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Ducati Revenue Increased Despite Lower Sales in 2023

Ducati reported an increased revenue to over €1 billion despite lower sales in 2023.

To be more precise, the Italian manufacturer posted a revenue of €1,089 million, for a net profit of €112 million (10.5% increase over 2022), although they sold 57,224 bikes compared to more than 60,000 in 2022.

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, said:

“The results obtained by Ducati in 2023 confirm the validity of the strategic decisions and self-financed investment policy that we have been pursuing for several years. We closed the fiscal year with a revenue that once again exceeded one billion euros and a record operating result, to which must be added the successes in racing which saw us become World Champions in MotoGP and WorldSBK for the second consecutive year”. “ Strengthened by the goals achieved, we look to the future with determination and continue with the development plan of the brand and the product range, with the desire to expand our presence towards new segments, speak to new motorcyclists and grow the community of Ducatisti. The entry into motocross planned for this year is proof of this.”

The record results show for Ducati’s charge into several into different segments with several new bikes. For one, the DesertX was launched for the off-road adventure market and has found a strong following since then. Also, there is the Hypermotard 698 Mono, bringing the maker into the single cylinder supermoto fold. Other models also did well such as the sport-tourer (some call it the hyper-tourer) Multistrada V4 RS.

2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm Range Launched

The 2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm range has been launched, in both R and GT guises.

The Rocket 3 is famous for two things: One, it has the largest engine in production, and two, the engine’s massive torque will straighten your arms like a er… rocket. But make no mistake: Triumph has sold 18,000 Rocket 3’s since the remake in 2019.

And, Triumph knows that mo’ power is always better.

Here are the highlights of the 2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm range:

The 2,458 cc (yes, bigger than most cars in Malaysia), 3-cylinder powerplant now punches out 180 hp at 7,000 RPM and head-snapping 225 Nm of torque at 4,000 RPM.
That is a bump of 15 hp and 4 Nm.

Power is sent through a Torque Assist Clutch, the buyer can purchase the optional quickshifter.
The frame continues to be aluminium, which made its debut in 2019. Better to keep the weight down.
New, 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels to reduce unsprung weight by 2 kg. Reducing 2 kg is a lot when the wheels spin up, giving quicker handling as there’s less gyroscopic forces.

The front has massive Showa 47 mm forks, adjustable for rebound and compression damping.
The rear shock is a Showa RSU monoshock with piggyback reservoir.
Brembo Stylema calipers are up front, clamping on 320mm discs.
At the back, a Brembo M4.32 monobloc caliper grabs a huge 300mm disc (since the bike’s weight is rear biased).
Taming that power are rider aids like TC, ABS, and four power modes.
There are also lean-angle sensitive ABS, and well as optimized cornering traction control.
There is now Hill Hold, which prevents the motorcycle from rolling backward by applying the rear brake.
Cruise control comes as standard on both models, and you can activate it at the touch of a button and adjust it up or down in 1 mph increments.
All of the tech features should be easy to interact with via the full-color TFT display and five-way joystick.

Both R and GT variants deliver a blacked out, if not sinister, attitude.
The R has a sportier stance, with mid-mounted adjustable footpegs, while the R has forward footpegs and more laid-back riding position.

How much?

The 2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R is USD 24,995 (RM 118,501.30) and Rocket 3 Storm GT is USD 28,995 (RM 137,465.29). Of course, prices in Malaysia will be much higher (along with everything else).

Where do the Funds from Special Registration Number Sales Go?

One of the many frequent questions asked by motorists is “Where do the funds from special registration number sales go?”

Where did the funds go?

During the question and answer session in Parliament today, Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (PN-Kuala Kangsar) sought information on the revenue generated from Special Registration Number (NPI – Nombor Pendaftaran Istimewa) bidding offers. He also requested fordetails about the initiatives undertaken by the ministry in utilising NPI proceeds from 2018 to 2023.

The Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke Siew Fook answered that all revenue generated is channeled into the Federal Consolidated Fund. Also, the Ministry of Transport does not benefit from the proceeds of vehicle number plate sales.

The Minister went on to state that the total revenue from special registration number sales in 2023 reached RM311.8 million, which included proceeds from the sale of special registration numbers totaling RM21 million.

