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

  In Bikes, Ducati, Local News / By Danny Tan / 7 August 2014 2:16 pm / 18 comments

  

  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.

  

  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.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• BMW spending 9 million euros to boost Thai output

  In Bikes, BMW, Cars, International News / By Danny Tan / 1 August 2014 9:36 am / 29 comments

  

  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.

   

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• Thai-built BMW F 800 R and F 800 GS – RM64k-77k

  In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, Local News / By Anthony Lim / 17 July 2014 6:10 pm / 26 comments

  

  In case you aren’t already aware of it, the BMW F 800 R and F 800 GS are now available in Malaysia – the two Thai-assembled models roll in priced at RM63,800 for the F 800 R and RM73,900 for the F 800 GS. There’s also a Low Seat Variant of the F 800 GS, and that goes for RM76,900.

  The F 800 R features a liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel twin 798 cc engine offering 87 hp at 8,000 rpm and 86 Nm at 6,000 rpm, and performance figures for the naked roadster include a top speed of over 200 km/h and a rated combined fuel consumption of 3.6 litres per 100 km (at 90 km/h).

  If you’re big on sound, the 202 kg machine can be specified with an optional Akrapovic silencer. Three colours schemes are available for the F 800 R, and these are Racing Blue Metallic, Sakhir Orange and Light White/Black Storm.

  

  As for the F 800 GS, the enduro’s 798 cc mill turns out 85 hp at 7,500 rpm and 83 Nm at 5,750 rpm. The bike features a new designs of the controls – the cockpit is now equipped with new dial faces which is easier to read under any condition, as well as an extended range of display information such as fuel level and coolant temperature.

  The enduro rides on 230 mm inverted forks up front, while the rear features a 215 mm WAD travel-related damping strut. Buyers can go for the optional switchable Automatic Stability Control (ASC), which offers more efficient power transmission.

  Like the F 800 R, three exterior colours are available for the F 800 GS, these being Alpine White, Dynamic Cordoba Blue and Kalamata Matt Metallic. Both Motorrad offerings come with a special service program that includes a two-year or 40,000 km free lubricant service, as well as two-year international warranty with unlimited mileage.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Highway R&R stops to be ‘No Smoking’ zones – MOH

  In Bikes, Cars, Local News / By Danny Tan / 18 June 2014 2:48 pm / 75 comments

  

  Smokers, take note. All highway R&R stops are set to be gazetted as “No Smoking” zones by the end of this year. This was announced by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, who added that eateries and toilets at R&Rs will be smoke-free.

  Those who want to smoke can do so at the R&R parking lots, he told reporters after launching the national-level International No Tobacco Day event in Ipoh yesterday. According to the minister, the ministry had a meeting with all highway conccesionaires and they have agreed to the proposal. “We want to implement this as soon as possible,” he said.

  Smoking pedestrians, you’ve got mail too. Subramaniam revaled that KL City Hall (DBKL) will also gazette its 23 km of sheltered walkways in the city centre as smoke-free zones.

  “The authorities will also be stepping up enforcement and monitoring these areas to deter people from smoking. I know that enforcement will be a challenge as it covers a large area, but it will be done. It is only through strict enforcement that we can drive our message across,” he said, adding that offenders can expect to cough up between RM250 to RM500 in fines.

  The measures are part of the Ministry of Health’s target to lower the number of smokers in the country by 16%. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2011 indicated that 23.1%, or 4.7 million Malaysians, are smokers.

   

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• Motorists’ attitudes to blame for accident spike – JKJR

  In Bikes, Cars, Local News / By Jonathan Lee / 16 June 2014 5:31 pm / 67 comments

  

  The Road Safety Department (JKJR) says that rising road accident rates are caused, among other things, by the attitudes of road users who believe that it would not happen to them.

  National news agency Bernama quoted JKJR director-general Datuk Dr Tam Weng Wah as saying that it is because of this mentality that road users neglect the rules, contributing to increased crashes and fatalities.

  “In terms of road safety awareness, it is there but it is at a low level, and motorists are not taking safety aspects very seriously. By right, the people themselves must correct this attitude because it is their own lives at stake here,” he said, adding that last year, some 60% of the 6,915 deaths on the road involved motorcycles ridden by youths.

  

  “We have to pay closer attention to this, because it is the younger motorists who are most at risk of being involved in accidents. As such, I hope the younger generation in particular can change their attitudes, practice better driving patterns and follow the law so that they do not add to the statistics,” he added.

  Tam also voiced his concerns about the rising trend of using smartphone apps while driving, warning that such behaviour, if left uncurbed, could become the biggest cause of road accidents in the future.

  The director-general was at the launch of a road safety programme in partnership with Petron Malaysia and the Malaysian Institute of Transport (Mitrans) at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), where 150 helmets and 100 tins of motorcycle engine oil was distributed.

