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  • Daimler to purchase 25% stake in MV Agusta for €30m

    Merc-Agusta

    It seems that Mercedes-Benz’s parent company Daimler is hungry for a slice of the bike pie as it enters “advanced talks” to purchase a stake in MV Agusta, according to a Reuters report.

    Citing German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung, the news agency said that the company is looking to acquire a 25% stake in the Italian motorcycle maker for around €30 million (RM124 million) via its Mercedes-AMG performance division, with an option to raise its holding through further investments. The same source added that the deal could be signed as early as this week.

    2013-MV-Agusta-F4-RR-01
    MV Agusta F4 RR

    Mercedes-AMG has dabbled with the motorcycle industry before, entering a marketing and sponsorship joint venture with Ducati in 2010 – going so far as creating a limited edition Ducati Diavel AMG – before the latter was snapped up by Audi in 2012. With BMW also in the bike business through its Motorrad division, the competition between the German luxury brands appears to be spilling onto the two-wheeled path.

    Does the MV Agusta name sound familiar? It should – Proton once bought a 57.57% stake for €70 million (RM290 million) in 2004 before famously selling it off for a token sum of €1 (RM4.48) four years later.

     
     
  • Ducati Testastretta DVT – first motorcycle engine with VVT thanks to Volkswagen technology

    Ducati Testastretta DVT

    It seems we are starting to see the fruits of Audi’s purchase of Ducati, both for the Italian motorcycle company and for the Volkswagen Group as a whole. Last month, the Volkswagen XL Sport was shown, featuring a 200 hp V-twin engine off the Ducati 1199 Superleggera. Now Ducati has released details of its new engine, the Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) that borrows technology from the German manufacturer.

    We’re all familiar with variable valve timing in cars, but Ducati’s system is claimed to be the first for a bike engine. DVT utilises dual continuous cam phasing, using hydraulically-operated pulleys to alter the angle of both intake and exhaust camshafts. This shifts the opening and closing of the desmodromic valves back and forth, rather than the actual duration of the valve opening as with a “true” VVT system.

    Ducati says the benefit of DVT is to allow the variation of valve overlap (i.e. when both valves are open at the same time) – zero overlap will ensure that the engine runs as smoothly as possible at lower revs, while maximum overlap gives the mill greater power and an aggressive character when fully extended.

    The result is a 1.2 litre two-cylinder engine that produces 158 hp at 9,600 rpm and 136 Nm at 7,500 rpm, 10 hp and 11 Nm more than the regular Testastretta engine in the current Multistrada 1200 touring bike, while using around 8% less fuel. The engine also meets Euro 4 emissions regulations, a step up from the older mill’s Euro 3 specification.

    The Testastretta DVT will be making its debut at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan next month, and is rumoured to make its way onto the next Ducati Multistrada, expected to go on sale next year.

     
     
  • Malaysia to construct rubberised roads – report

    highway

    According to a New Straits Times report, Malaysia is preparing to build its first rubberised roads in June 2015. Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities said this at a media briefing.

    He explained that several countries have already begun research on the various uses of rubber, most notably in the construction field. “Some of them have used natural rubber (NR) for road construction. Malaysia will also be one of them,” he said.

    Thailand has conducted trials with up to 3.3 tonnes of natural rubber per km for the construction of the rubberised roads. Results have indicated that although initial costs are high, the long-term maintenance is lower compared to the tarmac equivalent.

    In preparation, Douglas has proposed to replace roughly 50,000 hectares of rubber trees that were older than 20 years. The government has also welcomed a move by various rubber producing associations in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia to agree to not sell at below US$1.50 (RM4.88) per kg.

     
     
  • BMW Active Safety Showcase – highlighting the BMW Motorrad bike range and its safety features

    bmw-active-safety-showcase 099

    BMW Group Malaysia is hosting a roadshow from now till October 12 at the Sunway Pyramid shopping mall. The BMW Active Safety Showcase event seeks to highlight BMW Motorrad models and the safety features they come with.

    “We at BMW believe that safety and responsibility on the road is very much essential to the experience of Sheer Driving Pleasure and we have worked continuously to develop innovative solutions and new ideas to further enhance road safety which has been firmly anchored within our corporate strategy,” said Sashi Ambi, head of corporate communications.

    The event served to highlight the company’s safety principle – dubbed ‘BMW Safety 360°’. The approach is focused on the aspect of motorcycle safety and is broken down into three facets, safety technology in the vehicle itself, safety from rider equipment and safety from adequate rider training.