A portion of the funds were used to cover the driving test fees for motorcycle B2 class, e-hailing, and taxi licences, which benefitted over 40,000 underprivileged youths.

He also stated that 100,000 helmets, including children’s helmets, were also distributed free of charge to financially disadvantaged families.

“The FLYsiswa initiative will be continued to benefit nearly 60,000 students from low-income families, especially in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, along with financial initiatives by Perkeso (Social Security Organisation) for nearly 50,000 taxi drivers, rental car drivers, and school bus drivers,” he said.

Loke added that the ministry had recently introduced the NPI for the GOLD series, with total collection amounting to RM17 million thus far.

“As mentioned earlier, the GOLD1 serial number was bid by His Majesty, the King of Malaysia, for RM1.5 million, contributing to government revenue. Half of these proceeds were returned to the Ministry of Transport for the implementation of initiatives as stated,” he highlighted.

Scam activities involving vehicle plate sales

A supplementary inquiry from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) was brought up, concerning concerns on social media alleging fraudulent activities related to vehicle registration number sales on social media.

The Minister urged the public to only bid through the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and cautioned against purchasing from third-party sources, to prevent falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

“If you intend to bid, use the government’s JPJ e-bidding system, avoid third-party channels. Raising awareness is vital as we aim for the revenue to contribute to government funds, enabling us to implement more initiatives to assist the people,” he emphasised.

2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Launched (Finally)

The 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 has officially and finally been launched after years of rumours and several rounds of teasers.

It is now the biggest Svartpilen/Vitpilen model by utilising the KTM 790 Duke’s LC8c engine. Comparatively, the Norden 901 remains the largest Husqvarna by way of engine capacity, as it uses the KTM 890 Adventure’s engine, but it was tuned for torque, rather than horsepower, resulting in 103hp.

Highlights of the 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801:

Powertrain

799cc, parallel-twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled LC8c engine makes 77 kW (103 hp).
Engine power is sent through a six-speed gearbox with a PASC assist and slipper clutch. There is an up-and-down quickshifter, too.
Service interval for the Svartpilen 801 is 15,000 kilometers.
Fuel consumption is claimed at 4.5 liters/100 kilometers.

Chassis

Chromium-molybdenum tubular steel frame with tuned flex and rigidity.
Adjustable WP Apex 43 front forks with 140mm travel.
WP Apex monoshock at the back, offering 150mm of travel.
The wheels are 17-inch alloy, wearing Pirelli MT60 RS rubber.
Up front, J. Juan radially mounted four-piston calipers clamp on 300mm brake discs.
The rear brake consists of a single two-piston caliper and a 240mm brake disc.
Bosch ABS is standard with Supermoto ABS mode.
The fuel tank holds 14 liters of fuel.
Husqvarna claims the Svartpilen 801 weights 181 kg, dry.

Electronics

A five-inch TFT dash and connectivity unit fitted as standard.
The rider can pair with TFT via the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles smartphone app, for navigation, calls, and music.
There are three ride modes: Street, Rain, and Sport. The owner can purchase the optional Dynamic Pack which adds the Dynamic ride mode, Cruise Control, ten levels of traction control, and five levels of wheelie control.
LED lighting is also standard.

How much?

The 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 sells for USD 10,899 (RM 51,650.36) and will begin to enter several global markets by June. Might as well be the end of year or early next year for us.

KTM, Pierer Mobility Acquires Controlling Stake in MV Agusta

We recently ran a story about how MV Agusta may be in financial trouble after a dismal performance in 2023. We also mentioned that MV’s CEO Timur Sardarov was adamant in not relinquishing control of the company to the giant Pierer Mobility Group (KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas). Well, news just broke that Pierer Mobility has indeed acquired a controlling stake in MV Agusta.

Pierer Mobility Group (PMG) has made clear that they wish to acquire a controlling stake in MV since their initial 25% purchase in 2020. The finalisation of the agreement sees PMG as the controlling shareholder when they issued a call option, increasing their share in MV to 50.1%.

The deal also sees a shakeup in MV’s day-to-day business. Hubert Trunkenpolz replaces Timur Sardarov as the CEO and Chairmon of the Board of Director. (Hubert is the nephew of Hans Trunkenpolz, who co-founded KTM, hence the “T” in brand’s name.) Sardarov will remain with MV in the role of Vice-Chairman. Apart from that, PMG is planning to expand MV’s headquarters at Varese, Italy.

