Wahid Ooi, Author at BikesRepublic.com

Why MotoGP Bikes Don’t Use BMW-Style Telelever Suspension

The BMW R 1200 GS uses the trademark BMW Telelever front suspension.
The system separates suspension forces from steering forces.
In doing so it provides superb manoeuvrability and comfort.

A newfound friend and I were chatting about bikes and more, of course but let’s keep it to bikes here since this is Bikes Republic and not the Sarawak Report.

He owns a 2016 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, on which he had toured all the way to the Mae Hong Son loop and back a few times on it besides many other places.

Now, although I don’t own a GS, I’ve ridden one over quite some distance too. If you could recall the GIVI Golden Triangle Adventure in November last year, I had ridden a 2013 BMW R 1200 GS LC from KL to Pattaya and back, covering around 3200 km.

That trip firmly convinced me why BMW owners swear by it. It’s when you have to ride through treacherous conditions, or when your mind and body are exhausted, the R 1200 GS just keeps going. And going. And going.

A large part of that character is due to the bike’s Dynamic ESA /ESA II electronic suspension. It controls the damping electronically, removing bumps that would otherwise tire out the rider in a hurry.

However, as much as having a “smart” suspension, there’s no going around the Telelever’s basic setup at the front. The spring and damper are moved out of the fork tubes and placed at a separate location. The spring and fork tubes are then connected via an A-arm, also known as a wishbone to the frame. BMW did this to separate the damping forces from the steering. We wondered why the set up isn’t used in performance bikes. A little research revealed some interesting answers.

The traditional telescopic forks, whether “normal” or upside-down, suspend and also steer the bike. Let’s take a look at the picture below.

The forks connect to the frame via the headstock and forms a triangle. This makes the headstock as the weakest point in this connection, yet the forks and frame transmit loads into it.

Motorcycle frame headstock. This belongs to a custom bike and is very simple

Imagine the forces pushing up into the headstock from the rear tyre when accelerating, and the forces pushing up the fork under heavy breaking. At the same time, consider the bike’s and rider’s weights squashing down from above. All these forces threaten to split the fork-frame triangle like Jean-Claude Van Damme right at the headstock. This is why the front fork and wheel assembly comes off in some heavy accidents.

While this is happening, the rider steers the bike using the exact same components that are transmitting the forces to the headstock, frame, etc. Yes, those very same forces that threaten to tear the forks off the frame.

What that means is the forces you feel at the handlebar are the total, the sum, of all these forces acting in unison, plus the cornering forces such as camber thrust, weight, rolling drag torques, etc. That’s not necessarily a bad thing since that’s what riders call “front-end feedback.” The darker side, on the other hand, is when the rider lets off the throttle or applies the front brake abruptly in mid-corner, consequently transferring weight to the front and pushing the bike wide. That self-righting torque (the bike standing up) usually panics riders, causing them to think that they’ve run out of grip hence not forcing the bike back down to make the turn. This is why one overshoots a corner.

The Telelever and Duolever remove those forces from the steering; although the former still leaves some load through to the headstock and frame, while the latter completely isolates steering from suspension duties. The Telelever is the reason why the R 1200 GS is so easy to manoeuvre even extremely slow speeds, as exhibited by the tests in the GS Trophy. The Duolever system fitted to the K 1600 full-dress tourer line-up gives the bikes surprisingly light steering, despite their heft.

By if the Telelever is that good, why isn’t it used on performance bikes, much less in competition, say MotoGP? Part of the feedback is missing at full lean. It may be okay for road riding where speeds and tyre loads are much lower but not in racing where the rider needs to listen to the tyres.

TOC Introduces MSF Motor Racing Study Course

TOC Automotive College has just signed an agreement with Malaysia Speed Festival.
The collaboration launches the MSF Motor Racing study course.
Students will learn about racing management and technical aspects in the 20-week course.

Hot on the heels of the launch of the TOC Superbike Technician Course, the TOC Automotive College (TOC) has signed another collaborative effort with the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) on 25^th May 2018.

TOC Automotive College Launches Superbike Technician Course

As we mentioned before, motorsports is the fast lane to a student’s real world experience. That is why the TOC Automotive College has a fully-equipped Motorsports Division, which caters to both auto and now motorcycle racing.

The partnership seeks to enhance the knowledge of TOC’s students in the cutthroat world of motorsports before they hit the workforce. More specifically, this collaboration with train a select group of TOC students as future leaders and workers in Malaysia’s motorsport industry through the new “MSF Motor Racing” study course.

