Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Winglets on Next-Gen Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade?

Patents show a Honda roadgoing sportbike with active aerodynamics.
It could be the next-gen Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
The next bike ought to be unveiled in the next two years.

While Honda may not fill certain gaps in different motorcycle market segments, they sure are busy with coming up with new stuff and patenting them. The latest patent to leak shows a superbike – which may be the next-gen Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade – with active aerodynamics i.e. winglets.

The bike in the patent has the profile of the RC123V MotoGP racer, but it’s complete with mirrors and a number plate holder. It must therefore be a street bike.

No. 52 on either side are the aerobodies – Picture credit Bennets UK

Back to the “winglets,” there aren’t mounted firmly in place. Instead, the wings swing out and retracts. We can assume that the wings retract at slower speeds when there isn’t need for more downforce. Having them open in the airstream all the time increases drag.

As such, the aerodynamic devices should be ECU-controlled, not unlike the sweeping wings of the F-14 fighter jet.

On another note, the patent submission shows an inline-Four engine. It’s been rumoured that Honda will bring back a V-Four performance motorcycle but that doesn’t like it. At least in these patent drawings.

No. 57 at the tail is the flip-out aero device – Picture credit Bennets UK

However, equipping the new CBR1000RR with variable valve timing or lift technology should be a bigger possibility. VVT/L can liberate more power while cutting back on polluting exhaust gasses.

We shall see!

Source

Max Biaggi Takes Delivery of Aprilia RSV4 X

Max Biaggi took delivery of the Aprilia RSV4 X and rode it straight away at the Mugello circuit.
The bike produces 225 hp and weighs only 165 kg (dry), and only 10 were built.
Andrea Iannone will receive his soon.

Max Biaggi took delivery of the Aprilia RSV4 X and rode it immediately at the Mugello circuit.

“Tackling the corners at Mugello astride the RSV4 X is always a fantastic thrill. On this bike, the sensations are exactly like those of a racing bike and, as soon as I got on it, I felt like I had never quit racing,” said Biaggi in the press release. (Note the different swingarm on Biaggi’s bike.)

Aprilia is currently handing over the ultra-exotic and ultra-limited RSV4 X to only 10 lucky owners. Another MotoGP rider, Andrea Iannone is set to receive his shortly.

The RSV4 X commemorates Aprilia’s 10^thanniversary in World Superbike (WorldSBK) racing, hence limiting it to only 10 units. But it isn’t just another lightly enhanced model with anniversary colours. Like Biaggi said, the bike is as close to a WorldSBK racer as you could get.

That heavenly sounding 1078cc V4 engine produces 225 hp hp and carries a bike that weighs only 165 kg (dry). that 1.36 hp to 1 kg in terms of power-to-weight ratio.

Aprilia engineers removed 26 kg from the RSV4 1100 Factory by lightening a number of components, fitting carbon fibre bodywork, installing a lighter fuel tank and utilizing a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system.

To increase power, the RSV4 X’s engine features new intake camshaft, valve return springs, bucket tappets and more aggressive cam profiles. The ECU was also updated.

But perhaps the most important feature is its gear shift pattern. Instead of the normal 1-N-2-3-4-5-6, the Aprilia uses a fully race N-1-2-3-4-5-6 pattern. Called the Aprilia No Neutral (ANN) shift, the manufacturer reports that it cuts the time to shift from 1^stto 2^ndgear and eliminates catching a false neutral. It’s the first time such a pattern is used in a roadbike.

Hey, how about featuring it in ALL roadbikes?!

Handling braking duties are the Brembo GP4-MS front brake calipers, clamping down on Brembo T-Drive discs.

The bike cost £39,900 (RM 205,225) a pop.

You lucky buggers!

SHARK Ridill – Great Features at only RM450!

The SHARK Ridill is perfect for daily commuting, sport-touring and weekend sport riding.
It has all the features of a high-end helmet.
But offered at an unbeatable price of just RM450!

Looking for a full-faced helmet that’s full of useful features but doesn’t cost a bomb? Check out this SHARK Ridill, then.

