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• MARii, MIROS sign MoU to improve vehicle safety levels, develop MyMAP star rating for motorcycles

  In Bikes, Local News / By Danny Tan / 6 January 2021 5:13 pm / 9 comments

  

  Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to raise the level of vehicle safety via R&D in the aspects of vehicle safety, road users and infrastructure.

  Through the MoU, both parties will have a strategic cooperation in R&D activities, the development of capacity, the development of standards, and the publishing of research in fields such as motorcycle safety, next-generation vehicles (NxGV), components and critical spare parts.

  “Since the establishment of MARii in April 2010, MIROS and MARii have worked together to research ways to improve road safety from the aspects of vehicles, road users and infrastructure. The results from the research will be used as the base to form and developed national-level strategies and policies,” said MARii CEO Datuk Madani Sahari.

  

  “For carmakers, they can enjoy more advantages via the Customised Incentive scheme offered by the government if they fulfil the set criteria. This initiative is capable of detailing the safety and environmental aspects to support the development of sustainable tech,” he added.

  The organisations say that MARii will contribute its expertise in the development of technology, especially in the field of NxGV for the development of the NxGV Test Bed in Cyberjaya.

  Meanwhile, MIROS will share its expertise in developing “scenario setting” for traffic conditions and real-world Malaysian driving simulation. The parties will also work together to shorten the accident reconstruction analysis period using a MARii-developed computer system.

  “Among the projects identified is the development of a star rating programme for motorcycle safety (MyMAP) and also NxGV,” said MIROS director-general Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim. MyMAP is a new motorcycle safety programme akin to ASEAN NCAP for cars. The MyMAP bike safety scope includes suitability, the adaptation of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regulations and the promotion of safety tech such as ABS and traction control.

  

  MARii says that with MyMAP, motorcycle buyers will be able to make a better choice, especially in terms of safety, which is the most important aspect.

  On the topic of standards, car safety standards in Malaysia may be higher than in some of our ASEAN neighbours, but we’re still behind the developed markets. Never mind AEB, ABS is still not mandatory for all new cars, and so is stability control (ESC was supposed to be mandatory by June 2018, but no updates since). Isofix child seat mounts are also not compulsory, and neither is the use of child safety seats.

  However, it must be said that the carmakers – especially those at the budget end – have been pushing the envelope when it comes to safety kit and today, even entry level models like the Perodua Axia and Bezza can be had with ESC and AEB. Not to be scoffed at as until very recently, some new German premium cars did not ship with autonomous emergency braking.

   

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• 2021 Husqvarna Svartpilen, Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 250 in Malaysia – priced at RM29,800 and RM24,800

  In Bikes, Husqvarna, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 6 January 2021 2:06 pm / 11 comments

  

  After being publicly shown as a concept in 2017 and entering the market in 2018, the 2021 Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen naked sports bikes are now officially in Malaysia. Coming in two displacements, 401 and 250, pricing for the Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 is RM29,800 while the Svartpilen 250 is priced at RM24,800, with all pricing excluding road tax, insurance and registration.

  With Svartpilen meaning “Black Arrow” and Vitpilen, “White Arrow” in Swedish, this trio of sub-middleweight sports, along with bigger stablemate the 701, is fruit of Husqvarna coming under the aegis of Austrian firm KTM. This means engine mechanicals and running gear are shared with the KTM Duke 250 and 390, though styling takes a rather different turn with the Svartpilen coming with high-rise motocross handlebars while the Vitpilen has flat handlebars.

  Inside the 401’s engine room, power comes from a 373 cc mill that puts out 44 hp and 37 Nm of torque, near enough identical to the Duke 390. As per the Duke 390, a six-speed PASC slipper clutch equipped gearbox delivers power to the rear wheel, with chain final drive.

  

  For suspension, the 401 comes with WP Apex 43 mm diameter upside-down forks, with 142 mm of suspension travel. At the back, a WP Apex monoshock, adjustable for pre-load, gives 150 mm of up-and-down movement.

  Braking wise, Brembo’s house brand Bybre is supplied, with a single four-piston radial-mount calliper on the front wheel clamping a 320 mm brake disc with two-channel Bosch 9.1MB ABS. In the rear, a single-piston calliper grabs a 230 mm disc, and the 401 rolls on 17-inch wheels in 3.00-inch width in front and 4.00-inch at the rear.

