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CFMoto 500SR Voom Revealed

First the type approval application for the four-cylinder engine, and now the entire bike. The CFMoto 500SR Voom four-cylinder sportbike has been revealed.

As mentioned previously, the DOHC inline-four with 63mm bores and 40mm stroke produces 78hp.

Other specifications revealed in the new type-approval document show that the CFMoto 500SR Voom has a wheelbase of 1394mm, similar to a typical 600cc supersport bike’s. CFMoto claims it weighs 194 kg including fuel. That is and slightly less than the upcoming CFMoto 675SR-R triple, which weighs 195 kg. The top speed, according to the document, is 210km/h. Tyre sizes are 120/70-17 and 160/60-17 rubber.

Pictures in the document show two colour schemes, a the silver/black version plus a blue-and-black variant. Both feature KYB suspension and CFMoto-branded radial-mount brakes, but the silver-and-black bike gets a black fork and bronze engine covers and wheels, while the blue version has a silver fork, white wheels with a black engine. The circular holes on the nose are air intakes ringed with DRL LEDs, with ducts running back to the airbox. The main headlight is the rectangular unit under the nose.

These look good and we can very well expect a naked NK model soon. But we would like to see if CFMoto will make a sportier variant with single-sided swingarm.

Petrol Station Operator Facing Fine up to RM1 Million

A petrol station operator in Alor Gajah, Melaka is facing a fine of up to RM1 million after a video went viral showing a driver of a foreign registered car filling up with subsidized RON95 petrol there.

Accordingly, the petrol station was raided by the Melaka Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).

State KPDN director, Norena Jaafar, said the action was taken after her party detected the video recording on social media on June 16, which triggered various negative reactions among netizens.

“Following that, a KPDN enforcement team went to the station involved today to carry out further investigations and as a result we suspect that there was a offence made by the operator of the premises.

“The suspected offence was made at 4.35pm, last Sunday and through closed circuit camera (CCTV) footage, it was found that a man suspected to be a foreigner paid RM23.17 through an outdoor payment terminal (OTP) transaction, which is a payment through a prepaid card to buy the fuel in question,” he said through a statement, today.

Norena said, the act thus violates Rule 12A, Supply Control Regulations 1974 which is an offence under Rule 21(1).

“This offender can be punished according to Section 22(1) of the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122) where if found guilty the petrol station operator faces a fine not exceeding RM1 million or imprisonment for up to three years or both.

“The action of the case was made in line with the directive enforced on 17 June 2022 involving the ban on the sale of RON95 petrol to all vehicles with foreign registration numbers,” she said.

Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Edition Revealed

The Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Edition has been revealed, as an homage to the rock ‘n’ roll legend.

Elvis was an avid motorcycle fan, owning several motorcycles but Triumph was one of his favourite. He first got his leg on a Triumph T120 in 1965 which was owned by his friend Jerry Schilling. Elvis was so impressed that he went straight to ordering a T120 for each of his friends.

This new T120 bike is styled on Elvis’ most iconic ’68 ‘Comeback Special’ performance, which illuminated his name with red lightbulbs. As such, the bike features ‘ELVIS’ gold lettering in similar fashion to those stage lights, together with Presley’s signature on top of the tank. Elvis’ ‘Taking Care of Business in a Flash’ emblem is also featured on the front mudguard of the bike, the design of this is also featured on the necklace presented to each of his Memphis Mafia inner circle members.

The Carnival Red colour scheme was inspired by the Bonneville T120 TT which featured in Comedy Western ‘Stay Away Joe’ and the Bonnevilles which were gifted to the Memphis Mafia in 1965, besides the J Daar custom Bonneville created to raise money for the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation in 2023.

The Triumph Bonneville T120 Elvis Presley Edition is limited to 925 units worldwide, hence the serial number is laser etched onto the handlebar clamp with laser etched Elvis Presley’s signature. Each buyer will receive a Sony gold disc in an exclusive Elvis Presley and Triumph Motorcycles record sleeve, which also includes the certificate of authenticity, signed by Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor and Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of ABG, Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Price is £14,495 (RM86,780.70) on the road in the UK.

Why is CE-Rated Protector in Motorcycle Gear Important?

As mentioned in a previous article, motorcycle rider gear such as the helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, footwear must conform to a certain standard. And you may have seen such a tag above attached to a clothing item. But what is and why is CE-rated protector in motorcycle gear important?