The SHARK Ridill has all the features that a rider could need in a helmet, whether it’s for the daily commute, weekend sport riding or sport-touring. As with all SHARK helmets, the Ridill is designed for safety, comfort and reliability.

Features:

Strong thermoplastic resin shell.
Ventilation is optimized through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) design and simulation.
Integrated sunvisor.
Anti-scratch visor.
2.2mm visor is ultra-flexible and Pinlock anti-fog insert ready.
Quick release mechanism for the visor.
SHARK Easy Fit eyeglass pockets.
Removable interior padding for washing.
Micro lock buckle system chinstrap.

The helmet features a shape that is utilized for good airflow, hence stability at speed. Consequently, the helmet is relatively quiet compared to its peers. Quietness is a hallmark of SHARK helmets.

By the way, “Ridill” was a legendary sword in Norse mythology.

The helmet complies to the ECE 22.05 standard.

As for the price, the wearer can be assured of a helmet of great value. However, for a limited time only, the Ridill retails for special promotion price of RM 450 only at the Power Store in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya.

Please contact the store for more information.

POWER STORE

3-G, Street Wing, Persiaran Mahogani

Sunsuria Avenue

Kota Damansara

47810 Petaling Jaya.

Contact Number: +60128003470

2019 BMW R 1250 RT Test & Review, “The Unbeatable”

The 2019 BMW R 1250 RT is fitted with the new 1254cc Boxer with BMW ShiftCam tech.
Outwardly, the new bike looks identical to the R 1200 RT.
But there are small updates here and there that made it even better.

Having tested the previous R 1200 RT, the prospect of testing the 2019 R 1250 RT was very much welcomed, with a dash of curiosity.

For starter, the bike features the new 1254cc Boxer. It’s not just a matter bigger bores only as it features the new BMW ShiftCam variable valve timing tech.

The capacity increase and ShiftCam work together to push maximum power to 136 hp at 7,750 RPM and torque to 143 Nm at 6,250 RPM, up from 125 hp/125 Nm in the previous 1204cc Boxer.

The new Boxer and its transmission in the RT is brought over entirely from the R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure, including the same gear ratios.

The version we tested here is the Sport version, distinguishable by its Mars Red paintjob and lower windscreen. But it’s fitted the Dynamic Package which includes:

Daytime Running Light (DRL);
Headlight Pro;
An extra Dynamic riding mode;
Auto Hill Start Control (HSC);
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC);
Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA);
Quickshifter which works for both up- and downshifts;
BMW Keyless Ride.

Standard equipment include:

ABS Pro;
Switchable Automatic Stability Control (ASC);
Anti-hop clutch;
Panniers.
Cruise control.

We’ll leave the equipment list as such as there are so many different ways one could a BMW motorcycle. If so inclined, one could go all out and opt for the Option 719 Package.

I remembered my experience on the previous R 1200 RT fondly. It was big, but it was easier to ride than some 600cc middleweight bikes, I kid you not. It handled like a large scooter and getting through traffic jam wasn’t as difficult as most thought.

So, as I approached the R 1250 RT, it looked exactly like its predecessor. The only things to tell them apart are the spoiler ahead of the transmission and the exhaust headers that are swept further backwards.

I guess there’s no need to change when the old bike’s aerodynamics and design worked so well already.

The ergonomics remain exactly the same: Comfortable to the stage of being coddled.

But I noticed small changes to the TFT screen in the instrument cluster. An added readout was the Hill Stop Control (HSC) icon. Besides that, the Dynamic ESA’s preload settings no longer showed the icons of “helmets and briefcases.” Instead there were the options among MIN, AUTO and MAX. There were two damping settings: ROAD, DYNA (for dynamic)

Personally, the Dynamic ESA settings, HSC and new engine are the real new stuff for the R 1250 RT.

But oh, what difference they make!

First up, the engine drives a whole lot smoother now especially below 4,500 RPM. The engine note becomes louder above that rev and the bike accelerates much faster. However, the way it picked up speed was deceptive. It didn’t have the arm-straightening and neck snapping effect, but you’d be running at 200 km/h in no time. The typically smooth BMW quickshifter contributed to this as well.