  Weight for the 401 is listed as 152 kg sans fuel for the Svartpilen and 151 kg for the Vitpilen and seat height is set at 835 mm. Fuel is carried in a 9.5-litre tank and LED lighting is used throughout, with the instrument panel a digital LCD display.

  

  Meanwhile, the Svartpilen 250 comes with a 248.8 cc, single-cylinder power plant putting out 31 hp at 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm of torque 7,250 rpm. A six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch and chain final drive gets power to the rear wheel.

  Like the 401, suspension on the 250 uses WP Apex units, with a 43 mm upside-fork for the front end and preload-adjustable mono shock at the back, with suspension travel 142 mm for both front and rear. Braking uses Bybre callipers, a four-piston unit in front clamping a 300 mm disc and a single-piston calliper at the back wheel on a 230 mm brake disc.

  Seat height on the Svartpilen 250 is 835 mm and the fuel tank holds 9.5-litres with a 1.5-litre reserve. Weight is claimed to be 154 kg and only the Svartpilen 250 with taller handlebar is brought into Malaysia.

  2021 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  2021 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  2021 Husqvarna Svartpilen 250

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Cyclists want motorcycle lane reserved for weekends

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 5 January 2021 9:25 am / 65 comments

  

  Cyclists are urging authorities to reserve the motorcycle lane on main highways for their use on weekends. This was said by Bukit Jelutong Plan A community organiser Faz Adhili, in the interests of cyclists’ safety, in an Astro Awani report.

  “I recommend that on weekends, the motorcycle lane on main highways such as Guthrie, Kesas and the Federal Highway be closed and reserved for the exclusive use of cyclists,” says Faz. “This is because traffic on the motorcycle lane on weekends is very low,” he continued.

  Speaking on video broadcast Awani Pagi, Faz has the opinion this is an effective way of ensuring safety of cyclists and requires tolerance from all parties to make it a success. He added that while there are cycling lanes in Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur, the lanes are not able to be fully utilised due to parked cars obstructing cycle traffic, as well as hawker stalls located along the five-foot way.

   

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• Putrajaya police chief to cyclists: use bell, lights and brakes or face a court date and possible RM2,000 fine

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 January 2021 4:51 pm / 15 comments

  

  Following the death of a female cyclist last December in Putrajaya, district police chief ACP Mohd Fadzil Ali has come out to say cyclists in Putrajaya must comply with road rules and regulations. Strict enforcement will be carried out beginning January 9, following the conclusion of “Bicycle Special Ops” which was conducted from January 1 to January 3.

  Firmly stating cyclists who flout the law will face action under the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Road Traffic Rules 1959, ACP Fadzil said they would be referred to court and could be fined of up to RM2,000. In a The Sun Daily report, ACP Fadzil said there were six accidents involving cyclists in Putrajaya in 2019 involving minor injuries, while 2020 saw 11 accident reports with one fatality.

  “Police would like to stress that cycling activities at the appropriate time and place are very important to reduce the risk of road accidents,” he said. Stating the relevant provisions under which cyclists can be charged, ACP Fadzil listed Section 54 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless riding, Section 79 (2) for failing to comply with traffic signs and Section 112 (3) of the same act for committing any cycling offence.

  Cyclists can also be charged under Rule 35 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 for not installing lights on the bicycle and Rule 42 for not having safety features such as brakes and bells where the penalty is non-compoundable, meaning the offender has to present themselves in court, said ACP Fadzil.

   

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• 2021 Dakar Rally sees KTM’s Toby Price lead the pack

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Motorsports / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 January 2021 10:59 am / 0 comment

  

  After the earlier prologue stage of the 2021 Dakar Rally where he finished ninth, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Toby Price heads the leader board after the weekend’s first stage. Price, who hails from Australia, won the 623 km stage in a time of 3 hours, 18 minutes and 26 seconds.

  In second place was Kevin Benavides of Argentina, riding for Monster Energy Honda Team, who finished the stage 23 seconds behind Price with a time of 3:18:58. The leaderboard standings have Price in first, Benavides in second and Austrian Matthias Walkner, also of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, in third.