Sadarov said:

“MV Agusta embodies passion and a unique sense of romance that captivated me, a seasoned entrepreneur, from day one. The personal challenge of guiding the company out of crisis and steering it towards success through innovative business strategies, team expansion, and new product developments has been conquered. It is an honor to play a role in shaping MV Agusta’s legacy. Over the past five years, both the company and I have evolved significantly. Our growth together is a testament to the transformative journey we’ve shared. My time with MV Agusta has been a pivotal chapter in my life, filled with mutual joys and challenges. As I continue to serve as a dedicated Vice-Chairman, I am committed to supporting the company and its ongoing success.”

So what now? It is going to really interesting to see what kind of products that this new venture will produce. KTM, for one, has stated unequivocally that they did not wish to produce anymore sportbikes since the RC8’s production ended. As for nakeds, KTM already have their bases covered with the 890 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R. In fact, KTM, GasGas, Husqvarna have covered many segments among them, more so KTM.

Or will PMG continue with putting out the existing lineup of MV Agustas?

Time will tell.

MV Agusta In Dire Straits (Again)?

New 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Debuts

When Harley-Davidson announced their returning models, two of them has received significant upgrades, namely the 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide and 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide. Both these models got many of the same styling, suspension and electronics upgrades, that were previously only available on the limited edition (read: expensive) CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide.

But let us talk about the Street Glide first.

Highlights of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide:

The heart of the Street Glide is the bigger Milwaukee-Eight 117 (that is 117 cubic inches, or 1917cc to us in the metric world).
The new cylinders utilise liquid-cooled heads, along with a new colling system.
It is a major upgrade from the previous Milwaukee-Eight 107 (1753cc).
The 117ci engine produces 105 hp and 176.3 Nm of torque, which is much healthier than the 86 hp for the 107ci powerplant.

Sure, 105 hp from 1.9 liters is not a lot, but consider the engine turning over below 1,500 RPM when cruising at 110 km/h and you will get the idea.
However, the 117ci engine does not have the VVT of the CVO’s 121ci (1982cc) engine.
Addition of a new infotainment system, with a powerful 200-watt amplifier, powering a pair of fairing-mounted speakers.

A huge (ok, gargantuan) 12.3-inch TFT colour touchscreen (the Apple iPad 2’s screen is 12.9-inches for comparison).
Riders can select riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Custom), interact with the infotainment system, etc. via the TFT screen as the analog buttons on the handlebar have been deleted.
Of course, H-D upgraded the bike’s styling too, to well, make it more contemporary, although the fairing retains the legendary batwing and shark nose profiles.
The fuel tank has a new shape.
The one-piece seat’s padding is improved for long-distance touring.

How much?

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide sells for USD 25,999 (RM 123,053.27), although the mind-numbing number of taxes will likely drive the price way up.

And my friends wonder why I wish I were rich…

Victorious First Outing for Ducati Desmo450 MX

It was a victorious first outing for the Ducati Desmo450 MX in its competitive debut in the Italian Motocross Prestige Championship.

Alessandro Lupino rode the Ducati to the MX1 class pole position on Saturday. Lupino, a former MXGP (Motocross World Championship) Champion converted the pole position to a win in the first moto (first race) on Sunday. Unfortunately, he made a bad start in the second moto (second race) to finish in 7th. The result meant that he could only secure 2nd overall.

There is understandably a lot of vibe surrounding the Ducati Desmo450 MX. The Italian factory was able to “lure” former MXGP legend Antonio “Toni” Cairoli over from his long-time home, KTM to act as the development and test rider.

Also, the bike is an effort to diversify into another segment different from the expensive sport-oriented bikes they are synonymous with. We can look forward to a Ducati MX bike, and sure enough, an enduro in the coming years.

Apart from that, the single-cylinder 450cc engine is an interesting development, again, moving away from their multi-cylinder offerings.

It has to be said that Ducati is hot on the heels of another European factory – Triumph – in building dirtbikes. However, the latter’s TF 250-X is a 250cc machine and is now racing in the American Supercross series. It had achieved great results in its opening race, as well. Additionally, the Triumph is already on sale.