Throughout testing I found that it’s best to keep power mode at DYNA during normal riding as the throttle action was more direct. But I’d usually switch to ROAD when I had my wife as the pillion and riding through city traffic. There’s a slight delay in RAIN mode, of course, but the engine’s smooth torque made you forget it pretty soon.

But I’d like to add that the ESA’s preload settings confused me in the first few days. I’d usually keep it in “single helmet” mode in the 1200, so I left it in MIN on the 1250. That gave rise to a heavier feeling bike and steering. I was so confused that I thought there’s too much weight below the fuel tank, which shouldn’t be so for a BMW Boxer…

MAX setting was too tall for my stubby legs… so I chose AUTO for a test, and that sorted out the “problem” immediately. The setting gave the bike optimal chassis balance at all times depending on how much you and your passenger, and the luggage weigh.

As for the ESA’s damping, DYNA worked best as it had more compression and rebound damping to control the shock’s action. The ROAD setting was somehow to soft, resulting in the rear pumping up and down. On the other hand, you’d get ultimate comfort while riding on smooth highways in ROAD setting.

I rode the bike around in KL for a few days, using the bike in a commuter role. I was glad that BMW retained the RT’s signature agility. Yes, the bike was wide, but it was easy to judge the gaps. Also, that Boxer engine, Telelever forks and Paralever swingarm meant that the RT was actually a dressed-up GS. In fact, it was more agile than the GS as the swingarm is much shorter.

As such, I just stood on the footpegs when traffic slowed down to crawling speeds and the RT exhibited had that signature low-speed stability like a GS when I stood up!

Of course, there were instances when there was no gap at all. Drivers were especially kind when they saw the RT and strived to open up gaps. Thank you. But when I had to sit behind cars, I played around with the radio stations and settings. So, there’s nothing to it.

The ultimate riding pleasure was out on the open roads, without doubt. The bike gobbled up the distances so seamlessly that I found myself reaching my destinations almost unexpectedly. There’s this grin I couldn’t wipe off my face when I rode to Ipoh and back.

Talking about the journey back, I was caught in an immense rainstorm that I had only experienced in Cambodia thus far. It was so heavy that I could only see the taillamp of two cars in front! The rain sounded like BB pellets as they pounded my helmet.

But the R 1250 RT? It just kept going. I had set the screen to its highest position and it deflected rain past my helmet’s visor.

I switched to ROAD mode in this rain to see what the bike could do.

And I got what I wished for!

Riding in the right-most lane at 140 km/h (it’s still raining heavily), I switched lanes to visit an R&R ahead. The rear tyre ran over a white line and started sliding. It wasn’t one of those mini-slips, mind you, I glanced down at the handlebar quickly and saw that it had turned right, in opposite lock to the slide.

At this stage, what Sifu Oh Kah Beng and the California Superbike School would tell you is just to relax and ride it out. Yes, that’s right: Do nothing.

I held the throttle open. The slide changed direction to the left, then back to the right, once again to the left… followed by a wiggle at the handlebar… and finally, the bike ran straight at 100 km/h. Why the bike kept sliding was because I was running in a straight path over the white lines. It would’ve been only one slide had I travelled past them and into the next lane.

I’m sure the bike’s automatic stability control had cut in and saved the day, and my skin. I didn’t even feel like my heart had escaped out of my throat. No shaking knees. No WTF was that! No eyeballs as wide as dinner plates. The slide felt controlled, despite the R 1250 RT weighing some 279 kg when fully fueled.

Speaking of fuel, I only refilled the tank once during the KL – Ipoh – KL trip. Ridden carefully, the 25 litre tank has a range of 500 kilometres.

So, there you go, I’ve already mentioned in the R 1200 RT review that I loved the bike for its comfort, handling, features and balance. The R 1250 RT took those attributes and continued with them while adding newer and better functions.

I divide the bikes that I personally like by categories. The R 1250 RT is unbeatable in the luxury sport-tourer category.

Is This the 2020 Honda CBR300RR?

