Valentino Rossi. With two episodes released, the Aerox 125LC is put forward as a nimble, easy-handling machine for the young man.

  This liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder 125 cc scooter is designed for city use, driving and automatic gearbox with belt-drive. Weighing in at 102 kg, the Aerox comes with LED headlights and a 70/90-14 rear tyre for stability and better handling.

  The 2016 Yamaha Aerox 125LC retails for 18,200,000 rupiah (RM5,699) in Indonesia, and is available in Racing blue, Lightspeed white and Champion grey.

   

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• 2016 Kawasaki Z125 Pro EFI launched in Indonesia

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kawasaki / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 25 February 2016 10:10 am / 2 comments

  

  Previously launched in Thailand late last year, the 2016 Z125 Pro mini moto was launched yesterday by Kawasaki Motor Indonesia, replacing the out-going Athlete mini moto. Now coming with EFI, the Z125 Pro has a 125 cc, single-cylinder, four-valve SOHC air-cooled engine.

  Good for 9.4 hp at 7,500 rpm, and 9.4 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, the 2016 Z125 Pro gets the power to the ground via a four-speed manual-shift transmission. This is slightly down from the Athlete that used a Keihin PB20 carburettor to produce 9.65 hp at 8,000 rpm.

  

  

  Taking its design cues from the bigger bikes in Kawasaki’s ‘Z’ series naked sports bikes, the Z125 Pro rolls on 12-inch wheels, with a 100/90-12 tyre in front, and 120/70-12 in the rear. Front suspension is taken care off with a 30 mm upside-down fork, while a single offset absorber goes “boing” at the back.

  Coming in two colours – Candy Lime Green and Candy Burnt Orange – the 2016 Kawasaki Z125 Pro is targetted at the younger rider wanting a quick, small motorcycle with trendy looks. The Z125 Pro retails in Indonesia for 29.9 million rupiah (RM9,400). Kawasaki Motors Malaysia brings in the Z125 Pro at RM9,900 excluding GST.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Honda EV-Cub electric bike out in Japan in two years, ASEAN markets to follow – is Malaysia included?

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 24 February 2016 4:53 pm / 14 comments

  

  Honda’s much touted EV-Cub electric concept bike, perhaps the logical evolution of the 20th century’s number one best-selling motorcycle, was spoken of again by Takahiro Hachigo, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co. during a press conference on February 24. The EV-Cub concept, based on the styling of the 1950’s Honda Cub, was last shown at the Auto Expo in India in early February, but had been making the rounds of various motor shows before then.

  Hachigo said Honda is planning to introduce the EV-Cub as a mass-production model based on the design concept in about two years in the Japanese market initially. This will be followed by ASEAN, which is acknowledged by Honda as the largest market for the Cub series of underbone (kapchai) motorcycles.

  This is in-line with Honda’s stated goal of reducing CO2 emissions via engineering design and technology in its vehicles, which includes down-sized turbo engines, plug-in hybrids, fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs), as well as electrification of lawn mowers and construction machinery.

  

  

  

  Electric vehicles, especially scooters, make sense in the dense urban environments found across much of South-East Asia, where vehicle emissions make up a large part of pollutants found in such areas. Replacing the Cub’s petrol engine with an battery, and an electric motor in either or both wheels, the centre-of-gravity is placed low, making for an easy-handling, nimble scooter.

  The battery itself is removable and can taken elsewhere for remote charging. Honda has, naturally, declined any comment on pricing, but it will be assumed it would have to be at or around current prices for Honda’s underbone category motorcycles in order to encourage the public to make the transition from the petrol-powered bikes they ride now to the EV-Cub.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2016 Yamaha MT-07 “Moto Cage” Night Fluo revealed

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 24 February 2016 3:05 pm / 2 comments

  

  Hot on the heels of the impending public release of the 2016 MT-10, Yamaha has revealed the MT-07 “Moto Cage” Night Fluo. This “stunt-inspired” 700 cc naked sports bike follows the DNA of its bigger sibling, and comes in the same Yellow Fluo paint scheme.

