Amirul Azreen, Author at BikesRepublic.com

15 Motorcycles Bursts Into Flames In Bukit Mertajam

On Thursday, a total of fifteen motorcycles go up in flames in the parking area at Flat Tuna D4 in Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident.

Meanwhile, Penang Fire and Rescue Department operations officer Shahrul Munawer Taharen confirmed the incident.

“Upon arrival, the fire team found 15 motorcycles in the parking area on fire and efforts were made to prevent the fire from spreading.

“The fire also caused damage to a store used to keep prayer paraphernalia,” he told The Star.

The incident is currently under investigation. – The Star

OFFICIAL: 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Breaks Cover -79.1HP With Ram-Air

After months of speculation, Kawasaki has officially announced its latest sports bike line-up with the all-new Kawasaki ZX-4R.

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R is the latest inline-four screamer to join Team Green.
The Ninja ZX-4R features the same high-tensile steel trellis frame as the ZX-25R.

Available in three variants, ZX-4R, ZX-4R SE and ZX-4RR is powered by the firm all-new 399cc inline-four, water-cooled 4-stroke with DOHC unit that’s capable of pumping 79.1hp with Ram-Air.

Similar to the ZX-25R, the 400cc screamer also offers a generous rev limit of over 15,000rpm and is fitted with the same trellis (high tensile steel) frame.

Power is fed from the bike’s 15-litre fuel tank and is regulated by a 6-speed manual transmission with a final chain drive.

The suspension comes from Showa with SFF-BP forks at the front and a horizontal back-link at the rear. However, the suspension package is what sets the three variants apart, with the base model getting the SFF-BP forks as mentioned above, while the SE and RR feature front forks with preload adjustment. The RR is also equipped with Showa BFRC-lite rear shock similar to the one found on the ZX-10R.

Braking is done via radial-mounted callipers mated to a dual 290mm front brake disc and a single 220mm disc at the rear.

Electronic-wise, the Ninja ZX-4R features all-around LED lighting, Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), 4-power modes (Sport, Rain, Road and Rider), a two-way quickshifter (SE and RR) and a 4.3-inch LCD colour display with integrated ‘Track Mode’.

According to Kawasaki USA, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R is confirmed for release in mid-2023 with an official selling price of USD 9,699 (RM41.3k).

PDRM Is Looking For Motorcyclist Caught Riding On Public Roads Without A Helmet

A video went viral on social media after a man was caught riding a Ducati Hypermotard on public roads without wearing a helmet.

According to Rule 4, Motorcycle (Helmet) Rules 1973, motorcyclists who do not wear a helmet while riding can be charged a maximum compound of up to RM300.
The man in the video was seen testing a Ducati Hypermotard.

The 11-second video also caught the attention of the Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department (JSPT), which is now on the lookout for the individual in the viral video.

According to a Facebook post on Wednesday, the police ask the motorcyclist to come to a nearby police station to assist with the investigation.

Members of the public who has any knowledge of the incident are also advised to contact the nearby police station immediately.

Riding a motorcycle on a public road without a helmet is an offence according to Rule 4, Motorcycle (Helmet) Rules 1973 and can be charged a maximum compound of up to RM300.

Reliving The Old Days With Zeths Latest ZFR 500 R Avenger

Something interesting just came across our news desk this week, and it is probably one of the best-looking retro-style motorcycles we’ve ever seen.

Zeths is a motorcycle company based in China.
The ZFR 500 R Avenger is the company’s maiden sports bike.

Chinese motorcycle company, Zeths has just announced the ZFR 500 R Avenger, a retro-inspired machine that could take us back to the old days’ thanks to its exciting design.

The 500 R Avenger is not only a departure from the firm’s current range of bikes but also the brand’s maiden sports bike in the lineup.

However, we have to give credit to Zeths for coming up with a motorcycle that is inspired by race bikes from the 70s instead of copying and pasting designs of existing models from other manufacturers.

Also, the ZFR 500 R Avenger looks good and features decent specs, including a parallel-twin 500cc engine, adjustable suspension, single-sided swingarm and even four-pot radial Brembo brakes and twin disc.

The specs might be standard for a European or Japanese machine, but it is an interesting development for a bike coming from China.

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if the bike will ever make its way outside of China.

KTM 390 Adventure Gets Spoked Wheels For 2023

The KTM 390 Adventure has been updated for 2023 with an upgrade that fans of the entry-level machine have been asking for – spoked wheels.

2023 KTM 390 Adventure now equipped with wire-spoked wheels as standard.
the entry-level ADV continue to make 44hp and 37Nm.

The upgrade enhanced the bike’s aesthetic and beefed up the bike’s durability off-road.

Also, the spoke sits within black-anodized aluminium rims with 19-inch at the front and 17-inch at the rear.

Aside from the new rims, the 2023 390 Adventure continues to make 44hp and 37Nm of peak torque from its Bajaj-built 373cc single-cylinder DOHC engine. Additionally, the bike features two catalytic converters.

