Home / Bikes (Page 87)

2022 Yamaha 135LC Fi V8 - from RM7,798

Latest Bike Stories

• 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR limited edition – with carbon-fibre bodywork and enhanced electronics

  In Bikes, International Bike News, KTM / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 7 April 2021 9:29 am / 2 comments

  

  With the moniker “The Beast”, the KTM Super Duke now comes in a limited edition version, the 2021 KTM 1290 Super Duke RR. Orders for this 500 unit exclusive production run of the Super Duke can be made online for Europe, while enquiries for Malaysia will have to be made with the local distributor, Eurowheels.

  While the original Super Duke at 195 kg dry was no chonky boy, the 1290 Super Duke RR has gone on a bit of a weight loss regime, weighing in 9 kg lighter. This is achieved with use of carbon-fibre for the bodywork, as well as the sub-frame, replacing the Super Duke’s steel trellis unit.

  Further weight savings is gained by using a lithium-ion battery, a reduction of 2.5 kg, and forged alloy wheels, a further 1.5 kg saving. The redesigned sub-frame allows for a new seat and tail unit, which incorporates the LED tail and signal lights.

  

  Inside the engine room, the Super Duke RR carries KTM’s 1,301 cc V-twin, now Euro 5 compliant. With 180 hp and 140 Nm of torque, the Super Duke RR has power to weigh ratio of 1:1, according to KTM’s press release.

  Suspension is done by WP, with fully adjustable WP Apex Pro 7548 Close Cartridge forks, matched to a WP Apex Pro 7117 steering damper for better high speed stability. At the back, a WP Apex Pro 7746 monoshock holds up the rear end, and is fully-adjustable and custom made to the Super Duke RR’s requirements.

  

  

  

  A quick thrust throttle, with a 65-degree opening – 7 degrees less than the Super Duke R – allows the rider to get to redline that much faster. Also upgraded is the electronics suite with Track and all-new Performance modes featuring adjustment for rear-wheel slip, throttle response, Launch Control, and Motor Slip Regulation.

  Complementing the Super Duke RR is an exclusive range of accessories from the KTM Powerparts catalogue. These include a titanium Akrapovic slip-on end can and an Akrapovic Evolution Line titanium full system exhaust.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  2 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2021 Suzuki GSX-S1000 scheduled to launch April 26

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Suzuki Motorcycles / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 6 April 2021 3:57 pm / 3 comments

  A very short, 18-second teaser video has been released, indicating the 2021 Suzuki GSX-S1000 is scheduled for worldwide launch on April 26. Set to enter the litre-class naked sports market, the GSX-S1000 goes up against the Ducati Streetfighter V4, Aprilia Tuono V4, BMW Motorrad S1000RR, kTM Super Duke R, Kawasaki Z H2 and Triumph Speed Triple 1200RS, amongst others.

  As befits a teaser video, few details can be discerned but prominent amongst these are the twin projector LED hexagonal headlights, stacked vertically, with an LED DRL up top. What looks suspiciously like spoilers extend downwards on either side of the fairing.

  Suzuki’s corporate blue paint is evident, as is conventional style handlebars as shown in the teaser video, thus no real surprises there. A glimpse of a gold-anodised fork leg can be seen, and the little protuberance up top indicates the GSX-S1000 will come with adjustable suspension, as can be expected at this level of the naked sports game.

  

  

  Aside from that, based on what its competition is offering, expect to see an full-colour, TFT-LCD screen with smartphone connectivity and possibly a model variant with semi-automatic electronic suspension. As for Malaysia, the Suzuki motorcycle distributorship is under new management with Suzuki Malaysia, with an official announcement expected soon.

  Models currently offered under Suzuki Malaysia stewardship include the Suzuki GSX-R1000R, the Suzuki Katana, V-Strom 650 and 650XT, GSX-S750 and SV650X naked sports and the Burgman 400 scooter. For 2021, the GSX-S1000 is the second new model to join the catalogue, the first being the Suzuki Hayabusa, launched as a 2022 model on February 5, 2021.

   

  3 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• KYMCO Taiwan spins off Ionex e-scooter brand

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kymco / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 April 2021 11:35 am / 0 comment

  

  Major scooter maker KYMCO of Taiwan is planning to bring the fight to rival electric scooter (e-scooter) manufacturer Gogoro with the spin-off of its Ionex e-scooter brand. While KYMCO has been known as a scooter maker for over 50 years, Gogoro, its rival in the Taiwan domestic market, holds 77% of e-scooter sales in Taiwan, compared to KYMCO’s 4%.