  

  The route started in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, traversing rocky terrain towards Bisha. Of the 623 km race distance, 277 km consisted of a special timed stage, testing competitors’ navigation and bike handling skills with a long 311 km liaison section on tarmac.

  This year’s Dakar Rally is especially challenging for two-wheeled competitors, with navigation skills being tested along with the ability to manage race pace on the bike. For 2021, two-wheel racers are only allowed six sets of tyres for the 14-day, 7,646 km long race, which has to last them the duration of the rally, and navigation maps or race roadbook issued 10 minutes before the start of the race.

  

  Meanwhile, female competitor Laia Sanz, riding for GasGas Factory Racing on a GasGas RC450F, came in 34th due to navigation errors, a mistake which also cost Price time, near the end of the stage. Now in her 11th year of campaigning the Dakar Rally, Sanz said, “that was certainly a very real Dakar stage – there was a little bit of everything with some very technical sections. I’m quite happy with the way everything went for me, I’m really not pushing too hard and just trying to find my rhythm and speed again.”

  Today’s second stage heads from Bisha to Wadi Ad-Dawasir across the Wajid Plateau, covering a race distance of 685 kilometres, with a 228 km long liaison stage and 457 km special stage. Challenges on this stage will includes racers’ first encounter with Saudi Arabia’s desert sand dunes.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• JPJ to limit under-21 riders to 70 cc motorcycles?

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 4 January 2021 8:53 am / 24 comments

  

  A proposal by Malaysian police to limit teenage and young adult riders to small capacity motorcycles is being studied by the Road Transport Department (JPJ). This was reported by national news agency Bernama saying JPJ director-general Datuk Zailani Hashim not decision has been made on the proposal as yet.

  Any decision on such a proposal would have to be discussed in depth with the Malaysian Institute for Road Safety Research and the Public Works Department, Zailani is reported to have said. “The proposal was made due to the increase in the number of accidents and deaths involving high-powered motorcyclists involving youths, aged between 16 and 20 years,” said Zailani.

  This issue was raised after an article appeared in portal Free Malaysia Today saying Bakri Zainal Abidin, deputy director of enforcement for Bukit Aman’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division (JSPT) made such a statement in speech. From Free Malaysia’s Today’s report, this was taken from an audio of recording of the speech made in 2019 during the Road Safety Council (MKJR) annual general meeting in 2019.

  

  Bakri is quoted as saying, “new laws should be considered within five years for a new licence class for teenagers, where they will only be allowed to ride small engine capacity or low-powered electric motorcycles.” Additionally, in 2007, Consumers Association of Penang president, the late SM Mohamed Idris, urged the government to allow motorcyclists aged 17 to 21 to only ride motorcycles displacing 70 cc and below.

  It should be noted there has not been a 70 cc motorcycle available for sale in Malaysia since the 1970s and such a motorcycle will struggle to reach a speed of 80 kmh. In discussion with industry colleague Albakry “Buck” Salehuddin of FSR Technology, who has extensive experience in mainstream journalism, riding motorcycles and currently engaged in motorcycle performance upgrades, this speed disparity makes it more dangerous for the rider.

  “Can you imagine tooling up to manufacture a 70 cc kapchai just for the Malaysian market? It won’t happen because the Malaysian motorcycle market is so small, the cost of doing so will take millions (of Ringgit),” said Buck. Buck says a better solution is proper enforcement by the authorities, not just holding periodic traffic operations and ad hoc roadblocks as well as better driver and rider training from a young age.

   

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• 2021 Yamaha Exciter launched in in Vietnam, RM8,235

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 30 December 2020 10:41 am / 12 comments

  

  After a series of teasers, the 2021 Yamaha Exciter has finally been launched in the Vietnam market, with pricing starting from RM8,235. Also known as the Yamaha Y15ZR or “Y-Suku” in Malaysia, the Vietnam model Exciter gets an overall makeover including bodywork, engine and transmission.

  The 2021 Exciter uses the same engine as the Yamaha YZF-R15 (RM11,988) as well as the Yamaha MT-15 (RM11,998), a single-cylinder 155 cc mill fed by EFI, with SOCH and Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). Mated to a six-speed transmission with slip and assist clutch, the Exciter puts out 17.7 hp at 9,500 rpm and 14.4 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm, a touch lower from the R15’s 19 hp and 14.7 Nm of torque.