Other notable features remain available, including ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, cornering ABS and an ‘Off-Road’ riding mode. The mode allows for more rear wheel slip and reduces ABS intervention.

KTM also retained the steel trellis frame for the 2023 model year, including the WP Apex suspension that offers adjustable rebound, compression and preload.

Braking is done via Brembo’s ByBre radial callipers with 320mm disc at the front and 230mm disc at the rear.

Also complementing the 2023 edition is a new colour scheme inspired by the KTM racing background.

“BMW More Interested In Selling Bikes Than Winning Races” – Scott Redding

Scott Redding is not holding back for his latest statement towards BMW after claiming that the manufacturer focuses too much on selling motorcycles instead of winning in WorldSBK.

The British rider joined BMW at the beginning of the 2022 season, with the team looking adamant about closing the gap of their M 1000 RR with the front row.

Despite tremendous effort, the BMW M 1000 RR race bike still needs to catch up to the likes of the Yamaha R1M, Ducati Panigale V4 R and Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

As a result, Redding could not break into the top seven in the championship last season, further increasing the riders’ frustration towards the German manufacturer.

“I signed the contract because I wanted to win and they told me they would do what I wanted to win.

“And they made changes. The fork and brakes have changed, but some things will never change and you have to accept that.

“I want to win the championship so are they but maybe selling motorcycles interest them more than winning the World Championship,” he said.

During last week’s two-day test in Jerez, Redding ended the session in 12th place, 1.4s down on Razgatlioglu. He’s currently in Portimao for another round of tests.

This 1908 Strap Tank Harley-Davidson Just Sold For RM3.9 Million

A vintage 1908 Strap Tank Harley-Davidson has just been sold, or USD 935,000 (RM3.9 mil), including auction fees at the Mecum Auction, held in Las Vegas.

The bike gained the ‘Strap Tank’ name due to its fuel and oil tank that wraps around the cross-bar of the frame by nickel straps.
The Strap Tank is said to be an evolution from Harley-Davidson first built motorcycle.

While the numbers themselves don’t make it the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at an auction, it is still a considerable amount for a Harley-Davidson built machine.

According to reports, the motorcycle was owned by its owner, David Uihlein, since the 40s, and he kept it for 66 years before letting it go.

The bike gained the ‘Strap Tank’ nameplate due to its fuel and oil tank that wraps around the cross-bar of the frame by nickel straps.

Although the motorcycle got restored at some point, the bike is mainly in its original state, including the tank, wheels, engine belt pulley, seat cover and muffler sleeve.

Some suggest that the Strap Tank is an evolution from the first Harley-Davidson that William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson built together.

Reportedly, there were 450 models made, but these days, less than a dozen remain in complete condition.

Meet Europe’s Fist Underbone Motorcycle, The Malaguti Spectre GP125

Underbone motorcycles are standard in Asia, particularly South East Asia, with millions sold yearly. In Malaysia, these type of motorcycles is widely known as ‘kapcai’.

The Malaguti Spectre GP125 is Europe’s first underbone motorcycle.
The Spectre GP125 features a 125cc single-cylinder with air-cooled engine.

While underbone motorcycles are a hit in Asia, the motorcycle is almost nonexistent in Europe. However, that is about to change thanks to the introduction of Malaguti’s Spectre GP125.

Malaguti is an Italian motorcycle company commonly known for offering a wide range of affordable motorcycles, including scooters, enduro, supermoto, adventure and street bikes.

However, its latest model, the Spectre GP125, is the first underbone-type motorcycle available for the European market.

Mechanically, the Spectre GP125 makes 10hp @ 8,500rpm and 9.6Nm @ 6,500rpm thanks to its 125cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke and air-cooled engine.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a manual 5-speed transmission with a final chain drive.

Braking is done via a massive 320mm hydraulic disc brake with axial callipers at the front and a 190mm disc with single-piston callipers at the rear. Also, the Spectre GP125 runs on 17-inch wheels with 120/70 front and 90/80 at the rear.

Other notable features include LED lights, a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer and telescopic forks.

The entry-level motorcycle is currently on sale for EUR2,499 (RM11.5k).

Man Apprehended For Hitting His Wife With A Motorcycle Helmet

Police have arrested a man who was caught hitting his wife with a motorcycle helmet after a video of the couple went viral on social media.

A 35-year-old man is arrested in Kelantan after a video of him hitting his wife with a motorcycle helmet went viral.
The suspect also tested positive with Methamphetamine.

The 1-minute 47-second video shows a man shouting at his wife in front of an eatery before hitting her with his motorcycle helmet.

However, Gua Musang district police, Superintendent Sik Choon Foo, has confirmed that the 35-year-old man was arrested in a house at RKT Kesedar Paloh 2, Kelantan, on Saturday (28 January).

