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Tunnelling Work for Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, World’s Longest Roadway Tunnel Completed

Tunnelling work for the the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world’s longest expressway tunnel, has been completed on Monday morning. The completion will facilitate the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Monday.

The 22.13-kilometer tunnel, “Shengli,” which means “victory” in Chinese, will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes once operational, according to Xinhua.

The mega project’s design features a dual-direction, four-lane tunnel with a design speed of 100 km/h. It is located in the remote depths of the Tianshan Mountains, at an average altitude of over 3,000 meters, the China Media Group (CMG) reported on Monday.

Over the past four years, more than 3,000 workers have toiled continuously in high-altitude, low-oxygen environments, while tackling numerous geological challenges and risks such as rock bursts, large deformations in soft rock, and collapses, according to the CMG report.

The project faces severe environmental conditions and highly complex geology. Typically, it would take about 72 months to complete the tunnel using conventional methods. However, the builders successfully completed it in just 52 months, according to CMG.

The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is a key project of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, which runs from the regional capital of Urumqi in northern Xinjiang to Yuli County in southern Xinjiang. The expressway is expected to be fully completed and open to traffic in 2025. The driving time between the two locations will be reduced from about seven hours to just over three hours, according to Xinhua.

Two Puspakom Personnel Called for Questioning

The Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) confirmed that two of its employees from the Wangsa Maju branch have been summoned to give statements to the Road Transport Department (JPJ), today.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mahmood Razak Bahman, however, did not elaborate on why the two employees were ordered to give statements to the JPJ Enforcement Department.

“Puspakom stressed that the staff involved will not be protected from any internal disciplinary action, if any misconduct is proven.

“To ensure the integrity of Puspakom’s inspection, the company will not hesitate to take appropriate action against the staff involved as provided for under the terms and conditions of the employment contract, including suspension or dismissal,” he said in a statement to the press, yesterday.

Apart from that, Mahmood also confirmed that a vehicle inspected at the Wangsa Maju branch was seized by JPJ for using a foreign driver without a valid driving license.

Earlier, JPJ was reported to have conducted simultaneous operations at all Puspakom branches nationwide yesterday, to ensure that every vehicle inspected at the facility complies with the set standards.

Among the offences detected by lorry drivers in PUSPAKOM’s Surprise Operation was the use of worn and unsafe dipped tyres among heavy vehicles, despite being aware that they were at risk of leaking at any time.

Meanwhile, Mahmood said that full cooperation would be given to JPJ which was conducting surprise inspections at all Puspakom branches nationwide, today.

He said Puspakom also welcomed the enforcement action on the company’s branches, aimed at ensuring that inspection operations are carried out in accordance with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set.

“This step will help in efforts to instill road safety practices in the country.

“The collaboration between Puspakom and JPJ is believed to strengthen efforts to improve road safety levels and preserve the integrity of the country’s transportation system.

“Puspakom is always committed to ensuring that all vehicles inspected meet the set safety requirements.

“This surprise inspection is part of JPJ’s ongoing efforts to ensure safety and compliance with laws relating to vehicles on the road.

“We fully support the initiative to ensure that all inspection procedures are carried out transparently and in accordance with the standards set by the authorities,” he said.

JPJ Issues 5306 Notices Against Commercial Vehicles in 5 Days

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) issued 5,306 offence notices against 17,729 commercial and public service vehicles that were inspected during the five-day Operasi Khas ‘Gempur Teknikal’ nationwide which began on December 25.

The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport, Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan, said that in the operation, 16 vehicles were seized involving 15 commercial vehicles and one public service vehicle.

He said that the special operation, which was held in conjunction with the Christmas celebration, JPJ had mobilized more than 1,500 personnel who focused on enforcement against commercial vehicle offences.

“This operation focused on overloading, technical, documentation and traffic offences as well as technical vehicle manufacturing and use.

“A total of 17,729 vehicles were inspected involving 15,770 commercial vehicles and public service vehicles (1,959).

“A total of 1,787 vehicles were subject to action while 578 vehicle owners were given inspection slips involving 544 (commercial) and public (34),” he said.

He said this to the media after leading the Special Technical Raid Operation at the Southbound Rest and Treatment Area (R&R), North-South Expressway Project (PLUS), here, today.

Also present were JPJ Senior Director of Enforcement, Muhmmad Kifli Ma Hassan and Negeri Sembilan JPJ Director, Hanif Yusabra Yusuf.

Commenting further, Jana Santhiran said his party views seriously the series of accidents and deaths due to road accidents involving commercial vehicles.