In Adian Yein, MSF’s Principal’s speech, it was revealed that while the motorsport industry is still small in terms of budgets compared to the international team, it was still worth RM 2 million a few years ago. As such, there exists a need for more new blood to take part. Besides that, it ought to be time to concentrate not only on the drivers and riders, but also those in the background.

Mr. Liew Chin Hooi, MSF Superbike Representative, iterated in his speech, “The technical portion of motorsports has traditionally been relegated to the blue-collar status. We aim to change that through the tie-up with TOC.”

Ms. Adelaine Foo, Founder and CEO of TOC Automotive College, added that, “Everybody knows who the drivers and riders are, but what TOC has done is to bring a lot of focus to the people who made the machine for the drivers and riders to drive and ride. There is no Lewis Hamilton if there’s no technicians.”

“It’s about bringing respect to the people behind the scenes,” she added.

The topics covered in the 20-week course are:

WEEK	TOPIC	OUTLINE
1	Introduction to Motorsports and MSF Racing	· Introducing MSF. · Overview of the motorsports industry: Worldwide, US, Australia, Britain, Malaysia. · Importance of regulations and safety.
2	Race technical operations – Registration and Scrutineering	· Registration – license checking, sign in. · Scrutineering – safety checks, technical compliance.
3	Race Technical Operations – Race Control, Timing and Gridding	· Timing and gridding – results, labelling, gridding. · Race Control – race diary, incidents reporting.
4	MSF 2018 Round 3	· Event duties.
5	MSF Race Car Body Preparation and Safety Items	· Body lightening. · Body straightening. · Installing safety items.
6	MSF Race Engine Preparation – Top-end Modifications and Improvements	· Improving breathing and volumetric efficiency. · Improving ignition.
7	MSF Race Engine Preparation – Bottom-end improvements and Building	· Improving compression · Lightening · Building the bottom end
8	Race Technical Operations – Revision for all groups	· Briefing of responsibilities and revision.
9	MSF 2018 Round 4	· Event duties
10	Chassis and Suspension (Cars)	· Basic chassis and suspension design. · Understanding suspension.
11	Suspension – Basics and Setup (Cars)	· Introduction to vehicle dynamics. · Understanding damping. · Basic vehicle set up.
12	Suspension – Basics and Setup (Bikes)	· Introduction to bike suspension. · Understanding bike chassis dynamics. · Basic superbike set up.
13	Race technical operations – Revision for all groups	· Briefing of responsibilities and revision.
14	MSF 2018 Round 5	· Event duties.
15	Aerodynamics	· Understanding air pressure and movement.
16	Drivetrain	· Gearbox and gear ratios. · Flywheel and clutch.
17	Race Strategy and Testing	· Tyre and fuel strategy. · Effect of weather. · Communicating with the driver. · Objectives of testing and understanding the data.
18	Race Technical Operations – Revision for all groups	· Briefing of responsibilities and revision.
19	MSF 2018 Round 6	· Event duties.
20	Assessment

Industry players in Malaysia will also give talks from time to time. Confirmed partners are Fawster Suspension, K-Tech Suspension, Hankook Motorsports Malaysia and Proton-R3 Motorsports.

As you could see, TOC and MSF want to breed race team engineers or race officials that are intelligent with solid technical backgrounds, instead of mere grease monkeys.

You may refer to TOC Automotive College and Malaysia Speed Festival Facebook pages for more information on the MSF Motor Racing study course. You may also visit TOC Automotive College’s website.

PICTURE GALLERY

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya Releases 0% GST Prices

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya has likewise revised their motorcycle prices.
The new prices will make them even more desirable.
Harley-Davidsons will soon be available in Penang and Melaka, too.

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya has also published the prices of Harley-Davidson motorcycles with 0% GST.

We had recently snooped around the new Harley-Davidson dealership and found that they had revised prices of new bikes, parts and labour charges, making the bikes even easier to own than before. (Please click on the link below for more details.)

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya: Same Great Bikes, Now More Affordable

But now with this tax holiday, they are now even more attractive, since it is 0% GST not only for new bikes but also for accessories, spare parts and maintenance.

Please refer to the list below for the new prices. However, please ignore the typo that says “Effective Date as of 1^st January 2018.” The new prices will be effective from 1^st June 2018 onwards until further notice, depending on the Ministry of Finance’s decision to revert to SST.