  Aside from the engine room, major visual changes can be seen in the bodywork for the Exciter, which comes with all new body panels, with LED headlights and LED DRLs located below on the front cowl.The rear light design is also new and resembles the tail light unit on the Yamaha YZF-R1 super bike.

  

  

  

  A new instrument panel is used for the 2021 Exciter, a digital LCD display which includes a tachometer and gear indicator. Also new for the Exciter in the underbone class is a kill switch on the right handlebar pod and passing light switch on the left.

  As a result of the new bodywork, the Exciter also gets a new seat, a sporty two-step design. Underneath the seat, a larger fuel tank can be found, containing 5.4-litres to the previous model’s 4.2-litres.

  

  

  

  For the Premium version of the Exciter, front braking gets an upgrade with a two-piston calliper while forks are now 10 mm taller, giving 100 mm of suspension travel. Meanwhile the rear end of the Exciter comes with a preload-adjustable mono shock and other rider conveniences for the Premium Exciter include keyless start with push-button seat opening and USB charging socket.

  In Vietnam, three versions of the 2021 Yamaha Exciter are available – the GP Edition at 50.49 million dong (RM8,848), the Premium Edition at 49.99 million dong (RM8,761) and the Standard Edition at 46.99 million dong (RM8,235), while in Malaysia, the Yamaha Y15ZR is priced at RM8,168 recommended retail.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2021 Piaggio Beverly – suburban scooter elegance

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 28 December 2020 12:43 pm / 2 comments

  

  Coming in two versions, the 2021 Piaggio Beverly is a sporty interpretation of the Italian scooter. As parent company to Vespa, the Piaggio scooter brand is no less well known in Italy but markets a more contemporary design style.

  Keeping the retro-style scooter looks for the Vespa range, the Piaggio Beverly focuses on on the modern side of things, with swoopy body panels, LED lighting and a coach line that starts at the front wheel axle and draws upwards to the rear. New for 2021 are two power plants, both Euro 5 compliant from the HPE (High Performance Engine) – Malaysian riders will know this engine from the Vespa 300 GTS HPE Super Tech (RM33,000), launched earlier this month.

  The Beverly carries a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve HPE mill which comes in 300 cc and 400 cc displacements. For the 300 cc engine, power numbers are 25.8 hp at 8,000 rpm and 26 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm, translating to an increase in power and torque of 23% and 15%, respectively, over the previous generation engine.

  

  Meanwhile, the 400 cc variant of the HPE engine gets 35.4 hp at 7,500 rpm and 37.7 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. The 400 HPE engine replaces the previous 350 cc version, offering better performance and improved rideability for medium and long-range suburban touring.

  Wheel sizes for the Beverly are seven-spoke 16-inch alloy in front and 14-inch at the rear, shod in 110/70 front and 140/70 rear tyre sizes for the 300 while the 400 gets 120/70 front and 150/70 rear rubber. Brand name suspension is used for the Beverly, with 35 mm diameter Showa front forks and twin Showa shock absorbers at the back, adjustable for preload.

  

  

  Inside the cockpit, a 5.5-inch LCD instrument panel displays all the necessary information along with Piaggio’s MIA connectivity – standard fitment on the 400 HPE – which connects to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth. Also standard is the keyless access system for the Beverly, which gives keyless start, seat and fuel cap access, and steering lock, all without the rider having to take the key out of his or her pocket.

  For the Piaggio Beverly, colour options are Bianco Luna, Blu Oxigen and Grigio Cloud, all in metallic shades and combined with a dark brown seat and light grey wheels. The Beverly S comes in Argento Cometa and Nero Tempesta in matte, while the Arancio Sunset features a gloss finish, matched to black seat and dark grey wheels.

  2021 Piaggio Beverley S

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  2021 Piaggio Beverley

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2021 KTM 390 Adventure now in Malaysia, RM30,800 – also launched, 2021 KTM 250 Adventure, RM21,500

  In Bikes, KTM, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 24 December 2020 3:06 pm / 8 comments

  

  Now in Malaysia is the 2021 KTM 390 Adventure, priced at RM30,800 and smaller stable mate, the 2021 KTM Adventure, priced at RM21,500. Prices do not include road tax, insurance and registration.