By “protector” we mean the padding held in the areas where jacket, pants, or race suit that are prone to impact such as the elbows, shoulders, back, chest. However, there must a standard or standards to govern the tests and results otherwise manufacturers may as well make and claim whatever they wish.

What is the standard?

The standard which is the most prevalent the world over is CE “Conformité Européene” or EN “European Norm” EN 1621. Please refer to the picture below which is a replication of the label you can find in a motorcycle riding gear.

The motorcycle symbol shows that this is motorcyclists’ protective clothing against mechanical impact.
Below and outside the box, you can find these codes EN 1621-1:2012.
EN1621-1 mean the padding is for any of these areas:
- S – Shoulder.
- E – Elbow.
- H – Hip.
- K – Knee.
- K + L – Knee, upper and middle tibia.
- L – Shin (front of leg) below knee protector.
- KP – Knuckle protection.
- 2012 in the code means the year the EN 1621 was revised. It DOES NOT denote the year the item was made.

Going back into the box, underneath that motorcyclist symbol:
- E/K TYPE A means this padding can be used as the elbow or knee protector.
- TYPE A refers to the coverage area:
- A – reduced coverage area for special applications.
- B – normal coverage area.

If you see EN1621-2, the armour is for back protection only. However, there are different codes for different areas of coverage:
- B or FB – Full back protector.
- CB – Central back.
- L or LB – Lumbar only.
The EN1621-3 standard applies to chest protectors.

Do note that gear manufacturers may or may not list the entire code in the garment or armour itself. However, you may find the full information on the cards attached to the piece of new gear.

Level of Protection

There are two levels of protection, Level 1 and Level 2. The amount of force transmitted through determines the level. For example:

Level 1 – Maximum transferred force must be below 18 kN, and no single value above 24 kN.
Level 2 – Maximum transferred force must be below 9 kN, and no single value above 12 kN.

This means a certified Level 2 armour is more protective than one that’s certified as Level 1.

Optional criteria

On this note, certain riding gear manufacturers may also describe the level of protection for other criteria, for example:

Performance Level 1 or 2.
Abrasion resistance Level 1 or 2.
Impact cut resistance Level 1 or 2.
Burst strength Level 1 or 2.

UNI prEN 17092-X:2017

The CE authorization body has implemented a new standard after 2018, although it does not appear on all riding gears, depending on where the item is sold in. This new standard encapsulates the level of protection within the code itself, unlike the previous EN1621-X, which only alludes the area of protection.

For example, it means Class AAA (the highest level) if you see the code prEN 17092-2:2017 (2017 being the year the gear was certified).

Class AAA (prEN 17092-2:20XX)	Offers the highest level of protection for highest level of risk.
Class AA (prEN 17092-3:20XX)	Second highest level of protection.
Class A (prEN 17092-4:20XX)	Third highest level of protection. Comfortable for street riding on a daily basis.
Class B (prEN 17092-5:20XX)	Abrasion protection equal to Class A but without impact protection.
Class C (prEN 17092-6:20XX)	The least level of protection. Some armors may fall into this category as they resist impacts but not abrasion.

Conclusion

Once again, although the CE/EN standard for motorcyclist gear is not enforced in Malaysia, please do not take these ratings lightly, as it means that the protector was tested and found to provide some protection.

GWM Souo S2000 Eight-Cylinder Cruiser Seen Testing

Remember the eight-cylinder GWM Souo S2000ST and S2000GL tourers? As expected, the manufacturer was not going to stop there and is now adopting the engine to a GWM Souo S2000 eight-cylinder cruiser, which was seen undergoing road testing.

The photos of the prototype have been making rounds in Chinese social media, showing a cruiser inspired by other Hondas namely the F6C and Rune. Well, why not, since both these cruisers were based on the Gold Wing platform, which the Souo S2000ST and S2000GL rivals.

The GWM Souo cruiser’s styling looks like a cross between the F6C and Rune. The rear features a cut off fender like the former, but the headlight, fuel tank, and radiator fairing looks like that of the Rune. However, the Chinese prototype utilises telescopic forks instead of a Hossack-style front suspension on the tourer.

It is easy to see that GWM wants to outdo Honda by building an engine by adding two more cylinders (8 vs. 6), one more camshaft in each cylinder bank (DOHC vs. SOHC), and an eight-speed dual clutch transmission (8 vs. 6). GWM has already won the distinction of building the first production motorcycle flat-eight engine.

However, the engine in the cruiser may have an extra cylinder deactivation feature to provide that signature low RPM thump of cruisers.