A rendered photo of the 2020 Honda CBR300RR is making waves.
Honda currently has the CBR250RR but only for Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong.
The manufacturer is missing as a lightweight worldwide contender.

The rendered photo of what purports to be the 2020 Honda CBR300RR is making waves in social media.

If it rumours are true, the CBR300RR will see Honda putting in a serious fight in the lightweight sportbike category. Of the Big Four Japanese manufacturers, only Yamaha and Kawasaki are duking it out while the other two namely Honda and Suzuki seem contend to spectate from the sidelines.

Honda does have the CBR250RR which they dubbed “Lightweight Super Sports Concept” and was unveiled in 2015. However, the Big Red decided to sell the bike only in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong when the bike made production in 2017.

Malaysians have been crying out for crying out for the CBR250RR since, but it looks like a no-show in our market, possibly due to being too expensive to make an impact.

Still, if the little CBR goes to 300cc, that’ll put it in contention with the Yamaha YZF-R3 and Kawasaki Ninja 400. The current CBR250RR’s engine produces 38 hp so it should be upped to the mid-40’s should the 300 go ahead.

MV Agusta had also partnered with Chinese manufacturer, Loncin, to produce sub-500cc motorcycles for the Chinese and Asian market.

Honda meanwhile, is missing a lightweight contender.

Airbag Saved Andrea Dovizioso and Fabio Quartararo in British MotoGP Crash

It was airbag technology that saved Andrea Dovizioso and Fabio Quartararo when they crashed heavily at the start of the British MotoGP.
Alpinestars had released the Tech-Air data.
This type of crash would’ve resulted in permanent injuries many years ago.

It was the airbag technology that saved Andrea Dovizioso and Fabio Quartararo when they crashed heavily at the start of the British MotoGP.

Alpinestars had released the Tech-Air airbag data.

Quartararo’s airbag inflated completely within 0.060 second while he was flying in the air before his landing and absorbed the shock. It was also scary to see that his crash lasted 4.7 second. That’s an eternity in an accident.

Dovizioso’s suit data showed why he came away more banged up. The Italian’s airbag inflated completely within 0.145 second. It took longer because he was flying higher in the air.

Compare how Quartararo took one big impact to Dovizioso’s multiple impacts. Remember, it’s not how you crash but how you stop that causes the seriousness of the damage.

The Alpinestars Tech-Air system works on a complex algorithm which determines the best duration and type of inflation based on data from gyroscopes spread around the suit.

For example, a lowside crash results in the suit inflating the first stage. The rider could get back on his bike and continue as the bag will deflate itself later.

In the event of a heavier crash like this one, the algorithm fires the airbag completely.

We’re all thankful that both riders walked away without more serious injury. This type of crash would’ve resulted in permanent injuries before the advent of the airbag equipped racesuit.

We only wish the technology was more affordable to road riders.

Michelin Pilot Street 2 – MotoGP DNA for Street Performance

Michelin Pilot Street 2 is designed for scooters and small displacement motorcycles.
Rim sizes start from 10-inches though 14-, 16- and finally 17-inch.
It has superior wet and dry performance.

We’ve always said that what MotoGP teams use differ from what you and I can obtain for everyday riding. However, the gap has closed between “unobtanium” in MotoGP and what’s available to the general public. One of it is tyre technology, as these Michelin Pilot Street 2 can attest to.

It’s been two years since Michelin’s return to supplying the MotoGP teams and you can be that they’ve learned much since then. But also remember that Michelin used to supply tyres in MotoGP way before the other brands before dropping out for a few years. The company have also been around since 1889, exactly 130 years ago.

The Michelin Pilot Street 2 is designed for scooters and small displacement motorcycles. As such, rim sizes start from 10-inches though 14-, 16- and finally 17-inches.

These new tyres were designed to perform on both dry and wet roads.

To achieve this:

The front tyre features a circumferential groove to aid agility, while lateral grooves give good performance on wet roads.
The rear tyre’s central grooves optimizes water clearance while providing outstanding grip during the dry.

The tyre’s performance was tested and certified by TÜV Labs at Fontange, France. Equipped with the Michelin Pilot Street 2, the bike lapped the 2-km circuit 4.4 seconds faster than its rivals.

