Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has introduced a new colourway for the 2025 Yamaha R15M, called Signature Black.
The Yamaha R15 was first launched way back in 2018 in Malaysia, before the R15M reached Malaysia in 2022. Following its bigger brother, the YZF-R1M, the “M” means the variant has better features. As such, the R15M has a quickshifter, traction control, Yamaha Y-Connect, LED lights with DRL.
Additionally, the R15M’s design and colourways are inspired by the R1M, including this year’s edition.
However, the 2025 Yamaha R15M retains the same 155cc, single-cylinder, SOHC with VVA engine capable of producing 19hp (14.2kW) peak power at 10,000rpm and 14.7Nm of peak torque at 8,500rpm. The engine power is sent through a assist and slipper clutch, and a six speed gearbox.
To reiterate, the fuel tank capacity is 11 litres and Yamaha claims a kerb weight of 140kg.
The recommended selling price remains at RM14,988. Buyers will receive a Yamaha disc lock worth RM100.
The 2025 Honda CBR650R and 2025 Honda CB650R equipped with the Honda E-Clutch electronic clutch technology have arrived in Malaysia at long last.
The E-Clutch system retains the clutch lever and gear lever, thus allowing for manual gear shifting without utilising the lever in all aspects of riding such as while idling, moving from stop, and while the motorcycle is in motion. It basically turns a big bike into a big kapchai with automatic clutch. The clutch lever is retained and can be pulled manually by the rider should he desires so, for example when he wants to half-clutch when riding through traffic, etc. The technology is different from Honda’s own Dual-Clutch Transmisson (DCT). We will run a feature about this later.
Highlights of 2025 Honda CBR650R and 2025 Honda CBR650R
The Neo Sports Café roadster of the CB650 range, while the CBR650R is the sportbike.
Both are powered by a 649cc, four-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve engine, which delivers 94hp (70kW) at 12,000 RPM and 63Nm of torque at 9,500 RPM.
Front suspension consists of 41mm Showa Separate Function front Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) USD forks.
Rear suspension consists of a monoshock adjustable for preload.
Updates include a new TFT screen, LED lighting, a USB Type-C charging port.
The TFT screen connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The rider can access navigation and music streaming functions via the Honda RoadSync app.
Electronic rider assistance include Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and 2-channel ABS.
The 2025 Honda CB650R is offered in new colours called Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, Matte Laurel Green Metallic, and Candy Chromosphere Red, at the selling price of RM47,999.
The 2025 Honda CBR650R is offered in Grand Prix Red, and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, at the selling price of RM49,999.00.
Certain brands place a lot of emphasis and create copy-proof measures at great expense. We are therefore starting this series of articles to look at how these brands protect their customers and intellectual property, starting with Komine.
The saying goes, “Imitation is the best form of flattery.” In other words, a brand is considered to be “there” when it is copied. But is it really? Of course it is not good – even destructive – for a the original maker’s reputation and bottom line, but it can also be dangerous to wear fake riding gear.
Fake gloves sold at a ridiculous price. It’s too good to be true
Why is it dangerous to wear fake gear?
There are standards governing motorcycle gear, from head to toe, starting from the helmet, to the padding in jacket, gloves, pants, and footwear. These standards ensure that the products are tested and proven to protect against injury. Manufacturers who wish to sell their gear must conform to these standards.
The most common standard is the European CE standard, which is adopted in more than 60 countries around the world. Certain European countries mandate that motorcyclists wear CE-approved gear, and the rider could be fined or his insurance claim voided (if he is involved in an accident) should be found not wearing CE-approved gear.
Not so with fakers. Their product may look the same, feel the same, even smell the same, but they are not the same because they are not tested to these exacting standards. Some tests carried out by bloggers and authorities have found that these copycat gear actually endanger the wearer instead of providing any form of protection.
Who is Komine?
The Komine brand he company was founded in 1947 by Komine Shunsuke, a motorcycle enthusiast. Komine products are known for being affordable, high quality, and safe. The company is now based in Tokyo, Japan.
They make many forms of riding gear, including helmets, and are the main suppliers to the Japanese traffic police.