The finished product should be revealed soon, like how the tourer showed just weeks after its engine was shown off at the Beijing Motor Show.

Mechanic Creates World’s Fastest Wheelbarrow

“World’s fastest motorcycle,” “world’s fastest car,” world’s fastest truck,” but what about… er… world’s fastest “something else”? Say no more because a mechanic in the UK created the world’s fastest wheelbarrow.

38-year-old Dylan Phillips built the wheelbarrow in his shed in Crymych, Pembrokeshire, before unleashing it at the Straightliners Speed Week 2024 at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire, where it hit 84km/h. It beat his own record 74km/h.

Dylan completed the mandated two runs through a speed trap on the 100m course in the machine that’s part wheelbarrow, part scrap scooter.

He said: “It’s uncomfortable and it’s terrifying. Slowing down is the issue – it’s only got brakes at the front.”

Like all crazy ideas, Phillips admitted that he thought about it in a pub. Talk about giving the expression “hold my beer” it literal meaning, eh.

“At the moment I’m just happy with it as it is but that’s the thing with being an engineer – you start to dream bigger,” he said.

“I’d be over the moon to be honest, because it just encourages innovation and it would probably motivate me to go and try again and go faster.”

Phillip’s efforts earned him a place in the Guiness World Record book, but you can be sure he will beat the record again.

5 Benefits of Using a Bluetooth Communicator while Riding

The advent of the Bluetooth communicator following the advancement in smartphone technology has added much to the enjoyment of riding.

But it also prompted motorcycle manufacturers to adopt it and create a new feature on their motorcycles. The communications or media suites of certain bikes connect to the user’s smartphone to stream music, make outgoing and receive incoming phone calls, and even provide turn-by-turn navigation via their instrument cluster (LCD or TFT screen) and to a Bluetooth communicator.

Several helmet manufacturers have also designed their helmets to fit such device.

So now, the communicator is no longer a luxury item, instead it is a necessity for motorcycle riders. I will honestly say that I was against using the device when it first appeared on the market. Now, I never ride anywhere without one.

Here are several benefits of using the device.

1. Communication between rider and pillion

This is the obvious place to start. Please allow me to recount an experience.

My missus and I were riding to Penang. As we reached Sungai Perak, she called out to me by pointing ahead. I thought she was pointing at the river, so I turned around and said, “Yeah, nice river.” Then she said something which very muffled in the helmet. I couldn’t hear her. Passing the bridge, she began tapping my vigorously so I pulled to the side of the road. It was then when she yelled, “I WANTED TO GO TO THE BATHROOM!”

Needless to say it escalated from there. Me being blamed for not paying attention, that why was she fated to have a hearing-challenged husband, yada, yada, yada.

But it all changed when we installed Bluetooth communicators in our helmets. No more miscommunication, no more yelling into the wind, no more fighting.

This is also why more and more advanced riding schools are using such device as it provides clear communications between the instructor and students.

2. Safety

Whether you are using Waze, Google Maps, Petal, or any other navigation app, it sometimes warns you – audibly – of upcoming hazards that other nice motorists keyed in. You can hear this warning when you are driving, but you cannot do so when you are riding your motorcycle – unless you connected your phone or TFT to a Bluetooth communicator.

These voice prompts also prepare you the distance to the next turn or destination. As such, you do not have to keep down at the phone or screen.

Also, using a communicator, especially one which lets you issue voice commands via your phone’s Siri or Google Assistant, or through its built-in voice command feature, keeps you eyes on the road and hands on the handlebar.

3. Staying awake and alert

Droning for kilometre after kilometre on the highway while being baked by the sun will turn you brain off very soon, even if you are riding on an intercity highway. So, stream some of your favourite songs or listening to a radio station breaks the monotony.

However, we advise you to consciously switch between mental modes on where you are riding and traffic conditions, when you have the communicator on. For example, you can sing along to a song on the open highway, but push the music in the background and focus on riding when you are in populated areas or difficult conditions i.e. the city, kampungs, in the rain, etc.

4. Group dynamics and safety

It is especially helpful for every participant or at least among the key individuals such as marshals in a convoy to have a communicator. Hand signals are sometimes not enough, or some individuals in the middle of the convoy are lazy to convey them from the convoy’s leader.

Or in the situation of being separated, which always happens. The separated groups will find it difficult to reach each other as one group may be riding while the other group is trying to call. This will, without a doubt, lead to some sour faces.

