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• B2 to B motorcycle license upgrade: age, B2 license duration to be considered before proposal is finalised

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Local News / By Mick Chan / 22 January 2024 6:11 pm / 15 comments

  

  Age, as well as the duration of being B2-licensed are among the factors which need to be considered before the proposal for the automatic upgrade to a full B license for motorcycles can be finalised, said deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

  The matter will be finalised in detailed meetings with the road transport department (JPJ) and the traffic investigation and enforcement department (JSPT) of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) soon, the deputy prime minister said, reported Bernama.

  “What we discussed earlier is that there is a certain age limit, meaning the applicant must be 35 years [of age] and above, and they must hold a B2 license for a specific period before being eligible for a full B license. We will finalise this matter in the meetings with JPJ and JSPT,” the deputy prime minister said at an engagement session with Persatuan Motosikal Malaysia in Putrajaya today.

  In terms of motorcycle license classification in Malaysia, the B2 license is for license holders to operate motorcycles of up to 250 cc capacity, while the full B license allows the license holder to operate motorcycles with no upper limit restriction on engine capacity.

  

  Earlier this month, transport minister Anthony Loke had said that the matter of the B2 to full B license automatic upgrading is still under review by the transport ministry due to ‘various viewpoints’.

  Meanwhile, Loke said that the decision to automatically upgrade B2 license holders to a full B license is not straightforward because JSPT statistics show that the majority of road accidents involve individuals aged between 16 and 35.

  “We look at the data, [and] if those who have just obtained a B2 license are given a [full] B license, they may act recklessly. If they are a bit older, they may be more experienced besides having responsibilities to their families, and so on,” Loke said.

  The automatic upgrading of motorcycle licenses was first proposed in August last year, submitted by Superbikers Association Malaysia (SAM) president Datuk Abdul Halim Sulaiman. This submission proposed that holders of the B2 motorcycle licence with its 250 cc limit, be upgraded to the full class B license after three years, on the condition the B2 licence holder does not commit any serious traffic offences.

   

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• 2024 WMoto RT1 launched in Malaysia, RM9,888 – 150 cc, ABS and Traction Control as standard equipment

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, WMoto / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 22 January 2024 3:53 pm / 5 comments

  

  Entering the Malaysian 150 cc scooter market is the 2024 WMoto RT1, priced at RM9,888. Pricing does not include road tax, insurance and registration and every RT1 comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty along with online purchase of spare parts by WMoto’s Malaysian distributor MForce Bike Holdings as well as authorised WMoto dealers.

  In this 150 cc scooter market segment at the below RM10,000 mark, there is fierce competition for the RT1, including the very popular Yamaha NMax 155, priced at RM9,798 and Honda Vario 160, retailing at RM9,998. In the local market there is also the SYM Jet X 150 tagged at RM8,888 and brand stablemate the WMoto Xtreme 150i at RM9,588.

  The RT1 is powered by single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine mill displacing 149.3 cc and fed by EFI. Power is claimed to be 15.4 hp at 8,000 rpm with 14.5 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm, with power going through a CVT gearbox and belt drive to the rear wheel.

  

  

  

  Setting the RT1 apart from most of its market brethren is the inclusion of two-wheel ABS and traction control as standard equipment which WMoto says is a first for the 150 cc scooter category. Adding to safety is the inclusion of front and rear dash cameras for the RT1, something also seen on the RM13,980 Aveta VADV 150 Hybrid launched in 2023 in Malaysia.

  Other riding conveniences include TFT-LCD instrument panel with Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone, USB charging port and smart key system. Full LED lighting is used throughout including the LED courtesy light in under seat storage compartment that is large enough to hold a single helmet.

  

  

  

  Suspension is done with conventional telescopic forks in front and twin shock absorbers in the rear adjustable for spring preload. Braking is done with hydraulic discs on the front and rear 14-inch wheels, wearing 110/80 front and 120/70 rear rubber.

  Weighing in at 144 kg with a 1,330 mm wheelbase, the RT1 carries fuel in a 9-litre tank. There are three colour options available – Enchanting Blue, Mystique Black and Dazzling Grey.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Metzeler Roadtec 02 Super-Sport Touring tyres launched – dual compound, larger footprint

  In Bike Parts and Accessories, Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 January 2024 1:57 pm / 2 comments

  

  Ahead of the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy, Metzeler launches the Metzeler Roadtec 02 Super-Sport Touring tyres. Intended for the sporty road rider, the Roadtec 02 features 100% silica construction and dual-compound carcass.

