Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world

New DBKL New Compound Rates

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has begun enforcing new compound rates for traffic offences beginning Monday, 1st July 2024. The offences are under the purview of the Road Transport Act 1987 and its subsidiary legislation.

DBKL announced that the compound rates for the motorcycle category are RM30 for payments made within one to 15 days, RM50 (16 to 30 days) and RM80 (31 to 60 days).

For car offences, the compound rates are RM50 for payments made within one to 15 days, RM80 (16 to 30 days) and RM100 (31 to 60 days).

Meanwhile, for heavy vehicles, the compound rates are RM200 for payments made within one to 15 days, RM250 (16 to 30 days) and RM300 (31 to 60 days).

VEHICLE TYPE	Paid within
VEHICLE TYPE	1-15 days	16-30 days	31-60 days
Motorcycle	RM30	RM50	RM80
Car	RM50	RM80	RM100
Heavy vehicle	RM200	RM250	RM300

Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering 2024 Set New Record

The recent Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering 2024 set a new record.

It was momentous occasion when over 310 Ducati Panigale owners and their motorcycles gathered for the event. Safe to say, it beat the previous record of 150 Panigales set in 2011, earning the event a place in the Malaysia Book of Records.

The Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering 2024 event began at the Ducati KL showroom, before the convoy was flagged off, and subsequently headed to the Nilai Spring for the celebrations. The entire event and convoy highlighted the camaraderie and unity of the Panigale community.

Several luminaries attended the event including MotoGP, WSBK and ARRC hero Hafizh Syahrin; Siddhartha Varma, the Marketing Director Asia Pacific, Ducati Motor Thailand; and Dennis Michael, COO of Ducati Malaysia.

Dennis Michael shared, “The Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering is more than just a world record-breaking event; it’s a celebration of the ‘Malaysia Boleh!’ spirit and the love of Ducati on our shores. We are thrilled to support our local passionate Ducati clubs and their enthusiastic owners, especially when it comes to their love for Ducati, here in Malaysia and also around the world. I would also like to extend a word of appreciation to my colleague Siddhartha for gracing this event and witnessing first-hand the strength of our Ducati Malaysian enthusiasts.”

Siddhartha Varma, added, “The Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering in Malaysia is a testament to the passion and dedication of our riders. It’s an incredible sight to see so many Panigale motorcycles together, reflecting the unity and enthusiasm that defines the Ducati family.”

All in all, the Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering 2024 not only set a new world record but also underscored the unwavering commitment and passion of Ducati riders. This historic event showcased the essence of Ducati’s heritage, the spirit of innovation, and the profound sense of community that binds Panigale enthusiasts worldwide.

License of Tour Bus Operator Involved in Genting Highland Accident Suspended

The license of the tour bus company involved in the fatal accident at Genting Highland on Saturday, 29 June 2024, will be suspended.

It is understood that the bus driver did not have a valid license and had 27 previous traffic offences. Of the 18 Chinese nationals onboard, 2 we killed, while 13 others were injured. 4 tour guides, and the driver survived.

A total of eight accident victims who are receiving treatment at the hospital are reported to be stable.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing revealed that there were complaints from victims who said the bus did not have air conditioning and was noisy. In addition, the tourists changed buses three times during the six days and five nights they were here. The minister said, “This proves that the buses are not well maintained.”

“That’s why I always tell all tourism companies must be ready to accept tourists from abroad,” he said when met by reporters after visiting the victims of the bus accident at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) here today.

Also present was the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yuging.

Following that, the company’s operating license was suspended while a full investigation and report was carried out. “I have already instructed the ministry to conduct an investigation against the travel company because it is understood that they have a subline (third party).

Commenting further, Tiong said, a special meeting involving his ministry and the Ministry of Transport will be held this Tuesday, to discuss the investigation of the case.

He said, among those that will be discussed are standard operating procedures (SOP) involving tour companies and sightseeing buses that are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport through the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

He said that his party takes the issue of the safety of foreign tourists who seek the services of travel companies in this country seriously.

“I have already asked the ministry to speed up a short investigation starting tomorrow. If the investigation finds a fault, we will cancel the license of the company involved,” he said.