  Developed from the KTM 390 Duke released in 2017 and priced at RM28,800 then, the 390 Adventure is not simply a 390 Duke with taller suspension. First of the major changes between the 390 Duke and the 390 Adventure is in the suspension department, with WP Apex 43 mm diameter forks with adjustable compression and rebound in separate fork legs, giving 170 mm of suspension travel.

  At the back, a WP Apex mono shock gives 177 mm of travel with adjustable rebound and preload. The 390 Adventure’s trellis frame, inspired by the KTM 450 Rally competition machines, features a slightly laid-back steering head angle of 63.5 degrees for better straight line stability.

  

  Power comes from a 373.2 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve DOHC mill putting out 44 hp at 9,000 rpm and 37 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. A six-speed, PASC slipper clutch gearbox and chain final drive gets power to the rear wheel.

  The gearbox comes equipped with a quick shifter, but requires a RM1,600 payment to be electronically enabled. Rolling on a 19-inch front and 17-inch wheel, braking for the 390 Adventure is done with Bybre callipers, a four-piston unit on the front wheel with 320 mm brake disc and a single-piston unit at the back with 230 mm disc.

  Two-channel Bosch 9.1 MP cornering ABS is standard, with off-road mode that disables rear wheel ABS for rear wheel sideways action. There are two ride modes on the ride-by-wire throttle – road and off-road – with off-road mode disabling traction control completely and no intermediate steps in between.

  

  

  

  Inside the cockpit is a full-colour TFT-LCD, similar to the unit found in the 390 Duke. Bluetooth connectivity is standard and allows the rider to control calls and messages while turn-by-turn navigation is enabled with the purchase of the KTM My Ride app for Android or Apple.

  Weight for the 390 Adventure is listed as 172 kg fully fuelled while seat height is set at 855 mm. For those riders shorter in stature, KTM provides a optional lowering kit consisting of fork height spacers, lower spring and shortened side stand.

  Fuel capacity for the 390 Adventure also takes a boost, with 14.5-litres of fuel carried on board. This is a step up from the 390 Duke’s 13.5-litre unit and the fuel tank itself is now a polycarbonate item, reducing weight and increasing capacity at the same time.

  

  For the 250 Adventure, which uses the same frame as the 390 Adventure, its 248.8 cc single-cylinder engine puts out 30 hp at 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Rolling gear for the 250 Adventure stays the same as the 390 Adventure but front suspension is non-adjustable while the rear monoshock is adjustable only for preload.

  The full-colour LCD panel is replaced with a monochrome LCD display while traction control is not available. ABS is with Bosch 9.1 MB two-channel ABS. Weight for the KTM 250 Adventure is 170 kg ready to ride while seat height is the same as the 390 Adventure, 855 mm.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 75th Anniversary MV Agusta RMV wristwatch by RO-NI – in limited edition of 75 units worldwide, RM277,245

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Lifestyle, MV Agusta, Watches / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 23 December 2020 2:38 pm / 4 comments

  

  Yet another limited edition involving the MV Agusta motorcycle brand, this time the RO-NI RMV MV Agusta wristwatch, celebrating MV Agusta’s 75th Anniversary. To be produced in a limited run of 75 units, the RMV is priced at 56,000 euro (RM227,245) and complements the recently released (and sold out) limited edition 2021 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 Alpine.

  Made from materials used in the production of MV Agusta motorcycles, the RMV uses titanium, 7075 aluminium, carbon-fibre and steel complemented by the use of leather, Alcantara and sapphire to create wearable art. Each hand-made RMV, assembled by a single master horologist, is numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authentication.

  The case for the RMV measures between 44.5 mm to 44.0 mm and is 10.28 mm thick, made from 7075 aluminium alloy which is water resistant to five atmospheres. The same aluminium alloy is also used for the case back and bezel, with a sapphire crystal watch face, giving the RMV a claimed weight of 49 grams.

  

  

  

  For the automatic winding movement, 30.60 mm in diameter with a thickness of 3.9 mm, and assembled out of 144 components and 27 jewels, the power reserve is listed as 48 hours. The dial is made from carbon-fibre with Superluminova hand-finished and engraved indexes with the same composite material used in the suspensions and front-dampers.

