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What is the CE Standard for Motorcycle Footwear?

You probably are already aware that reputable motorcycle gear such as jackets, pants, gloves, race suits, helmets are CE approved. And yes, there is also a CE standard for motorcycle footwear.

As you may be aware by now, the European standards committee is very serious when it comes to safety; so much so that their standards have been adopted by the United Nations. The CE mark is not something to be taken lightly, because insurance companies certain European countries will deny claims to injured motorcyclists found not wearing CE-certified gear.

CE standard for motorcycle footwear

The current CE standard for motorcycle footwear is EN 13634:2017. This is the third and latest revision after the standard was established in 2002. The revisions concerns how the shoes and boots are tested besides other safety criteria.

The label shows that this is a personal protective equipment (PPE) for motorcycling use.

The CE standard for motorcycle footwear, EN 13634:20XX. The year at the end notes the year of the EN 13634 standard was revised, in this case, 2017. It DOES NOT denote the year the footwear was made.

Height of the footwear. “1” is for ankle height, while “2” is for tall boots that cover the shin. Some manufacturers forgo this digit.

Level of abrasion resistance. The footwear is divided into two areas: Area A includes the sole, front and back of the boot. Area B includes all other areas outside A. Three samples are cut from each area and they are held against a moving abrasive belt. Thus, the abrasion level is determined from how soon the material develops a hole.

- Level 1 means the Area A sample lasted a minimum of 1.5 seconds while the Area B sample lasted a minimum of 5 seconds.
- Level 2 is certified when the Area A sample lasted at least 2.5 seconds, and Area B lasted a minimum of 12 seconds before holing.

Impact cut resistance – how well the footwear holds up against sharp objects. A blade is mounted to a block which is then dropped at different speeds onto the footwear’s Areas A and B.

- For Area A, the blade is dropped at 2 m/s. The blade must not penetrate more than 25mm to earn Level 1 and Level 2 rating.
- For Area B, the blade is dropped at 2.8 m/s. Level 1 approval is accorded if the blade does not protrude more than 25mm. Level 2 approval is given if the blade does not go through more than 15mm.

Transverse rigidity – The strength for the footwear in resisting being crushed i.e. motorcycle dropping onto the wearer’s foot.

- The widest part of the footwear is positioned between two compression plates that presses together at 30 mm/min. An apparatus records the force required to compress the sole. The machine is stopped when the plates stop compressing or the force remains constant or the sole has been crushed by 20mm. The test is repeated three times.
- If a force less than 1kN compressed the sole to 20mm, the footwear fails the test. If the force was above 1kN to 1.4kN, the footwear is certified at Level 1 for transverse rigidity. If 1.5kN or higher was required to compress the footwear by 20mm, it gets a Level 2 pass.

Optional tests

Manufacturers may opt to submit their products for additional tests. The passed criteria will be printed on the label beneath the mandatory boxes.

IPS/IPS – Impact protection for the ankle or shin. The footwear is cut open at the sole and the protector is subjected to a force of 10 joules. The protector must not transmit more than 5kN through it. Should the ankle protector pass, IP will be printed on the label. If the shin protector passes, IPS will be indicated.

WR – Water resistance. There are two ways of testing for this. The first is a person donning the footwear and walking a total of 1km in shallow water. Another method is by fixing the footwear to a machine with toes and replicating 4,600 steps while submerged in water. The area of dampness inside the footwear must not exceed 3cm².

FO – Fuel and oil resistance on the sole. The sample footwear is first weighed before being soaked in fuel for 22 hours. It is then removed and weighed again. The new weight should not increase more than 12%.

SRA/SRB/SRC – Sole’s slip resistance. The tests are carried out with a mechanical heel placed at a 7-degree angle. If the footwear’s label shows “SRA,” it passed on a ceramic tile surface covered with diluted soap. “SRB” means steel floor treated with glycerol. “SRC” means the footwear passed both the SRA and SRB tests.