    Members of the media were treated to an ABS demonstration, courtesy of BMW Motorrad works rider Glenn Allerton, in order to see for ourselves just how important this particular system is. Approaching a wet patch of tarmac at relatively high speed, Glenn was able to fully yank the brake lever and come to a stop uneventfully.

    Further demos of various on-board systems were also provided. With the same damp surface, the BMW HP4’s traction control system was able to cut power despite Glenn twisting the throttle wide open – decreasing the chance of sudden acceleration on a slippery surface.

    The ABS system fitted to the BMW HP4 is touted as the lightest and most intelligent anti-lock braking system available on motorcycles on sale today. No surprise considering that BMW Motorrad were the first to mass produce motorcycles with ABS and was again the first to offer it as standard across the range in 2013.

    “European Union Law, for example, mandates all newly registered motorcycles to be fitted with ABS by 2016, and this should be a clear direction for motorcycle manufacturers as well as legislative authorities to make ABS technology a safety standard,” adds Sashi.

    For those interested in getting up close with the BMW two-wheelers, the exhibition is located at Level LG2, Blue Concourse at Sunway Pyramid, happening over the weekend. Rider equipment and BMW merchandise are also on offer.

     
     
  • Kawasaki Ninja H2R – mad 300 hp supercharged bike

    Kawasaki_Ninja_H2R_001

    It’s clear that we at paultan.org write about cars more than we do bikes, unless the matter at hand concerns a new interesting model launched locally or more bizarrely, a car using a bike engine. But in the case of this stark raving mad Kawasaki Ninja H2R, it would be socially irresponsible of us not to cover it. Just look at it!

    This be-winged (we’re not talking about fancy fairings here of course, there are actual downforce-generating wings attached to it) two-wheeler rocks a supercharged 1.0 litre inline-four engine that’s tuned to 300 hp. On a lightweight, all-carbon-fibered-up bike, its power to weight ratio will put the Koenigsegg One:1 to shame.

    Those wings aren’t just for show either, as the H2R will probably shoot past 320 km/h at full pelt (brown pants are recommended if you want to attempt this, though). Behind the naked carbon-fibre fairing is a tubular steel trellis frame (in green for effect), while Kawasaki’s first single swing-arm connects the rear 17-inch wheel.

    A toned down, i.e., less insane road-legal Street version is expected to be unveiled soon (this Track concept doesn’t have headlights and it runs on slicks after all), which could have its output lowered to around the 200 hp mark. Still, if it looks anything like this one, it’ll surely be worth writing home about.


     
     
  • Volkswagen XL Sport gets a 200 PS Ducati V2 engine!

    Volkswagen_XL_Sport_016

    Now this is something that’s properly exciting – the Volkswagen XL Sport concept. Imagine if the ultra-efficient Volkswagen XL1 (111 km/l, limited to 250 units) married the ultra-fast Ducati 1199 Superleggera (200 PS on a 155 kg bike; limited to 500 units), this would be their offspring.

    On to the serious stuff. The XL1’s rear-mounted, fuel-sipping plug-in diesel hybrid powertrain is no more, replaced by the featherweight Ducati’s 200 PS/134 Nm 1.2 litre Superquadro V2 engine – claimed to be the world’s most powerful two-cylinder engine. The V-twin motor revs to 11,000 rpm, and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox to run the rear wheels.

    Weighing just 890 kg, Volkswagen says the XL Sport is the fastest 200 PS car in the world, with a top speed of 270 km/h. Its 0-100 km/h time is less impressive, though, at 5.7 seconds. With the XL1 as a base, aerodynamics is top notch, with the concept featuring an extendable rear spoiler (internals taken from the Lambo Aventador) and an adaptive rear hatch louvre to cool the engine when necessary.

    Quite a lot has changed on the outside, with more than enough air intakes and aerodynamic appendages to impress even Adrian Newey himself. The XL Sport is both longer and wider than the XL1 to suit its more dynamic character. It’s now 4,291 mm long (+403 mm over the XL1), 1,847 mm wide (+183 mm) and 1,152 mm high (-1 mm), with a stretched 2,424 mm wheelbase (+200 mm).