  In terms of number for the Taiwan e-scooter market, this translates in 345,190 units sold, compared to KYMCO’s 19,215, reports electrek.co. KYMCO will be removing its branding, putting Ionex forward as a stand alone brand, in the hopes that this will catch the consumer’s eye, said KYMCO Chairman Allen Ko.

  Plans to achieve this include the setting up of 11 Ionex brand-specific stores within the next month, with a total of 21 stores established by the end of 2021. However, both brands will be manufactured in the same KYMCO facility to leverage of efficiencies of scale and reduce manufacturing costs.

  

  Adding to the hoped for consumer take up of Ionex e-scooters, KYMCO aims to provide 1,500 battery swap stations across Taiwan by the end of 2021, with a goal of having 4,000 station at the end of 2022. Going one up on rival Gogoro’s battery swap stations, of which there are 2,000 locations across Taiwan, KYMCO’s Ionex stations will offer battery charging as well.

  For the export market, Ionex will still come under the KYMCO umbrella to capitalise on its established brand awareness. Taiwan has one of the largest scooter densities per head of population in the world, and scooters are used for personal transportation instead of cars.

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2021 BMW Motorrad R1250RT in Malaysia, RM142,500

  In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 2 April 2021 9:42 am / 1 comment

  

  Now in Malaysia and priced at RM142,500 is the 2021 BMW Motorrad R1250RT sports-touring motorcycle. Pricing for the R150RT in Malaysia on-the-road, excluding insurance, with three year warranty and roadside assistance programme.

  Arguably the motorcycle that started the sports-touring genre back in the 1970s with the R90S /6 series, the R1250RT today carries BMW Motorrad’s iconic boxer twin, displacing 1,254 cc, six-speed gearbox and shaft final drive. Power out is claimed to be 136 hp at 7,750 rpm with 143 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm and the boxer mill is Euro 5 compliant.

  

  The engine uses variable valve timing in the from of BMW Motorrad’s ShiftCam that alters camshaft actuation for varying valve timing and valve lift on the intake side. Attention has been paid to the aerodynamics of the R1250RT, featuring a new front fairing with adaptive LED headlights that incorporate a swivel function for cornering.

  Standard equipment on the R11250RT is of a high level, including a luggage rack, storage compartment, centre stand, integral pannier cases in body colour. Also standard is Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” electronic suspension with fully automatic load compensation, working on the BMW Telelever front suspension and rear monoshock.

  

  

  

  A full set of riding aids is used on the R1250RT, including traction control with three riding modes, complemented by the optional Riding Modes Pro package that offers the Dynamic riding mode and new Dynamic engine brake control. Standard is hill start control and cruise control utilises radar distance control for distance keeping during highway riding.

  Inside the cockpit, a new multifunctional instrument cluster with 10.25-inch full-colour TFT screen is installed, with the BMW Motorrad Connected App giving Bluetooth functions for the rider’s smartphone and map navigation. For Malaysia, the R1250RT comes with Comfort and Dynamic packages as standard, providing keyless start, quickshifter, central locking system, seat heating, immobiliser with anti-theft alarm, tyre pressure monitor, 12 Volt socket, and enhanced smart phone connectivity with wireless charging.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• 2021 Aprilia RS660 midweight in Malaysia, RM59,900

  In Aprilia, Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 31 March 2021 4:18 pm / 1 comment

  

  Making its debut in Malaysia is the 2021 Aprilia RS660, Aprilia’s offering in the sports middleweight market, with an introductory price of RM59,900. Pricing excludes road tax, insurance and registration, and there are two colour schemes available, Lava Red and Apex Black.

  Powered by a Euro 5 compliant, liquid-cooled, two-cylinder, DOHC mill displacing 660 cc, and producing 100 hp at 10,000 rpm and 67 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. Deriving its engine design from the front two cylinders from the Aprilia 1,100 cc V-four, the RS660 gets power to the ground via a six-speed gearbox equipped with an Aprilia Quickshifter and chain final drive.

  Designed to get the most out of the engine performance, the RS660 delivers 80% of engine torque at 4,000 rpm, with 90% torque on tap when engine speed reaches 6,250 rpm. For comparison, the Yamaha MT-07 (RM38,888 in Malaysia), the RS660’s closest equivalent in terms of displacement and engine configuration, produces 74.8 PS at 9,000 rpm and 68.0 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm from 689 cc.

