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Felo TOOZ from Thailand – 720km Range, 202km/h

The Felo TOOZ has something which every electric motorcycle needs: Range. That is not a problem as the manufacturer claims a 720km range per charge.

Launched by Thai company, Smartech, all that battery needs space thus making for one of largest motorcycles on the road, nevermind the Honda Gold Wing “vibes.” It is still capable of hitting a top speed of 202 km/h, though.

Apart from the range, the Felo TOOZ has several high-end features including a 12-inch TFT instrument panel that connects to your phone, and pushing audio through a 6-channel surround sound system. Other features are like a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ABS, traction control. Not groundbreaking features, but it does make the bike the most technologically advanced electric motorcycle, thus far.

The TOOZ also supports TYPE2 charging (from 20% to 80% in 20 minutes). The specs also mentioned an optional 8 liter cooling box that can be fitted to one of the panniers. The use of the word “optional” suggests that production is already planned.

You can charge your electrical devices from the TOOZ, but it also has V2L technology which means you can use the bike’s batteries to supply power to your home. That hints of a large battery capacity.

Smartech is one of the stars of Thailand’s electric vehicle sector, with its new electric motorcycle brands FELO and RAPID both starting with a clean sheet and the company well-funded and well-resourced with expertise.

Producing motorcycles in Thailand is seemingly a good idea, because most of the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturers already produce motorcycles there. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph and Ducati all manufacture a portion of their global range in the Kingdom.

Our only gripe: Please design electric motorcycles better rather than something akin to being cobbled together in the driveway. A better designed bike can surely entice more potential buyers.

Two Malaysian Students Died in New Zealand Car Crash

Two Malaysian students died after being involved in a road accident around Lake Tekapo, New Zealand, yesterday. Three of their colleagues were injured in the same crash.

The Malaysian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the tragedy.

“Two victims were reported to have died at the scene while the other three have been flown to Christchurch Hospital, South Islands, New Zealand for immediate treatment.

“The Malaysian High Commission in Wellington with the help of the Malaysian community in Christchurch, is extending appropriate consular assistance to the victims and family members to ensure that the welfare management of all victims runs smoothly.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Malaysian High Commission are ready to help if the next of kin decide to bring the body back to Malaysia.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also wishes to express its condolences to the family members of the victims involved in this incident,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said his party is waiting for the decision of the families of the two deceased victims to be brought back to Malaysia or otherwise.

“Our students in New Zealand who had accidents have all been taken care of, those who were injured and died have been taken to the hospital and their bodies will be taken care of.

“We are waiting for the family to come or even to ask for whatever help is needed. The High Commission of Malaysia is always ready to help,” he said.

There were also reports that there was another fatal accident involving 2 cars and a motorcycle on the same road, just 2 hours after the accident involving the Malaysian student. Altogether, these accidents caused 20 injuries and 3 deaths.

MACC will not Compromise with Smugglers

The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) say they will not compromise with smugglers.

Citing the latest arrest of 34 Customs officers at KL International Airport (KLIA) Cargo suspected of being involved in the smuggling of vehicle spare pars and contraband items, Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said they will not just act against these corrupt officers but also ensure the lost revenue is returned to the country’s coffers.

The corrupt practices is suspected to have been going on since 2017, constituting more than RM2 billion of losses in tax revenue.

“What is also important is that we act against these people to stop leakages and losses, and to track the money so that it can be returned to the government,” he continued.

Azam warned that those in cahoots with corrupt civil servants would also be made to pay. “We will make them return the money, including through payment of taxes that they avoided paying before.”

The MACC had also arrested an additional 27 persons including business owners in connection with the case through a special operation codenamed Samba 2.0.

Azam said a taskforce comprising the MACC, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Bank Negara was set up to investigate the case, adding that it was on the case for six months before the arrests were made.

“These officers were involved with inspection and prevention. The officers, who we believe have received bribes from companies and forwarding agents, would let the goods go without inspection or declaration.

“Even if they did carry out an inspection, it would not be thorough,” he added.

