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DJI Avinox Drive System for E-Bikes Launched

DJI is already a famous name for making drones and other video accessories but the United States Congress is seeking to ban their drones. A ban in the US may also lead to a ban in the European Union. So, what does DJI do? Sit down and moan? Not a chance! As such, they diversified to produce the DJI Avinox Drive System for e-bikes.

Utilising their knowledge in controllers and brushless electric motors, the drive unit has a peak power of 1,000 Watts (1 kW/1.34 hp) and 120 Nm of torque. This drive unit weigh only 2.52 kg.

There are two battery options: 600 Wh and 800 Wh. The former weighs just 2.9 kg and delivers a range of up to 120 km. The 800 Wh, on the other hand, weighs 3.7 kg and goes up to 157 km. Both batteries are IP56 dust and waterproof and use GaN fast-charging technology, which helps them charge from 0% to 75% in about 1.5 hours.

Range is of course dependent on how the power is delivered, as such there are five riding modes: Auto, Eco, Trail, Turbo, and Boost. Eco delivers the longest range, while Boost delivers the highest torque while sacrificing range. But, there are also different power modes within those riding modes namely Intelligent Walk Assist, Auto Hold, Hill Start Assist, and Stationary Shifting. There is a pair of handlebar-mounted wireless switches to customise the settings on-the-go.

Included in the set is 2-inch OLED full-colour touchscreen Control Display which functions as a control hub which connects to your smartphone. Through the Avinox app, you can lock/unlock your bike and record your ride data. There is an array of sensors that capture nearly 50 data points, allowing you to customise the contents on the Control Display via the app, including parameters like ride time, range, average speed, real-time power output, and more.

The DJI Avinox Drive System is already in use by the Amflow PL mountain bike. And, it has already won the Eurobike Award 2024. DJI says you can contact them should you want to retrofit it to your current bike.

So, how is that for diversification?

2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Launched

So, here is the much-awaited, much-anticipated, much-revised 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure or better known as the GSA, as surely to follow the ‘standard’ R 1300 GS.

We shall leave thoughts and comments of its styling to you, but underneath all that new cover seems like everything that BMW can throw at it. And we do mean everything.

The GSA is renowned for its larger fuel tank and the this new model does have one, albeit smaller at 30 litres.

Highlights of the new 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure:

The Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) with automated clutch operation and automated gearshift in accordance with the selected riding mode. As such, there is no clutch lever.
Shared Boxer engine with the non-Adventure GS which features bottom-mounted transmission.
The BMW ShiftCam technology is retained for varying the valve timing and valve stroke on the intake side.

It produces 107 kW (145 hp) at 7,750 RPM and 149 Nm at 6,500 RPM.
Completely redesigned chassis compared to its predecessor with sheet metal main frame and aluminium lattice tube rear frame.
New EVO Telelever with flex element and revised EVO Paralever rear wheel guide for better steering precision and riding stability.

BMW Motorrad Full Integral ABS as standard.
Four riding modes as standard.
Engine drag torque control (MSR), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Hill Start Control (HSC) as standard.

Driving Modes Pro with additional riding modes as optional equipment.
Dynamic Traction Control DTC as standard.
Electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) as optional equipment, with dynamic adjustment of the damping and spring rate, and also load compensation.

Adaptive vehicle height control comfort and sport suspension as optional equipment. It automatically lifts the bike by 30mm after setting off, and lowering itself by that 30mm when slowing down toward a stop.
Matrix LED headlights and newly developed auxiliary headlights integrated into the body as standard.
Headlight Pro with adaptive headlight as optional equipment.

Hand protectors with integrated turn indicators as standard.
Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) with brake function as standard.
Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Change Warning and Rear End Collision Warning (RECW) as optional equipment.

Smartphone charging compartment with integrated USB socket and 12 V on-board power socket as standard.
Seat heating for rider and passenger for enhanced touring suitability as optional equipment ex works.
Handlebar risers up to 30 mm as optional equipment.

Wide range of seat height variants as optional equipments.
Multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen and numerous features as standard.
RDC, Keyless Ride and heated grips as standard.

Intelligent Emergency Call as standard (market-dependent).
Colour variants are Triple Black, GS Trophy, and Option 719 Karakorum.

BMW Motorrad claimed that the 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventures kerb weight is 269kg, compared to the 2024 R 1300 GS’s 237kg, while its seat height is 870mm adjustable to 890mm.

Pricing in the UK starts from £18,870 (RM113,872.52) to £21,300 (RM128,536.55).