  

  As per the larger bikes in the Aprilia catalogue, the RSV4 and the Tuono V4, the RS660 comes equipped with a full suite of riding aids. These include traction control, wheelie control, engine braking control as well as engine mapping and cruise control. Managed by a six-axis inertial management unit, the RS660 also comes with multi map cornering ABS, three road riding modes plus two riding modes dedicated for track use.

  All necessary information is displayed on a full-colour TFT-LCD screen, with Aprilia’s MIA multimedia module that allows connection of the rider’s smartphone to the bike being an optional. The MIA module allows for voice commands and management of calls and music on the rider’s phone, as well as turn-by-turn navigation, complemented by hand controls on the left handlebar pod.

  

  Weighing 183 kg (169 kg dry), the RS660 uses a 41 mm diameter upside-down front fork and monoshock at the back, both fully-adjustable. Braking is done by Brembo with four-piston callipers on twin brake discs in front and two-piston calliper and single disc on the back wheel.

  Seat height on the 2021 Aprilia RS660 is set at 820 mm while 15-litres of fuel is carried in the tank. The RS660 arrives in Aprilia Malaysia dealer showrooms from mid-2021, with bookings being taken now.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• Transport minister Wee denies U-turn in bike exhaust issue, says JPJ has always used advocacy first

  In Bikes, Local News / By Danny Tan / 31 March 2021 11:22 am / 8 comments

  

  It has now died down a bit, the loud modified motorcycle exhaust issue, after transport minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said last week that offenders will face an interview and advocacy action from JPJ instead of a summons.

  That came after negative reaction from the motorcycling public against allegedly overbearing enforcement by the police, JPJ and the department of environment against noisy motorcycle exhausts, enforcement of which started in mid-February. The politicians then sensed an opportunity, and picked the issue up. UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng were among those who made statements, and so was Bossku Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

  Another U-turn by the government? Wee refutes the allegations of a U-turn, saying that JPJ has always used advocacy first.

  

  “Let me clarify that it has always been JPJ’s strategy to use advocacy and public education to inculcate road users on safe and community-friendly practices without resorting to issuing summonses straightaway. This has always been true even in regard to enforcement on the wrongful modifications of motorcycle exhausts, an issue which had been made viral of late,” Wee said yesterday in a Facebook post.

  “The government understands that currently, many motorists including motorcyclists in areas with Movement Control Order (MCO), Recovery MCO, and Conditional MCO, depend on their vehicles for their livelihoods and are hard-pressed to be faced with punitive fines.

  “However, many road and transport policies are made to protect the safety and health of motorists and pedestrians and the JPJ must continue to play its role in public advocacy and advice, without immediately resorting to summonses as alleged by many, including politicians such as the Bagan member of parliament,” he added, referring to Lim.

  

  “Therefore, the allegation by Lim Guan Eng that the ministry or minister has forced any form of ‘U-Turn’ on this matter is false and misleading. The MP may have missed the statement issued by JPJ on 16 March, which explained the issue on exhaust, stating that JPJ takes the advocacy and advice approach first before any punitive action is taken against any offender,” the Ayer Hitam MP and MCA president added.

  He explained that the advocacy-first approach is two-pronged. One is an interview notice under Section 114(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) for JPJ to provide guidance and advice for motorcyclists who had illegally modified their vehicles. Two is a vehicle inspection notice under Section 61(1) issued simultaneously with a notice to prevent use of a vehicle (PG1) under Section 59(1) of Act 333.

  The minister says that these notices allow vehicle owners ample chance to repair or convert their exhausts to the permitted types within 10 days. They must provide JPJ with the proof of the conversion and they must turn up for the appointments as informed through the notices, which are not summonses.

  Would the offenders show up, though? “Admittedly, JPJ has found that many who are given these notices have ignored them and failed to turn up for their appointments. Any illegal modification of motor vehicle exhausts may be subject to a compound of not more than RM300. If this is further ignored, one can be liable to be convicted in court, and be fined not more than RM2,000, or jailed not more than six months under Section 119 of Act 333,” Wee reminded.

   

  8 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2021 KTM Duke 200 launched in Malaysia, RM12,888

  In Bikes, KTM, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 March 2021 6:11 pm / 12 comments

  

  Now in Malaysia is the 2021 KTM Duke 200 naked sports, priced at RM12,888, with pricing not including road tax, insurance and registration. Having undergone a cosmetic makeover, this year’s Duke 200 now more closely resembles the KTM Duke 250 (omitted from the 2021 KTM catalogue) and Duke 390 (RM28,800 recommended retail price).