According to reports, the suspect claimed that the incident occurred because he did not allow his wife to work so she could take care of his ailing mother.

Nevertheless, the man also tested positive for Methamphetamine after undergoing a urine test.

The helmet used to assault his wife was also confiscated by the police.

Chon Foo said that the man will be remanded for four days until Wednesday, and the case is currently under investigation under Section 323/18 of the Domestic Violence Act 1994 and Section 15 (1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

(source: Berita Harian)

The Tuareg 660 To Spearhead Aprilia’s Rally-Raid Project

Aprilia is set to return to the off-road arena after announcing its “Back To Africa” rally-raid programme, with the Italian firm set to utilise its Tuareg 660 motorcycle.

Aprilia announced its return to off-road racing with the “Back to Africa” project.
Aprilia to develop a rally-raid machine with the firm’s latest Tuareg 660.

Italian rally raid and enduro rider Jacopo Cerutti will help to develop the new rally-raid version of the Tuareg 660 with the involvement of Romano Albesiano and Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola.

The project delivers a different challenge for Albesiano and Rivola, who have dedicated most of their lives to MotoGP. Nonetheless, Aprilia’s success in the world championship will provide a significant boost in developing a winning machine.

“With its ‘Back to Africa’ project, Aprilia Racing is returning to the world of off-road racing, to the races that forged the division.

“We want to keep growing in the world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing and in on-track races. We want to discover new talent through our SP 250 Championship and the RS 660 Trophy, but we are also embarking on a completely new project with the extraordinary Aprilia Tuareg.

“It’s an additional sign of development for a racing division that has grown significantly over the past years, achieving results never before seen by Aprilia,” said Rivola.

According to Aprilia, GCorse – a company run by the Guareschi brothers – will also provide technical assistance. GCorse already worked with the Tuareg 660 in the Italian Motorally Championship 2022; hence their hands-on experience is crucial for the programme.

Aside from Cerutti – a multiple-time Italian and one-time European enduro champion – the rally-raid Tuareg 660 will also be piloted by Francesco Montanari.

Modenas To Launch The Dominar 250 Soon?

Modenas currently rebadged several Bajaj-made models for the Malaysian market including the Pulsar 200, Pulsar 160 and the popular Dominar 400.

The Dominar 250 features the same bodywork as the Dominar 400.
The quarter-litre sport-tourer makes 27hp and 23.5Nm.

However, in a latest development it has come to our knowledge that Modenas is set to expand its motorcycle range with the introduction of the Dominar 250.

Although no official announcement made just yet, we understand that the Dominar 250 could be introduce in Q2 2023.

The Dominar 250 made its official debut in India back in March 2020 and it looks to be one very respectable 250cc sport-touring model for the masses. Priced at Rs 1.60 lakh (around RM9,163 after direct conversion), it’s the perfect beginner’s bike for those looking to go the extra mile.

It’s also a considerable price cut compared to its bigger and more powerful sibling, the Dominar 400. We’re guessing that a lot of folks here in Malaysia would be interested in this particular model considering it carries a lot of the great specs of the Dominar 400 into its 250cc package (which also means that riders here won’t have to upgrade their riding license).

Fitted with a 250cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine taken from the KTM 250 Duke, the 2020 Bajaj Dominar 250 has been tuned to produce 27hp at 8,500rpm and 23.5Nm of max torque at 6,500rpm. All that power is transferred to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual transmission and all the emissions go through a double-barrel exhaust unit.

Housed within a beam type perimeter frame, the new Dominar 250 also comes with 37mm USD front forks, Multi-step adjustable Mono Shox rear suspension with Nitrox, dual-channel ABS (300mm front disc, 230mm rear disc), and 17-inch wheels.

Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Confirmed For 2023

The news regarding the arrival of a more extreme version of Husqvarna’s Norden 901 first broke out in July 2022.

An extreme version of Husqvarna’s Norden 901 to land in 2023.
The “Expedition” could borrow much of its features from KTM’s 890 Adventure R.

At the time, dealers were given a private showing of a prototype version of the motorcycle.

However, the latest European type-approval documents have confirmed that the motorcycle is set for the 2023 unveiling.

Despite the bike’s first image already making its way to social media, Husqvarna is yet to make any official announcement.

Since the base Norden 901 is based on KTM’s 890 Adventure, we expect the “Expedition” version to use the 890 Adventure R as its basis. That said, it could feature a WP Xplor 48mm inverted front fork with 240mm of travel and a WP Xplor rear shock.

Also, the document confirms that no change is done to the engine meaning the Expedition gets the same 889cc LC8c parallel-twin engine that makes 103hp @ 8,000rpm.

However, the wheelbase is longer due to the longer front fork, while the bike’s overall weight also increases from 220kg to 229kg.

Based on the videos shared on Facebook, the Expedition stands apart from the standard Norden 901 thanks to new paint and graphics, soft luggage and alloy shields.

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Amirul Azreen