Couple Selling Fake Helmets Caught

A couple who were actively selling fake helmets branded as Arai were caught by the authorities. They conducted their activities through the TikTok and Facebook applications.

The raid was carried out by the Kedah Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) with company representatives at a house in Alor Setar.

The director of Kedah KPDN, Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin said, the raid was after a complaint and the result of intelligence carried out since last February.

“Further inspection inside the premises found 95 helmets, 133 units of helmet bags and other items with branded labels which were confirmed to be counterfeit by the company representative.

“All items were confiscated with an estimated value of RM16,248 and the couple in their 30s were arrested. They were released after taking statements,” he said in a statement today.

He said the case was investigated in accordance with Section 102(1)(c) of the Trade Marks Act 2019 and the public was advised not to sell or offer any goods where a registered trade mark was used incorrectly.

The public who has information on any suspicious activity can channel it through all the official complaint channels of the KPDN or the Kedah KPDN office at 04-7001745,” he said.

Valentino Rossi and Francesca Novella Expecting their Second Child

Nine times world champion Valentino Rossi and Francesca Novello are expecting their second child.

Rossi announced the good news in his X social media account with several pictures and the caption “La Franci è incinta, aspettiamo un’altra bambina,” which translates to “Franci is pregnant, we are expecting another little girl.” Yes, their first child was also a girl, named Guilietta.

The photos show Rossi dressed as a doctor attributing to this nickname “The Doctor.” These photos mimic the ones when he announced their first child in 2021. He retired from professional motorcycle racing soon after.

“È sicuramente una femmina Dottore!”
La Franci è incinta,aspettiamo un’altra bambina 🎀 pic.twitter.com/jV7fOkuUrc

— Valentino Rossi (@ValeYellow46) July 4, 2024

While still retaining his ambassadorship for Yamaha, “The Doctor” is the owner of the VR46 Racing Team that races Ducatis in MotoGP.

Apart from that, Rossi has turned to car racing and has achieved several good results.

He is currently a factory GT3 driver for BMW. The Italian began his GT3 career with the WRT team and Audi in 2022, but the team switched to BMW last year in order to take on its factory World Endurance Championship (WEC) effort in the Hypercar class. As such, the switch to BMW in GT3 was part of the package.

Driving the BMW M4 GT3, Rossi has finished on the podium multiple times in the GT World Challenge Europe (GTWCE) series, including two wins, both at Misano.

This year, he stepped up to WEC in combination with his GTWCE commitments. Rossi scored his first podium earlier this year at round two in Imola. Unfortunately, his #46 BMW was involved in multi-car crashes at Spa. The recent 24 Hours of Le Mans saw his car leading several times before being involved in another multi-car crash.

Art of Speed Malaysia 2024 Encourages Love and Solidarity

The Art of Speed Malaysia 2024 (AOS) is going to be bigger than ever. With the tagline “Stop The Violence” this year, it commemorates the year with love without hate, and solidarity without borders.

Malaysia’s biggest annual Kustom & Counter Culture event returns to the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS). The site boasts a 42,000 square metre (452,084 sq. ft.) indoor and 3.5 hectare (8.6 acre) outdoor exhibition areas. AOS said that every event hall is locked in and features plenty of fun-filled activities and exhibitions for fans and visitors over the weekend. MAEPS will host Art of Speed 2024 (AOS 2024) on 27 July 2024 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm) and 28 July 2024 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm).

Begin press release:

The AOS 2024 featured guest list from the international custom community and media will include:

Shige Suganuma, Shinotsuka “NATQQ” Michihisa & Hey Murakamii from MOONEYES, Japan

Professional Japanese drifter Daigo Saito is coming to AOS 2024. Daigo is a driver with many years of experience and multiple wins under his belt, including the D1 Grand Prix series and Formula Drift series. He also founded his own shop called Fat Five Racing, where he built plenty of outrageous drift cars throughout the years, one notable example being his drift-spec Lamborghini Murcielago. He has since expanded his compound – now known as Fat Five Land – which includes a lounge/bar, car display and a drift area where you can ride alongside Daigo.

Katie’s Customs from Japan featuring a custom Vincent Black Shadow bike (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_Black_Shadow). Founded in 2005, Katie’s Custom Shop is located at the Nishitama District in Tokyo and exudes strong hot rod elements. The owner Mr. Katsuya Tasaki specializes in Harley-Davidsons and his creative vision is to create a silhouette that even people who are not interested in custom culture will think is cool! He has received numerous awards at the famous Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show.