  The headlight now uses LED lighting, following the same design style as its larger displacement siblings, with LED DRLs although the main headlight is still a halogen unit, and an LED unit is found at the back. The fuel tank also gets a useful increase in capacity, up 13.4-litres from the previous 11-litres while weight is now claimed to be 150.3 kg dry.

  Engine configuration remains the same, with power coming from a 199.5 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder with DOHC and four-valves with alterations to the gearbox to comply with Euro 5 emissions standard. Power output is claimed to be 26 hp at 10,000 rpm while peak torque is 19.5 Nm at 8,000 rpm, with power going through a six-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

  

  

  

  Suspension uses WP upside-down forks, non adjustable, while the rear end of the Duke 200 is held up by a preload-adjustable monoshock. Brembo’s house brand Bybre provides stopping power, with a two-piston calliper on the front wheel grabbing a 300 mm disc and a single-piston calliper and 230 mm diameter disc on the back wheel, while two-channel ABS is standard.

  The KTM 200 Duke rolls on 17-inch wheels, fitted with 110 and 140 width tyres, front and rear, respectively. Seat height for the Duke 200 is set at 810 mm and is a two-piece affair with separate rider and pillions while the frame is separated into a main and sub-frame trellis, similar to the unit used on the Duke 390.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  12 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2021 MotoGP: Vinales takes first season win for Yamaha, Petronas SRT struggles to find pace

  In Bikes, International Bike News, MotoGP, Motorsports / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 29 March 2021 1:17 pm / 1 comment

  

  Opening the 2021 MotoGP calendar, the Barwa Qatar Grand Prix under the floodlights at Losail circuit, Qatar, saw Maverick Vinales of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP take the first season win. With the emphatic words, “we’re back,” Vinales started the race from third on the grid – team mate Fabio Quartararo was in second – but was quickly swamped at the start by the Ducatis from both factory and satellite teams.

  Ducati has shown the straight line power of the Desmosedici GP20 during practice and qualifying, a fact proven by rookie Jorge Martin who had an amazing launch from 14th place at the start to joining his Corse team mates in the lead bunch before the first corner. Meanwhile, Malaysian-led team Petronas Sepang Racing Team (SRT) was strongly tipped to give a good race with Valentino Rossi qualifying fourth on the grid after being transferred to the satellite team from Yamaha Factory Racing.

  2020 MotoGP world champion Joan Mir of Ecstar Suzuki, who started the race 10th on the fourth row of the grid, did sterling work fighting with the front group right until the final lap. Sitting in second with the finish line in sight, Mir ran wide on the final corner, allowing Zarco and Bagnaia to go past and let their Ducati’s straight line speed do the talking.

  

  

  

  At the finish, it was Vinales crossing the line with a time of 42’28.663, with Zarco and Bagnaia following 1.092 and 1.129 seconds behind, respectively. Mir had to settle for fourth place after his last corner mistake, with Quartararo and Suzuki team mate Alex Rins taking fifth and sixth places.

  Meanwhile, for the Petronas SRT, it was not the best of starts to the season, with Rossi finishing 12th, 10.742 seconds behind Vinales first place Yamaha, despite team principal Datuk Razlan Razali saying Rossi would be on identical machinery to the factory team. SRT compatriot Franco Morbidelli, who finished runner-up in the world championship last year, had a dismal race, complaining of suspension problems and finishing in 18th place.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• Motorcycles with loud exhausts – no seizure, only advocacy and not summons says Transport Minister

  In Bike Parts and Accessories, Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 March 2021 6:39 pm / 23 comments

  

  Motorcyclists with loud exhausts fitted to their machines will face an interview and advocacy action from JPJ instead of a summons, says Malaysian Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong. This is in response to negative reactions from the motorcycling public against the over-bearing enforcement by police, JPJ and the Department of Environment against noisy motorcycle exhausts, enforcement of which began in mid-February.

  Touching on statements made in a speech by UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during the 2020 UMNO General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, Wee said JPJ director-general Datuk Zailani Hashim had been informed that a notice be issued for an interview process with advocacy action instead of the issuance of a summons, reports Bernama.