Thus far, the investigation has revealed that the Customs officers received RM4.7 million from a syndicate to facilitate the smuggling of vehicle spare parts, chewable tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, and health products.

231 bank accounts with more than RM17 million belonging to the suspects were also frozen by the MACC’s anti-money laundering division.

“We are not involving the Customs Department in this case to avoid any conflict of interest,” he added.

Toll-Free Remains for 2 Days During Raya

Malaysian motorists will enjoy two toll-free days on highways for 2 days during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. However, the government will not extend the it further.

The Deputy Works Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan explained that they will not extend it as the government has already allocated RM37.6 million to cover the exemption. The sum will be paid to the 33 highway concession companies.

“That is about RM19mil per day. This is the Cabinet’s decision and it’s final,” he said after inspecting preparations by PLUS Malaysia Bhd for Hari Raya Aidilfitri at the Persada PLUS Corporate Tower here yesterday.

On Thursday, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that the government has approved a two-day toll-free period on April 8 and 9 for Class 1 private vehicle users on highways in conjunction with Hari Raya. The same measure was also done during the Chinese New Year in February this year.

Ahmad Maslan added that PLUS anticipates a daily traffic of approximately 2.1 million vehicles during the festive holiday. The particularly busy days are expected to be 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, and 14 April, compared with 1.82 million during regular peak days.

PLUS is set to deploy over 4,500 personnel on its highways to ensure swift response during the period.

“PLUS has 70 staff during daily peak hours at its traffic monitoring centre to monitor, gather and disseminate the latest traffic information and coordinate assistance to highway users.

“Motorists should plan their journey using the digital travel schedule available on the MyPLUS-TTA app,” said Ahmad Maslan.

Puspakom’s Monopoly Ends in September 2024

The government had announced earlier that Puspakom’s (Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer/Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre) monopoly as the sole mandatory commercial vehicle inspection service provider will end in September 2024, when its concession expires on 31 August.

As such, parties (read: workshops) who are interested in offering the services are invited to send in their applications in the first quarter of 2025. These workshops must appoint employees who meet the qualification requirements, plus use computerised inspection equipment approved by the JPJ.

The Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke also stressed that the government will not provide assistance in setting up these facilities. “We won’t spend money building their system,” he said.

Loke also stated that the single service provider issues, besides the lengthy inspection wait time, had existed for many years.

“Large vehicles, lorries and buses are held up for hours. There have been complaints that some states only have one service centre.

However, the government iterated that they are not closing down Puspakom wholesale. Instead, they wish to see other inspection centres giving Puspakom for their money (no pun intended).

The current Cabinet had decided not to renew the concession in order to open up the sector to all qualified parties to carry out the inspections on behalf of the Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan/JPJ). The Minister had said that such move “allows a more competitive service environment and facilitate all Malaysians.”

It had enjoyed a three-decade-long monopoly despite the existence of the anti-monopoly statutes, as the DRB-HICOM concern was set up in 1994 by the government during the time.

Penang LRT Project to Begin in Mid-Year

The Penang LRT (Light Rail Transit) project is expected to start in the middle of this year.

An analyst of Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd., Teh Kian Yeong, said that the main contractor, Gamuda Bhd. is already in final stage of discussions with the government to finalise the implementation model of the project involved.

“This is subject to government approval, while the Environment Department has published an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for this LRT segment on March 5.

“This federal government-funded project consists of land acquisition costs of approximately RM1.5 billion and construction costs of between RM7 billion and RM8 billion.”

This is ambitious projecte, connecting Tanjung Bungah in the north to Permatang Damar Laut in the south of the island. This route includes several important locations, including:

Penang Airport,
Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru,
Ayer Itam,
Penang Hill,
Ferry Terminal,
KOMTAR (main station),
Pulau Tikus.

There is also a line that connects to the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia, with its main station at Penang Sentral, through a 7.2km long tunnel link under the seabed.

The route to the north reaches Kepala Batas, while the route to the south ends at Nibung Tebal. The route furthest to the east reaches Kulim South and Kulim North.

Among the important locations connected are:

Juru,
Tambun,
Batu Kawan,
Lunas (this writer’s late father’s hometown),
Bukit Mertajam.