  “The RMV may not be for all, as it possibly represents the ultimate luxury in terms of watches, but it perfectly interprets our spirit of excellence and perfection expressed through craftsmanship, beauty and unequalled performance. The lucky few who will own it will possess a piece of our history and of our soul. Forever,” says Timur Sardarov, chief executive officer of MV Agusta.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2021 RGNT Scrambler No.1 e-bike of Sweden, RM59k

  In Bikes, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 22 December 2020 5:23 pm / 4 comments

  

  Hailing from Sweden, RGNT has released the second model in it’s electric motorcycle (E-bike) range, the 2021 RGNT Scrambler No.1. The Scrambler No.1 follows the retro-styled RGNT No.1 e-bike, with online orders being taken in May 2020.

  Motive power is similar to the RGNT No.1, a hub-mounted 11 kW peak power – 8 kW continuous – electric motor, fed by a 7.7 kWh battery pack. This gives the rider a claimed 150 km of range with a governed top speed of 120 km/h.

  Intended for use as a daily commuter and for light highway riding, the Scrambler No.1 is claimed to weigh 155 kg with the battery accounting for 60 kg of that weight. The battery pack uses 4.5 hours to get to a full charge and RGNT says a fast charger is currently under development.

  

  

  

  Braking uses J Juan brakes from Spain, with upgraded ISR brakes available as an option with a 595 euro (RM2,954) uncharge. Knobby tyres for that authentic scrambler look are fitted on black Excel Takasago spoked rims along with boots on the fork legs.

  The instrument panel is a 7-inch LCD touch display Toradex board with Cloud connectivity and is GPS ready while lighting on the Scrambler No.1 is by MotoGadget. Priced at 11,950 euro (RM59,302), deposits of 450 euro (RM2,234) are being taken on RGNT’s website.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Yamaha XSR900/MT-09/Tracer get Bottpower XR9 Carbona body kit – pricing starts from RM24,652

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 22 December 2020 11:19 am / 2 comments

  

  Many special motorcycles have come out of Yamaha’s Yard Built programme, where custom motorcycle builders and designers are let loose on Yamaha’s two-wheel products, specifically the Yamaha XSR900. While the Yard Built customs are one-off designs not intended for the mass market, with the XR9 Carbona by Bottpower, things have changed slightly.

  Taking inspiration from the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb, where Bottpower specials won two race categories in 2017, the Bottpower XR9 Carbona was built using composites and 3D printing. “The XR9 Carbona is inspired by our Pikes Peak victories. With its strong torque and compact chassis, we realised that the CP3-powered Yamaha XSR900 was the ideal base for this dynamic new Yard Built special,” commented Bottpower manager David Sánchez.

  Styling cues were taken from Yamaha’s R-series sports bikes, notably the Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R6, in the twin hidden headlights on either side of the XSR900. The design of the XR9 Carbona is heavily weighted to the front, with the rear end using a truncated flat-tracker seat clad in Alcantra leather.

  

  

  

  According to Sanchez, the XR9 Carbona kit is designed to fit any current model Yamaha XSR900 or CP3 powered platform. This means the MT-09 and MT-09 Tracer, which share engine and chassis with the XSR900, will accommodate the XR9 Carbona dress up kit without the need for modifications to the frame.

  The XR9 Carbona kit includes a fuel tank cover with integrated carbon fibre air intakes, carbon fibre seat and tail including alcantara saddle along with tail & signal lights. The kit also includes front number plate with integrated LED position lights, radiator covers with winglets, high/low beam headlights, licence plate holder, sprocket cover and belly pan.

  

  Pricing for the Bottpower XR9 Carbona starts at 4,975 euros (RM24,652) for the XSR900 base kit, with the MT-09 option adding 450 euros to the price and orders can be made on Bottpower’s website. Selecting the various options, including the MT-09 along with Design 1 paintwork, painted front fender, license plate holder and sprocket cover brings the price up to 5,485 euros (RM27,181) excluding shipping and duties.

  What do you think? RM24,652 is a lot of money to be asking for a motorcycle body kit over and above the donor bike, though it is made to a high standard using carbon-fibre. In Malaysia, the 2018 model year Yamaha MT-09 retails at a recommended price of RM47,388.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2021 Honda CBR250RR Malaysian launch, RM25,999

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, Local Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 December 2020 8:51 pm / 36 comments

  

  After being teased, rumoured and talked about since its debut in the Indonesian market in 2016, the 2021 Honda CBR250RR is now officially launched in Malaysia, priced at RM25,999. Two colour options are available for the CBR250RR, Winning Red and Matter Gunpowder Black Metallic, with availability at all Honda BigWing, Impian X and Impian dealerships.