  Calling the Roadtec 02 a “Super-Sport Touring” tyre, this new road tyre tyre allows for a much wider range of performance depending on the riding style. This is achieved by Metzler’s use of
  what it calls “Adaptive Tread Design”.

  While riding the Roadtec 02, Adaptive Tread Design adapts the geometry of the grooves based on riding style. The tyre contact patch varies, changing the behaviour of the tyre from sport touring to super sport styles.

  

  

  With a touring riding style, or in wet conditions, the long grooves of the tread pattern expedite evacuation of surface water and the correct mobility of the tread compound. This gives the Roadtec 02 quick warm-up, comfort and grip.

  For sportier riding when road conditions dry up, the tyre endures greater load transfer which causes the groove pattern to close up, increasing surface contact area. This makes the most of the grip qualities of the Roadtec 02, improving riding precision and bringing performance close to super sport level.

  

  

  Compared to the previous Roadtec 01 SE, the Roadtec 02 increases the rubber/groove ratio, enlarging the tyre footprint and making it more uniform as lean angle varies. Additionally, fewer grooves in the tread gives lower road noise.

  Size availability for the Roadtec 02 for front tyres is 120/70 in 17-inches while the 19-inch front wheel gets 120/70 and 110/80 widths, suited for adventure-touring motorcycles. For the rear wheel, the Roadtec 02 comes in 17-inches only, covering 150/60, 160/60, 170/60, 180/55, 190/50 and 190/55 widths.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Car vs bike accident in Malaysia – always the car at fault? Why can’t we claim from the bike’s insurance?

  In Bikes, Cars, Feature Stories / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 17 January 2024 6:08 pm / 55 comments

  

  Photo from PDRM social media

  It is a litany we have heard many times. “This motorcycle just hit my car/bumper/wing mirror and shot off. I got everything on the dash cam, shall I make a report?”

  “Aiya, no point one, report also useless, police won’t take action,” is the usual reply. A point of fact is, in the congested traffic conditions of Malaysia, unfortunate encounters between cars and motorcycles will take place, leaving aside the issue of careless, inattentive and less than responsible drivers and riders.

  The issue of insurance claims against motorcycle riders in Malaysia seems to follow a specific trend, to wit, it is next to impossible to claim against a motorcyclist’s insurance. In some cases, after the report is made, the insurance company is less than enthusiastic about pursuing a claim.

  This leaves the driver with a busted car and looking at the loss of the No Claims Discount (NCD). Considering the parts replacement cost of many components in modern cars – have you priced a wing mirror for a new Proton lately? – most drivers don’t have the wherewithal to effect repairs out of pocket.

  But why is this so? In researching this topic, we approached those in the insurance industry and certain workshops specialising in insurance claims, both two- and four-wheel, as well as speaking to our police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) contact.

  “The fact of the matter is, police only assign the cause and responsibility, plus damage, in event of an accident. We do not determine who files an insurance claim against the other party, nor do we determine the compensation involved. That is a matter for the insurance company and the courts,” said our JSPT contact.

  “Of course, when there is injury or death, things immediately become more serious and the investigative work more involved,” he added. “As for why insurance companies don’t pursue claims against motorcyclists, that is something you will have to ask them,” he said.

  

  Motorcycle vs car crash test by MIROS

  Approaching a contact in the insurance industry who insisted on speaking on condition of anonymity, he said, “bro, it’s not that we don’t want to claim, the process is almost impossible.” Citing several cases he dealt with, paultan.org was informed it was quite normal for the insurance company to find out the person or address cannot be traced for the claim to be served.

  “Additionally, there is the issue of riders without licence or road tax, which immediately makes the rider’s policy null and void, or not even having insurance in the first place,” said our insurance contact. Asked what a claimant can do in such an instance, he said there is the option of filing a civil suit but reminded us the wheels of justice are slow to turn.

  “Of course, you can file a claim but that means you have to spend money retaining a lawyer, then time for court appearances and such,” he explained. “Then you start having the issue of tracking the person down, etc., appearing before court and so on before obtaining judgement, then you still have the issue of getting your money back,” he added.

  “Bro, you know the first rule of legal cases, right? Don’t sue poor people,” he continues with a laugh. He added that in most cases, the insurance company will advise the claimant to claim against the policy, though with the penalty of losing the NCD.