    Underneath the carbon-fibre body, the XL Sport has a racecar-like chassis, featuring all-around double wishbone suspension with a pull rod set up up front and a push rod configuration at the back. Ceramic brake discs hide behind 18-inch forged magnesium wheels, with the latter itself saves as much as 23.9 kg over regular aluminium alloys.

    Through the unique front-swivelling doors (with lightweight polycarbonate windows), changes over the already-bare-bones XL1 are limited to a few red highlights (contrast stitching and seatbelts), aluminium shift paddles and a motorsport-inspired digital instrument cluster, complete with a flat carbon panel over it to eliminate reflections.

    Volkswagen_XL_Sport_031

    Like the XL1, digital e-mirrors showing live feeds off external cameras replace conventional wing mirrors, and the two seats are mounted in an offset position to free up more shoulder room without having to make the car too wide. How’s that for attention to detail?

    The Volkswagen XL Sport concept is precisely the sort of lunacy that motoring enthusiasts dreamed about when Audi bought over Ducati in 2012. Will it be built? Well, never say never, as even the wild XL1 went into (limited) production. It wasn’t cheap, though, and neither is the Ducati Superleggera, so don’t expect the XL Sport to be any different.

     
     
  • GST on petrol not yet decided, says Deputy Minister

    petrol subsidy aug 2014

    While a Royal Malaysian Customs Department (Kastam) official announced three days ago that fuel will not be exempted from Goods and Services Tax (GST), Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan has denied the claim, instead saying that no decision has been made on that matter.

    The earlier suggestion would imply that the price of petrol is set to increase (GST will be fixed at 6%) come April 2015. That may not be the case at all, as the ministry “has not made a final decision,” Ahmad Maslan told The Star.

    We’ll know the fate of our fuel prices soon enough, as the final list of zero-rated or tax-exempted items will be gazetted on October 10, the day Budget 2015 will be tabled in Parliament.

     
     
  • GST will include petrol, not in zero-rated list – Kastam

    petrol subsidy aug 2014

    The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is set to kick off in April next year, and while there will be a long list of basic necessities exempted from the tax, petrol will not be in it.

    This was disclosed by Royal Malaysian Customs Department senior assistant director Ishak Daud at a GST briefing organised by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in KL yesterday.

    He told Chinese language newspaper Sin Chew Daily that the government plans to announce the addition of 80 to 85 zero-rated items at or before the 2015 Budget, which is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament in October. Zero rated = no GST.

    It was previously reported that the government was considering the possibility of exempting RON 95 petrol and diesel from GST. Both are exempt from the current sales tax, which the 6% GST will replace. This means that if the rate of fuel subsidy remains the same, price of petrol is set to increase come April 2015.

    The “mass market” RON 95 petrol, currently priced at RM2.10 per litre at the pumps, is subsidised by the government. RON 97 prices are fixed based on a managed float with the monthly price determined by market forces. Earlier this week, it dropped 10 sen to RM2.75 per litre.

     
     
  • Vespa Primavera launched in Malaysia – RM11,888

    vespa-primavera-6

    Official Vespa importer and distributor Naza Premira has introduced the Vespa Primavera scooter in Malaysia. Originally launched in Italy in 1968, the stylish icon makes a comeback with some welcome modern touches, including the latest Piaggio technology.

    With design elements harking back to the Vespa 946, the Primavera is powered by an air-cooled 155 cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection, three valves, a new bore and stroke, and a friction-reducing crankshaft.

    The engine, coupled to a CVT, produces 11.7 hp at 7,500 rpm and 12 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. At the front sits a 110/70 R11 tyre and a 200 mm disc brake; at the rear a 120/70 R11 tyre and a 140 mm drum brake.

    Moreover, a new engine mounting system with two-position arms and a double rubber absorption damper claims to provide a smoother ride and approximately 40% less vibration than before.

    Features include a rigid and lightweight steel sheet structure, enhanced suspension, increased wheelbase (1,334 mm) and length (1,852 mm) for more stability, increased space between the handlebars and saddle, a height-adjustable saddle and LED DRLs.

    Also, a button above the glove box raises the seat to reveal a compartment in which you can store a generously-sized full-face helmet.

    vespa-primavera-2

    “Vespa has seen increasing popularity in Malaysia recently, with more people recognizing the brand as a lifestyle product rather than just a means of mobility,” said Naza Group executive chairman Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin.

    “To date, we have nine dealer networks in Peninsular Malaysia that comply with the Piaggio Corporate Identity and we aim to add on another 11, making it 20 dealer networks across Malaysia,” he added.

