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Is the KTM Brabus 1400 R being Developed?

A KTM Brabus 1400 R is reportedly being developed and will utilise the new KTM 1350cc engine.

Previously, KTM announced that production of the KTM Brabus 1300 R came to an end after two years. But it turned out to be because KTM had introduced the new engine via the 2024 KTM 1390 Super Duke. The new engine replaces the old 1301cc LC8, found in the KTM 1290 Super Duke Evo.

So, of course the new Brabus will be based on the 1390 Super Duke Evo. That new LC8 V-Twin packs 188 hp and 145 Nm of torque. It powers the 1390 Super Adventure and the upcoming 1390 Super Duke GT, too.

Although KTM and Brabus did not reveal the project, a German motorcycle magazine sighted an application by Brabus to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to register several names. More specifically, Brabus had registered the trademarks “Brabus 1400 R Tailor Made”, “Brabus 1400 R Rocket”, and “Brabus 1400 R Signature”.

So, instead of just one variant with two different colour schemes, the new bike will have three different variants. Perhaps “Tailor Made” refers to a made-to-order form, while “Rocket” signifies eye-popping performance, and “Signature” stands for luxury.

If this piece of news is true, we can expect to see the new KTM Brabus 1400 R by the end of the year.

Cikgu Offroad Rides the Aveta Ranger Max Explorer to Teach

Cikgu Ben Zaid, affectionately known as Cikgu Offroad rides the Aveta Ranger Max Explorer.

Aveta Malaysia, the local motorcycle manufacturer, assembler, and distributor of the Aveta motorcycles presented Aveta Ranger Max Explorer all-terrain motorbikes to assist Cikgu Ben Zaid and two of his teaching colleagues in their effort to educate children in a remote Orang Asli community in Kelantan during. The “Off-Road Education Outreach: Teachers Rally with Aveta” handover ceremony was held at the Royale Chulan hotel in Mutiara Damansara yesterday.

Cikgu Ben Zaid and his colleagues traverse 60km of rough timber roads and jungle trails to reach and teach children of the Orang Asli community in Pos Balar, Kelantan, each weekend. Their journey into the interior takes around 3 hours under favourable weather. However, the trails would become treacherous during the rainy season, turning their journey into a 10-hour slog.

‘Cikgu Offroad’ as he is known on social media, recorded and shared videos of the teachers’ epic roundtrips to and from remote Orang Asli communities. As such, many Malaysian netizens contacted Aveta to highlight Cikgu Ben and his colleagues’ efforts following the launch of the Aveta Ranger Max Explorer in November 2023. They suggested that the company’s new motorbike’s off-road capabilities would greatly help the teachers in their trailblazing educational journeys into the jungle.

“Teaching my students in Pos Balar is a privilege which I gladly accept. No doubt there are challenges which we face in our teaching travels. However, education is crucial to enable everyone to participate in our country’s progress and this fuels me for my journeys. I am grateful to my channel subscribers who highlighted my mission to Aveta Malaysia and thankful to Aveta for the support that they are giving. There is no doubt that this donation will really help us to focus on our teaching responsibilities,” said Cikgu Ben Zaid at the handover ceremony.

He added, “The Ranger Max Explorer’s off-road features, including the double piston disc brake, dual-purpose tires, and high ground clearance, make our journeys to and from school a lot smoother. The patented double T-bone design ensures excellent stability and easy handling. Plus, the impressive loading capacity lets my colleagues and me carry more equipment and supplies for the children on each trip.”

Steven Lim, Managing Director of Aveta Malaysia, said “When we unveiled our Ranger Max Explorer, we received an outpouring of messages and comments from netizens, all highlighting the admirable dedication of Cikgu Ben and his fellow educators. Venturing off-road is a daunting feat, with only a select few motorcycles possessing the versatility for such endeavours. Amidst challenging terrain that tests both vehicle and driver, the perseverance of these teachers in educating Orang Asli children is truly inspiring. Their noble efforts moved us deeply, compelling us to lend a hand. With these three specially-equipped bikes, tailored precisely for this rugged terrain, we aim to alleviate the burdens of Cikgu Ben and his team, allowing them to focus wholeheartedly on their educational mission. Additionally, we are providing them with a 2-year warranty giving them peace of mind as they embark on their important educational trips. We hope this donation will make a valuable contribution to the education of the Orang Asli children in Pos Balar.”

Steven continued, “The Malay saying goes ‘guru bagaikan pelita’. Teachers like Cikgu Ben and many across the country do their best to educate the next generation of Malaysian talents and prepare them for the future. As a Malaysian company through and through, we feel it is important to support them in their nation-building effort.”