  Furthermore, another anonymous source in the insurance industry said police and the courts tend to look favourably upon motorcyclists in accident cases, considered to be coming from a disadvantaged segment of society. We cannot confirm this and think it best left at the level of anecdote but based on previous experience, we can say there might possibly be something in it.

  At the end of it, it appears the best way out of the situation involving a car and motorcycle, assuming the rider is at fault, is to take the path of least resistance, that of claiming against your own insurance.

   

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• Malaysian MOT – no road safety campaign launches

  In Bikes, Cars, Local Bike News, Local News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 15 January 2024 1:59 pm / 16 comments

  

  Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke

  Beginning this year, the Malaysian Ministry of Transport (MOT) will no longer hold road safety campaign launches in conjunction with festive periods. Transport minister Anthony Loke said this is to save costs as each campaign costs between RM100,000 and RM200,000, as reported by Bernama.

  Loke said the cost saving will be channeled to increase the quality of existing road safety campaigns that give a direct benefit to the public. “From this year, there will be no launching ceremony for any road safety campaign. Even without the launch, JPJ operations will still continue. Combined operations will be held and laws will continue to be enforced, ” he said.

  “Nevertheless, if any private sector company wishes to hold a campaign launch, that is at their discretion. I am stopping the ministry’s budget as we will use the money for more productive things,” he added. “This could take the form of handing out free motorcycle helmets worth RM55 each as we have found many riders using shabby helmets,” he said during the 2024 MOT mandate.

  

  In other matters, Loke said MOT is focusing on four key areas this year. The initial focus will be on the interconnectivity and accessibility of the public transport network. Loke said this inline with the 12th Malaysia Plan’s intention to achieve high income nation status.

  MOT will also be focusing on land, air and maritime safety, with Loke saying, “last year almost 7,000 lives were lost in road accidents making this user safety issue a focus for MOT with any future campaigns required to fulfil its objectives.”

  The third objective is to install a culture of infrastructure, service and transport network maintenance. Lastly, MOT will drive policy interventions based on digitisation and strengthening data use capabilities.

   

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• Honda ADV 350 making Malaysian debut in 2024?

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 15 January 2024 1:11 pm / 4 comments

  

  Despite rumours of the Honda ADV 350 making its entry into the Malaysian scooter market last year, the appearance of this adventure styled scooter has to come to pass. However, a chance meeting in a Penang coffee shop over the weekend indicates the ADV 350 will finally make its local market debut.

  Our source from Boon Siew Honda Malaysia said the delay was unexpected and due to bureaucratic red tape, something he said could not be avoided despite the firm’s best efforts. However, what paultan.org can tell you is the Honda ADV 350 is coming, and by mid-year.

  “We’re not sure yet, but definitely by the middle of this year, perhaps earlier, depending on market factors,” said our source. “We wanted to launch the ADV 350 last year but had some difficulty with import permits,” he added.

  

  

  

  

  Launched at the 2021 EICMA show in Italy, the ADV 350 with its adventure motorcycle bodywork slots between the Honda X-ADV 750 (RM68.899 in Malaysia) and the Honda ADV 160 (RM12,999 in Malaysia). Honda’s ADV series scooters have proven to be popular in the Malaysian market, with buyers reporting long waiting times for the ADV 160 and previously the ADV 150, while buyers of the X-ADV are apparently selling second-hand for much the same price as new.

  As for pricing, our source was reticient, saying the ADV 350 will come from Japan as a CBU model, probably above the RM30,000 price point (the Honda Forza 250 scooter sells in Malaysia at RM25,388.) Power for the ADV 350 comes from a 330 cc Enhanced Smart Power+ (eSP+) single-cylinder SOHC four-valve, liquid-cooled engine producing 28.9 hp at 7,500 rpm and 31.9 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm.

  

  Coming with traction control and two-channel ABS, the ADV 350 also gets Honda Smartphone Voice Control integrated into the LCD instrument panel for use with a helmet communication set and the Honda RoadSync app. Other riding conveniences include two-position height adjustable windshield, USB charging port and smart key operation.