    Available in Rosso Gragon (Red), Monte Bianco (White), Nera Vulcano (Black) and Azzurro Marichiano (Light Blue) shades, the Vespa Primavera goes for RM11,888 (basic selling price). Included, specifically for the model, is a one-year, 10,000 km warranty.

     
     
  • Bell & Ross B-Rocket bike on display at KL boutique

    Bell Ross BRocket- 17

    A rocket has hit Kuala Lumpur, one belonging to Bell & Ross. The watchmaker’s crazy neo-retro B-Rocket concept bike, on display at the Bell & Ross boutique in Pavilion KL till September 17, was brought in to accompany the launch of two “driver’s watches”, the BR01 and BR03 B-Rocket.

    The B-Rocket was designed by Bell & Ross together with Shaw Harley Davidson to break records. Based on a Harley-Davidson Softail Blackline FXS, the 350 kg bike is powered by a 1.6 litre V-twin engine and can reach 200 km/h.

    Bell & Ross is famous for its aviation watches and the B-Rocket has many obvious plane-inspired elements. The two side-mounted turbines, evocative of jet engines, functions as an air intake (right) and oil cooler (left). The curved rear section is a hand-worked aerodynamic area that was manufactured using over 30 different sections of steel. The bike’s tachometer was designed by B&R.

    Now the watches. The BR 01 and BR 03 B-Rocket feature satin brushed steel cases as well as black padded leather straps with red edging and lining modelled on the B-Rocket’s seat. The BR 01 is a chronograph with a large minutes counter as well as a smaller hours counter. A tachymetric scale is inscribed on the outer edges of the dial, and the small seconds counter at the three o’clock mark replicates the graphic display used in experimental vehicle testing.

    The smaller, more elaborate BR 03 features a large date window as well as a power reserve indicator. Cutouts on the dial reveal the discs underneath that operate the date window, highlighting the complexity of the mechanism. The circular power reserve indicator at the six o’clock mark mimics a racing fuel gauge.

    To further strengthen the connection to the world of racing, the matte black dials on the BR 01 and BR 03 B-Rocket feature graphics inspired by a motorcycle tachometer, and the red triangle that marks 12 o’clock echoes the triangles on the B-Rocket’s rev counter and turbines. Both watches are water resistant up to 100 metres in depth and fitted with anti-glare sapphire crystal.

     
     
  • PDRM planning to use electric bikes in the capital from October, also considering hybrid patrol cars

    revolo-dssz

    The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) are planning to use 30 electric motorcycles in the capital from October, to reduce fuel costs, Bernama reports.

    Bukit Aman police logistics department director Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said that apart from electric motorcycles, the police are also considering hybrid patrol cars for nationwide use.

    “(Translated) The use of hybrid powertrains are expected to save 35% of fuel costs, besides being eco-friendly and reducing carbon emissions by up to 30%,” the national news agency quoted him as saying. The report adds that the use of both vehicles by the police is still being studied.

    In January, we reported that PDRM would be testing the Revolo bolt-on hybrid system installed in one of its Proton Inspira patrol cars. Revolo is marketed by DFRAN Technologies, the chairman of which is ex-Proton MD Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin.

    Originating from India, the parallel hybrid system’s electric motor has a maximum torque of 35 Nm, and can provide motor assist of between 80 to 100 km on a full charge, Syed Zainal said at the time. The system is claimed to improve fuel economy by about 35%.

    Police inspector-general Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said at the time that PDRM had about 3,000 patrol cars in its fleet, with an annual fuel cost of around RM28 million.

     
     
  • DBKL offering discounts for saman till December 31

    DBKL-Saman-Discount

    Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) has announced discounts for traffic compounds issued by its officers. The “diskaun khas” or special discount is applicable from now till December 31, 2014.

    Traffic offences (such as illegal parking) contribute to traffic jams, and KL City Hall will be stepping up efforts to blacklist those with outstanding summonses, beginning in 2015. DBKL says that 2,800 motorists with outstanding traffic compounds have been barred from renewing road tax, driving license and performing vehicle ownership change since October last year.

    With that, DBKL is offering motorists a chance to settle outstanding saman with the special discount. Payment can only be made at post office counters (nationwide) and online via MyEG. The discounts, listed above, are pretty substantial, so this is a good chance to start next year with a clean slate.