  

  “I would like to inform that the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has decided that at this stage, it is better to focus on the advocacy approach which is to issue Notice 114 rather than than to issue summons,” said Wee during a media conference. JPJ Notice 114 requires the recipient to present his or herself at any JPJ branch for the purpose of investigations and information gathering.

  Additionally, Wee said a meeting was held between the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador and JPJ to co-ordinate advocacy efforts as the matter also involves police. For offences pertaining to loud exhausts and other modifications, a penalty of up to RM2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months is imposed, and may include seizure of the vehicle under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987, which will be detained till made road worthy.

  

  As of March 5, the police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) has issued a total of 10,166 summons against vehicles, of which 1,423 were for modified motorcycle exhausts. During the period of operation, 474 motorcycles, seven cars and two other vehicles were seized for offences 540 roadblocks across Malaysia.

  At the height of the crackdown, the IGP came out to say activities against noisy exhausts was on safety grounds, rather than a revenue raising operation. “Don’t seize the motorcycles. How do they want to continue to survive when that is the only vehicle they have to make a living. Are we blind, and cruel, to let the people to continue to suffer,” said Zaid in his speech during the assembly.

   

  23 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2021 BMW Motorrad C400X and C400GT scooters upgraded – Euro 5, brake callipers, new colours, ASC

  In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 26 March 2021 12:30 pm / 1 comment

  

  First launched in 2018, upgrades have been implemented for the 2021 BMW Motorrad C400X and C400GT scooters. The latest enhancements improve ride ability and bring this pair of scooters inline with Euro 5 emissions standards.

  Improvements to the C400 scooters include ride-by-wire – what BMW Motorrad calls “E-gas” or electronic throttle grip – which helps with idling stability, combined with a throttle valve bypass and turbulence system. Other engine enhancements include a modified catalytic convertor, wideband oxygen sensor, modifications to the cylinder head and adapted wiring harness.

  In addition to E-gas and new engine management, the springs in the C400’s centrifugal clutch have been optimised to eliminate clutch lag, a known issue with scooters using centrifugal clutches. This is done with increased spring force and slightly raised engine speed when the clutch re-engages, with tolerances reduced to compress the spread of engine speed during automatic clutch operation.

  

  Power numbers from the engine room remains the same as previous, with 34 hp at 7,500 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm coming from the single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve, OHC mill. Automatic Stability Control (ASC) has also been revised, with recalibration of the system for radius, such as when changing tyres, now done automatically.

  ASC has also been revised to handle lower friction road surfaces, giving a sensitive response on wet and slippery roads. Braking also sees a similar upgrade, with the twin callipers on the front wheel giving stable feedback and a well defined “bite” point and the left and right brake levers are now aligned for travel, giving a symmetrical feel to operation.

  

  

  

  Other improvements include lighting in the 31-litre underseat storage compartment while the front cowl storage compartment now adds a USB charging socket alongside the current 12-Volt power outlet. There are three colour variants each for the C400X and C400GT with the C400X coming in base Blackstorm Metallic and Granite Grey metallic and Style Sport in Blackstorm Metallic and RacingBlue matte metallic being extra cost options.

  For the C400GT, the base model can be had in Alpine White, while Kallisto Grey Metallic and Style Triple Black will cost extra. For Malaysia, the 2019 BMW Motorrad C400X and C400GT are priced at RM44,500 and RM48,500, respectively.

  GALLERY: 2021 BMW Motorrad C400X

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2021 BMW Motorrad C400GT

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• Malaysian police get Yamaha FJR1300P patrol bikes

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 25 March 2021 5:57 pm / 10 comments

  

  From a Facebook post by Two Wheels, it appears Malaysian police are getting a two-wheel update to their patrol vehicle fleet. in the form of the Yamaha FJR1300. Destined for police escort and patrol duties, deliveries of the FJR1300 have begun to destination police headquarters and stations throughout the nation.

  The Yamaha FJR1300 has been used by other police forces across the world, notably in the US where it serves with law enforcement and municipal organisations as well as in Europe. Designated the Yamaha FJR1300P, the police variant FJR1300 is powered by a 1,298 cc inline-four, liquid-cooled with DOHC and 16-valves.

  A six-speed gearbox and shaft final drive gets power to the ground with ride-by-wire giving traction control, cruise control and adjustable engine mapping as part of the electronics riding suite. The seat and handlebar positions are adjustable and the windshield is electrically operated.