  A 48-litre storage compartment is found under the seat, big enough for two full-face helmets while the fuel tank holds 11.7-litres. Seat height is set at 795 mm, with the ADV 350 weighing in at 186 kg.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2024 Kymco AK550 Premium in Malaysia, RM65,500

  In Bikes, Kymco, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 12 January 2024 6:42 pm / 22 comments

  

  Getting its Malaysian launch is the 2024 Kymco AK550 Premium maxi scooter, priced at RM65,500 excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Kymco scooters are distributed in Malaysia under the Edaran Modenas banner, and brought in CBU with two colour options – Black and Matte Brown.

  The AK550 Premium is powered by a DOHC, two-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine in Crossplane configuration, displacing 550.4 cc. Power is claimed to be 50.9 hp at 7,500 rpm with 52 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, going to the rear wheel via CVT gearbox and exposed belt drive.

  

  

  

  

  There are two riding modes win the AK550, Power and Rain, to suit prevailing riding conditions while 14.5 litres is carried in the tank and seat height is 785 mm. Weighing in at 238 kg, this maxi scooter comes with upside-down forks in front and horizontal monoshock with preload adjustment in the rear.

  Rolling on 15-inch wheels front and rear, the AK550 wears 120/70 and 160/60 rubber, front and rear, respectively. Brembo does the braking, with twin Brembo four-piston callipers in front clamping 270 mm discs, and a two-piston calliper with 230 mm disc at the back, while cornering ABS is standard.

  

  Riding conveniences on the AK550 include an electrically adjustable windscreen, cruise control and smart key for keyless starts. The under seat compartment is said to be large enough to hold a full-face and open face helmet simultaneously.

  Riding information is displayed on a circular TFT-LCD screen, flanked by separate readouts on either side showing speed and other information such as engine status. Coming standard is Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone for navigation, music, messaging and calls.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Malaysian riders/drivers, MIROS wants your thoughts

  In Bikes, Cars, Local Bike News, Local News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 12 January 2024 5:52 pm / 27 comments

  

  If you are a Malaysian driver or motorcycle rider, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) wants your thoughts in the Motorcycle Safety Initiative survey. The survey is online, link here, and open to Malaysian citizens or permanent residents.

  Additionally, you must be a motorcycle rider, driver or heavy vehicle driver to participate in the survey. The survey is anonymous but there is an option to leave an email address for participation in future surveys.

  Among the questions asked are whether the riding age for motorcyclists should be increased and if more rider training is required or mandatory post licence. Other questions include heavy vehicles, and if blind spot warnings should be installed, either active with warning sensors or passive, like blind spot warning stickers.

  The survey is estimated to take between 10 to 25 minutes, and is only available in Bahasa Malaysia. Any enquiries regarding the survey can be directed to MIROS Head of Project Dr A Azad at +603 8924 9200.

   

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• 2024 CFMoto 1250TR-G debuts in Malaysia – RM88,888, 1,279 cc, 140 hp, 120 Nm torque

  In Bikes, CFMoto, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 12 January 2024 10:44 am / 6 comments

  

  Making its entry into Malaysia is the 2024 CFMoto 1250TR-G, priced at RM88,888 excluding road tax, insurance and registration. This sport-touring motorcycle is a first for CFMoto Malaysia in the litre-plus category and competes directly against the Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT with its RM85,700 price tag and to a lesser extent the BMW Motorrad R1250RT, priced at RM150,500, which it strongly resembles.

  With a two-year unlimited mileage warranty against manufacturing defects, the 1250TR-G comes in two colour options – Nebula White and Twilight Blue. Stock will be available in CFMoto Malaysia authorised dealer showrooms beginning mid-January.

  CFMoto Malaysia says the 1250TR-G gas undergone extensive road testing with 50,000 km travelled to ensure suitability to local conditions, including endurance, cornering, and long-distance travel. Additionally, the CFMoto Research and Development team in China is ready to integrate improvements to ensure the 1250TR-G remains suited to the needs of Malaysian riders.

  

  

  

  

  Carrying a KTM derived liquid-cooled V-twin displacing 1,279 cc, the 1250TR-G gets 140 hp at 8,500 rpm with 120 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Going through a six-speed gearbox equipped with a slipper clutch and up-and-down quick shifts, the 1250TR-G gets chain final drive.

  Inside the cockpit, as 12.3-inch TFT-LCD screen comes with a Multi Media Interface (MMI) and Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone. Installed with Apple CarPlay, the 1250TR-G is equipped with an on-board sound system.

  Riding aids include three ride modes – Sport, Comfort and Rain – along with a host of riding conveniences with left and right saddlebags coming as standard. These include cruise control, hill hold control, electrically adjustable windscreen, type pressure monitoring system and lane assist radar, along with heated seat and grips.