“Therefore, stricter enforcement action is being taken against vehicles that fail to comply with regulations under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715) and Rules nationwide.

“To ensure more aggressive and proactive monitoring can be carried out, JPJ will maintain a total of 1,500 members in each special operation including during festive seasons such as Chinese New Year and the upcoming Aidilfitri,” he told Harian Metro.

Courier Stabbed in Eye – Police Denies Refusing Report

The Bentong District Police Chief has denied allegations that his department refused to accept a report made by a courier who claimed to have been stabbed in the eye.

Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the Bentong District Police Headquarters (IPD) detected the allegation which was spread via WhatsApp.

He said, based on the screenshot, it claimed that the Bentong police refused to accept a report from a delivery man regarding a disagreement between the courier and his customer that resulted in the victim being injured.

According to him, the content of the WhatsApp that went viral was untrue because his department received the report from the victim and was investigating the case.

“The victim was also sent to Temerloh Hospital for further treatment,” he said in a statement today.

In this regard, he said, at 3.01 pm yesterday, a police report was made by an assistant criminal investigation officer of the Bentong IPD regarding the defamatory allegation.

“The case is being investigated under Section 500 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zaiham advised the public to be more responsible and not arbitrarily spread something that is not true.

“Bentong Police also requested that the suspect who spread the WhatsApp message come forward to the Bentong IPD for further investigation,” he said.

Woman who Burned Motorcycle Remanded

The woman who set fire to a motorcycle has been arrested by the police and remanded for three days until Sunday.

Taiping District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Nasir Ismail, said they arrested the woman at 7.30pm last Thursday to assist in investigations under Section 435 (criminal trespass with fire) of the Penal Code.

“Earlier at 4.27pm, the police received a report from a man who works as a repossessor regarding the actions of a woman setting fire to a black Honda RSX.

“Following the report, the police managed to arrest the woman and the motive for the incident was that the arrestee was dissatisfied when the motorcycle was repossessed.

“It is understood that the monthly payment for the motorcycle has been outstanding for more than 20 months and the motorcycle was purchased in the name of her son,” he said when contacted by the media.

He added that an investigation paper has been opened under Section 435 of the Penal Code (criminal trespass) which, if convicted, can be punished with 14 years in prison or a fine.

Earlier, it went viral on social media when a woman who is also a trader set fire to a black Honda RSX motorcycle near a stall in Pokok Assam, Taiping.

It is understood that the incident occurred after the woman refused to cooperate with a tow truck that wanted to tow the motorcycle because it was in arrears for 20 months.

The video shows the woman pouring a liquid believed to be kerosene or petrol on it before setting it on fire. The Fire Department had to be called in to extinguish the fire.

1457 Deaths Involving Lorries Since 2019

A total of 1,457 deaths from 3,500 accidents involving lorries were recorded from January 2019 to November 2024. The statistics were revealed by the Director of the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) Datuk Seri Mohd. Yusri Hassan Basri.

He also detailed the number of deaths due to lorry accidents by year:

2019 – 274 deaths.
2020 – 226 deaths.
2021 – 230 deaths.
2022 – 232 deaths.
2023 – 235 deaths.
2024 (as of November) – 260 deaths.

In addition, there were 473 cases of serious injuries and 1,076 minor injuries from the total number of accidents.

For accidents involving buses, 548 cases were recorded for the same period with 153 deaths, 120 serious injuries and 218 minor injuries recorded.

“The police will continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement operations on commercial vehicles, especially lorries and buses, in an effort to reduce the alarming number of deaths recorded,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Datuk Seri Mohd. Yusri said the police would increase cooperation with relevant parties such as the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and highway concessionaires for that purpose. He also hoped that owners, companies and drivers of commercial vehicles would work together to ensure the safety of their vehicles.

Aprilia RS125, Aprilia Tuono 125 Refreshed for 2025

While we have quite a large offering of Aprilia motorcycles in Malaysia, there are several models missing from the line-up, namely the Aprilia RS125, Tuono 125, RX125, and SX125. These are available in Europe especially since the continent has A1 and A2 license rules. They seem to be selling well over there and Aprilia has refreshed them for 2025.

Starting with the engine, the single-cylinder, four-valve, liquid-cooled powerplant (shared among the four models) has now been overhauled to meet Euro5+ standards. The engine produces 14.8hp at 10,500rpm and 11Nm at 8500rpm, which at the limit of A1 license regulations. For comparison, the Aprilia 125cc engine’s power output sits in between the Yamaha 135LC’s (12hp) and Y15ZR’s (15.1hp).