We would like to bring your attention to a few models.

TOURING

It was Harley-Davidson who pioneered the full-dress touring motorcycles we see today, so it is only natural that the Motor Company continue with the tradition.

The Ultra Limited and there are three variants. Prices will start from RM 206,300.
As for the bagger version of the Electra Glide, called the Street Glide, prices start from RM 174,700.
There is also the new Road Glide as tested by Keshy Dillon in Croatia, with prices starting from RM 174,700.

SOFTAIL

The Softail lineup consists of motorcycles that are designed for maximum visual impact, but bear in mind that the new Softails are engineered for better riding, comfort and performance.

The new Street Bob starts from RM 107,200.
The “slammed” and “stretched” (meaning low and long) Breakout starts from RM 143,600 (107 c.i. model).
The iconic Fat Boy has gone through some changes but still remains unmistakably a Fat Boy. Prices will start at RM 138,300 for the 107 c.i. model.

SPORTSTER

Harley’s Sportsters have always been the best-seller among beginners, lady-bikers and those who seek performance. The new prices are interesting to say the least.

Price for the Iron 883 begin at RM 81,200.
The super-popular Forty-Eight’s new price begins at RM 92,800. There is also the Forty-Eight Anniversary which is priced from RM 99,800.

CVO

Of course, we cannot skip the CVO’s which stands for Custom Vehicle Operations, meaning that these are special factory customs. There are four models for 2018:

CVO Ultra Limited, priced from RM 328,900.
CVO Ultra Limited Anniversary, from RM 353,300.
CVO Street Glide, from RM 285,100.
CVO Road Glide, also from RM 285,100.

So, along with Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya’s focus on aftersales and customer knowledge, it is the best time to get one.

HJC Helmet Malaysia RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 Appreciation Night

HJC Helmet Malaysia organized a selfie contest for RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 wearers.
The winners went on to join the RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 Appreciation Night.
They were treated to Deadpool 2 at the cinema.

HJC Helmets has tied up with Marvel Comics for a time now, hence we see superhero themed helmets from the Korean helmet manufacturer hitting the streets and track.

Referring to the link below, you should be able to spot your favourite Marvel Comics characters, including Captain America, Spiderman, Venom, Ironman, The Punisher, Black Panther, and not forgetting everyone’s favourite anti-hero and “The Merc with the Mouth” Deadpool.

HJC Helmet Malaysia Introduces New Models

The themes are spread across HJC’s range of helmets, from the CS-15 to the FG-ST, IS-17, RPHA 70 and RPHA 11.

Hence in order to commemorate the opening of Deadpool 2 movie in Malaysia, HJC Helmet Malaysia organized an RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 contest on their Facebook page, calling for followers and fans to post selfies of themselves in the two helmets.

HJC Helmet Malaysia then picked out the winners. The winners joined members of the media at the RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 Appreciation Night, to catch the much anticipated Deadpool 2 at the cinema.

HJC Helmet Malaysia had also brought along the IS-17 Deadpool helmet for display and preview.

Besides Marvel Comics, HJC has also tied up with Star Wars and the animated movie series Cars. Helmets with those themes are also available or on the way to Malaysia. So stay tuned!

HJC Helmets Featuring Marvel’s Deadpool and Ghost Rider!

Official Prices of BMW Motorcycles with 0% GST

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has released their official prices with 0% GST.
The reduction in prices will see prices being even more attractive than they already are.
The prices are basic selling prices with 0% GST but not on-the-road.

We had speculated earlier that BMW Motorrad Malaysia will revise the prices of their new motorcycles with the onset of 0% GST beginning 1^st June 2018. We have just received the official prices from BMW Motorrad Malaysia.

Please refer to the price list below.

As expected, prices will be reduced across the board, but what is interesting to see are the popular models such as the G-, F-, R-, and S-Series models. The prices will be even more attractive than they are currently. However, if there are many other models to choose from BMW Motorrad’s extensive line-up.

For example, the C-Series “Urban Mobility” super-powered maxi scooters. At the heart of these “babies” are the 647cc, 2-cylinder engine which punches out 60 bhp of power and 63 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 180 km/h.

A little further up the scale and you’ll have the R nineT “Heritage” family, which consists of five variants to choose from, including the ultra-sexy R nineT Racer and the utilitarian R nineT Urban GS.