The Aveta Ranger Max Explorer excels in off-road conditions thanks to its impressive ground clearance and versatile dual-purpose tires. The bike features multi-spoke rims, and a sturdy, partially-exposed, patented double T-bone frame, along with an extra-large fuel tank. Comfort is enhanced by telescopic forks at the front and dual gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear.

How much is Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia’s Salary?

Ever wondered how much is Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia’s salary? He is the twice-defending MotoGP world champion, after all.

In case you have not heard, he had just renewed his contract at Ducati for another two years until the end of the 2026 season. You would probably assume a hefty amount but nope, it is not even close to what previous the triple world champion, Jorge Lorenzo did.

According to Motorsport magazine, Bagnaia’s latest deal bags him a base salary €7 million (RM35,892,918.75) per season. However, he is set to earn more than €10 million (RM51,275,598.22), depending on his results.

He first signed on as Ducati’s No. 1 factory rider at the beginning of the 2022 season which he went on to win the same year. His salary was equal to Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini’s (before he moved to the factory team) during the time.

However, while the sum seems really princely for us mere mortals it is not even close to what Lorenzo earned when he moved to Ducati. The Majorcan was paid a king’s ransom of €25 million for each of the two seasons he was there.

Hence it was Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia who gave Ducati their second MotoGP, 15 years after Casey Stoner did so in 2007.

It has to be said that there will be 8 riders whose contracts will be expiring at the end of 2024, so Ducati had to secure Bagnaia’s services quickly. It remains to be seen what Enea Bastianini could pull out of the bag after a disastrous and injury-riddled first season last year. It goes without saying that there will be many who will be vying for that factory Ducati spot for next year including Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin.

Hanoi is the World’s Most Polluted City

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is classified as the most polluted city in the world.

The city was shrouded in a thick haze of pollution yesterday that made it difficult to see tall buildings and caused the city’s nearly nine million residents to breathe poisonous air.

Hanoi has often been ranked among the most polluted cities in the world, in recent years. It is partly due to extensive construction and fumes from the large number of motorbikes and cars that cross the capital daily.

Carbon emissions from coal plants in the north and open burning for agricultural purposes are exacerbating the problem.

Last month, dozens of flights were affected when a thick haze enveloped Hanoi and produced a spike in air pollution and reduced visibility. Weather forecasters have issued regular warnings of thick haze, especially in the mountainous regions of northeastern Vietnam.

The World Bank’s latest report on air pollution says 40 percent of residents in Hanoi are exposed to concentrations nearly five times higher than WHO-defined safe guidelines.

The city also ranked first on air monitoring website IQAir as the most polluted city in the world since late yesterday afternoon.Pollutant levels are recorded at PM2.5, which are cancer-causing micro-particles small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. It is classified as ‘very unhealthy’ and exceeds 24 times the annual guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO says a number of serious health problems are linked to air pollution exposure, including stroke, heart disease and lung cancer.

One Motorcyclist Dies every Two Hours

Data from Malaysian authorities shows a very worrying statistic: One motorcyclist dies every two hours.

The statistics also show that 2023 is the most deadly year, with 6,443 deaths due to road accidents. It is the highest figure in five years.

Based on the data, there is an average of 18 deaths per day. It equates to one death every 80 minutes.

Motorcyclists are still the most high risk group, as two-thirds of those killed are motorcycle riders and pillions. A total of 4,480 motorcycle riders and passengers died in 2023.

This fact was revealed by the Malaysian Transport Minister, Dato’ Anthony Loke during a press conference at Parliament here, yesterday.

In another development, he also said that the Road Transport Department and the Royal Malaysian Police will publish information on the number of accidents and deaths due to road accidents in real time daily.

He hopes that this step can rasise public awareness toward road safety because road accidents are the main contributor to the death rate in this country. The method is akin to posting daily statistics for Covid-19 cases in the past.

The main difference is reporting on road accidents and deaths resulting from them daily, rather than traditionally as a total annually.

Govt Allows Computerised Highway Code Test at Driving Institutes

Do you remember when you sat for the Computerized Highway Code test (KPP01) otherwise known as ujian undang-undang before moving on to the practical test for your driver’s license?

Depending to the driving institute we chose, we have to go to another driving institute or computerized test center to sit for the Highway Code test. But this difficulty can be avoided or reduced soon. The government has announced that they allow driving institutes to operate computerised test centers at their respective premises starting this April.

The Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke said, this will enable candidates to take the KPP test and the circuit test at the same place thus making it easier for them and reducing the waiting time.

“However, the driving institute that intends to open the test center is required to offer eTesting for circuit testing. Approved driving institutes will be required to also provide an eTesting system within one year,” he said.

This is possible as the data and questions are centralized and under the full control of the Road Transport Department (JPJ), allowing for computerized tests to be conducted at the driving institutes’ premises.

“This ia an initiative by the ministry and JPJ to simplify the requirements of owning a Malaysian Driving License and further support digitalisation of services,” he said.

Loke also said the maximum price for the KPP test is set at RM17 for motorcycles and RM27 for other vehicles.

Prototype Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Breaks Cover

Remember we posted earlier about the Husqvarna Vitpilen 901? It turns out that we were off the mark as the prototype Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 was revealed, instead.

Previously, there was a previous teaser video which prompted the 5th March “full edit” video. It showed a bike being taken through its paces on a frozen surface, complete with spiked tyres. Still, it confirmed the arrival of a bigger Svartpilen/Vitpilen.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 901 is (Finally) Coming?

The new video called “A tale of dirt and ice” shows the prototype Svartpilen 801 in its entirety on a frozen lake and flattrack oval.

Husqvarna says the bike will weigh some 181kg, although it was not revealed if this is the dry or kerb weight. The engine, which is the LC8c shared with 790 Duke, produces 103.6 hp. That is actually slightly more than the 790 Duke’s 103.3 hp.

Husky is now owned by the Pierer Mobility Group, who in turn owns KTM, among other brands. Thus, it is safe to assume that this coming bike shares the same underpinnings with the 790 KTM, as with other models in the Husqvarna lineup. Examples are the Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401.

As such, the twin-cylinder LC8c engine will be attached to a steel frame. The same type of swingarm also appears in the video. The main difference here is the subframe, most likely to facilitate flattrack riding in the video. And of course, the WP Apex forks since WP Suspension also belongs to Pierer Mobility.

On the electronics front, the bike may well include Supermoto ABS mode which allows the rider to slide the rear wheel. The rider in the video can be seen performing such stunt. We can look forward to a TFT screen with multimedia connectivity, traction control, quickshifter, and so on as with the 790 Duke.

Husqvarna says, “The all-new middleweight model has been engineered to deliver a powerful combination of performance, agility and contemporary style to take riding to even greater heights.

“The versatility of the Svartpilen 801 is enhanced further by state-of-the-art electronic rider aids, including Easy Shift [an up/down quickshifter] for seamless gear changes, as standard.”

So what is next? The full world reveal will be on 19th March 2024 so stay tuned! And of course, a Vitpilen 801 will surely follow in the near future.

What are the Standards for Brake Pads?

Needless to say, brake pads are part of what makes the brake system as a whole operate, and it is true for regardless if it is a hydraulic or drum system. No brake pad, no brakes! So, what are the standards for brake pads?

So, what is/are the standards?

Firstly, we must always start by determining the need for standards.

Standards call for repeatable testing methods that usually resonate with advancements. Standards also ensure that any tested and approved product meets a certain set of requirements – usually for safety benefits to consumers. On the other hand, manufacturers could do anything as the please to the detriment of consumers. The best example is the motorcycle helmet.

So, for brake pads, especially imported ones, are tested and approved through:

ECE R90

“ECE” stands for Economic Commission of Europe. Also sometimes marked as “CE” for Conformité Européenne.
“R” stands for Regulation.
“90” is the number of the standard. (Remember that motorcycle helmet falls under R22?)

Virtually any product sold in the European Union countries must be test and certified to their respective standards.

How about Malaysia?

Malaysia has her own standards for brake pads, namely:

MS1164:2015

“MS” stands for Malaysian Standards.
“1164” is the standard’s number.
“2015” is the year of the revision.

And which standard should I go by?

The MS1164:2015 came into effect as of 1st November 2015 and brake pads made in Malaysia must have these letters printed on the pads’ backing plate.

Imported pads should have the ECE R90 standard printed on them. But the importer or producer may also seek the approval of the MS1164:2015 standard.

Best to go for brake pads that are certified to ECE R90 or MS1164:2015 or both. DO NOT compromise on brake pads or any brake component, for that matter, because they involve yours and your loved ones’ safety.

We shall touch more on the tests involved in the near future.

Government Urged to Abolish Gombak and Karak Toll Plazas

Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) urged the government to abolish the Gombak and Karak tolls to reduce traffic congestion on the highway.