He also apologised to all the victims involved in the accident and hoped that the same incident would not happen again.

2024 Ducati Desert X Discovery Ready for Long Tours

Here comes the 2024 Ducati Desert X Discovery: The Desert X with all the official touring accoutrements you can shake a stick at.

It uses the stock bike as the base, which is already potent enough what with the 937cc, 90° V-Twin (Ducati insists it is an ‘L-Twin’) that produces 110 hp.

And as if that’s not enough, you have adjustable KYB suspension, Brembo M50 brake calipers, 320mm brake discs up front, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, and TFT display with connectivity suites. As standard.

To bring it to the Discovery spec, Ducati added:

Engine protectors.
Sump guard a.k.a. bash plate.
Reinforced hand protectors.
Radiator protector.
Larger touring screen.
Heated grips.
Centre stand.
A pair of 76-litre aluminium adventure side cases.

And suddenly the idea of riding the bike to a remote campsite is not such a worrisome prospect.

The 2024 Ducati Desert X Discovery is priced at £17,295 (RM103,185.71), which is £2,300 (RM13,722.29) more than the standard Desert X.

But… that price is actually dearer than the standard Ducati Multistrada V4 which sells for £16,995 (RM101,394.30) in the UK.

BMW R 1300 GS Trophy Competition Motorcycle Revealed

The BMW R 1300 GS Trophy Competition motorcycle has been revealed ahead of the BMW International GS Trophy 2024, this time in Namibia, Africa.

As such, BMW prepared the recently launched 2024 BMW R 1300 GS for this endeavour.

But of course, it is not several one-off specials. Instead, BMW makes it as close to the bike you can buy at your local BMW Motorrad dealer.

The new Boxer engine looks to be untouched and retains its present 145 hp and 149.2 Nm of torque. Apart from that, it is fitted with black cross-spoke wheels with anodised rims, shod with Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres. The suspension is equipped with Adaptive Height Control for safer and easier handling.

Protection for the motorcycle includes engine protection bar, frame guard, large skid plate, headlight guard, white handguard extensions.

An Akrapovič exhaust system, handlebar risers, adjustable gearshift and brake levers, GS Vario rider footrests, enduro hand levers, and a rally seat, complete the equipment list of the competition GS. An adventure tail bag is fitted for storage.

The GS Trophy returns to the continent where it began in 2008 after travelling around the world to locations such as Thailand, New Zealand, Mongolia, Albania, et al. Namibia, which is located at the southwestern coast of Africa promises amazing scenery along with the Big Five animals. However, BMW Motorrad says that this may be the most challenging edition ever.

A total of 60 riders from 22 national teams (16 men’s, 6 women’s) will compete for the coveted trophy GS Trophy 2024 Namibia from September 15th to the 20th. Based on past GS Trophy events, the most successful team will be the one that was best prepared, had the best teamwork, and rode most skilfully.

2024 Honda Dash 125 Launched in Malaysia

Hot on the heels of the 2024 Honda CB350RS, Boon Siew Honda has also launched the 2024 Honda Dash 125.

There are several updates to the model despite its positioning as a budget friendly moped.

Highlights:

Honda calls the powerplant a “refined 125cc EURO 4 compliant engine.” It should mean better fuel efficiency in order to pass the tough emission standard.
As per Honda’s tradition for better torque in the low to mid RPM range, it is a long stroke engine with bore x stroke dimensions of 52.4 mm x 57.9 mm.

The engine 124.9cc, DOHC, four-valve, air-cooled, PGM-FI fuel injected engine produces 7.35 kW (9.8 hp) at 8,000 RPM and 9.54 Nm at 6,500 RPM. See what we mean by having a long stroke produces better torque?
Other specifications remain the same such as a 4-speed transmission and kick starter.

In terms of aesthetics, there is now a visor and sleeker handle cover.
The headlight is now LED.

More importantly, the 2024 Honda Dash 125 features front and rear disc brakes, although without ABS.
There are three vibrant colours, namely Red, Blue, and Silver.

It will be available at all Honda IMPIAN X and authorised dealers nationwide from today, 28 June, for a recommended selling price from RM6,599 (excluding road tax, insurance,
and registration).