On top of it all (S 1000 RR HP4 Race notwithstanding) is the K-Series of full-dress luxo tourers, including the new K 1600 B (Bagger). Being tourers, they may be large but we’ve discovered the joy of riding them as they could be ridden like much smaller bikes. Trust us, we did it on the K 1600 GTL in the chaotic Penang rush hour traffic.

Adding to the price revision is the unwavering quality and reliability of these German bikes, plus the excellent level of aftersales service one would receive, synonymous with the premium brand of motorcycles.

Please visit BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s official Facebook page for more information.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia Launches Hari Raya Promotion

Moto Guzzi Malaysia aims to brighten up your Hari Raya Puasa.
They will soon launch the Moto Guzzi Hari Raya Promo.
The promotion runs from 21^st May to 17^th July 2018.

It is now the best opportunity to ride a new Moto Guzzi home for Hari Raya Puasa, as Moto Guzzi Malaysia has launched their “Hari Raya Promo”.

The promotion period is from 21^st May 2018 To 17^th July 2018. Owners who purchase their new Moto Guzzis may choose from one of three ‘Duit Raya” options:

Inclusive Insurance, registration and road tax.
Free 3 years or 30,000 km (whichever comes first) service and maintenance.
Parts and accessories combo.

Selecting any of the three options means that one will save lots of money which could be used to celebrate Hari Raya with a peace of mind.

Existing Moto Guzzi owners also enjoy the benefits of the of the Hari Raya Service Campaign. Please click on the link below for more information.

Hari Raya Special!: GB Workshop Service Campaign

In addition to the promotion, it’s also the best time to get a Moto Guzzi as prices are to be reduced due to GST being set to 0%, making the bikes even more attractively priced. Please click on the link below for more details.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia Publishes Prices with 0% GST

Furthermore, Moto Guzzi Malaysia has a fully equipped and operational workshop which is stocked with spare parts. Moto Guzzi Malaysia has also secured the services of Idon Pang as Head of Aftersales to oversee the workshop’s operations. He is well-known among the Piaggio brand circle as the go-to-guy for any technical matters. Please click on the link below for more details.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia Welcomes Idon Pang as Head of Aftersales

Please refer to Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s official Facebook page or visit them to test ride the latest Moto Guzzi.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia Publishes Prices with 0% GST

Moto Guzzi Malaysia has provided their pricing with 0% GST.
The new prices will go into effect from 1^st June 2018.
The price reduction makes Moto Guzzi motorcycles even more attractive than they already are.

As with other manufacturers and distributors, Moto Guzzi Malaysia is the latest to publish their motorcycle’s prices with 0% GST, with effect from 1^st June 2018. Here are the model and basic selling prices (not on-the-road).

Moto Guzzi Malaysia provided the new prices of six models, all seeing a reduction in price between RM 3,787.00 to RM 4,636.00. The V7 III is the third generation of the iconic V7, powered by a 750cc, 90^o V-Twin. The V9 range, on the other hand, is powered by an all-new 850cc, 90^o V-Twin.

The highly entertaining entry-level V7 III Stone we tested will see a reduction of RM 3,787 from RM 69,900 to just RM 63,113.

Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone and Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer Test & Review

The V7 III Special is the closest embodiment of the 1975 V750 S3 and looks the part of being a retro heritage, complete with lots of chrome. It’s price will be reduced by RM 4,070 from RM 71,900 to 67,830.

As its name implies, the V7 III Anniversario celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the V7 and is built on the V7 III Special as the base model. With a distinctive chromed fuel tank and tanned leather bench seat, there’s no mistaking it for another Moto Guzzi. Only 750 will be produced. Its price will be revised from RM 80,900 to RM 76,321, as reduction of RM 4,579.00.

Also aptly named is the V7 III Racer, which takes on the shape of a classic café racer. This model is similarly a limited-production model, and the sportiest among the V7 III family. It features adjustable Öhlins rear shocks, “Rosso Corsa” (Racing Red) frame, rear seat cover which turns the bike into a solo seater, and brushed aluminium fuel tank and flyscreen. Its price will go from RM 81,900 to RM 77,264 (reduced by RM 4,636).

The V9 Roamer is a 70’s-style classic, versatile for both city riding and long-distance touring. It features an upright seating position, large and comfy seat, plenty of chrome, lots of nifty details and plenty of style.

The other V9, the V9 Bobber is the “bobbed” version of the V9. By “bobbed” it means that all the superfluous parts were stripped away to make it lighter, sportier and aggressive. Just like what American G.I.’s did after they returned home from the battlefields of WWII. A reduction of RM 4,240 will see its price drop from RM 74,900 to RM 70,660.