  According to reports, the 2016 MT-07 Moto Cage will follow the same styling of the 2015 model shown at Intermot in 2014, which features the same 74 hp, EFI parallel-twin CP2 engine, and comes with a host of parts in the pursuit of high-speed hooliganism, including engine guards, a bash plate, and hand-guards.

  The 2016 MT-07 Moto Cage Night Fluo includes radiator guards, plus a ‘designer’ leather seat, black chassis components and an adjustable headlight shroud. With a dry weight of 164 kg, this bike promises to be the one for the wheelie merchants and canyon strafers, with functionality above form.

  

  

  

  With light-weight 10-spoke wheels painted yellow fluorescent, the 2016 Yamaha MT-07 Moto Cage comes with an accessories package that includes a catalytic convertor, exhaust system with titanium muffler, billet clutch and brake levers, rear carrier and side-stand extension kit. The accessories list also extends to tank and saddle-bags, and other items from Yamaha’s catalogue.

  Reported to be going on sale soon at a price of 6,299 pounds sterling (approx. RM37,000) in the UK, the Yamaha MT-07 Moto Cage is an interesting addition to the three-quarter litre class. No word on whether this cafe-racer styled naked will ever reach Malaysian shores, but local riders can remain hopeful.

  GALLERY: 2016 Yamaha MT-07 Moto Cage Night Fluo

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2016 Yamaha MT-07
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Legalised Mat Rempit street racing idea gathers steam

  In Bikes, Local News / By Danny Tan / 24 February 2016 10:16 am / 50 comments

  

  The idea of allowing Mat Rempits to race on city streets legally under the authorities’ watch, proposed by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor earlier this week, appears to be gathering steam. The Star reports that Mayor Datuk Seri Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz is open to the idea and wants bikers to submit proposals.

  “We have just opened up a new bridge that connects Taman Metropolitan Batu to Kampung Batu Muda. We welcome them to put up a proposal for racing there. We will assist them in terms of road closures and other matters,” the mayor said.

  Fortunately (if you were one of those who were shocked to hear of Tengku Adnan’s proposal), the police and the Road Safety Department (JKJR) are more cautious. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order director Comm Datuk Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim said a proper discussion with the Federal Territories Ministry needed to be held on the proposal to close roads for races.

  

  “Not all roads can be closed for such races,” he said, adding that any decision must consider the convenience of all motorists. “It must also ensure that traffic flow in the city is not disrupted.”

  JKJR director-general Abd Ghafar Yusof raised concerns about traffic jams and the safety of people gathered on the pavement if such races were held. He compared legal Mat Rempit races to last year’s inaugural KL City Grand Prix event and the problems that arose with the street race.

  “Firstly, the traffic jam that can result from diverting traffic. Secondly, the audience, in terms of safety because if the races are legalised and something happens to the people around, how are they going to claim for insurance and such? It’s not a question of whether it should or should not be done, but about the pros and cons of having such races and how many people will benefit or have issues with the event,” he said.

  

  Earlier this week, Malay Mail Online reported on the idea that is hoped to curb illegal racing. “Probably in one week, one or two days, we will give it like the car-free day but only for Mat Moto to race at night,” Tengku Adnan told reporters, adding that he preferred to term these bikers Mat Moto rather than Mat Rempits.

  “We don’t want illegal racing, but we want them to race in a specific place. If they want to race, it’s okay but we (will) give them a place where we can control with safety barriers and all. We will control the situation because we realise that this is an entertainment for them. They have no other means to entertain themselves because of high costs,” he explained.

  “We will provide a suitable place and probably we will organise a fiesta, where we have food trucks selling food and other things to help them. It’s not encouraging, but you see, we want to see what the people like,” the FT minister added.

   

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