The sportier pair in the foursome, the RS125 sportbike and Tuono 125 naked continue to use the same aluminium twin spar frame as before – making them the only bikes in their class without steel frames. They come with upside-down forks, aluminium swingarms, radially mounted front brakes, and LED lighting all-round.

Colour choices for each are now Kingsnake White or Cyanide Yellow for the RS, and Viper Yellow or Mamba Grey for the Tuono.

The other two variants in the Aprilia 125 lineup are the SX125 supermoto and RX125 dirtbike. The former uses 17-inch wheels front and back, while the latter has a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel. Both these use steel frames. Both machines come in Cubozoa White or Varanus Black.

Prices for the Aprilia RS125, Tuono 125, SX125, and RX125 have not been revealed. Wonder if these will be in Malaysia some day.

2025 Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally to Defend Aprilia’s Africa Eco Race Win

Aprilia had won the Africa Eco Race rally in 2023 in their first attempt with the Tuareg 660. And now, they will be back to defend the win with a 2025 Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally.

The race will take place from 28 December and conclude on 12 January, again with Jacopo Cerutti, Francesco Montanari and Marco Menichini. It was Cerutti who won last year’s race.

The Rally version of the Tuareg 660 is new for 2025 and features new distinctive race graphics, going alongside the standard 660 which receives the usual Aprilia Racing colourway and several other variants including a ‘Dakar Podium’ colour scheme, Martian Red, Acid Gold, Indaco Tagelmust and Canyon Sand.

Montanari is no stranger to the Africa Eco Rally as he joins the fold for the 2025 edition, while Menichini is a new entrant to the race and will feature as part of the ‘Junior class’ which is designed for riders under 25 years of age.

Ahead of the event, Cerutti said: “The dream is to win again, in spite of the fact that there are almost 4,000 km of timed sections extremely demanding along the way where anything can happen. In the Africa Eco Race, navigation is always a huge challenge and each day can hold surprises all the way to the last mile.

Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola also spoke about the upcoming event as the Noale-based brand is keen to make another statement. “After last year’s outstanding performance, it’s hard not to be optimistic about this edition, although being defending champs comes with great responsibility. It won’t be easy to repeat the performance, partly because our rivals are even more prepared. Jacopo is in grand form and he is determined to demonstrate his full potential.

“We are also counting on Montanari’s experience, who showed us his value last year, and on Marco Menichini’s skills in the Junior class. We are confident in the Guareschi Team’s great performance.”

Benelli BKX 125 and Benelli BKX 125 S Revealed

Benelli has launched a slew of new models for 2025, including these interesting-looking small capacity ones, called the Benelli BKX 125 and Benelli BKX 125 S.

Both are built around the same platform i.e. shared engine, frame, suspension, and brakes. The differences are the BKX 125 is a lightweight adventure motorcycle, while the BKX 125 S is a naked/supermoto type of bike. Hence, the the former has a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel with wire spokes, while the latter uses cast 17-inch wheels on both ends. There is a single 280mm brake disc up front.

The engine is a 125cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled unit, which produces a humble 14hp at 9,500 RPM and 12Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM. Compression ratio is 12.0:1, and complies to the Euro5+ emission standard. Its peak power is at the limit of the European A1 license.

The exterior asserts a unique style that is typical of Benelli, and is equipped with a vertical LED headlight and a triangular position light. In addition, the BKX 125 comes standard with a rally tower-like meter visor, a large shroud on the tank side, and a handlebar cover, giving it a silhouette that is just like an adventure machine. The fuel tank has a capacity of 12 litres.

The Benelli BKX 125 and Benelli BKX 125 S actually look similar to the BKX 300 and BKX 300 S. Prices have not been announced.

Royal Enfield Sales up 21%, Increases Production

Despite a slowdown in the global motorcycle market, Royal Enfield (RE) surprised everyone by selling 21% more motorcycles from the start of 2024 to October compared to the same period last year. In terms of figures, that was 565,353 motorcycles, of which 52,624 were exported.

In fact, RE sold 110,574 motorcycles in October 2024 alone, which was almost double of Ducati’s annual sales in 2023. It marked a 31% increase compared to October last year.

The increase can be traced to the several new models in the middleweight segment, as well the increase in production facilities around the world.

Although the core of RE’s production facilities are located at Oragadam and Vallam Vadagal near Chennai, India, they also have five Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly facilities in Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Bangladesh and Nepal with a new CKD facility just opening up in Thailand, bringing the number up to six.

Enfield’s new Thai plant, which is located at Samut Prakan province in Bangkok and has the capability to make 30,000 bikes a year, is the firm’s first in the region and will give them even greater access to the lucrative Asia-Pacific markets, which is a hotbed for the mid-sized bikes Enfield are focused on making.