  Power for the CBR250RR comes from a two-cylinder, 249.7 cc power plant producing 40.23 hp at 13,000 rpm and 25 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm. A six-speed quick shifter equipped gearbox with assist and slipper clutch gets power to the ground via chain final drive.

  Braking is with single hydraulic discs front and rear, with two-channel ABS, and the CBR250RR rolls on 17-inch wheels shod in 110/70 and 140/70 rubber, front and rear respectively. Suspension uses upside-down forks in front while the back end is held up by a five-step preload adjustable monoshock.

  

  

  Fuel for the CBR250RR is carried in a 14.5-litre fuel tank and seat height is set at 780 mm. With a 1,389 mm wheelbase and 145 mm of ground clearance, the CBR250RR weighs in at a wet weight of 168 kg.

  Closest competitor to the CBR250RR in Malaysia is the very popular Yamaha YZF-R25, which retails at a recommended price of RM19,998. The R25 gets 35.5 hp at 12,000 rpm and 22.6 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm from it’s two-cylinder engine but is not fitted with ABS.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• 2021 Yamaha MT-09 – creating the sound of darkness

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Yamaha / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 December 2020 1:47 pm / 5 comments

  A lot of work goes into the design of a motorcycle exhaust because riding as a hobby and sport is as much about the auditory experience as it is about the ride. In the case of the 2021 Yamaha MT-09, extensive work went into the design of the under-slung exhaust that replaced the side exit unit of the previous generation.

  The redesigned exhaust on the 2021 MT-09 has to comply with Euro 5 emissions regulations whilst still turning in performance and for some riders, a pleasing exhaust note without being obnoxiously loud. For this, the Yamaha engineers made an exhaust chamber that reduces the 3-into-1 header into twin exhaust pipes.

  

  

  

  This is combined with extensive engine noise reduction, notably in the gears which are machined to a closer tolerance. Under Euro 5, noise is also considered an emission, and this reduces the total amount of overall noise generated by the MT-09.

  On the intake side of things, three inlet pipes let the 899 cc CP3 suck in air in adequate amounts and provide a pleasing intake sound while still being regulation compliant. The three pipes are of differing lengths and diameters, with Yamaha engineers taking inspiration from a church organ.

  

  Launched in late October, the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 has been extensively reworked over the previous model. The CP3 inline three-cylinder now displaces 899 cc with a power output of 117.3 hp at 10,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm.

  Weight has been reduced from 193 kg to 189 kg and an all-new frame is 2.3 kg lighter than before. Also new is a full-colour TFT-LCD instrument panel, LED lighting front and rear and adjustable front forks.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• Honda RoadSync bike to phone connectivity in 2021

  In Bike Parts and Accessories, Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 18 December 2020 11:51 am / 1 comment

  

  Smartphone connectivity comes to Honda motorcycles in 2021 with the introduction of Honda RoadSync, working with its Smartphone Voice Control Bluetooth module. Like other such applications in the market, such as BMW Motorrad’s ConnectedRide, RoadSync allows communication between the rider’s smartphone and the motorcycle, controlling functions such as phone calls, messaging, navigation and music.

  RoadSync functionality will be available for the Honda X-Adv, CB1000R as well as the Forza 750 in 2021, while the Forza 350 will have it as an extra cost option. Use of RoadSync is via a switch on the handlebar pod and microphone and speakers in the rider’s helmet.

  There are four main functions controlled by RoadSync – navigation, phone calls, messages and music. Each of these functions will be repeated on the instrument panel while in operation.

  

  For Voice Control, commands will depend on the function selected, such as setting a destination for navigation, though this requires presenting a maximum of five destinations beforehand. This also applies to calls and messages, with five favourite numbers or preset messages entered into the system ahead of time.

  Aside from navigation, RoadSync also displays the weather forecast up to five hours ahead and current weather for the intended destination. Honda’s intent for the RoadSync system is to allow the rider to focus on the ride while still enjoying the functions of smartphone connectivity.

   

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