  Do you agree with the points raised?

   

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• Ducati 1199 Panigale Championship Edition, 10 units

  In Bikes, Ducati, Local News / By Danny Tan / 11 June 2014 9:35 am / 5 comments

  

  The Ducati 1199 Panigale Championship Edition was launched at the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) race at Sepang last weekend, unveiled by Ducati WSBK riders Chaz Davies and Davide Giugliano.

  Based on the 1199 Panigale, the Championship Edition sports unique livery and a back seat cover signed by the Ducati Superbike team riders. Other enhancements include the addition of a full Termignoni racing exhaust, Ducati Corse Smoke Windshield, Ducati Carbon Clutch Casing Cover and Ducati Performance Aluminium Mirror Blind.

  Limited to just 10 units, the RM160,888 price is similar to the April 2012 base launch price of the standard Ducati 1199 Panigale.

  

  First seen at the 2011 EICMA show, the Panigale is the Italian brand’s flagship supersports bike. Powered by the Superquadro L-twin engine, it has 195 hp (at 10,750 rpm) and 132 Nm of torque made at 9,000 rpm.

  “To further excite the market, we are amidst planning to introduce yet another Ducati superbike with an attractive pricing below RM99,000. This, we believe will enable more Ducati and premium quality motorcycle enthusiasts to join the world of Ducati,” said Juan Chow Wee, GM of Next Bike.

   

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• Ducati wheels out the new Monster 821 with 112 hp

  In Bikes, Ducati, International News / By Danny Tan / 29 May 2014 3:31 pm / 11 comments

  

  A new monster has been unleashed by the boys from Bologna. The new Ducati Monster 821 is a mid-size addition to the third-generation iconic naked bike range, following the unveiling of the Monster 1200 at last year’s EICMA show in Milan.

  The 821 maintains the Monster’s signature look, while using the new chassis and muscular styling of the Monster 1200. Powered by the latest version of Ducati’s 821 Testastretta 11° engine, the bike combines 112 hp with 179.5 kg. The brand’s eight-level traction control, three-level ABS, three-level Ride-by-Wire and press-button Riding Modes are standard, as are high-spec brakes and adjustable seat height.

  The Monster 821 Dark is presented in dark stealth with black frame/wheels, while the standard 821 is in Ducati red with red frame and black wheels, or star white silk with red frame and matte red wheels. Both red and white liveries come with colour-matched single-seat covers.

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Michelin to be sole MotoGP tyre supplier from 2016

  In Bikes, International News / By Danny Tan / 27 May 2014 9:29 am / 3 comments

  

  Dorna Sports, promoter and organiser of the MotoGP World Championship, has announced that Michelin will be the sole supplier of tyres to teams participating in the series from 2016. The official MotoGP class tyre is currently from Bridgestone.

  “Our policy of carrying over our technologies from track to street fits perfectly with the new technical regulations which are due to be introduced in 2016 and which will dictate the use of 17-inch wheels. That is why Michelin decided to submit a bid following the tender process instigated by Dorna,” said Michelin Motorsport’s director Pascal Couasnon.

  “We take this opportunity to thank the governing bodies for the confidence they have placed in us today. Their confidence recognises Michelin’s expertise and the 26 Riders’ world titles it has secured,” he added.

  

  MotoGP features the world’s most technologically sophisticated bikes, with power output exceeding 250 hp. The level of performance they deliver both mechanically and dynamically is very high. The series also stars the world’s best riders and consequently serves as a proving ground for the tech innovations of tomorrow.

  Thanks to the Michelin Total Performance concept, which sees the company constantly and simultaneously pushing the envelope in all the areas that influence tyre performance, Michelin aims to provide riders with higher levels of grip in dry and wet conditions alike.

  Closer to home, Michelin is offering a chance for you to pilot an open-wheel Formula race car and rally cars in the Michelin Pilot Sport Experience. But first, you will need to earn the right to race.

   

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• Bell & Ross B-Rocket on display at Colette boutique

  In Bikes, International News, Watches / By Jonathan Lee / 19 May 2014 4:46 pm / 3 comments

  

  The upscale Colette concept store at Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris has played host to the striking Bell & Ross B-Rocket one-off motorcycle, as well as the BR 01 and BR 03 B-Rocket watches that were designed with it. On display from May 12-17, the bike is now on a world tour.

  The B-Rocket, built by British Harley-Davidson customiser Shaw Speed and Custom, features styling influences from the American jet fighters and speed bikes of the 1960s, with a bullet-shaped nose cone, flush wheels, rear fairings with tail fin and distinctive twin turbines on either side of the bike (which feed air to the V-twin engine as well as the oil cooler). A Bell & Ross-designed rev counter sits inside the nose cone.