New Vehicle Sales Dipped in February

As expected, new vehicle sales dipped in February 2024 compared to January 2024.

According to the Automotive Association of Malaysia (AAM), there were 62,833 units sold in February 2024, compared to 65,499 in January 2024. It was a 4% decrease, due to the shorter month and shorter working days following the Chinese New Year holiday.

Of that number, 57,979 were passenger vehicles, while another 4,584 were commercial vehicles. When compared to the same period last year, a total of 56,443 passenger vehicles, and 7,128 commercial vehicles were sold.

Total sales as of February 2024 were 128,332 units, which is 13 percent higher than 113,729 units in the same period in 2023.

In terms of manufacturing, vehicle production rose 3% to 65,611 in February 2024 compared to 63,798 in February 2023.

Of that number, 61,935 units were passenger vehicles (up 3 percent from 59,843 units in the same month last year), while the remaining 3,676 units were commercial vehicles (down 7 percent from the previous 3,955 units).

New vehicle sales are expected to increase in March 2024, following fast deliveries by the company as the financial year will end on March 31, 2024, as well as various Hari Raya Aidilfitri promotional campaigns.

JDT Racing Team, Hafizh Syahrin takes First ARRC 2024 Podium

Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Racing Team and Hafizh Syahrin took their inaugural podium finish in the FIM Asia Motorcycle Championship (ARRC) 2024, thereby achieving their hopes, yesterday. The first ARRC 2024 round took place at the Buriram International Circuit, Thailand.

Hafizh who rode a Ducati V4 R in the Asian Superbike 1000cc (ASB1000) class made up for the disappointment of failing to finish in Race 1 on Saturday. He had to withdraw due to technical problems on his motorcycle.

Regardless, he was able to ride consistently in Race 2. He was also able to lead the race at one stage, but was overtaken by Indonesian rider Andi Farid Izdihar (Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo) to finish the race as the winner.

Andi’s teammate from Thailand, Nakarin Atiratphuvapa crossed the finish line in third place. Yuki Kunii (SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Philippines), and another Malaysian rider, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (TKKR BMW Racing Team) rounded out the top five.

The first race witnessed Azlah Shah’s amazing performance. He had started from 7th place on the grid and was able to overtake every rider in front of him until catching he caught the leader Nakarin who was already quite far ahead. Azlan then overtook Nakarin on the 9th lap and led until the end of the race.

Behind Azlan, Andi was able to overtake Nakarin for second place, while the Malaysian rider, Md. Zaqhwan Zaidi (Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo) jumped to third place.

FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2024, ASB1000 Overall Standings (Top 5)
Pelumba	Pasukan	Mata
1. Andi Farid Izdihar (INA)	Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo	45
2. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (MAS)	TKKR BMW Racing Team	36
3. Nakarin Atiratphuvapa (THA)	Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo	27
4. Md. Zaqhwan Zaidi (MAS)	Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo	26
5. Yuki Kunii (JPN)	(SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Philippines)	26

8 Vehicles Owned by Tobacco, Liquor, Cigarette Smugglers Confiscated

Eight luxury vehicles estimated to be worth around RM6 million were seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). All vehicles are owned by individuals who are allegedly involved in tobacco, alcohol and cigarette smuggling syndicates.

The vehicles consisted of two Lamborghinis, two Toyotas, and one Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo each.

The vehicles were seized in a special operation around the Klang Valley carried out by MACC’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division, since last Monday in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

“The vehicles were seized from several individuals who held positions as company owners as well as middlemen who bribed officials in an enforcement agency,” according to MACC sources.

The syndicate is suspected of money laundering by using licensed money lending companies, money changers, and ‘ghost company’ business accounts.

The syndicate’s smuggling activities are believed to have caused the loss of tax revenue estimated at more than RM400 million.

They are also suspected of giving more than RM8 million in bribes to several individuals including civil servants to launch smuggling activities.

MACC AML Director, Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin confirmed the seizure of the vehicles and the arrested individuals were investigated under Section 17(a) and Section 17(b) of the MACC Act 2009.

CFMoto Ibex 450 – Will it Come Here?

The CFMoto Ibex 450 was launched last month in the US, and with a very attractive price tag to add. So, question is will it come here?