STOOP Motorcycles, Japan – Masato Ikemori from STOOP Motorcycles will be coming to AOS 2024 with his Harley-Davidson Panhead. The Panhead was first introduced in 1948 and was manufactured until 1965, made in both 61 and 74 cubic inch displacements. The nickname “Panhead” refers to the shape of the pressed aluminium valve covers which resembled cooking pans. The Panhead sits high in the hierarchy of Classic Harley-Davidson engines alongside other classics like the Flathead, Knucklehead and Shovelhead.

EVILACT, Japan – Born and raised in Yokohama, Japan, Minato Yamamoto grew up under the influence of the counterculture scene made famous in his hometown. Besides founding EVILACT, Minato-san is also a former custom painter and now a fashion designer. Minato-san will be bringing his 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead EL to AOS 2024.
Nigel Petrie from Engineered To Slide, Australia – Nigel Petrie is well-known in the scene as a custom car fabricator. His deep obsession with cars and motorcycles has driven him to be a self-taught welder, fabricator, and designer, culminating with his infamous space frame drift Toyota Hilux, built under his brand Engineered To Slide. Over the years, Nigel continues to fine tune his skills and create custom cars and motorcycles to match his unique style.
Spinny, Thailand – Best European Custom Bike Winner at Bangkok Hot Rod Show 2024.
Little Boy Cycles, Thailand – Best of Show Winner at Bangkok Hot Rod Show 2024.
Dino Dalle Carbonare & Alexander Iain from Speedhunters.com, Global.
ONE LOW, Masashi Tasaki; Japan – One Low is a famous Volkswagen Speed Shop from Japan, notable for building the MOONEYES Volkswagen Beetle drag car – Moon Bug.
Tengku Djan, The Prince of Drift – Tengku Djan Ley bin Tengku Mahaleel is a Malaysian professional drift driver who has competed in the D1 Grand Prix Racing series along multiple drift and race series. He has many accomplishments in his professional racing career such as winning the 12-hour Merdeka Millennium Endurance race consecutively in 2005 and 2006.

Makoto from Makoto M&K Custom Signs – Makoto is the artist responsible for the AOS 2024 poster and designer for the Hot Wheels Japan Collectors Convention die-cast car.
2 Percenter, Japan
Masanari Kobyashi from Japan
Burnout Magazine, Japan
Vibes magazine, Japan – This year the owner of Vibes magazine, Mr. Tosihiro, is coming to AOS 2024.
Ignite magazine, Thailand
Cynar, Japan

Mow, Australia
Choppajoop, Singapore
Hisa Artes 66 Paintlab, Indonesia (a collective group of 15 pinstripe artists)
Fahmi Freeflow, Indonesia
Mill Art, Indonesia
Mr. Pinman, Thailand
Irvine Jasta, Indonesia
Cherry Bomb Pin-Up Parlour, Singapore
Bangkok Hot Rod Show, Thailand
Mooneyes Bangkok, Thailand
Kustomfest, Indonesia
Borneo Kustom Show, Brunei
BBQ Ride, Indonesia
Wicked Wallop, Singapore
Ya Seat, Thailand
Wheelspin, Thailand
Von Dutch, Indonesia

The main highlights for AOS 2024 are:

New For 2024! – SoundCircus Takeover by Art of Speed indoor stage. No longer an outdoor festival, SoundCircus is taking over Hall A. Prepare to rock indoors with bands like Spider, Gerhana Ska Cinta, Salam Musik, Jemson X Forcesparkbois, Slatan, 53 Universe and many more. The SoundCircus Takeover will be happening all weekend from 27 to 28 July 2024 at MAEPS Serdang from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Tickets are now available at https://scf.artofspeedmy.com/ticket/ (Early Bird tickets are sold out). *IMPORTANT* As SoundCircus Takeover is an indoor event, parents will need to supervise their children and teenagers.