5. Never miss a call

While this was not why I got a communicator in the first place, hence placing it last on the list. However, I do appreciate the fact that I can receive important calls while I am riding.

2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES Introduced in Malaysia

The much-awaited 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES has been introduced in Malaysia. Better known in short as the “Africa Twin” it features several important revisions, including more power and better comfort.

Key highlights:

The 1084cc, liquid-cooled, OHC, parallel-twin engine provides 7% more peak torque. Maximum power is 75 kW at 7,500 RPM and maximum torque of 112 Nm arrives at 5,500 RPM.
The DCT (Dual Cluth Transmission) has been revised to provide a more natural, feathered (better known as “half-clutch”) feel during initial acceleration, and between first and second gears.

The usual “M” (manual) mode is retained, allowing the rider to change gears by pressing the handlebar mounted buttons.
The riders can switch between “D” (drive) and “S” (sport) modes.
Further revision of the DCT includes incline detection, to avoid the gearbox shifting while the bike is leaned over.

Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERATM) suspension is now standard, as opposed to being an option on the previous Africa Twin.
The system automatically adjust damping force based on the riding conditions, and depending on which of the four suspension modes (MID, HARD, SOFT, OFFROAD) and a USER mode was selected.
The usual ride-by-wire throttle is retained hence providing electronic assistance in the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) feature, now managed with a six-axis inertial measurement system (IMU).

The rider can select one of four ride modes: TOUR, URBAN, GRAVEL, or OFF-ROAD.
There is also Wheelie Control with 3 selectable levels.
Its ABS also works in conjunction with the IMU to provide safer braking solutions at all lean angles.
Rear ABS can be turned off for off-road riding.

19-inch front wheel for better on-road stability while maintaining its off-road capabilities.
Minimum ground clearance of 220 mm.
Seat height can be adjusted between 820 mm and 840 mm without tools.

A new seat with 15mm thicker cushion and 8mm more area for more comfort on long rides.
The 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports E shows a redesigned front fairing for better wind deflection to minimise wind blast on the rider’s body.
6.5-inch TFT Multi Information Display (MID) integrates Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto.

The 2024 Honda CRF11000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES will be available from 19 June 2024 in two color options namely Mat Ballistic Black Metallic and Pearl Glare White. Selling price (not on the road) is RM 119,388.

2024 Honda CBR250RR Launched in Malaysia

The 2024 Honda CBR250RR has been launched in Malaysia, and brings along several updates centred around engine performance and handling.

New key features:

Compression ratio is raised to 12.5:1 from 12.1:1 by reducing the combustion chamber volume from 7.55 cm³ to 70.0 cm³.
The inlet port throat diameter was enlarged from 21.4 mm to 21.6 mm.
Updated valve timing and lift.

Optimised piston and oil ring tension to reduce friction.
These updates produce a 1 kW (1.34 hp) increase of maximum power over the previous model, and bringing it to 31 kW (41.6 hp) at 13,000 RPM and 25 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM.
The Assist and Slipper Clutch feature stays, but is now complimented with a quickshifter.

The front suspension is upgraded with 37mm Showa Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside-down forks.
On the electronic front, the 2024 Honda CBR250RR has a ride-by-wire throttle which in turn offers three ride modes, namely Sport+, Sport, and Comfort.
The bodywork has been reworked for what Honda calls “aggressive speedy shape” concept, leading to a 6% reduction in air resistance.

“With the new CBR250RR, we aim to provide an unmatched riding experience that combines power, precision, and style,” said Mitsuharu Funase, Managing Director and CEO of Boon Siew Honda. “It is a testament to Honda’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the supersport motorcycle segment. We are confident that the enhancements in performance and design will captivate motorcycling enthusiasts across Malaysian market.”

The 2024 Honda CBR250RR comes in in two colors – Mat Zodiac Blue Metallic and Honda Tricolor, both priced from RM27,999.

We Will Revoke your License if You Increase Prices, Warns PMX

Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also known as PMX, warned that strict action including revoking their license will be taken against any party who increases the price of services or goods. The warning also includes parties entitled to diesel subsidies.

The action should be taken because the targeting of the fuel subsidy is implemented to help the needy.

“We know people think that we the Cabinet of Ministers have it easy, we have no heart, we don’t care about difficult people, raise the price… no.

“I personally held dozens of meetings so as not to burden (the people), so fishermen were excluded, so subsidies continues for fishermen, small farmers, school buses.

