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Malaysian rider, Hafizh Syahrin won at ARRC Zuhai yesterday, and subsequently gave Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Racing Team their maiden victory.

It was the first race session, in the second round of the Asian Motorcycle Championship (ARRC) 2024. Hafizh rides a Ducati V4 R machine in the ABS1000 category for superbike machines 1000cc and above.

Hafizh who started in the front row showed a consistent ride to be the first rider to cross the finish line.

He beat Honda Asia-Dream Racing Astemo team rider, Andi Farid Izdihar who was satisfied to finish the race in second place while another national rider, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman representing TKKR BMW Racing Team was third.

For the record, this is the first victory for the JDT Racing Team, who are appearing in their first ARRC season. On his previous debut at the Buriram International Circuit, Thailand, Hafizh took third place in the second race, after experiencing technical problems in the first race.

Hafizh who uses a Ducati Panigale V4R machine dedicated the inaugural championship to the Acting Sultan of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail who is also the owner of the team.

The new Yamaha MT-09 and Yamaha XMAX each won a Red Dot Design Award for 2024.

The 2024 MT-09 is in its fourth generation. Yamaha redesigned the bike as the previous 2021 MT-09 with the “cyclops” (one-eyed monster) headlight proved unpopular. The new version also has a new front screen, fuel tank, and tail section. Additionally, the redesigned fuel tank includes acoustic ducting to channel the bike’s engine sound to the rider. The new tank was also designed to allow for a freer riding position.

While the MT-09 won the award for its design, the XMAX won on practicality. Yamaha says the functionality of the front fork and engine, “are visualised in the tight silhouette, expressing an attractive sense of exuberance.” As a footnote, although it was the XMAX 300 that garnered the accolade, it has the same design as the XMAX 250 in our country.

Yamaha has picked up Red Dot Design Awards in each of the last 13 years, having won one at least every year since 2012.

Two of Honda’s motorcycles had also won the Red Dot Design Award, earlier. One was the EM 1e:, together with the Motocompacto. Both are electric scooters.

It is an important year for Piaggio as they celebrate their 140th anniversary. Piaggio in 1884 and has since owned the Vespa brand, among others. So, Piaggio called upon Vespa to create the Vespa 140th of Piaggio edition.

To commemorate the momentous achievement, only 140 will be built, making it the rarest Vespa. It is only available for ordering between 18 to 21 April, coinciding with the Vespa World Days 2024 Rally.

The Vespa 140th of Piaggio is resplendent in a white and blue theme, as an homage to Piaggio’s corporate colours. Several other components also use these colours such as the seat and wheels.

As you can see, it is based on the Vespa GTV, which has a 300 HPE single-cylinder, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine. It produces 24 hp, making it the most powerful Vespa engine.

Apart from that, it has a digital display, keyless start, traction control, ABS, and connectivity via the Vespa MIA app.

Each unit has a numbered celebratory plate on the rear shield, with an enhanced 140-years logo.

There is no pricing on the bike, though, but you can check it in on the Vespa website.

Suzuki Malaysia launched the Suzuki Avenis and Suzuki Burgman Street EX scooters, aimed at strengthening the brand’s presence in Malaysia’s small capacity scooter segment.

While both models share the same platform, Suzuki says the Avenis is aimed at younger riders while the Burgman Street EX is a more premium offering.

Highlights of the Suzuki Avenis

  • A 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC 125cc Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) engine.
  • It produces 8.6 HP (8.7 PS) of peak power at 6,750 RPM and 10 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.

 

  • Compact LCD screen with an intuitive layout and an eco indicator light for fuel-efficient operation.
  • External hinge-type fuel cap located conveniently at the rear behind the seats.

  • 21.5 litres of under-seat storage, two helmet hooks, and two utility hooks for additional items.
  • 5.2-litre fuel tank capacity.
  • The three colour options are Metallic Matte Fibroin Grey with Metallic Lush Green, Metallic Matte Black with Glass Sparkle Black, and the special Metallic Sonic Silver with Triton Blue ‘GP Edition’.