  

  

  Power is rated at 145.5 hp at 8,000 rpm and 138.3 Nm of torque is available at 7,000 rpm. This is a slight increase over the standard model FJR1300’s 141.5 hp and 134.4 Nm with the police model also wired from the factory for police-specific equipments such as siren and speaker, strobe lights and handlebar control system.

  Other modifications include a compartment pre-wired for an auxiliary battery, taller windshield, hand guards integrated into the rear view mirrors and wind deflectors for the rider’s feet. Engine guards and a rear-mounted radio box completes the list of police duty accessories.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  10 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2021 Aprilia RSV4 1100 and RSV4 Factory updated

  In Aprilia, Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 25 March 2021 4:05 pm / 0 comment

  

  Entering this year’s riding season with an improved aerodynamics package and slightly more torque is the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 1100. Aprilia Engine Brake (AEB) is now its own distinct control mode and adjustable, separated from the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) built-in engine mapping and ride modes.

  Motive power comes from the narrow-angle 65-degree V-four, with displacement bumped from 1,078 cc to 1,099 cc. With piston increased from 52.3 mm to 53.3 mm, the RSV4 1100 now produces a claimed 217 hp at 13,000 rpm – same as previous – but torque goes from 122 Nm at 11,000 rpm to 125 Nm at 10,500, with the whole affair now Euro 5 emissions compliant.

  Aprilia says the engine revisions, derived from the track-only RSV4 RR, allow this year’s RSV4 1100 Factory to exceed 305 km/h top speed, assisted by a new Magneti Marelli 11MP ECU. With the new ECU, the RSV4 1100 Factory comes with three cornering ABS maps, which can be combined in any permutation with the new engine maps to provide a fine-tuned riding experience regardless of rider skill level.

  

  2021 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Dark Losail

  The suite of riding aids also includes six riding modes – three road and three track. The road modes include Street for daily riding, Sport for when things get a little spirited and User for full customisation while the three track modes are Race, using the Aprilia ECU presets while Track 1 and Track 2 are ride adjustable to suit two different race tracks with everything controlled from the left- and right-hand handlebar switch blocks.

  Aerodynamic resistance on the RSV4 1100 has been reduced with rider protection from the airflow increased by 11%. Airbox pressure sees a 7% increase while the winglets, integrated into the double-wall fairing and not just add-ons, were developed using computational fluid dynamics.

  Following lessons learned from the Aprilia MotoGP and World Superbike racing machines, the RSV4 1100 aerodynamics package directs airflow downwards to improve stability at high speeds while decreasing the tendency of the bike to lift the front wheel coming out of corners and increasing stability during hard braking, with improved engine cooling as a side benefit.

  

  2021 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory Lava Red

  Suspension on the RSV4 1100 Factory model variant uses Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension with electronic steering damper which has two modes – semi-active and manual – with three suspension maps, A1, A2 and A3. The suspension modes work in conjunction with the type of tyres used and the road surface, with A1 dedicated to track use and slick tyres and A3 is dedicated to road riding while A2 is an in-between mode.

  Meanwhile, the RSV4 1100 comes with Sachs full-adjustable suspension, front and rear, and a manually adjustable steering damper. Braking control is done with Bosch 9.1 MP ABS, with cornering ABS, working to provide wheelie and launch control as well.

  Braking is provided by Brembo’s road-going best, a pair of Brembo Stylema callipers on the front wheel. Selecting the optional carbon-fibre air ducts from the Aprilia performance parts cataglogue allows the rider to control brake temperature and optimise braking performance.

  

  2021 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory Aprilia Black

  There are two model variants of the Aprilia RSV4 1100 – base model and the RSV4 1100 Factory. The RSV4 1100 only comes in Dark Losail while the RSv4 1100 Factory can be had in Lava Red, a colour scheme throwing back to the 1994 Aprilia RS250 Loris Reggiani Replica, or Aprilia Black.

  No word as yet as to when the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 1100 and RSV4 1100 Factory will reach Malaysia. For the 2020 model, the RSV4 1100 Factory is retailing at RM159,900 while the naked sports Tuono V4 1100 Factory is priced at RM121,000.

  GALLERY: 2021 Aprilia RSV4 1100

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2021 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2021 Modenas Pulsar 200 in new colours, RM9,990

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, Modenas / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 25 March 2021 11:09 am / 10 comments

  

  First launched in Malaysia in 2017, the 2021 Modenas Pulsar RS200 has been updated with new colours and priced at RM9,990. Pricing excludes road tax, insurance and registration while the new colours are Pearl Metallic White and Pewter Grey in gloss, and matte Burnt Red.