Moto Guzzi priced their bikes at attractive prices from the outset but they will be even more competitive come 1^st June 2018. So, what are you waiting for? Please visit Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s official Facebook page or pay them a visit for a test ride.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia Welcomes Idon Pang as Head of Aftersales

Moto Guzzi Malaysia wants to provide the best aftersales service.
Their well-equipped workshop is fully operational.
Well-known aftersales guru, Idon Pang will soon join the workshop as Head of Aftersales.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia is serious about providing the best aftersales service to their customers through their official aftersales centre, called GB Workship (GB stands for Goh Brothers). They have invested heavily into having a well-equipped workshop and they will soon have a complete ensemble of experienced hands to carry out maintenance and repairs.

Fans of Moto Guzzi and Piaggio Group brands should already be familiar with the name Idon Pang. Idon is passionate about motorcycles and aftersales in particular. But the more important point is that he brings much technical experience in the maintenance and repairs of Moto Guzzi motorcycles, something that many Guzzistas in Malaysia could look forward to.

We caught up with him at GB Workshop, Moto Guzzi Malaysia’s official workshop for a short chat.

Bikes Republic (BR): When did you start your career in motorcycles?
Idon Pang (IP): My career started 10 years ago with another brand. During the hiatus of Aprilia distributorship and being an Aprilia owner myself, I noticed a shortage of spare parts. I made arrangements to have the parts imported into the country. I also bought up some of the parts to continue with servicing most of the Aprilias during that time. So, I was a spare part peddler then (laughs).

When Naza took over the Aprilia brand, they were looking for a person who could handle Aprilia aftersales. They saw some other values that I could bring to the table which was motorcycle sales, as well. I did that for a while, I set up Naza Primera, which is what Aprilia and Vespa Malaysia is today.

I took a short break after that, as I got into an accident and needed time to recuperate. I didn’t attach myself to any company during that time.

Instead I worked with a finance company in providing hire purchase facilities; I was with Aeon (Credit). I helped them to set up the Easy Payment Program.

After that, I was offered to set up a Vespa dealership in Kota Damansara which was Motor Aladdin. Did a bit of KTM also. But aftersales was my key – not only for Vespa and KTM – but for all types of motorcycles. That’s when I started having mixed brands coming to Motor Aladdin.

I eventually parted ways with my partners there and took up a few projects here and there, including Shell being one of them. I was doing Masterclass for Shell and Bikes Republic.

BR: What kind of knowledge or experience will you bring to Moto Guzzi?
IP: When I spoke to Juan Chow Wee, we knew that this was going to be a challenging brand. It was just like when Naza acquired Aprilia (distributorship). The global numbers are not as high as other brands. We know we have our work cut out for us.

The advantage I have with Goh Brothers is starting the aftersales from scratch. Aftersales is my niche. Laying out the blueprint for the aftersales for this brand will eventually reflect in sales figures.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia Announces Prices with 0% GST

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has officially released the prices of their motorcycles with 0% GST.
The bikes from Hinckley are now even more attractively priced.
The new price announcement coincides with the arrival of the Tiger 800 XCA and Tiger 800 XRT.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has published the prices of their motorcycles, with 0% GST, in accordance to the Ministry of Finance’s announcement.

The new prices will be effective from 1^st June 2018 until 30^th June 2018. Please refer to the list below. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Reductions for new motorcycles are between RM 3,000 to RM 6,0000, while price reduction for “Clearance Sale” models range between RM 2,937.06 to RM 5,603.77. However, it is safe for you to purchase your favourite Triumph now before 1^st June 2018 as Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia had launched their Price Protection Scheme earlier (please click on the link below for more information).

GST vs SST? Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia says don’t worry!

The new price announcement coincides with the arrival of the first 2018 Tiger 800 XCA and Tiger 800 XRT in Malaysia. The duo are the flagship models of the Triumph Tiger 800 range.

The Tiger 800 XCA and Tiger 800 XRT have extra features and accessories compared to the Tiger 800 XCX and Tiger 800 XRX we tested earlier in a few areas:

Fully LED headlights and distinctive running lights (XCA and XRT).
Heated seats (XCA and XRT).
6 TFT screen styles (XCA and XRT).