Breathability of upper parts – If the footwear’s label has a “B” on it, it has passed the test for moisture vapour escape.

WAD – Water absorption/desorption of inner. The footwear is tested to see how much water gets soaked into the inner and how much of that is released.

In closing

Do consider wearing CE tested footwear when you ride because they were exhaustively tested before being approved for sale.

Granted, there are also motorcycle footwear in the market without without CE approval but there is no telling how well they will protect your leg and feet in any accident.

And no, your Nike Air Jordan is not CE certified for motorcycle riding.

Yamaha Test Data Scandal Affects Japan Market Only

The automotive world was recently shaken by a scandal among Japanese manufacturers which involved them falsifying test data. Among those caught in the mix was Yamaha, the only Japanese motorcycle manufacturer found to have done so.

Investigators found that Yamaha had falsified the sound emission test data for three models namely the YZF-R1, YZF-R3, and TMAX. The company has since halted the shipment of all models.

We reached out to the official Yamaha distributor in Malaysia, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor for clarification and was told that the issue only involved motorcycles for the Japanese market, hence local models are not affected.

Afterwards, the Yamaha Motor Company issued an official statement confirming that the issue does indeed involve Japanese-only models. Below the official statement, translated from Japanese.

“The issue recently announced in Japan does not affect overseas production units, Japanese domestic distribution only. The safety of the product has been confirmed, and (Yamaha Motor Corporation] YMC reports there are no concerns using the product with confidence. Yamaha takes incidents of inappropriate handling very seriously and offers our deepest apologies to our customers, suppliers, business partners, and all other stakeholders for damaging their trust in Yamaha Motor Co., LTD.”)

Yamaha Motor Company maintained that they did not falsify or alter the data concerning the safety aspects of their motorcycles.

What does Obstructing the Traffic Mean in the Eyes of the Law?

We posted a news item about obstructing the traffic offences being the most during Operasi Hormat Undang-undang (Ops HUU) which is currently running. So much so that a total of 15,075 summons related to the offence were issued in just seven days.

Accordingly, it is only appropriate that we look at the definition of the offence of “obstructing the traffic” more closely.

What does “obstructing the traffic” mean?

Obstructing the traffic refers to actions that interrupt, prevent, or restrict the smooth flow of traffic on the road.

What is classified as a traffic obstruction offence?

These offenses are governed by Malaysian traffic laws, such as the Road Transport Act 1987, and may result in legal action such as a summons, fine, or other disciplinary action against the responsible party. The purpose of this enforcement is to ensure the safety and smoothness of traffic for all road users.

This can include various types of errors such as:

Illegal parking: Parking a vehicle in a place that is not allowed or that obstructs traffic, such as at an intersection, in a pedestrian area, or in a no-parking zone.

Abandoning damaged vehicle/vehicle involved in an accident: Leaving a damaged vehicle or one involved in an accident in the middle of the road without taking steps to remove it or without giving adequate warning to other drivers.
Using the emergency lane: Using the emergency lane for purposes other than an actual emergency, such as cutting through heavy traffic.

Stopping in the yellow box: Entering and stopping in a yellow box when conditions do not allow a smooth passage is an offence.
Unlawful activities on the road: Carrying out activities such as selling goods, waiting for passengers, or any other activity that obstructs the flow of traffic in unauthorised areas.

Temporary construction or obstruction: Placing cones, barricades, or any temporary structure on the road without a permit that may impede or block traffic.
Unmanaged traffic congestion: Not taking appropriate action to manage traffic congestion during major events, accidents, or emergency situations.

15,705 Fines for Obstructing Traffic in Operasi Hormat Undang-undang

A total of 15,705 fines were issued involving traffic obstruction offences in Operasi Hormat Undang-undang (Op HUU) conducted by the Kuala Lumpur Police over a seven-day period.

Head of the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), Assistant Commissioner Sarifudin Mohd Salleh said a total of 21,169 traffic summonses were issued in the same period.