The tyres will be available at TYREPLUS and Michelin authorized dealers. They are offered in 19 sizes.

Indonesian Gojek Riders Demonstrate Despite Apology by Big Blue Taxi Founder

More than 400 Gojek riders and Indonesians protested outside the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta yesterday.
The demonstrations were held to protests against the disparaging remarks made by Big Blue Taxi founder Dato’ Shamsubahrin Ismail in a video.
They demanded that Shamsubahrin travel to Indonesia to apologize publicly.

More than 400 Gojek riders protested outside the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta yesterday.

The demonstrations were held to protests against the disparaging remarks made by Big Blue Taxi founder Dato’ Shamsubahrin Ismail in a video. Shamsubahrin said that the e-hailing service is meant for “poor” people like those in Jakarta, Indonesia, besides Thailand and Cambodia.

“This (Indonesia) is a poor country. We (Malaysia) are a rich country. If Indonesia’s youths are any good, they would not leave their country to look for a job,” he said in the video.

The video was circulated all the way to Indonesia where it infuriated Gojek riders. Gojek spokeswoman Theresia Ismiyanti demanded that Shamsubahrin travel to Indonesia to apologize publicly.

Shamsubahrin held a press conference on 30^thAugust to apologize but blamed a “media report” on poverty in Indonesia, instead. He also sent a letter to the Malaysian embassy in Indonesia. It was since handed to the Garda association of motorcycle workers by the Malaysian Police Attaché.

However, the riders and Indonesians were unsatisfied with the apology and continued their demand for Shamsubahrin to visit the country. They even raised funds for him to travel there.

Shamsubahrin spouted the claims when he protested against the government’s desire to allow Gojek to operate here. To his credit, he suggested that Malaysian-based Dego Ride should be given priority over Gojek.

SHARK 30th Anniversary Race R Pro GP

SHARK Helmets released three limited-edition SHARK 30^thAnniversary Race R Pro GP helmets.
All three make up a total production run of only 1989 helmets.
The 30^thanniversary models have more features on top of the already flagship Race R Pro GP.

French helmet maker SHARK Helmets launched three limited-edition SHARK 30^thAnniversary Race R Pro GP helmets.

They are available in 3 special colours, for a total number of 1989 units. They are Red Carbon Black, Black Carbon Pearl and White Carbon Black.

The SHARK Race R Pro is the helmet worn by MotoGP riders such as Jorge Lorenzo, Johann Zarco and Scott Redding.

The three models are named “Carbon” because they are built in carbon fibre. SHARK uses the next-generation Carbon on View and aramid (COVA) structure to increase compression and abrasion resistance. Because it’s made of carbon fibre, the helmet is also light to reduce neck muscle tension.

Its distinctive shape was derived through the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology and gaining feedback from the riders. The result is a helmet that boasts the best possible aerodynamic efficiency at top speeds to minimize drag and vibration for maximum stability.

The large spoiler at the back of the helmet uses a “Quick Spoiler Safety System.” It detaches the spoiler in a fall to minimize the effects of secondary shocks.

Speaking of shocks, SHARK Helmets employ multi-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in different zones of the helmet for optimal damping.

The comfort lining uses new “3D morpho” cheek contours for maximum comfort and support. The lining is removable for washing and uses the “Alveotech” anti-bacterial treatment to prevent bacteria growth i.e. cuts down on smell.

SHARK helmets are known for their quietness. To do so, they employed memory-shaped ear pads, wrap-around neck protection plus the anti-fog breath guard which blocks background noise.

Last but not least, the Race R Pro GP has a “SHARK Racing Division” laser engraving on the visor mechanisms, neck protection and titanium-coated double-D ring strap. Besides that, there is a 30^thanniversary hologram behind the helmet.

Every owner of the SHARK 30^thAnniversary Race R Pro GP limited-edition helmets will receive a specially-designed “Racing Division” helmet box and “SHARK Racing Division” bag.