The Penang LRT project has long been desired by the island’s residents due to worsening traffic congestion. It will also play an important role to developing the infrastructure for tourists to the state, apart from further developing the economy of several cities and towns along the way.

No Decorative Lights on Vehicles – Warns JPJ

The Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan/JPJ) has issued a warning to not decorate vehicles with decorative lights, especially during the festive season.

We as Malaysians are generally very creative and this spirit is brought to the point of decorating or customising our vehicles, regardless if they are cars, motorcycles, lorries, rickshaws, bicycles and so on. However, the authorities do not appreciate this creativity because they have a duty to ensure that each of our vehicles is safe not only for us, but also for all road users.

The Public Relations Officer of the Road Transport Department, Mohd Syahmi Abdul Latif explained that the act of decorating vehicles with decorative lights is wrong.

“Even if the intention is only to celebrate Ramadan, vehicle owners are warned to remove the decorative lights and return them to their original state or be fined.”

“In any case, the decision rests with the responsible officer. For this type of offence, the fine is usually between RM100 and RM200,” he said when contacted by Berita Harian.

He said this when commenting on a video uploaded to the Tik Tok application by a user who goes by the name @kaksuemeow, which shows her car fully decorated with decorative lights.

@kaksuemeow claimed she had encountered the police several times while driving in Bukit Bintang but was not fined.

“On the contrary, the police only showed thumbs up. I have already removed the decorative lights from the car but there is still a possibility that I will decorate them again. It took me about six hours to install all the lights and wrap them around my car,” she added.

F1 Owners Liberty Media is Nearing Purchase of MotoGP

F1 owners, Liberty Media is said to be nearing the conclusion to buying MotoGP from the current rights owner, Dorna for more than €4 billion (RM20.5 billion).

The Financial Times reported that both Liberty Media and Dorna are in exclusive talks to unit the worlds’ premier car and motorcycle racing championships under one umbrella.

Liberty had won out against other bids including one from TKO who owns UFC and WWE. There was another another bid from the Qatar Sports Investments who owns the Paris-Saint Germain football club, who held talks with Bridgepoint.

Bridgepoint, along with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board are the shareholders of Dorna, in which Carmelo Ezpeleta works as the CEO. Dorna owns not only MotoGP, but also MotoE and World Superbike.

However, the deal will be scrutinised by competition regulators should it come to pass. The European Union has a competition law in place to prevent companies from creating cartels and monopolies. (Malaysia has the The Malaysian Competition Act, 2010 which came into force on 1 January 2012, but no one seems to enforce it.)

A silver lining for MotoGP perhaps is that Liberty Media have helped with F1’s growth since taking over from CVC Capital Partners 2017.

Some of their programs include the Netflix series ‘Drive To Survive’ which grew the sport’s fanbase further, besides acknowledging and using the power of social media. The F1 calendar has also grown under to include races in Las Vegas, Miami, Jeddah and Doha.

The Financial Times reports that F1’s operating profit in 2023 was USD392 million (RM1.85 billion), a 64% growth from 2022. Revenue grew from USD2.5 billion (RM11.84 billion) to USD3.2 billion (RM15.15 billion).

By contrast, Dorna’s revenue was €483 million (approximately RM2.5 billion) in 2023.

Suzuki Developing VVT for Small Engine

Suzuki is developing a VVT (variable valve timing) system for a small engine.

VVT and variable valve lift (VVL) are not a new technologies as many manufacturers are already employing it in their products, but Suzuki’s system appears to be for a 250cc engine. This bodes well as there are either large capacity and small capacitiy motorcycles employing it but not the 250cc segment.

Suzuki’s system is basically similar to Yamaha’s VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) used on the NVX scooter, Y16ZR moped, and YZF-R15. It uses a camshaft with two cam lobe profiles, one for normal low end, low demand application, while locking on a higher lift and longer duration cam lobe at high speeds or big throttle openings.

As such, it is the best of both worlds: Good low and midrange RPM torque with high maximum power. Engineers have to pick one characteristic: low RPM torque, midrange torque, or high end horsepower without VVT and VVL. Using VVT also allows the engine to produce cleaner emissions as it cuts down on unburned fuel.