“The highest were traffic obstruction offences amounting to 15,705 summonses, followed by parking on footpaths (1,102), no license (678), expired road tax (450), vehicle number not according to specifications (336), and stopping in the yellow box (29).

“In addition, there were offences of having no side mirror (248), no registration number (156), not affixing a P sticker (167), using a mobile phone (111), expired license (107), not fastening the helmet properly (64) and several other offences,” he said in a statement today.

Sarifudin also said that his party also carried out 137 traffic operations during the same period.

“A total of 38 individuals were arrested for various offenses during the implementation of Ops HUU while five motorcycles and a lorry were confiscated,” he said.

According to him, a total of 228 senior officers and 2,642 members of JSPT Kuala Lumpur were involved in the operation with the help of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Department of Environment (JAS).

Kuala Lumpur Police will continue Operation HUU until June 15.

Kuala Lumpur Police Chief, Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa have said that the operation emphasises traffic offences such as obstruction, white lines, registration numbers, motorcycles, students, illegal parking, red lights, and mobile phones.

Trailer Rammed 13 Vehicles, 4 Injured

A trailer rammed 13 vehicles on Kilometer 21 of the BKE Highway heading to Baling, this morning. The accident caused at least 4 injuries among the drivers involved.

Kulim Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief, Assistant Fire Superintendent Hamizul Azwan Hamdan said his team received a call about the accident at 7.37am.

He also said that a team of nine members from BBP Kulim led by Zaidi Yaacob was despatched to the location.

“Upon arrival at the location, we found that there had been an accident involving 13 vehicles and four victims, including a woman who were rescued by members of the public before the fire department arrived.

“They were sent to the Kulim Hospital by ambulance for further treatment,” he said in a statement today.

Hamizul Azwan said that his members proceeded to clear the road and advised road users to avoid the area of the accident.

There have been several serious accidents along the BKE (Butterworth-Kulim Expressway), including a fatal accident last May that involved a motorcycle being squeezed to the side by a lorry. The lorry driver’s actions caused the motorcycle to swipe the side of the lorry, and throwing the motorcyclist onto the road barrier. The rider died a few hours after receiving treatment at the hospital.

This route is often plied by heavy vehicles carrying goods between the industrial areas in Kulim, Butterworth, and Prai. So, our advice is to be careful when riding a motorcycle and driving on this highway.

What does W in Engine Oil Viscosity Mean?

We shall get to the point immediately. The “W” in engine oil viscosity stands for “winter.” It is part of the viscosity grading system established by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to classify motor oils according to their viscosity characteristics.

In a motor oil grade, such as 10W-40, the “10W” indicates the oil’s viscosity at low temperatures (winter conditions). Here’s what the “W” and the numbers mean:

Low-Temperature Viscosity (W)
- The number before the “W” (e.g., 10W) represents the oil’s viscosity at 0°F (-17.8°C), reflecting how the oil performs in cold temperatures. Lower numbers indicate better flow at low temperatures, meaning the oil will be less thick and more capable of protecting the engine during cold starts.
- But bear in mind that “cold” in temperate climates mean temperatures ranging from above -3 deg Celsius to below 18 deg Celsius.
- Thus the “W” viscosity DOES NOT apply to tropical countries like Malaysia since our median temperature is 27 deg Celsius. Even the coldest places in Malaysia such as Cameron Highlands rarely see 15 deg Celsius.

High-Temperature Viscosity:
- The number after the “W” (e.g., 40 in 10W-40) represents the oil’s viscosity at 212°F (100°C), which is roughly the operating temperature of an engine. Higher numbers indicate a thicker oil at high temperatures, providing better protection under heavy load and high temperatures.

Example: 10W-40 Oil

10W: Indicates the oil flows well at low temperatures, making it suitable for cold climates.
40: Indicates the oil maintains sufficient thickness to protect the engine at high operating temperatures.

This system helps ensure that the oil can provide adequate protection and performance under a wide range of operating conditions, from cold starts in winter to high-temperature running.