Komine places rider safety and security above other concerns and as such, most of their jackets and pants feature CE-Level 2 protection padding.
How do you tell if the Komine product is genuine?
Every Komine’s wearable product i.e. jacket, gloves, pants, footwear, leather racing suit feature a hologram tag. To verify if it is genuine:
Turn off your phone’s macro lens feature (the flower symbol).
Bring the camera close to the hologram tag.
You should see at least one “OK” mark. The mark does not appear sharp but it is done so by design.
Fake Komine goods in the market may feature such hologram tag, too, but the “OK” mark does not show.
JacketGlovesPantsFootwear
Conclusion
The issue of fake products is exacerbated by online shopping platforms where unscrupulous sellers claims that their products are “100% genuine.” However, it may be easy to tell when the item is offered at ridiculously cheap prices, sometimes with the excuse of “stock clearance” or “factory price”, so remember that it may be too good to be true.
Do buy from official channels for your own safety and a peace of mind.
Okay, that is all for Part 1 now. Stay tuned as we track down other brands.
The latest BMW R 12 (2025) has been launched in Malaysia.It is the successor to the R nineT series which has been in the market since 2013.
The BMW R 12 (2025) is a cruiser-style motorcycle for relaxed riding.The front wheel measures 19-inches while the rear wheel measures 16-inches.
Highlights:
As an “R” series model, it uses the flat-twin Boxer engine that is synonymous with BMW motorcycles.
The R 12 engine is the same as the R nineT’s, which is a 1170cc type that produces 95hp at 6,500 RPM and 110Nm at 6,000 RPM.There is also a different engine performance tuning for the R 12 nineT model that has not been launched here, which is 1170cc, 109hp at 7,000 RPM and 115Nm at 6,000 RPM.
BMW says the motorcycle can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 200 km/h.
New airbox.
New 6-speed gearbox with Shift Assistant Pro for clutchless gear changes.
A single-piece steel frame replaces the previous two-piece frame. BMW claims that the new frame is lighter and gives a cleaner look.
The suspension consists of 45mm upside-down forks up front, while there is a monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound damping. As is typical of the “R” range, there is a Paralever swingarm.
The front brakes use two 310mm brake discs and four-piston calipers. The rear brakes use a single disc with a 2-piston brake caliper.
BMW Motorrad ABS Pro is standard.
Electronic features include 2 riding modes, Rock and Roll.
There is also Cruise Control.
Dynamic Traction Control, as well as Engine Drag Torque Control which controls engine torque so that the rear wheel does not hop when downshifting aggressively.
This motorcycle is also equipped with the Hillstart Control feature which provides the best control when the motorcycle stops on a slope.
In addition, there is also the BMW Intelligent Emergency Call feature that makes an emergency call if the motorcycle is involved in an accident.
The LED lights are combined with Adaptive Headlight Pro and Dynamic Brake Lights.
Classic round speedometer.
The BMW R 12 (2025) is available in Aventurine Red Metallic.
Alright, let us continue with part 2 of this Adventure Motorcycles for New Riders (2025). But before we proceed further, let us clarify that “adventure motorcycles” describe motorcycles that have more fuel capacity and long-range comfort, compared to enduro motorcycles. In other words, these motorcycles retain some off-road capabilities and can be used for touring. Hence they are also known as dual-sport motorcycles.
Let us also move up the scale a bit and into the sub-500cc range.
6. KTM 390 Adventure
There are actually two versions of this bike i.e the standard 390 Adventure and the (much) more off-road oriented 390 Adventure R.
Launched in 2021 with cast alloy wheels, it underwent a revision for 2023, featuring wire spoked wheels.
Then, at EICMA last year, KTM revealed the long-awaited “R” version which was pretty much a totally new motorcycle including a new engine, suspension, bodywork, frame, swingarm, 27-inch front wheel, electronics. Come to think of it, it is much more like the smaller version of the 790/890 Adventure R.