  The BR 01 B-Rocket chronograph features a large minutes counter as well as a smaller hours counter. The outer edge of the dial is inscribed with a tachymetric scale, while the small seconds counter at the three o’clock mark mimics the graphic display used in experimental vehicle testing.

  

  

  

  The more intricate BR 03 B-Rocket has a large date window with cutouts that showcase the complexity of the disc mechanism. Meanwhile, the circular power reserve indicator at the six o’clock mark takes its inspiration from a racing fuel gauge.

  Both watches feature satin brushed steel cases, black padded leather straps with red edging and lining, matte black dials inspired by motorcycle tachometers as well as a triangular red 12 o’clock marker inspired by the triangles on the B-Rocket’s rev counter and turbines. They are also fitted with anti-glare sapphire crystal glass and are water resistant to a depth up to 100 metres. Both are limited to 500 pieces each.

  Bell & Ross has also introduced the BR 03 Ceramic, a highly legible watch inspired by aircraft instrumentation. One of the key features of this timepiece is the unglazed ceramic case, a hard-wearing material that is scratch-proof, lightweight, hypoallergenic and easy to wear. The matte black case finish reduces reflections, while the clear design, large white numerals and photoluminescent coating allow immediate reading of time both day and night.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Shell Advance AX 5 4T 15W40 Scooter Oil launched

  In Bikes, Local News / By Danny Tan / 6 May 2014 5:40 pm / 3 comments

  

  Shell launched the new Shell Advance AX 5 4T 15W40 Scooter Oil today. Specially designed for four-stroke scooter engines, the AX 5 is made to protect scooter engines operating in high-stress, stop-start city commuting environments. It promises reliable oil performance, better control via smoother gear changes and a low vibration, quieter ride.

  “The key is a special antioxidant additive that helps remove deposits and maintain viscosity and, thus, keep the oil in peak condition for longer. As a result, you can enjoy every ride with confidence as your scooter is always in tip-top condition and responds to the slightest touch,” said Troy Chapman, Southeast Asia cluster GM at Shell Lubricants.

  The Shell Advance AX 5 4T 15W40 Scooter Oil completes the Shell Advance range of motorcycle engine oils available in Malaysia. A standard 800ml pack retails for RM21.50 in Peninsula Malaysia and RM22.00 in Sabah/Sarawak.

   

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• Vespa LXV 150 3V launched: Retro looks, fuel injection

  In Bikes, Local News, Vespa / By Danny Tan / 10 April 2014 3:12 pm / 21 comments

  

  Naza Premira, the sole importer and distributor of Vespa bikes in Malaysia, officially launched the Vespa LXV 150 3V today. CBU imported from Hanoi, Vietnam, the LXV 150 3V combines retro looks (more so than the LX 150) and a new fuel injection engine.

  The 114 kg LXV 150 is powered by a 150cc four-stroke 3V engine, which comes with fuel injection. Naza says that the single-cylinder 11.7 hp (8.7 kW) and 12 Nm engine is 30% more fuel efficient than the previous carburetor engine, and cleaner as well. The engine is hooked up to a CVT automatic transmission.

  The scooter is suspended by a front single arm with helical spring and single double-acting hydraulic shock absorber. The rear shock absorber has adjustable preload with four settings. To stop, a front 200 mm disc brake complements rear drums.

  

  If you like Vespas, it’s most probably for the retro looks, and the LXV 150 has that charm. Contributing parts include the chromium finish on the tubular handlebar, fly screen, round headlamp and the double-module two-seat saddle. The latter is covered in genuine leather.

  “Innovation coupled with Vespa’s signature retro flair provides customers with simplicity, style, practicality and efficiency in one very handsome package. This model is for Vespa enthusiasts who love a more classic looking Vespa with advanced technology packed into the bike,” said Nik Danial Nik Mahmood, VP of Naza Two Wheels Division.

  Available in three colours – Midnight Blue, Rossa Chianti (maroon) and Beige (shown here) – the Vespa LXV 150 3V has a basic selling price of RM11,658. The OTR price is RM12,400, a small price to pay for hipsters.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Bell & Ross B-Rocket concept inspired by ’60s jets

  In Bikes, Watches / By Jonathan Lee / 8 April 2014 5:03 pm / 0 comment

  

  Not one to pass on an opportunity to connect with its aeronautical roots, Bell & Ross has once again teamed up with British Harley-Davidson customiser Shaw Speed and Custom to build the one-off Bell & Ross B-Rocket concept motorcycle. The duo first collaborated in 2011 on the Nascafe Racer, which took home awards from competitions in London, Dublin and Sturgis.