     
     
  • BMW Group Malaysia first half 2014 sales up 13%

    bmw-wta-malaysian-open

    Premium brands continue to thrive in Malaysia. Along with German rival Mercedes-Benz, BMW has reported growth in the first half of 2014. In the first six months of the year, BMW Group Malaysia delivered a total of 4,274 vehicles comprising 3,724 BMWs, 296 MINIs and 254 BMW Motorrads.

    That’s a 13% year-on-year growth, primarily driven by an increase in sales of the 3 Series and F10 LCI 5 Series. The mainstays contributed over 66% of total sales with 2,056 and 792 units registered respectively.

    New models introduced so far this year are the F15 BMW X5 (now CKD locally-assembled), 2 Series Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 420i Coupe, 4 Series Gran Coupe, M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe and the third-gen MINI. The 3 Series Gran Turismo was reintroduced as a CKD model. Click the links for our launch reports.

    There’s momentum on the BMW Motorrad front too, with the introduction of the BMW R nineT, S 1000 R, R 1200 GS Adventure, K 1600 GTL Exclusive and R 1200 RT motorcycles. The F 800 R and F 800 GS are now assembled in Thailand and available here with lower prices, from RM63,800.

     
     
  • Ducati 899 Panigale now Thai-assembled – RM89,888!

    ducati 899 panigale malaysia

    When the Ducati 899 Panigale made its debut at last year’s MotoGP race, it was announced that Naza will be bringing in an ASEAN-assembled version by mid 2014. As promised, here’s the Ducati 899 Panigale from the Italian company’s Thai factory, now on sale in Malaysia.

    The reason for Thai-assembly is cost savings from reduced taxes, and the 899 Panigale is now priced at RM93,888, with an exclusive offer of RM89,888 for the first 50 buyers. The Italian-made supermid was going for RM108,000, so the savings are pretty substantial.

    The 899 is the younger brother of the 1199 Panigale superbike. Built around a monocoque chassis concept and featuring the new 899 Superquadro L-Twin engine with 148 hp, the bike is said to give riders the best of both worlds by providing the thrill of the flagship model with the refinement of an everyday street bike.

    SBK-899-Panigale_2014_Studio_R-W_Combo01_1920x1080.mediagallery_output_image_[1920x1080]

    Rider confidence is enhanced through Ducati’s Riding Modes and by combining numerous class-leading tech including the latest-generation sports ABS system, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), Ducati Quick-Shift (DQS), Ducati’s new race-derived Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW).

    Ducati Malaysia also announced that by end 2014, 3S centres will be opened outside of the Klang Valley in Penang, Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak. Owners can also expect group rides, track days, and trips, all of which are on the cards.

     
     
  • BMW spending 9 million euros to boost Thai output

    528i-msport-f10-lci-malaysia-27

    To meet growing demand in Thailand, BMW is spending nine million euros (RM38.6 million) to expand its plant and upgrade its logistics system in the Land of Smiles, Bangkok Post reports.

    “The new investment will go mainly to expand production of passenger cars and motorcycles at Rayong’s Amata City Industrial Estate,” said Jeffrey Gaudiano, MD of BMW Manufacturing Thailand.

    The Munich-based company plans to up production of passenger cars to 10,000 units in 2015 from 8,880 this year, with the motorcycle division set to churn out 1,000 units next year. Rayong is the only location in BMW’s global network with full operations for the group’s three brands – BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad.

    The Thai-assembled BMW F 800 R and F 800 GS are now in Malaysia, priced from RM63,800

    Rayong rolls out the BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X1 and X3 models. Next to join the Thai CKD list are the 3-Series, 3-Series Gran Turismo and the X5. Production of the Mini Countryman started last August.

    On the motorcycle front, BMW assembles the F 800 R and F 800 GS models in Thailand. Both the 798 cc parallel-twin bikes are now available in Malaysia, at lower price tags of RM63,800 and RM73,900, respectively. There’s also a Low Seat Variant of the adventure bike (the GS), and that goes for RM76,900. BMW Motorrad shifted 400 units in Thailand last year, a 38% growth.

     
     
 
 
 

Latest Fuel Prices

PETROL
RON 95 RM2.05 (0.00)
RON 97 RM3.47 (0.00)
RON 100 RM5.00
VPR RM6.00
DIESEL
EURO 5 B10 RM2.15 (0.00)
EURO 5 B7 RM2.35 (0.00)
Last Updated Mar 28, 2024