As aforementioned, Suzuki’s development centres around the parallel-twin 248cc engine. Patent applications show an engine with an unchanged bottom end, a cylinder head with a single camshaft driven by a centrally mounted chain. It is the same engine used on the GSX-250R and V-Strom 250.

The same engine, enlarged to 298cc is also in use by Suzuki’s partner Haojue in China. Haojue is the firm responsible for producing the V-Strom 250 and GSX-250R.

Suzuki current does not have any models in between GSX-R125 and 650cc models (V-Strom 650, SV650) in the United States due to emissions control, so a range of 250cc bikes with VVT will fix that.

QJMotor SRT600 to Replace SRT550, Will we See a New TRK?

QJMotor is one of several brands under the Qianjiang empire that keeps churning out model after model of bikes, some of which become Benelli, or at least share platforms. Case in point, the QJMotor SRT600 which is set to replace the SRT550.

The SRT550 was based on an important platform. As we mentioned earlier, its engine and chassis are the same as the Benelli TRK 502’s. The TRK 502 has since stopped production but is still available in Malaysia. This platform is also used by the MV Lucky Explorer 5.5, as the result of Qianjiang and MV Agusta’s coorperation.

But here’s something a bit confusing. Although the type-approval documents is for the new QJMotor SRT600, it uses the same 554cc capacity. However, there is a large increase in power, kicking up from from 47 hp to 60 hp. Looking through the catalogue, we find that power level in the SRK550RR and RS sportbikes, meaning the “new” SRT600 engine is actually the higher-spec unit.

One welcomed relieve (if the bike becomes Benelli and is sold in Malaysia), is weight reduction. The document lists 220kg, against the exhuastive 234 kg of old.

The SRT600’s design is also another welcomed change, breaking away from the cheap GS beaked look. Instead, QJMotor redesigned the bike to a more familial bond with the V-Twin powered SVT650 adventure bike.

Other features apparent in the pictures are Brembo radial-mount front brake calipers. Tyre sizes are 110/80-19 for the front and 150/70-17 at the back.

Will this be the new Benelli middleweight to replace the overstayed TRK 502? Time will tell.

Majority of Children’s Motorcycle and Bicycle Helmets in Malaysia Fail Safety Standards

While we adults understand the importance of wearing a helmet when we ride motorcycles, a study conducted has found that the majority of children’s motorcycle and bicycle helmets in Malaysia fail safety standards.

The survey was jointly conducted by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and Road Road Safety Marshal Club of Malaysia (RSMC).

Children’s motorcycle helmets

The two bodies had purchased 10 child helmets from retails outlets, with an additional 10 from online platforms. The helmets were then set to the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) for testing.

The test results were alarming. Of the former group, only 5 passed safety standards. The batch bought online fared even worse as 7 failed.

All helmets were tested against the newly-proposed and much overdue MS 1-2:2023 helmet standard. The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and and SIRIM had proposed to implement the new standard.

Children’s bicycle helmets

As for child bicycle helmets, 11 were purchased from retail shops and another 10 from online stores. They were also sent to SIRIM for testing to the current MS 1763: 2004 bicycle cycle helmet standard .

6 from retail outlets failed while 7 from online stores failed.

MMA and RSMC noted that the retailers were generally aware of the standard requirements for child motorcycle helmets but not so for child bicycle helmets.

A worrying state of affairs

“Some retailers were unaware of the quality of the helmets they were selling. Some retailers verbally said that the helmets meet standards while there were no labels on the helmets.

“Some of the helmets sold had a QC label implying that they met the manufacturers’ standards,” said the statement.

It added that the majority of the bicycle helmets did not have a standards certification label while some had labels of foreign standards that were acceptable, such as USCPSC and EU standards.

“Some of the helmets were labelled ‘toy’. Some were flimsy,” it said.

MMA and RSMC urged the authorities to take action to ensure that all motorcycle and bicycle helmets available in retail and online stores meet Malaysian or international standards.