“School buses go up (service prices), but we warn you, you are subsidised and (yet) you hike prices, we will withdraw your license, and cancel your company,” he said.

School bus, express bus, and tourist bus services should not increase price

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke said the school bus fare increase should not happen since the Subsidized Diesel Control System (SKDS) 1.0 for land public transport vehicles remains at the price of RM1.88 per litre.

Loke suggested that although the Government does not control school bus fares, operators should hold discussions with the Parents and Teachers Association (PIBG), while the ministry also ready to help from various angles to ease the burden on the parties involved.

School bus and express bus users are still subsidised through the use of ‘fleet’ cards, and the price of diesel for them is RM1.88 per liter compared to RM2.15 before.

Apart from that, he also said that the government does not provide subsidies for tour bus services since it involves the private sector.

“We have to understand this… if the tour bus is for tourism (and) this is for foreign tourists, not for daily use. So we do not (give) subsidies for the tourism sector.

Tow truck operator served notice

The towing service company that announced an increase in service prices on the grounds of diesel subsidy targeting has been given notice.

Director of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Johor, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, said a notice was given to the company and they must respond within 7 to 14 days.

“The notice is for the company to provide feedback, especially documentation evidence and reasons for the increase in their operating costs associated with the implementation of diesel subsidy rationalisation starting last Monday.”

2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide Revival Lands in Malaysia

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide Revival has arrived in Malaysia.

As the name suggests, the model is an homage, in fact it celebrates, the release of the first Hydra Glide in 1949. The model was a groundbreaking model for the Motor Company, with featured telescopic hydraulically damped forks. Add on the Panhead engine and it became the shape of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that have survived to this day.

“The 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival model celebrates the 75th anniversary of the 1949 introduction of the Hydra-Glide telescopic front suspension for Harley-Davidson E and F models,” Harley-Davidson notes in its official press release. “When Hydra-Glide equipped models were introduced, the saddle of a smooth-riding Harley-Davidson FL motorcycle was an exciting way for many Americans to explore the country on the new network of interstate highways,” says Harley-Davidson.

Wearing a similar paint job from the ‘56 model including the classic “V” tank badges it is like riding through history. Another nice touch is the speedometer’s old-school aesthetic and it includes a custom insert on the bar risers, displaying the Hydra-Glide logo and each bike’s exclusive serial number (only 1,750 units will be manufactured). It also features a taller (and removable) two-tone windscreen versus the Heritage Classic, with a sleek color-matched lower piece.

The rider’s saddle is decked out with tassels, studs, fringe, and white seam piping with red contrast stitching. Hard-mounted saddlebags match the vibe with a tasseled and studded treatment. The luggage is lockable and water-resistant.

The 114ci Milwaukee-Eight V-twin (1,868cc) is fitted with a circular air cleaner just like the old days. The engine is rated at 94 hp at 4,750 rpm and 119 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 revs. Not enough power? Look through the Screamin’ Eagle catalogue.

The front suspension consists of a pair of 49mm telescopic fork with Showa’s dual-bending valve technology. A preload-adjustable shock is hidden under the rear fender while the laced wheels and brakes are pulled from the Heritage Classic.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide Revival is priced from RM176,900. Please visit the Harley-Davidson Asia Facebook page for more details and updates.

Honda to Produce Only Electric Motorcycles and Cars from 2040

Honda is set to produce only electric motorcycles and cars from 2040. In other words, no more new gasoline powered internal combustion engine (ICE) from the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.

This decision was highlighted in the manufacturer’s Summary of 2024 Honda Business Briefing on Direction of Electrification Initiatives and Investment Strategy.

According to the brief, “Honda has not changed its belief that EVs are the most effective solution in the area of small mobility products such as motorcycles and automobiles, and Honda’s electrification target to make EVs and FCEVs represent 100% of its global vehicle sales by 2040 remains unchanged. Honda must look ahead to the period of EV popularization and build a strong EV brand and a strong EV business foundation from a medium- to long-term perspective.”

Honda has a solution to address the issue of range, which is mentioned further into the document. These electric motorcycles will use the upcoming Honda Mobile Power Pack e: (MPP) which “Honda will introduce a micro-mobility product which will be equipped with 4 MPPs in Japan before the end of FY2026.” The company is also planning to launch two new electric motorcycles powered by 2 MPPs later this year.

As for the e-Fuels, Honda did say that they find it intriguing but that technology is not mature yet for the company to plan their future products on.

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