  

  Suspension uses 48 mm diameter adjustable upside-down forks in front and adjustable monoshock in the rear. Braking is done with twin radial-mount Brembo callipers clamping 320 mm discs on the front wheel and a two-piston Brembo calliper at the back acting on a 270 mm disc, while Bosch two-channel ABS is standard equipment.

  Suited for long distance trips, the 1250TR-G carries 22.7-litres of fuel in the tank. Weighing in at 304 kg, the 1250TR-G has a rider seat height of 820 mm, while tyre sizing is 120/70-17 in front and 190/55-17 at the back.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 75 years of the MotoGP world championship

  In Bikes, International Bike News, MotoGP / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 11 January 2024 7:26 pm / 0 comment

  

  From its beginning in 1949, the MotoGP World Championship reaches its 75th year in 2024. Initially based on the production motorcycles of the day, MotoGP today is the pinnacle of two wheel racing technology, along with the most skilled and talented motorcycle riders on the planet.

  Starting off in the post war years with motorcycles bought off the showroom floor, suitably modified, the World Championship, as MotoGP when then known, comprised of several engine capacity classes. Initially running 50, 80, 125, 250, 350, 500 and 750 cc displacement categories in various eras, this had been rationalised to the 125, 250 and 500 championships by the late 1970s.

  From the late 60s, two-stroke engines dominated the grid, offering the best horsepower to weight ratio four-stroke engines couldn’t hope to match. With the move to four-stroke power plants in 2002 including the name change from Motorcycle World Championship to MotoGP, this heralded the modern era of motorcycle racing.

  

  

  Carlo Ubbiali (left), Mike Hailwood

  Since 1949 there have been 1,015 Grands Prix staged across the world, the 1,000th race happening in Le Mans, France, in 2023. This equates to 3,371 races across all classes in the individual category.

  Across the seven-and-a-half decades of MotoGP, there have been 126 riders who claimed the title of World Champion with the crown of most championship wins going to Giacomo Agostini having 15. Angel Nieto has the second greatest number of championships with 12+1 (Nieto had triskaidekaphobia, a phobia of the number 13, and preferred to use “12+1”).

  Mike Hailwood and Valentino Rossi tie with nine championships a piece, along with Carlo Ubbiali. Coming into the 2024 MotoGP season, 399 riders have previously won individual races, so, expect to see the 400th rider to win a MotoGP race happen this year.

  

  

  Angel Nieto (left), Giacomo Agostini

  The most successful manufacturer in the world championship, across the 75 years of MotoGP history, is Honda, with 821 solo wins since the Hamamatsu firm started competing in the 1960 championship. This is not disregarding its entrance in the Isle of Man TT in 1959 n the 125 class, then and now acknowledged as the most difficult and dangerous road racing in the world.

  Following Honda, Yamaha has taken 520 individual wins across the various MotoGP championships, followed by Aprilia with 297 victories. MV Agusta, with its hallowed racing history, has 275 wins to its name while Kalex, which supplies racing machinery for the lower classes, has 176.

  By nationality, racers from 30 countries have won Grand Prix races, Italy leading the pack with 888, followed by Spain with 722. Coincidentally, 30 countries have staged Grands Prix, the latest to do so being India with Buddh International Circuit hosting the MotoGP in 2023.

  

  Valentino Rossi

  The first Malaysian Grand Prix was held in 1991 at the Shah Alam Circuit in Batu Tiga, the final race of the season. Won by John Kocinski, riders complained of the tropical heat, something that has become a signature for racing in Malaysia.

  Grand Prix racing in Malaysia moved to Sepang International Circuit in 1999. Like the international rounds of MotoGP, Honda has rqcked up the most Grand Prix wins in Malaysia, with 33 across all classes since 1991, followed by Aprilia with 19 and Yamaha with nine.

   

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• 2024 Triumph Daytona 660 sportsbike revealed

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 January 2024 4:33 pm / 2 comments

  

  Rounding out the stable of Hinckley middleweight motorcycles is the 2024 Triumph Daytona 660. The Daytona 660 joins the Tiger Sport 660 and Trident 660, which in Malaysia are priced at RM45,900 and RM50,900, respectively.