In any case, the 390 Adventure was a hoot to ride both on the road and off-road, thrilling both new and veteran riders. However, wait for the “R” version if you plan on more exploring and off-roading.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan offers reliability, toughness, simplicity, versatility, and affordability all at one go. However, that toughness has a price in terms of weight. The 450 is the new model and features a bigger engine and TFT screen with smartphone connectivity, and there are 4 trims.
452cc, single-cylinder, DOHC, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine, producing 40hp at 8,000, 40Nm at 5,500 RPM.
17-litre fuel tank, 191kg (dry).
825mm seat height.
Pros: Simple, reliable, versatile.
Cons: Rather heavy.
Selling price: From RM30,600.
8. CFMoto 450MT/450MT-X
A high-spec’ed motorcycle at a competitive price: Adjustable KYB suspension, TFT screen, J.Juan brakes, adjustable windscreen (although manual), switchable rear wheel ABS via a dedicated button, etc. This bike is gear more towards off-road riding with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, but has a low seat height. Go for the MT-X version for just RM2,000 more and you will get three aluminium cases.
449cc, parallel-twin, 270º DOHC, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine, producing 44hp at 8,500, 44Nm at 6,250 RPM.
Not as off-road oriented as the Scrambler 1200 but does a decent job with its longer travel suspension. But as with other Triumphs, the 400 platform is nimble, has a torque and entertaining engine, and superb suspension. And, the Scrambler 400 X comes equipped with a whole range of accessories, making it look really butch at a great price.
398cc, parallel-twin, 270º DOHC, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine, producing 39.5hp at 8,500, 37.5Nm at 6,500 RPM.
13-litre fuel tank, 179kg (wet).
835mm seat height.
Pros: Easy to ride, stylish, entertaining.
Cons: Very short 1st and 2nd gears.
Selling price: RM29,900.
10. Benelli TRK 502X
The TRK 502X is the adventure version with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, while the TRK 502 is the sport-touring version with 17-inch wheels on both ends. Truth be told, this product lineup is kind of long in the tooth, although it was updated recently. But, you do get dual front brakes, and it is probably the best for long-distance touring among the group here.
500cc, parallel-twin, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine, producing 48hp at 8,500, 45Nm at 6,000 RPM.
20-litre fuel tank, 213kg (dry).
840mm seat height.
Pros: Well appointed for long-distance riding.
Cons: It is heavy and feels heavy.
Selling price: RM35,288.
Closing
So there you have it, 10 most appropriate adventure motorcycles for new riders. It has to be said that motorcycles have come a long way and even a 250cc adventure bike can do wonders plus saving you a few bucks to be spent on riding gear.
There are several models missing in our list, including the Honda CB500X and Fantic Caballero 500. These two are fantastic bikes, nonetheless so we will write further features about them in the near future.
A road accident caused by a 16-year-old driver has killed 5 victims. The incident occurred in Kuching, Sarawak, yesterday.
Kuching District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said that four of the victims, aged between 16 and 45, including a woman, died at the scene.
He said that another victim, a 16-year-old boy, was confirmed dead while receiving treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
“The accident on Jalan Teo Kui Seng-Stutong Baru at about 12.50pm occurred when a car from Jalan Lapangan Terbang heading towards Jalan Seria Raja lost control and skidded into the opposite lane.
“The car then crashed into two motorcycles and two cars in the opposite lane,” he said in a statement tonight.
Mohd Farhan said the 16-year-old boy who was driving the Proton Saga that crashed into four other vehicles is still receiving treatment at HUS due to a neck injury.
“Three other victims who also suffered injuries are also receiving further treatment at HUS,” he said.
The four other vehicles involved in the accident were a Toyota Altis, a Proton Saga and two motorcycles, a Yamaha and a Modenas.
According to him, the boy, who does not have a driving licence, will be detained after he receives treatment at HUS.
“He will be detained for investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which is causing death by reckless and dangerous driving.
“If convicted, they can be sentenced to between five and 10 years in prison and a fine of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM50,000,” he said.
He also appealed to the public who have information regarding the incident to contact traffic investigation officer, Assistant Superintendent Lucas Apin at 013-8246881 / 082- 259900 or any nearby police station.