The reason why engine oils sold in Malaysia have both winter and summer grades is because these oils are also available in other countries, including those that have winter seasons.

The origins of “multigrade” engine oils

Engine oils used to be single-grade only. There are still single grade engine oils, but these are now rare. By single grade we mean, you would buy an oil with one viscosity, such as SAE 10, SAE 30 or SAE 40, and so forth.

So, you would use the lowest viscosity grade possible, such as SAE 5 or SAE 10, during winter months when everything is frozen solid. The “thin” oil keeps itself viscous so that you could start your engine. However, the oil will be too thin when the engine reaches its operating temperature.

On the other hand, you will need to swap out that winter oil to something “heavier” in the hotter months, such as SAE 40, SAE 50, etc. This is to keep the oil from getting too thin in the hot weather. However, this oil will turn into a block of gel in the winter months. Even starting on very cold mornings such as 5 deg Celsius is a chore as the oil is too thick.

As such, oil engineers managed to develop additives that makes an engine oil thin enough that it does not freeze in winter, and stays thick enough when the engine is hot. This gave birth to “multigrade” engine oils that we see today, such as the aforementioned SAE 10W-40 grade. Therefore, you could use only one oil throughout the year.

Rafizi Answers to Why Fuel Prices has not Gone Down

When the subject of the price of goods in Malaysia comes up, the most “popular” question among Malaysians is why the price of fuel has not gone down, despite that being one of the pillars of the government’s manifesto during the last general election.

The situation appears to be more acute when the retail price of diesel has risen to RM3.35 per litre from midnight today (10 June 2024) compared to the previous RM2.15 per litre. The biggest concern among the common folk is the increase in the price of goods which may happen soon due to manufacturing and shipping costs.

That very question of “why fuel prices has not gone down” was raised by a Pakatan Harapan supporter to the Minister of Economy, Rafizi Ramli, during the Unity Mechanism Launch Ceremony for the Sungai Bakap By-Election yesterday.

Rafizi informed that the government has never canceled fuel subsidies including diesel that reached RM60 billion per year. Instead, the government is “diverting” the subsidies directly to the people.

He said that previously, the subsidy was paid to several petroleum companies every year, in contrast to the current government’s actions which will distribute it including to families who will receive from RM200 to RM500 per month.

“In the days when oil was priced at RM1.90, do you know how much the price of crude oil was at that time? Do you know how much subsidy the government had to spend? Just a little bit (because) at that time the subsidies were just RM3 billion out of a budget of more than RM200 billion.

Right now, the subsidy is RM60 billion as crude oil price is USD80 per barrel. I mentioned before (the price of fuel will be lowered) if the price of crude oil is low and the subsidy can still be delayed, so why do you want to remove the subsidy.”

“But when the subsidy reaches RM80 billion, it is not possible to build schools, it is not possible to raise wages and the subsidy causes the low prices is what the rich receive. Isn’t it better that we move the subsidy, not cancel it.

“‘Diverting’ the subsidy means that the subsidy will continue to be given. Public transport vehicles, small trucks, pickups, traders can all get it, even ordinary people with a salary of RM100,000 or less a year can enjoy it, or we distribute it to families so that they can get fuel subsidies every month of RM200, RM300, RM400 (or) RM500,” he said.

Rafizi also voiced his confidence that the people will be able to better see how the subsidy allocation is channeled to households instead of directly being paid to petroleum companies.

Previously, Rafizi had been reported as saying that the Government is expected to bear subsidies of more than RM100 billion a year if the world price of crude oil reaches USD100 per barrel, unless reforms are implemented to the subsidy system.

Our comment:

The problem is that unscrupulous suppliers will raise prices, causing shopkeepers to also raise prices with the excuse that “the price of fuel has gone up,” despite the subsidy will continue for some categories of commercial vehicles (pictured below). But will the government monitor the price of goods in the market?

Victim Loses RM180,000 to Online Motorcycle Buying Scam

A businessman lost nearly RM180,000 in motorcycle purchase scam on Facebook.