New For 2024! – Art of Speed will be collaborating with Selangor FC (SFC) in support of SFC on-going campaign; “Stop The Violence” crossing over from football to automotive lifestyle.
New For 2024! – Community Moto4sale for buying, selling & trade motorcycles below 500cc.
New For 2024! – Art of Speed in collaboration with IGL coating with a limited edition mini detailing kit.
New For 2024! – There will be 4 collaborations for 2024! First, Art of Speed X Zippo. Second, Art of Speed X Von Dutch (work shirt & cap). Third, Art of Speed X Selangor FC, and the most awaited collab this year will be Art of Speed X MOONEYES.
New For 2024! – AOS Invitational Build-Off returns featuring 10 bike builders vying for cash prize and a chance to have their custom vehicle shipped to Japan for The 32nd Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2024. This year builders selected are:
- Abah & Sons (Padin Musa)
- Nodie Cycles
- Acid Welding
- Zuhalfast
- RGF
- Flying Loser
- Chaos Customs
- FNG Works
- Son of Abdul
The 2nd Official Hot Wheels Collectors Convention Malaysia will be held again at Hall C after receiving a successful turnout from both collectors and visitors in 2023. At the convention, visitors will be able to experience various activities including Hot Wheels Rare and Collectibles Exhibition, Hot Wheels Swap Buy And Sell, Collector sharing sessions, Hot Wheels Custom Competition and many more. And for one night, dinner will be hosted for the Hot Wheels Collector Convention at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur. AOS 2024 will launch the first ever convention exclusive die-cast model from Mattel factory for Malaysia together with Hot Wheels Design Manager – Vehicles, Dwayne Vance.
AOS will continue The Outdoor ThunderCircus “Brotherhood Rally” with a fully dedicated open area for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts, attracting a gathering of various motorcycle makers and brand communities. Highlights for ThunderCircus include a mega ride in, and motorcycle groups from across Malaysia and around the region.
In collaboration with NoEqual.co is the NEAT Fest in Hall C, which will feature a collective display of highly curated modified cars from across Malaysia. The cars featured will be some of the tastefully modified from local, Japanese, European and supercars categories.
From becoming a staple content of AOS to its own standalone event – Off The Grid will be available again at Hall C. An indoor environment with air-conditioning means the entire family can enjoy the “outdoor lifestyle” without burning out from the sun. There will be plenty of exhibits along with local and international brands to look forward to.
Hail Vintage and Streetware Con featuring thrift and streetwear fashion galore at Hall D. Now with even more vendors for 2024. This year features the Backdoor Soundsystem Collective to entertain the crowd all throughout the weekend.
Christopher Ng from Motoqar will be this year’s host for our annual Kustom & Koffee Talk inside Hall A at 3.30pm on Saturday, together with overseas panelists. The forum will discuss the latest trends in the bike and car industries.
Show & Shine returns in Hall A, featuring the best selection of modified cars and custom motorcycles with an opportunity for Best of Show to win a trip to The 32nd Annual Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show to be held in December 2024.

Additional AOS 2024 activities include:

Roda Rumble 2024 – Two Wheels Gathering & Outdoor Festival supported by Retro Mania
La Cultura – Malaysia’s Chicano Culture Appreciation Gathering, which includes a fashion display of Cholo and Chicano style, Dance and DJ show, and more
Food Park food vendors and trucks IS NOW OUTDOORS!
Automotive flea market
Product launching on stage
Test Ride Zone for bike (Royal Enfield, Vespa, Aprilia, Triumph, Lambretta, Harley-Davidson, and more)

This year’s lucky draw giveaway on Sunday is a special collaboration between AOS X QARTEL TV. One lucky ticket holder will stand to win ONE (1) modified Honda. This giveaway marks the first ever “modern” vehicle as the prize, chosen for its versatility, efficiency and fun to use. As such AOS has collaborated with Qaqal Jeffry from QARTEL TV who is a renowned Honda expert.

The AOS 2024 weekend pass is available at the door and online for RM35.00*, with children below 12 years old entering for FREE. OKU (disabled) Pass Holders will also enjoy free entry. Halls are open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on both days. New for 2024 is the option for Valet VIP Parking Ticket. For RM30.00, visitors can park their cars at Ground Level in Hall D and it is valid for one-day entry.

*Excluding RM3 processing fees

“We are blessed to have been able to host Art of Speed Malaysia for 13 years, not only for realizing a dream but also to stay true to the original ambition of an event that gathers fans and enthusiasts under one roof to celebrate everything related to art, lifestyle, culture and motoring,” said Mr. Asep Ahmad Iskandar, Festival Director, Art of Speed Malaysia (AOSM).

“We have been crafting our events based on the right ‘pillars’ to follow, and that includes a safe, comfortable and inclusive space, content for all human senses, affordable aspirations, brotherhood, and always celebrating the good times. To sum it up, Art of Speed is for everyone; always has and always will be. Thank you for joining us again in 2024 and let the good times roll!”