“Our strategic intent is to have an international expansion strategy of investing in markets with huge potential to grow. Thailand assembly plant caters to this vision,” CEO, B. Govindarajan said.

Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Launched

The Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 has been launched. It sports a V-Twin engine, and slots in between the single-cylinder Leoncino 125 and parallel-Twin Leoncino 500.

Highlights:

The engine is a 385cc, SOHC, 60° V-Twin which produces 34.5hp at 8,000 RPM, and 36.6Nm at 4,500 RPM. This is what you would expected from a V-Twin cruiser.

Engine power is sent through a six-speed transmission and belt final drive.
Designed by the Centro Stile Benelli in Italy, the maker is trying to instil a powercruiser styling in the Leoncino Bobber 400. Although it looks like a combination of the Fat Boy and XR1200 to us.

16-inch wheels, front and rear. The front has a width of 130mm, the rear is 150mm.
Each wheel has a single disc brake, the front ius 300mm while the rear is 240mm. ABS is standard.

Seat height is just 735mm, curb weight is 180kg.
The tank holds 15 litres of fuel.

Classic style, round TFT screen.

That is all the data that was released and the it is a simple bike, anyway. The price of the Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 has not been revealed.

Benelli TRK902 Explorer Takes on Off-Road Segment

The Benelli TRK902 Explorer has been launched as the company’s entry into the rugged middleweight adventure segment.

Although technical details are scant at the moment, we do know that the TRK902 Explorer uses a new engine, based on the old 754cc 4-valve. The stroke and bore have been increased to take it up to 904cc. Benelli claims the engine produces 98.6hp and 90.0Nm of torque. Not bad.

Benelli has adventure bikes prior to this but the TRK902 Explorer is the most rugged TRK thus far. The frame is the usual tubular steel trellis type, with fully-adjustable 50mm upside-down forks. The rear monoshock is adjustable from spring preload and rebound damping. Both ends have 200mm travel, which in turn gives the bike a generous 230mm ground clearance. However, Benelli gives the bike 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels instead of a 21-inch and 18-inch combo.

Pirelli Scorpion Rally tyres are standard fitment and the twin 320mm discs are gripped by Brembo four-piston monobloc calipers with an ABS system that has a dedicated off-road mode.

There is no mention of a traction control system or variable power modes, but they are likely to be fitted as it runs a ride-by-wire throttle. Benelli claim a dry weight of 235kg with a seat height of 865mm.

When it comes to practicality, the Benelli TRK902 Xplorer features a 7-inch TFT colour dash with connectivity and a navigation function, two fog lights integrated into its design, tyre pressure monitors, a 22-litre fuel capacity and even an electronically-adjustable screen.

Its price has not been revealed.

Bikesrepublic

English

Tunnelling Work for Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, World’s Longest Roadway Tunnel Completed

Two Puspakom Personnel Called for Questioning

JPJ Issues 5306 Notices Against Commercial Vehicles in 5 Days

Courier Stabbed in Eye – Police Denies Refusing Report

Woman who Burned Motorcycle Remanded

1457 Deaths Involving Lorries Since 2019

Aprilia RS125, Aprilia Tuono 125 Refreshed for 2025

2025 Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally to Defend Aprilia’s Africa Eco Race Win

Benelli BKX 125 and Benelli BKX 125 S Revealed

Royal Enfield Sales up 21%, Increases Production

Benelli Leoncino Bobber 400 Launched

Highlights:

Benelli TRK902 Explorer Takes on Off-Road Segment

Indian Motorcycle Returns to Malaysia

New Colours for the 2025 Honda ADV160

All-New BMW R 1300 RT and BMW R 1300 RS Debut

ARIIC 318 GT Launched, from RM22,888

KTM Stops Production (Again)

SYM TTLBT 508 First Ride Review

SYM ADXTG 400 First Ride Review

2025 BMW F 900 GS Adventure Arrives in Malaysia

2025 BMW S 1000 RR Arrives in Malaysia, From RM139,500

2025 Suzuki SV650 Returns

Flying Flea ‘Mototem’ – One of its Kind Art Bike

2025 Honda CBR250RR Test and Review, The True Lightweight Sportbike?

Archive

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Honda Expects to Sell 20.2 Million Motorcycles in 2024 Fiscal Year

Suzuki GSX-S1000GX – Overall Champion and Tourer of the Year 2025

Aprilia Racing Real Team Experience Showcased Aprilia RS457 Track Activation

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