5 riding modes including an extra rider customizable mode (XRT).
6 riding modes including an extra rider customizable mode (XCA)

A pair of high-powered LED fog lamps (XCA only).
Off-road style footpegs (XCA only).
Adjustable front forks (XRT vs. XRX. The XCX and XCA have adjustable WP forks as standard).

Centre stand (XCA and XRT).
Aluminium radiator guard (XCA).

Now is the best time to bring home that Triumph you’ve been lusting for.

BMW Motorcycles Expected to be Cheaper

All manufacturers are gearing up for setting GST to 0% from 1^st June 2018.
These are the expected new prices of BMW motorcycles in Malaysia.
Time for a new BMW, perhaps?

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has revised the prices of BMW motorcycles in accordance with the Government’s directive to set the Goods & Services Tax (GST) to 0% beginning 1^st June 2018, in the interim before reimplementation of Sales & Services Tax (SST).

While we have not received an official line from BMW Motorrad Malaysia, reduction in price is definitely on the cards for every manufacturer.

Please refer to the table below. Please note that the prices are speculative at the moment in view of the said reinstatement of the SST later. BMW Motorrad lists their prices previously as “on-the-road without insurance with 6% GST,” thus we arrived at those figures below by subtracting 6% off the current price.

The S 1000 RR HP4 Race notwithstanding, we see a reduction of between RM 1,614.00 (G 310 R) to RM 10,194.00 (K 1600 GTL) in reduction across the board. But perhaps more interesting are the R 1200 GS lineup which sees a drop in prices between RM 6,174 (R 1200 GS) to RM 7,194.00 (R 1200 GS Adventure TFT).

Is this the best time to buy a new BMW? Yes, it is.

Another interesting note: In an interview earlier today, Tun Abdul Daim bin Zainuddin mentioned that the government is targeting an annual revenue of RM 30 billion through SST, against the RM 42 billion collected in 2017 through 6% GST. Does this mean SST will not be set at 10% as expected?

We do hope so.

2018 Harley-Davidsons Have Arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya

More of Harley-Davdison’s 2018 lineup have arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya.
There are three Softails and one Sportster.
Harley fans will now have a wider choice to choose from.

More long-awaited 2018 Harley-Davidson models have arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya today.

The new arrivals will give those who are interested in the thumping V-Twins of Milwaukee more choices to choose from. Most are from the Softail family but there is also a new Sportster, they are:

SOFTAIL SLIM

The Softail Slim is harked as a raw, vintage style Harley.
Blacked-out styling, ready for customization.
New LED headlamp.
All-new Softail frame that’s lighter and stiffer for better handling and comfort.
New high-performance forks and rear monoshock.
Now 16 kgs (35 lbs.) lighter than last year’s model.
Powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic inch (1753 cc) engine which produces 149 Nm of torque.
Low-slung seat at 650 mm when laden.

SOFTAIL LOW RIDER

Low-slung and stretched stying of 70’s choppers.
Same iconic look of the Dyna Low Rider but on the all-new Softail frame.
New LED headlamp.
New high-performance forks and rear monoshock.
Cast alloy wheels.
Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic inch (1753 cc) engine with 149 Nm of torque.
665 mm seat height when laden.

SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC

True nostalgia cruiser and original bagger.
Electronic cruise control.
Detachable windscreen.
LED headlamp.
Lockable and sealed soft saddlebags.
New high-performance forks and rear monoshock.
New high-performance forks and rear monoshock.
Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic inch (1753 cc) engine with 149 Nm of torque or Milwaukee-Eight 114 cubic inch (1868 cc) engine with 161 Nm of torque.
680 mm seat height when laden.

ROADSTER

The most aggressive-looking Sportster.
Harley calls it the “tucked in” look.
1200cc air-cooled Sportster Evolution engine with 103 Nm of torque.
Blacked-out styling for a more sinister look.
“Slammed” handlebar for a more sporty riding position and new gauge.
New upside-down cartridge forks.
Dual floating front brake discs.

As you can see, the new Harley-Davidson models are not only drop dead gorgeous to look at, but the Motor Company have taken many steps to bring them on par with contemporary motorcycles as well. So, make your way to Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya to view these awesome bikes. You may also check out their Facebook page and official website.

Suzuki GSX-R300 Patents Leaked

Suzuki has filed a 300c sportbike’s patents, speculated to be call GSX-R300.
The sub-500cc segment is the most hotly contested in the market.
Suzuki feels that the motorcycle market is moving towards smaller capacity and cheaper bikes.