  Clad in a full fairing, the Daytona 660 goes directly against its market rival, the Aprilia RS660 (RM72,900 in Malaysia). Carrying a liquid-cooled, inline three-cylinder, the Daytona 660 gets 95 PS at 11,520 rpm and 69 Nm of torque at 8,250 rpm.

  Power gets to the ground via a six-speed gearbox equipped with a slip and assist clutch and chain final drive. A tubular steel perimeter frame along with a fabricated steel swingarm holds everything together, as opposed to the cast alloy frame and swingarm found on the 765RS.

  

  

  

  Suspension is done with Showa upside down big piston 41 mm diameter front forks and Showa preload adjustable monoshock at the back. Braking uses radial-mount four-piston brakes with twin 310 mm discs and braided brake lines while the rear gets a 220 mm fixed disc with single piston sliding calliper, and two-channel ABS is standard.

  Riding aids include three ride modes – Sport, Road and Rain – with optimised throttle response and traction control settings for road conditions while traction control is switchable for race track duty. Additionally a new Emergency Deceleration Warning system activates the Daytona’s hazard lights under heavy braking to alert road users.

  

  A digital LCD gauge is found inside the cockpit, displaying all the necessary information while the My Triumph Connectivity System for connecting to the rider’s smartphone is an optional extra, as is Triumph Shift Assist up-and-down quickshifter.

  With 14-litres of fuel in the tank, the Daytona 660 weighs in at 201 kg, while the seat places the rider 810 off the ground with a low seat height option set at 785 mm. Three colour options are available, with prominent “660” graphics.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Honda Winner X in Vietnam market gets front wheel ABS, slipper clutch – will Malaysia be next?

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 January 2024 1:04 pm / 1 comment

  

  For the Vietnam market the Honda Winner X, known as the Honda RS-X in Malaysia, gets an equipment upgrade in the form of ABS. There are three variants of the Winner X in Vietnam, the Special ABs, Sport ABS and Standard without ABS, retailing between 46.16 million dong (RM8,795) and 50.06 million dong (RM9,538) while in the Malaysia market, the 2023 Honda RS-X is tagged at RM9,698.

  For the graphics, the Vietnam market Winner X Standard comes in a two-tone colour scheme while the Sport ABS comes in Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) inspired colours. At the top of the range, the Special ABS gets an exclusive cover set along with gold-anodised fork legs.

  Silhouette wise, the Winner X retains the look of the 2021 Vietnam market model including the front cowl and front turn signals. However, the Winner X differs from the Malaysian RS-X in the rear bodywork and exhaust.

  

  

  

  

  Another upgrade comes in the form of a slipper clutch controlling the six-speed gearbox. Additionally, the ignition coil has been upgraded for better performance.

  In the engine room things stay the same, with a single-cylinder liquid-cooled mill displacing 149.1 cc fed by EFI producing 15.4 hp at 9,000 rpm with 13.5 Nm of torque ar 6,500 rpm. Riding conveniences include a USB charging port, smart key, digital meter, and hydraulic disc brakes front and rear with 17-inch wheels shod with 90/80 and 120/70 tyres.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2024 KTM 890 SMT now in Malaysia, RM101,800 CBU

  In Bikes, KTM, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 8 January 2024 12:00 pm / 4 comments

  

  Making its debut in the Malaysia middleweight motorcycle market is the 2024 KTM 890 SMT, priced at RM101,800, CBU Austria, excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Dubbed as the “Supermoto Tourer”, the 890 SMT slots in between the naked sports KTM 890 Duke R (RM75,800, CBU Philippines) and the 890 Adventure adventure-touring model (RM96,800, CBU Austria).

  Using the same LC8 liquid-cooled parallel-twin as the Duke and Adventure, the 890 SMT gets 105 hp at 8,000 rpm and 100 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Power gets to the rear wheel via six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch and chain final drive.

  

  

  

  

  The 890 SMT stands tall like the 890 Adventure, placing the rider 860 mm off the ground though a low seat option is available. WP suspension holds up the 890 SMT with the front 43 mm diameter rebound and compression adjustable front forks giving 180 mm of travel with the same from the rear monoshock which is adjustable for preload and compression.

  Standard is three riding modes – Rain, Street and Sport – with the optional track mode giving adjustable throttle modes and traction control adjustable to 10 levels. A 5-inch TFT-LCD displays all the necessary information and comes with Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone.