The 49-year-old businessman had wanted to buy seven Honda 110cc motorcycles with chosen number plates through the social media. According to Seremban Police Chief Mohamad Hatta Che Din, the victim made seven payments to an individual he did not know last May 24 to 28 with a total of RM179,376 for the purchase of the seven motorcycles.

“He later realized he was cheated after not receiving the promised motorcycle before making a police report.”

He advised the public not to easily trust those who offer to sell goods online at low prices and to immediately check to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

Cases of online motorcycle purchase fraud have been rampant for the past few years. There were also scammers who used the names and logos of well-known motorcycle shops to carry out their nefarious activities. We often found posts from these motorcycle shops that advised buyers to be more cautious, especially when making purchases online or through social media.

A Concise History of Vespa

The Vespa brand has been around for nearly 80 years, going through ups and downs, and finally arriving at this juncture as an iconic motorcycle brand. So, to celebrate the upcoming Vespa Day celebrations, here is a (very) concise history of Vespa.

In the beginning

Vespa’s story began in 1946, in the aftermath of World War II, when Enrico Piaggio, seeking to provide Italians with a practical mode of transportation, collaborated with aeronautical engineer Corradino D’Ascanio to create the first Vespa model, the Vespa 98.

Ironically, D’Ascanio made it clear from the outset that he hated motorcycles, even from when he was approached by Ferdinando Innocenti (the founder of Lambretta) earlier. To him, motorcycles are bulky, dirty, and unreliable. However, it was this perspective that gave rise to Vespa’s construction and iconic shape.

Anyway, the name “Vespa” means “Wasp” in Italian, a nod to the bike’s buzzing sound.

Iconic models

Vespa 98 (1946): The Vespa 98, introduced in 1946, marked the birth of the Vespa brand. It was the first scooter produced by Piaggio and featured a 98cc engine. Designed by aeronautical engineer Corradino D’Ascanio, the Vespa 98 boasted a revolutionary design with a step-through frame, enclosed engine, and small wheels. This model set the standard for future Vespa scooters and laid the groundwork for the brand’s success.
Vespa 125 (1948): Following the success of the Vespa 98, Piaggio introduced the Vespa 125 in 1948. This model featured a larger 125cc engine, offering improved performance and versatility. The Vespa 125 quickly gained popularity both in Italy and abroad, solidifying Vespa’s reputation for quality and innovation. It became a symbol of post-war reconstruction and economic revival in Europe.

Vespa GS Series (1955): The Vespa GS Series, introduced in 1955, represented a significant advancement in Vespa’s design and performance capabilities. The GS (Gran Sport) models were equipped with larger engines, ranging from 125cc to 200cc, and featured sportier styling and improved handling. The Vespa GS 150, in particular, became renowned for its speed and agility, winning races and capturing the hearts of enthusiasts. The GS Series cemented Vespa’s status as a manufacturer of high-performance scooters and further expanded its global reach.

Vespa Primavera (1968-Present): Capturing the spirit of the swinging sixties, the Primavera became a symbol of youth culture with its sleek lines and vibrant colors, remaining a favorite among riders worldwide.

Vespa PX Series (1977-2007): Renowned for its robust build and timeless design, the PX Series became synonymous with Vespa’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Vespa GTS Series (2005-Present): Combining performance and style, the GTS Series has become a modern classic, offering riders a powerful and comfortable riding experience.

Current production facilities

Vespa’s production facilities are strategically located around the globe to ensure accessibility to riders worldwide. With manufacturing plants in Italy, Vietnam, India, and Brazil, Vespa seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology to produce scooters that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

The future of Vespa

As the world embraces sustainable transportation solutions, Vespa is committed to shaping a greener future. The brand has introduced electric models such as the Vespa Elettrica, offering riders an eco-friendly alternative without compromising on performance or style. Additionally, Vespa continues to explore innovative technologies such as connectivity features and autonomous riding systems, reaffirming its position as a pioneer in urban mobility.