Suzuki is making a comeback into the sub-500cc segment. These 200cc, 250cc, 300cc, 390cc, 400cc motorcycles appeal to a large cross-section of enthusiasts, due to reasons covering:

The next capacity level to step up to after owning a kapchai or scooter.
More affordable for a large section of the populace.
Easier to learn on, easier to ride.
Lightweight and simpler – good as daily commuters, especially for those who already own a bigger bike.

This battleground has been fought by almost all manufacturers for a long time. You could find almost all the brands here, even BMW has joined the fray with the G 310 R and G 310 GS. Similarly, Triumph had tied up with Bajaj to work on a 400cc bike in the future.

Triumph Bajaj partnership announced to conquer middleweight bike segment

Now, Suzuki has decided to fight back after being ominously missing.

Suzuki’s patents drawing for their 300cc sportbike was recently leaked online and is rumored to break covers at EICMA later this year.

They already have the GSX-250R in circulation, but they bike is a woefully underpowered single-banger, while their rivals continue to build high performance lightweights such as the KTM RC 390/390 Duke, Kawasaki Ninja 250 /300 and now 400, Yamaha YZF-R25/R3, Honda CBR250RR, and so on.

From the patents, the engine appears to be a parallel-Twin. If Suzuki sticks to the dimensions of their GSX-R150’s engine architecture, the bore should be 62 mm and a stroke of 48.1 mm. That’s in the same league of its rivals and should produce around 40 bhp.

Also from the drawings, the 300 looks to have the design theme and lines of its GSX-R1000R big brother. The front wheel has a single, radially-mounted brake caliper and disc; the swingarm looks to be of aluminium, corresponding to that type of design. Tying everything together is a tubular steel frame.

Biggest question is if I’ll ever make to Malaysia. And if it did, will it be the full 300cc version or sleeved-down 250cc variant that we always see happening in our country?

Time will tell.

Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

The BMW R 1200 GS uses the trademark BMW Telelever front suspension.

The system separates suspension forces from steering forces.

In doing so it provides superb manoeuvrability and comfort.

TOC Automotive College has just signed an agreement with Malaysia Speed Festival.

The collaboration launches the MSF Motor Racing study course.

Students will learn about racing management and technical aspects in the 20-week course.

PICTURE GALLERY

Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya has likewise revised their motorcycle prices.

The new prices will make them even more desirable.

Harley-Davidsons will soon be available in Penang and Melaka, too.

TOURING

SOFTAIL

SPORTSTER

CVO

HJC Helmet Malaysia organized a selfie contest for RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 wearers.

The winners went on to join the RPHA 11 and RPHA 70 Appreciation Night.

They were treated to Deadpool 2 at the cinema.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia has released their official prices with 0% GST.

The reduction in prices will see prices being even more attractive than they already are.

The prices are basic selling prices with 0% GST but not on-the-road.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia aims to brighten up your Hari Raya Puasa.

They will soon launch the Moto Guzzi Hari Raya Promo.

The promotion runs from 21st May to 17th July 2018.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia has provided their pricing with 0% GST.

The new prices will go into effect from 1st June 2018.

The price reduction makes Moto Guzzi motorcycles even more attractive than they already are.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia wants to provide the best aftersales service.

Their well-equipped workshop is fully operational.

Well-known aftersales guru, Idon Pang will soon join the workshop as Head of Aftersales.

Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has officially released the prices of their motorcycles with 0% GST.

The bikes from Hinckley are now even more attractively priced.

The new price announcement coincides with the arrival of the Tiger 800 XCA and Tiger 800 XRT.

All manufacturers are gearing up for setting GST to 0% from 1st June 2018.

These are the expected new prices of BMW motorcycles in Malaysia.

Time for a new BMW, perhaps?

More of Harley-Davdison’s 2018 lineup have arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya.

There are three Softails and one Sportster.

Harley fans will now have a wider choice to choose from.

SOFTAIL SLIM

SOFTAIL LOW RIDER

SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC

ROADSTER

Suzuki has filed a 300c sportbike’s patents, speculated to be call GSX-R300.

The sub-500cc segment is the most hotly contested in the market.

Suzuki feels that the motorcycle market is moving towards smaller capacity and cheaper bikes.

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The promotion runs from 21^st May to 17^th July 2018.

The new prices will go into effect from 1^st June 2018.

All manufacturers are gearing up for setting GST to 0% from 1^st June 2018.