They also advised the public to exercise caution and make sure that they purchase motorcycle and bicycle helmets that are up to standard.

MMA said it would be invited by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry in May to present the findings to the management group and discuss further steps towards protecting the public from unsafe helmets.

Advice from BikesRepublic.com

Implementation of the new SIRIM standard will be a much-welcomed development in terms of helmet safety, as several – if not all – local helmet manufacturers are still producing products that comply to the very old MS 1:1996 standard. For comparison, the European standard which is also adopted by the United Nations, is now ECE/UN R22.06 which came into effect this year. The previous ECE/UN R22.05 standard was implemented in 2000. So that shows you how old the current SIRIM standard is! There was a revision to the MS 1:2011 but not all local helmets comply to this.

Again, do buy and only wear helmets that were either approved by SIRIM (for locally produced helmets) and/or by ECE/UN R22.05 or ECE/UN R22.06 (for imported helmets). Solely DOT approved helmets are not approved for sale in Malaysia unless it has the additional ECE/UN approval.

2025 Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition – A Tribute to IoM TT Trident

The 2025 Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition has been revealed, as a tribute to the IoM TT (Isle of Man TT) Trident which won the races from 1971 to 1975.

Being a special edition, it is resplendent in the historic white, blue and red paint scheme with graphics, complete with number 67. This colour scheme was the colour on the TT-winning bike, dubbed “Slippery Sam.”

However, it is not just a paint scheme as Triumph has added some goodies that are otherwise only available as options. First, there is a colour matched flyscreen on top of the headlamp. Next, an aluminium belly pan underneath the engine, and Triumph Shift Assist quickshifter with auto blipper, as standard.

Other mechanical parts of the 2025 Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition remain unchanged. The engine is a 660cc triple which produces 80 hp at 10,250 RPM and 63.7 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM. That is a huge 4,000 RPM spread between maximum torque and horsepower, meaning the engine pulls well anywhere in the RPM range!

The forks are still Showa upside-down, non-adjustable members, while the Showa monoshock at the rear is adjustable for preload only. Dual two-piston Nissin calipers up handle braking up front. Even the tyres remain unchanged from the Michelin Road 5.

Electronic features include ABS as standard, ROAD and RAIN riding modes, colour TFT screen, switchable traction control, immobiliser key security system.

Pricing starts from USD 8,595 (RM40,645.76) which is the same price as the standard Trident 660. However, there is different pricing in other countries, as it sells at a slightly higher price in Canada.

2025 Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition or also known as the 2025 Triumph Trident 660 Tribute will definitely make its way to Malaysia.

Only question we have is: Why didn’t Triumph launch a Daytona 660 Tribute instead?

Bikesrepublic

English

Felo TOOZ from Thailand – 720km Range, 202km/h

Two Malaysian Students Died in New Zealand Car Crash

MACC will not Compromise with Smugglers

Toll-Free Remains for 2 Days During Raya

Puspakom’s Monopoly Ends in September 2024

Penang LRT Project to Begin in Mid-Year

No Decorative Lights on Vehicles – Warns JPJ

F1 Owners Liberty Media is Nearing Purchase of MotoGP

Suzuki Developing VVT for Small Engine

QJMotor SRT600 to Replace SRT550, Will we See a New TRK?

Majority of Children’s Motorcycle and Bicycle Helmets in Malaysia Fail Safety Standards

Children’s motorcycle helmets

Children’s bicycle helmets

A worrying state of affairs

Advice from BikesRepublic.com

2025 Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition – A Tribute to IoM TT Trident

Updated 2025 BMW F 900 XR and 2025 BMW F 900 R Debut

2025 Benelli Tornado 550 Debuts

2024 Suzuki V-Strom 250SX Test and Review, The Most User-Friendly Dual-Purpose Bike?

Yamaha did Make V4 Grand Prix Engines Previously

Tyre Review: Michelin Power 6 – Predictable In The Wet & Dry

Jorge Martin is MotoGP 2024 Champion

2025 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello ‘Wind Tunnel’ Celebrates Brand’s Aero Research

2025 Moto Guzzi V7 – Sportier, More Power, More Features

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