In conclusion

From its humble beginnings in post-war Italy to its status as a global icon, Vespa has continued to evolve and innovate, staying true to its core values of style, functionality, and accessibility. With a rich history of historic and iconic models, state-of-the-art production facilities, and a commitment to sustainability, Vespa is poised to lead the way towards a brighter, more efficient future of urban mobility.

Yamaha Japan Admits to Falsifying Testing Data

Yamaha Japan has admitted to falsifying testing data in that country. The company’s executives have acknowledged and apologised for having done so.

Yamaha was among three other automotive manufacturers being investigated for falsifying test data. However, in Yamaha’s case, the company falsified noise level tests data for at least three models namely the YZF-R1, YZF-R3, and TMAX. Yamaha Japan maintained that they did not falsify safety data.

The Iwata-based manufacturer has since halted the production of all three models. The Japan News reported that the company had produced some 7,500 units of all three models combined.

They were the second Japanese vehicle manufacturer subjected to on-site inspection by the country’s Land, Infrastucture, Transport, and Tourism Ministry on 5 June 2024 after the scandal regarding falsified data blew open with Toyota.

Investigations began at Toyota HQ on 4 June 2024, after Toyota-owned Daihatsu was mired in a safety testing scandal in 2023. That prompted a stricter review of data filed by Japanese automotive and motorcycle manufacturers.

Further investigations will also take place at Mazda, Honda, and Suzuki headquarters in the coming weeks.

So far, the Transport Ministry has ordered Toyota, Mazda, and Yamaha to halt shipments of their vehicles. The Ministry will also begin conducting independent tests of their own on all affected vehicles, to ensure that they comply with both existing safety and environmental standards. The results will be made public.

We have contacted Hong Leong Yamaha Motor for clarification if local units are involved and are awaiting their answer. In the mean time, this may not be the end of this saga, so stay tuned.

Hafizh Syahrin to Ride for Team Kagayama in Suzuka 8 Hours

JDT Racing Team rider, Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah will make an appearance with Team Kagayama at the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race which will take place at Suzuka Circuit from 19 to 21 July.

He will continue to ride the Ducati V4 R which he also campaigns with in the Asian Road Racing Championship (ARRC) this year.

The confirmation was announced by the JDT Racing Team in a post on their X account.

“Thank you to our patron Tunku Ismail, Acting Sultan of Johor for enabling collaboration and closed testing with Team Kagayama, who also represent the Ducati manufacturer for the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race this July.

“Riding the manufacturer’s Ducati V4 R machine. What an experience!,” said the team in its submission.

Hafizh who participated in the ARRC competition with JDT Racing Team this year has collected 45 points in the Asian Superbike 1000cc (ASB1000) class to be in third position overall ahead of the race in Motegi, this weekend.

As far as the last two rounds in Thailand and China, Hafizh has proven his performance with the Ducati Panigale V4R machine by winning two finishes on the podium.

The first time was at Race 2 Round 1 at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand in the middle of last March which saw him finish in second place behind Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo, Andi Farid Izdihar.

That momentum was then taken by Hafizh to Race 1 Round 2 at the Zhuhai International Circuit, China last April when he crossed the finish line as the winner.

Father of 11 Year Old Driver Fined

An 11-year-old boy was spotted by the police driving a car alone in Sibu. Following that, the boy’s father was fined by the police.

Sibu District Police Chief. Assistant Commissioner Zulkipli Suhaili, said the action of summons according to Section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 was made after the child was successfully located at about 6.50 pm yesterday.

He said the child and his parents were taken to the Sibu Police Traffic Office for investigation.

“The results of the investigation found that the driver of the car, the boy in question, has autism and has a medical record at Sibu Hospital’s Psychiatry Specialist Clinic,” he said in a statement.

According to him, the police received information regarding a 30-second video that went viral on social media at about 3pm yesterday, showing the child driving a car alone on Jalan Kampung Nyabor here.