  

  Cruise control, a quickshifter, heated grips and Motor Slip Regulation, or slipper clutch are available on the 890 SMT for the first 1,000 km. Thereafter, should the owner require those features, an unlocking fee has to be paid.

  The 890 SMT tips the scales at 194 kg with 15.8-liters of fuel in the tank. paultan.org was informed during the launch only eight units of the 2024 KTM 890 SMT will be brought in for sale in Malaysia initially.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Gracshaw Malaysia launches DC super hero range of open face helmets – priced at RM460, SIRIM certified

  In Bike Parts and Accessories, Bikes / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 January 2024 4:00 pm / 9 comments

  

  

  Gracshaw DC Super Hero: Wonder Woman (left), Aquaman

  Getting its launch in the Malaysia market is the Gracshaw DC Super Hero range of helmets, priced at RM460. With six variants, all Gracshaw helmets are made in Malaysia by Gennex and all helmets are SIRIM certified.

  Coming only as an open face, the Gracshaw DC Super Hero range are named after characters from the DC comics universe along with matching graphics. These are Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash and The Joker.

  

  

  Gracshaw DC Super Hero: The Joker (left), The Flash

  Available from just 30 selected Gracshaw dealerships across the country, the DC Super Hero helmets will be available beginning January 10. Adding to the exclusivity, only 1,500 units of the Superman, Batman, The Flash and The Joker helmet designs will be produced, while only 500 of the Aquaman and Wonder Woman helmets will be made.

  Ranging in size from M to XXXL, the helmets come with a removable inner padding for easy cleaning. A double D-ring locking mechanism is used for maximum safety and a double ventilation system aids cooling while riding.

  

  

  Gracshaw DC Super Hero: Batman (left), Superman

  The DC Super Hero helmets come with a clear visor and inner sun visor. Visors are optionally customisable in one of eight shades, allowing the rider to mix and match according to taste and helmet graphics.

  Every Gracshaw DC Super Hero helmet comes in a range specific box, along with certificate of authenticity and exclusive helmet bag, as well as unique DC-inspired stickers for added personalisation.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2024 WMoto RT2 250 scooter for Malaysia, RM16,888

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, WMoto / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 January 2024 2:55 pm / 0 comment

  

  2024 WMoto RT2 Pure White

  Now in Malaysia is the 2024 WMoto RT2 250 scooter, priced at RM16,888 excluding road tax, insurance and registration. There are three colour options for the RT2 – Metallic Gold, Pure White and Majestic Black – while a two-year unlimited mileage warranty against manufacturing defects from MForce Bike Holdings comes with every purchase.

  Sold alongside the more conservatively styled RM15,188 WMoto RT3 in Malaysia, the RT2 features adventure bike styling, with sharp duck beak nose and wide floorboard. Additionally, the RT2 comes with front and rear dash cameras to record the rider’s journey.

  Power for the RT2 comes from a single-cylinder liquid-cooled mill displacing 245.9 cc. Power is claimed to be 22.7 hp at 7,500 rpm with 22.5 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, going through the ground via belt drive and CVT gearbox.

  

  

  

  

  Not just a re-bodied RT3, the RT2 comes with a completely different frame from its sibling, aside from sharing the engine, drivetrain and minor common parts. The 1,400 mm wheelbase of the RT2 makes it a lighter and more nimble scooter compared to the RT3, with its 1,545 mm wheelbase.

  Weighing in at 183 kg, the RT2 carries 12.6 litres of fuel in the tank with a seat height of 770 mm. Braking is done with single hydraulic discs on the front and rear wheels, measuring 270 mm and 220 mm, respectively, while two-channel ABS is standard equipment.

  Wheel sizing is 14-inches in front and 13-inches at the back, shod with 110/80 front and 140/60 rear tyres. Suspension uses non-adjustable telescopic forks at the front of the RT2, with five-step preload-adjustable twin shock absorbers behind.

  

  

  2024 WMoto RT2 Majestic Black (left), Metallic Gold

  Inside the cockpit, a full-colour TFT-LCD screen displays all the necessary information which WMoto says is easy to read under all light conditions due to its high contrast. Other riding conveniences include keyless start, manual height adjustable windshield and backlit handlebar switches.

  The under seat compartment allows enough space for a single full-face helmet and comes with a USB charging port, while another port is found inside the pocket in the front cowl. A tyre pressure monitoring system is fitted as standard and LED lighting is used throughout the RT2, including the four-element headlights.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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