  Certainly looks stunning, doesn’t it? The one-off’s styling was inspired by the American fighter jets and speed bikes of the 1960s. Striking design cues that hark back to the era include the bullet-shaped nose cone, flush wheels, rear fairings and the distinctive twin turbines on either side of the bike.

  The rider sits low and flat to cut drag, and strips of padded leather on the fuel tank and the turbines where the chin and knees rest allow them to assume this position comfortably. A glass windscreen built into the nose cone enables them to see the road ahead.

  

  The curvaceous rear section, complete with a tail fin emblazoned with the American flag, is handmade using more than 30 different steel pieces. The turbines, instantly evocative of jet engines, perform two functions – the right one feeds air into the V-twin engine, while the left cools the oil. Bell & Ross, of course, played its part too – it designed the rev counter that is built into the front fairing.

  The release of the bike coincides with the launch of two new commemorative watches – the BR 01 and BR 03 B-Rocket. The timepieces 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.

  Want one of these watches? Better hurry – they will be limited to 500 pieces each. Last month, Bell & Ross introduced the aircraft instrumentation-inspired BR 03-94 Carbon Orange, which was also limited to 500 pieces.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Honda NM4 Vultus – inspired by anime and manga

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International News / By Jonathan James Tan / 24 March 2014 2:10 pm / 22 comments

  

  Say konnichiwa to the Honda NM4 Vultus, a cool-looking two-wheeler that’s turned up at the Osaka Motorcycle Show and which the Japanese company intends to put into production.

  Created by a young design team unwilling to deviate from the original concept, the Honda NM4 Vultus’ stealth-like styling is inspired by futuristic machines from anime and manga.

  Power comes from a low-friction 745 cc four-stroke twin-cylinder engine that’s canted forward for a lower centre of gravity. The powerplant is connected to a dual-clutch gearbox that offers automatic twist-and-go D and S modes, plus a trigger-operated manual mode.

  A rigid steel frame, 43 mm telescopic forks and rear monoshock with Pro-Link make up the mechanicals, while a “reactive dashboard” changes colour according to driving mode. There’s also a flip-up pillion seat that acts as the rider’s backrest.

  Wheels are 18-inchers wrapped in 120/70 series rubber up front and 17-inchers with 200/50 series rubber out back, while ABS comes as standard.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Lotus C-01 motorcycle debuts with 200 hp 1.2L V-twin

  In Bikes, International News, Lotus Motorcycles / By Hafriz Shah / 24 February 2014 5:59 pm / 47 comments

  

  It took a while longer than planned, but the Lotus C-01, the first product of Lotus Motorcycles, is now ready to take to the streets. It’s breathtaking isn’t it? The C-01 will have a limited production run of just 100 units, so superbikers and collectors, you better move fast to get one.

  Mind you, it’s not exactly a Lotus per se, nor was it designed, engineered or produced by Group Lotus. What it actually is, is the result of a collaboration between motorsport veterans Kodewa and Kalex, which is licensed to use the Lotus name. In fact, its official designation is Kodewa Performance Motorcycles (PMC) C-01, Licensed by Lotus.

  But let’s forget about the technicalities for now, and focus on the bike itself. If it reminds you of the Tron: Legacy bike, that’s because they share the same concept designer, Daniel Simon. The PMC/Lotus C-01 will be available with a range of motorsport-inspired liveries like the three below. A customisation service, apparently “limited only by the imagination of the client” is also available.

  

  Kodewa’s Dr Colin Kolles said, “we set out to create a bike that isn’t just great to ride but also represents a piece of art in motion. Over the years I have seen my fair share of style over substance, what this bike brings to the market is a unique combination of both – state of the art technology with a truly jaw-dropping aesthetic.”

  Power comes from a 200 hp 1.2 litre V-twin engine from the KTM RC8, connected to a six-speed “jaw-type” shift transmission with a traditional chain drive. As promised, the distinctive body integrates carbon-fibre, titanium and aerospace-quality steel.

  So here it is, boys and girls; the Lotus C-01. What say you?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• MyLesen to be implemented in every state from April

  In Bikes, Local News / By Jonathan James Tan / 17 February 2014 5:24 pm / 46 comments

  

  The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will begin implementing the MyLesen programme in every state from April, to enable more people to have motorcycle licences, reports Bernama.

  The programme will introduce the Driver’s Education Curriculum – this would provide a clearer and more objective new first stage test that’s based on a different syllabus than before.

  “JPJ will work with driving schools to implement the programme for three months in the states. Each state will conduct a MyLesen programme pilot project,” JPJ director-general Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad said, adding there are currently around 3.35 million people aged 16 and up nationwide who did not possess a driving licence of any kind.

  Apart from MyLesen, JPJ will also launch the Kadet JPJ programme in schools from April, to educate the younger generation on road safety.

   

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