  • The standard colours are priced at RM 6,980.00, while the GP Edition is priced at RM 7,200.00 (nett selling prices, not on the road).

Highlights of the Suzuki Burgman Street EX

  • A 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC 125cc Suzuki Eco Performance-Alpha (SEP-α) engine.
  • It produces 8.6 HP (8.7 PS) of peak power at 6,750 RPM and 10 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.
  • Equipped with Engine Auto Stop-Start (EASS) and Suzuki Silent Starter System.

  • Longer wheelbase for better stability, planted feel, and a comfortable riding experience.
  • Extended floorboards offer both flexibility in foot positioning and comfort during long rides.
  • 21.5 litres of under-seat storage, two helmet hooks, and two utility hooks for additional items.

  • A closable front compartment with a USB charging port and easy access to front storage compartments.
  • A larger 5.5 Litres fuel tank capacity, best in its class.

  • The Burgman Street EX comes in two colour options – Pearl Moon Stone Gray and Metallic Mat Black.
  • It is priced at RM 7,500 (nett selling price, not on the road).
Suzuki Avenis Photo Gallery

 

Suzuki Burgman Street EX Photo Gallery

MBP Moto has acquired the legendary Morbidelli brand.

The purchase was made by Chinese-owned Keeway Group through MBP Moto. MBP stands for “Moto Bologna Passioni,” hence MBP Moto will now be renamed Morbidelli MBP.

The purchase has been discussed since the end of 2022 when logos and names for Morbidelli MBP and Morbidelli MBP Pesaro were registered in Hong Kong by Powerlink, a company linked to the Qianjiang Motorcycle group that owns Keeway and another legendary Italian brand, Benelli.

Giancarlo Morbidelli started Morbidelli in Pesaro but the new Morbidelli MBP will move to Bologna, instead. The Centro Stile Morbidelli and a new R&D Center will be built “to explore new technologies and materials, improving the design, performance and bringing Italian motorcycling excellence to the world, in the name of heritage and passion by Giancarlo Morbidelli,” Morbidelli MBP says.

The new brand’s range will consist of scooters between 125cc and 500cc, and motorcycles between 125cc and 1000cc. An electric range is set to be revealed in 2025. Morbidelli MBP is targeting the US, European, and Chinese markets to begin with. MBP’s current range consists of bikes such as the C1002V cruiser and M502N naked.

 

Dante Bustos, CMO of Keeway Group, said: “This acquisition is a testament to MBP Moto’s aspiration for excellence in the motorcycle industry. We are thrilled to welcome a historic premium brand like Morbidelli into our family. It will allow us to blend the legacy of racing and Made in Italy craftsmanship with our vision of the future of motorcycling. Our passion for innovation, combined with Morbidelli’s rich heritage, will lead to the creation of motorcycles with an unrivalled blend of performance, design and history.”

The original Morbidelli’s fame came primarily from racing. It began in the Motorcycle World Championship in 1969 in the 50cc class, and would race in the 125cc, 250cc, 350cc, and 500cc World Championships throughout the 1970s. Four titles were captured by Morbidelli between 1975 and 1977, with three in the 125cc class and one, in 1977, in the 250cc class. Racing activities ceased in 1982.

 

On the local front, the Malaysian distributor, Mforce Bike Holdings has confirmed that MBP Moto and Morbidelli will make an appearance at Malaysia Autoshow 2024, from 22 to May 26 at MAEPS Serdang. They will feature several models intended for the Malaysian market, such as the T1002V, SC150 and N252V, besides launching several new models.

Michelin Malaysia launched the latest range of motorcycle tyres, namely the Michelin Power 6, Michelin Power GP 2, and Michelin Anakee Road, in an event last night.

According to Michelin, these new tyres are the result of their commitment to excellence, performance, and safety on the road, showcasing the brand’s continuous efforts to meet consumer needs.

Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, Prichapakorn Dangrojana states that,

“We’re thrilled to demonstrate Michelin’s steadfast dedication to adapting to ever-changing consumer needs through the innovative expansion of our motorcycle products. With innovation at the core of Michelin’s strategic approach, we are dedicated to advancing our motorcycle tire offerings to maintain our position as the benchmark in the industry for riders and OEMs alike and are delighted to be able to cater to Malaysian motorcyclists whose passion encompasses both the open road and the racetrack. Now with the MICHELIN Power 6, MICHELIN Power GP 2, and MICHELIN Anakee Road, we’re embarking on a technical revolution that promises to elevate the riding journey for Malaysian motorcyclists.”

MICHELIN Power 6: Your Everyday Tire for Excitement and Sportiness

The Michelin Power 6 follows in the footsteps of the excellent Power 5 sport-touring tyre, with emphasis on sport. (On the other hand, the Road 6 is also a sport-touring tyre, but with emphasis on touring.)

Michelin says that the Power 6 is optimised for wet and dry conditions, sporty handling and agility. They added that the tyre was also developed with mileage and lasting performance in mind for those long trips.

MICHELIN Power GP 2: From Racetrack Dominance to Roadside Adrenaline

Originally crafted for the track and now certified for street performance, the Michelin Power GP 2 represents the pinnacle of tire engineering. These tyres cater to supersports bikes above 600cc.

In other words, these are true sport tyres which can be used on the track and vice versa. It also means that you can ride it to the track, have fun in a trackday, and ride back with the same tyres.

MICHELIN Anakee Road: Trail-Designed Thread Pattern for Road Usage

There used to be only one Michelin Anakee tyre which provides a balance for road and off-roading, but Michelin has since split the range into several variants according to their respective uses. Now there is the Anakee Wild for off-roading, and this, the Anakee Road for road-biased riding but with light off-road capabilities.

As such, the Anakee Road features a 90/10 ratio for on-road/off-road use. That means adventure bike owners need not fear about grip on the road, while still being able to take to the trail into the durian orchard.

Pricing

With 130 years of history in developing 2-wheel tires, and more than 500 wins in the FIM World Championships, Michelin benefits from a vast and unique know-how that has helped them remain a driving force behind innovation in the automotive industry.

The Michelin Power and Michelin Anakee ranges have been homologated by premium manufacturers such as BMW Motorrad, Triumph, KTM and Honda along with many others.

Recommended retail pricing (RRP) for the new Michelin Power GP 2, Michelin Power 6, and Michelin Anakee Road tires along with size pairing are as follows:

MICHELIN POWER GP 2

PRICE RANGE PER SET (RM)

FRONT & REAR
120/70 ZR 17 (58W) TL 160/60 ZR 17 (69W) TL
180/55 ZR 17 (73W) TL
190/55 ZR 17 (75W) TL
200/55 ZR 17 (78W) TL
RM 1,300 – RM 1,700
MICHELIN POWER 6

PRICE RANGE PER SET (RM)

FRONT & REAR
110/70 ZR 17 (54W) TL
120/70 ZR 17 (58W) TL
140/70 ZR 17 (66W) TL
160/60 ZR 17 (69W) TL
180/55 ZR 17 (73W) TL
190/55 ZR 17 (75W) TL
200/55 ZR 17 (78W) TL
RM 1,020 – RM 2,000
MICHELIN ANAKEE ROAD

PRICE RANGE PER SET (RM)

FRONT & REAR
90/90 – 21 (54V) TL/TT
120/70 R 19 (60V) TL/TT
110/80 R 19 (59V) TL/TT
150/70 R 18 (70V) TL/TT
170/60 R 17 (72V) TL/TT
150/70 R 17 (69V) TL/TT
RM 1,300 – RM 1,700

For more information, visit https://www.michelin.com.my/motorbike/motorbikes-scooters-tyres.

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