  Also new for 2021 is a white finish for the alloy wheels along with carbon-fibre effect stickers for the front and rear fenders. The Pulsar logo is stamped onto the seat cover, all of which Modenas says will appeal to the both new and experienced riders.

  Power for the Pulsar RS200 comes from a liquid-cooled, four-valve, triple-spark plug, single-cylinder mill displacing 199.5 cc. Power for the Pulsar RS200 is claimed to be 24.5 PS at 9,750 rpm, and 18.6 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm, with fuelling done by EFI.

  

  

  Unchanged for 2021 is single-channel ABS, with a 300 mm single brake disc in front and a 230 mm unit at the back, making the the Pulsar RS200 the first motorcycle in this capacity range to offer it as standard equipment in Malaysia. 13-litres of fuel is carried in the tank, good for about 220 kilometres travel in the paultan.org Pulsar RS200 review.

  Suspension in front is with telescopic forks, while the rear end is propped up with a Nitrox monoshock, adjustable for preload. The 2021 Modenas Pulsar RS200 will be entering authorised Modenas dealer showrooms beginning March 26.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  10 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Project Triumph TE-1 e-bike completes phase 2 testing

  In International Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 24 March 2021 11:45 am / 2 comments

  

  Announced almost two years ago, the Project Triumph TE-1 electric motorcycle (e-bike) has successfully completed phase two testing in its development cycle. Phase two for the Triumph TE-1 reveals the battery and powertrain prototype, which Triumph says develops the equivalent of almost 180 hp, but with the motor weighing only 10 kg.

  A key objective of Project Triumph TE-1 is to develop advances in the e-bike’s overall weight, battery technology, and powertrain performance to meet targets set by the UK Automotive Council for 2025. To this end, Triumph has developed an all new advanced vehicle control software which incorporates all of the electrical systems, including throttle response, regenerative braking and traction control.

  The project, spearheaded by Triumph, is in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd and WMG at the University of Warwick, as well as the UK’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles and Innovate UK, a government agency that supports business led research and development in the UK.

  

  

  

  

  Chassis design and styling is by Triumph, with the goal of creating an e-bike that is optimised in the integration of the chassis, battery and motor components. Williams is responsible for the battery module layout and vehicle control unit that is integrated into the battery pack to minimise weight and reduce component size.

  Project Triumph TE-1 is divided into four main phases, with the aim of developing joint expertise in the packaging and safety of batteries, optimum electric motor sizing and packaging, the integration of braking systems including regenerative braking, and advanced safety systems across the UK e-bike industry.

  “Pulling all of this together with the partners we are thrilled to see the progress of such an exciting demonstration vehicle which incorporates the cutting-edge technology needed to guide the strategy for the future roadmap of electric motorcycles from Triumph,” said Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  2 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• IGP : Crackdown on exhausts for safety, not money

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 23 March 2021 6:34 pm / 34 comments

  

  Responding to allegations that the recent crackdown on noisy motorcycle exhausts across Malaysia were a revenue raising operation, Malaysian Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said this is not the case. The checks are to ensure motorcycles with noisy exhausts do not cause a nuisance to the public, reports The Malay Mail.

  Denying claims the checks are being done out of spite and to cause a burden to the motorcycle riding public, saying such action was taken after public complaints. “I have to make it clear that the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) is not out to collect money from these checks, but we are doing it for the safety of all road users and motor vehicle owners,” said Abdul Hamid.

  “There are those who said PDRM are being insensitive by conducting these checks and issuing summons to the people during a time when everyone is strapped for cash,” he added. “What I have to say is money can always be found or earned, but once you are dead or seriously injured, then what are you going to do?” Abdul Hamid said.

  

  However, an explanation on how a noisy motorcycle exhaust would be considered a safety hazard as opposed to a noise issue was not forwarded. The nationwide operation by police against noisy motorcycle exhausts began March 1 and saw 10,166 summons issued, with a potential penalty of a RM2,000 fine or six months jail term.

  Various riding groups have come out to protest what is seen as overly onerous action by police against a single group of road users, especially at a time of restricted movement orders curtailing the public’s ability to earn a living and make ends meet. Police have attempted to address this issue by carrying out an operation against their own personnel.

   

  34 comments | Leave a comment?

   

Latest Fuel Prices