Adam Norrodin to Replace Khairul Idham Pawi at Misano

Ex-PETRONAS Sprinta Moto3 rider Adam Norrodin will be the latest replacement for Khairul Idham Pawi.
He is the latest substitute rider in the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team in Moto2.
Pawi is recovering from a hand injury.

Ex-PETRONAS Sprinta Moto3 rider Adam Norrodin will be the latest replacement for Khairul Idham Pawi.

Norrodin will take over the Moto2 reins in the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team at the Misano GP. Pawi is still nursing the injury to his right finger which had partly been amputated.

Norrodin used to race for the Sepang International Circuit team in the Moto3 class from 2016 to 2018, partnering Ayumu Sasaki. When the team became the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team for this season, Scottish racer John McPhee replaced Norrodin.

The Malaysian rider went to ride for the SIC Junior team, contesting in the European Moto2 championship.

Although he has experience riding a Moto2 machine, this will be his first time on the Triumph-powered Moto2 machine in the Moto2 World Championship.

“It’s a shame that KIP is not able to return to racing, but I’m really happy to have been given this opportunity; it’s like a dream come true,” Norrodin said. “There’s something new for me to learn, but it’ll be interesting for me – it’s a new chapter for my story and I need to say a huge thanks to Dato’ Razlan Razali and the team for still believing in me.”

Team Principal Dato’ Razlan Razali said “One of our objectives is to encourage and nurture Malaysian racing talent so with Khairul Idham Pawi still recovering, there was an ideal opportunity to give Adam Norrodin the opportunity to sample Moto2 at world championship level.”

Mattia Pasini, Jonas Folger and Bradley Smith have substituted for Pawi this season. As Smith will be representing the SIC team at Misano for the MotoE race, he will unavailable as substitute.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

Patents show a Honda roadgoing sportbike with active aerodynamics.

It could be the next-gen Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.

The next bike ought to be unveiled in the next two years.

Max Biaggi took delivery of the Aprilia RSV4 X and rode it straight away at the Mugello circuit.

The bike produces 225 hp and weighs only 165 kg (dry), and only 10 were built.

Andrea Iannone will receive his soon.

The SHARK Ridill is perfect for daily commuting, sport-touring and weekend sport riding.

It has all the features of a high-end helmet.

But offered at an unbeatable price of just RM450!

Features:

POWER STORE

3-G, Street Wing, Persiaran Mahogani

Sunsuria Avenue

Kota Damansara

47810 Petaling Jaya.

Contact Number: +60128003470

The 2019 BMW R 1250 RT is fitted with the new 1254cc Boxer with BMW ShiftCam tech.

Outwardly, the new bike looks identical to the R 1200 RT.

But there are small updates here and there that made it even better.

A rendered photo of the 2020 Honda CBR300RR is making waves.

Honda currently has the CBR250RR but only for Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong.

The manufacturer is missing as a lightweight worldwide contender.

It was airbag technology that saved Andrea Dovizioso and Fabio Quartararo when they crashed heavily at the start of the British MotoGP.

Alpinestars had released the Tech-Air data.

This type of crash would’ve resulted in permanent injuries many years ago.

Michelin Pilot Street 2 is designed for scooters and small displacement motorcycles.

Rim sizes start from 10-inches though 14-, 16- and finally 17-inch.

It has superior wet and dry performance.

To achieve this:

More than 400 Gojek riders and Indonesians protested outside the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta yesterday.

The demonstrations were held to protests against the disparaging remarks made by Big Blue Taxi founder Dato’ Shamsubahrin Ismail in a video.

They demanded that Shamsubahrin travel to Indonesia to apologize publicly.

Ex-PETRONAS Sprinta Moto3 rider Adam Norrodin will be the latest replacement for Khairul Idham Pawi.

He is the latest substitute rider in the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team in Moto2.

Pawi is recovering from a hand injury.

A woman caught her husband riding with another woman on his bike through a police summon.

Imagine how the man will have to explain his way out.

The “affair” happened in Thailand.

The 2020 Suzuki SV650 will receive new colours.

The SV650 continues its run after 20 years.

Will the new bikes head to Malaysia?

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