Vendor & Corporate application is now open, please contact Rafiq at +6012 2620 405 for business enquiries. For more information about this event, please visit www.artofspeedmy.com or www.facebook.com/ArtOfSpeedMY/

New DBKL New Compound Rates

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has begun enforcing new compound rates for traffic offences beginning Monday, 1st July 2024. The offences are under the purview of the Road Transport Act 1987 and its subsidiary legislation.

DBKL announced that the compound rates for the motorcycle category are RM30 for payments made within one to 15 days, RM50 (16 to 30 days) and RM80 (31 to 60 days).

For car offences, the compound rates are RM50 for payments made within one to 15 days, RM80 (16 to 30 days) and RM100 (31 to 60 days).

Meanwhile, for heavy vehicles, the compound rates are RM200 for payments made within one to 15 days, RM250 (16 to 30 days) and RM300 (31 to 60 days).

VEHICLE TYPE	Paid within
VEHICLE TYPE	1-15 days	16-30 days	31-60 days
Motorcycle	RM30	RM50	RM80
Car	RM50	RM80	RM100
Heavy vehicle	RM200	RM250	RM300

Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering 2024 Set New Record

The recent Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering 2024 set a new record.

It was momentous occasion when over 310 Ducati Panigale owners and their motorcycles gathered for the event. Safe to say, it beat the previous record of 150 Panigales set in 2011, earning the event a place in the Malaysia Book of Records.

The Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering 2024 event began at the Ducati KL showroom, before the convoy was flagged off, and subsequently headed to the Nilai Spring for the celebrations. The entire event and convoy highlighted the camaraderie and unity of the Panigale community.

Several luminaries attended the event including MotoGP, WSBK and ARRC hero Hafizh Syahrin; Siddhartha Varma, the Marketing Director Asia Pacific, Ducati Motor Thailand; and Dennis Michael, COO of Ducati Malaysia.

Dennis Michael shared, “The Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering is more than just a world record-breaking event; it’s a celebration of the ‘Malaysia Boleh!’ spirit and the love of Ducati on our shores. We are thrilled to support our local passionate Ducati clubs and their enthusiastic owners, especially when it comes to their love for Ducati, here in Malaysia and also around the world. I would also like to extend a word of appreciation to my colleague Siddhartha for gracing this event and witnessing first-hand the strength of our Ducati Malaysian enthusiasts.”

Siddhartha Varma, added, “The Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering in Malaysia is a testament to the passion and dedication of our riders. It’s an incredible sight to see so many Panigale motorcycles together, reflecting the unity and enthusiasm that defines the Ducati family.”

All in all, the Panigale Kingdom Mega Gathering 2024 not only set a new world record but also underscored the unwavering commitment and passion of Ducati riders. This historic event showcased the essence of Ducati’s heritage, the spirit of innovation, and the profound sense of community that binds Panigale enthusiasts worldwide.

License of Tour Bus Operator Involved in Genting Highland Accident Suspended

The license of the tour bus company involved in the fatal accident at Genting Highland on Saturday, 29 June 2024, will be suspended.

It is understood that the bus driver did not have a valid license and had 27 previous traffic offences. Of the 18 Chinese nationals onboard, 2 we killed, while 13 others were injured. 4 tour guides, and the driver survived.

A total of eight accident victims who are receiving treatment at the hospital are reported to be stable.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing revealed that there were complaints from victims who said the bus did not have air conditioning and was noisy. In addition, the tourists changed buses three times during the six days and five nights they were here. The minister said, “This proves that the buses are not well maintained.”

“That’s why I always tell all tourism companies must be ready to accept tourists from abroad,” he said when met by reporters after visiting the victims of the bus accident at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) here today.

Also present was the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yuging.

Following that, the company’s operating license was suspended while a full investigation and report was carried out. “I have already instructed the ministry to conduct an investigation against the travel company because it is understood that they have a subline (third party).

Commenting further, Tiong said, a special meeting involving his ministry and the Ministry of Transport will be held this Tuesday, to discuss the investigation of the case.

He said, among those that will be discussed are standard operating procedures (SOP) involving tour companies and sightseeing buses that are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport through the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

He said that his party takes the issue of the safety of foreign tourists who seek the services of travel companies in this country seriously.

“I have already asked the ministry to speed up a short investigation starting tomorrow. If the investigation finds a fault, we will cancel the license of the company involved,” he said.

He also apologised to all the victims involved in the accident and hoped that the same incident would not happen again.