CFMoto first showed off the 450MT sport-tourer at EICMA in November 2023, and followed up by renaming it to the Ibex 450 soon after. The US market will receive it as a 2025 model.

By the way, an “ibex” is a wild mountain goat with thick long horns that are found in Central Asia and Ethiopia. So as the name suggests, the CFMoto Ibex 450 is a lightweight adventure motorcycle.

Highlights:

449cc parallel-twin engine, shared with the 450SS sportbike, 450NK naked bike, and the upcoming 450CL-C cruiser.
The powerplant produces 44 hp at 8,500 RPM and 44 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM.
Being tuned for adventure and touring duties, that maximum power figure is 6 hp lower and peaks at 1,000 RPM lower compared to the 450SS and 450NK.
The engine also uses the now ubiquitous 270-degree crank configuration and dual counterbalancers.
Power is sent through a slipper clutch and six-speed gearbox.
The engine is carried by a chromoly steel tube frame.
Long travel KYB suspension provides a generous 203mm of travel.
Conversely, the seat height is only 820mm.
The front suspension is fully adjustable and the rear monoshock is adjustable for preload and rebound.
A four-piston, radially-mounted J.Juan caliper grabs a single 320mm disc in the front.
The bike rolls on spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels.
Bosch ABS is standard for both fronts, but the rear can be turned off.
The traction control system is also governed by a Bosch ECU, and it can be turned off or off from the dash.
A 5-inch curved TFT display with smartphone connectivity, and wirelessly updated.
Other features include an adjustable windscreen, LED lighting, an aluminum skid plate, fold-away mirrors, and a USB-C charging point.

The bike was designed by Kiska, the same folks who designed KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas motorcycles, since CFMoto is in partnership with KTM anyway.

In closing, we do hope that this bike gets here since the adventure and touring market is still growing.

Heatwave Hits Peninsular Malaysia

It is official: The heatwave hits Peninsular Malaysia, no sooner than when the Meteorological Department of Malaysia (MetMalaysia) issued the warnings in the last days of February.

Pokok Sena, Kedah was issued a Level 2 heatwave warning yesterday. It was the second time the area has received the alert, following the first on February 28th.

Pokok Sena was hot (pun intended) on the heels of the entire state of Perlis which was issued a Level 2 alert on Friday. However, it was downgraded to Level 1 status yesterday.

Level 1 warnings were also issued for several areas of West Malaysia as advised by MetMalaysia as of 4.30pm yesterday:

Kuala Lumpur.
Kedah: Padang Terap, Sik, Baling, Kuala Muda, Pendang and Kota Setar.
Perak: Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, and Kampar.
Pahang: Raub, Temerloh, and Bera.
Selangor: Hulu Selangor.

A Level 1 alert is issued when temperatures at a particular location are between 35 and 37°C over 3 consecutive days.

A Level 2 warning is issued whenever temperatures hover between 37 and 40°C over three consecutive days.

Drought monitoring

According to MetMalaysia’s drought monitoring report on March 13, Chuping in Perlis, Kota Baru in Kelantan, Melaka and Sitiawan in Perak recorded moderately dry and very dry readings.

Chuping, the hottest town in Malaysia, recorded a sizzling 37.9°C for the entire February due to no rainfall. However, the highest temperature on record was 40.1 °C on 9th April 1998.

The National Water Commission’s war room site revealed that water levels at dams in Perlis and Kedah were at warning levels:

Perlis: Timah Tasoh dam was at 59.72% capacity.
Kedah: The Muda dam was at 47.8% capacity, BS Padang Saga (59.83%) and Malut (45.8%).
Penang: Air Hitam dam only at 37.7% capacity.
Johor: Sembrong Barat dam only at 35.23% capacity.

Advise for our fellow bikers

Please remember to stay hydrated and stop if you feel dizzy as that could be a sign of heat exhaustion or worse, a heatstroke. DO NOT take the symptoms lightly. Please refer to these tips on how to keep cool while riding in hot weather.

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English

Here are the highlights of the 2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm range:

How much?

Where did the funds go?

Scam activities involving vehicle plate sales

Highlights of the 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801:

How much?

Highlights of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide:

How much?

Highlights:

Drought monitoring

Advise for our fellow bikers

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