According to him, users need to stop at four toll plazas to use the East Coast Highway (LPT).

“For example, on the east coast highway, we have four tolls where users have to stop. The Gombak Toll, the Bentong Toll, the Karak Toll and the exit. As for easing the burden on users, the government should use two methods. Only when entering and exiting.

“(As such) two tolls need to be abolished. The Gombak toll and the Karak toll do not need to be held because they cause slow traffic and congestion,” he said during the royal decree debate session.

Commenting further, Tuan Ibrahim who is also the Leader of the Pahang State Opposition and Deputy President of PAS claimed that highway congestion is now one of the failures of the ministry and operators.

“I see this as a failure on the part of the ministry and the operators who operate the highway. Highway congestion is extreme and occurs throughout the country, especially in toll plaza areas,” he said.

In the meantime, he also urged the government to ensure that there is no road repair or patching work during peak hours.

“Yesterday I came back from Kota Bharu. Concession workers are repairing the highway over the bridge in the highway area in Kemaman. There are many cars during peak hours and yet they chose to repair the patch on the bridge. This should not happen and we ask the government to make sure there is no road repairs at peak user times which cause extreme congestion,” he said.

Brembo Opens a Factory in Thailand

Brembo opens a factory in Thailand. The preeminent Italian braking provider is the latest in the host of automotive brands to set up their production facilities in the kingdom.

Brembo’s investment is said to be worth €40 million (RM 205,148,217.88) with the aim of supplying to the Southeast Asian market. As with other manufacturers, the facility is sited in Rayong, just east of Pattaya. It will focus on braking systems for manufacturers in Thailand. They will employ approximately 150 people with operations expected to being in the first quarter of 2025.

The move is seen as a wise one, given the hotbed of motorcycle usage in the region, consisting of motorcycle-centric countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia. It remains to be seen if Brembo will supply the products from this factory to the wider Asian region such as India, China and Japan.

Brembo’s products are considered the best in the industry and used almost exclusively by premium motorcycles. But Brembo’s acquisition of J. Juan and producing the ByBre brand opens up to a wider market.

As mentioned earlier, Brembo joins a long list of both manufacturers and component suppliers with facilities in Thailand. Motorcycle brands like BMW, Ducati, Kawasaki, Triumph have factories in Thailand that cater to the Asian and in some cases, the global market. On the other hand, virtually any popular car brand has production facilities in that country. The same can be said for component manufacturers such as Bridgestone and Michelin.

So, the question is: Will Brembo parts will be less expensive after 2025?

2024 Yamaha YZF-R25 Debuts with New Colour

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. launched the 2024 Yamaha YZF-R25 with a new color. It is a white variation called Glacier White. The blue colour variant which is ever-popular since its launch, Racing Blue, is still on sale.

Buyers can find the new color 2024 Yamaha YZF-R25 at all official Yamaha dealers from March 4, 2024. The selling price remains the same as the 2023 price of RM 22,998.00, excluding registration and insurance. As usual every purchase includes a brake disc lock worth RM100.

The R25 engine remains the same, which is a 249cc, DOHC, parallel-twin. It produces 26.4 kW (35.4 HP) at 12,000 RPM and 22.6 Nm of torque at 10,000 RPM. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) and LED signal lights are standard.

The R25 machine is still popular and well received among local motorcycle enthusiasts, even though it has been on the market since 2015. It has gone through several updates and upgrades since then, until the version that features the ABS braking system in 2023.

The arrival of the ABS version is a good move because the 250cc segment is one most intensely contested among motorcycle manufacturers. It is filled with brands such as Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, CFMoto, KTM, Modenas/Bajaj, Husqvarna.

Regardless, the Yamaha YZF-R25 still gets a lot of attention until now.

MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Nurburgring Limited Edition Launched in Malaysia

AFY Mobility Industries Sdn. Bhd. (AMI) has launched the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Nurburgring Limited Edition. Being a very special model, it is therefore apt for the launch of AMI as the official distributor of MV Agusta in Malaysia.

As stated in the name, the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Nurburgring Limited Edition is based on the legendary Nurburgring circuit in Germany. MV Agusta will produce only 150 units worldwide. However, only one unit will be sold in Asia. We are thereby very lucky because that one Asian country is Malaysia with the number 90/150.

The bike is powered by a 998cc, inline-four engine that produces a maximum power of 208 HP at 13,000 RPM and a maximum torque of 116.5 Nm at 11,000 RPM. This power and torque is sent through a 6-speed transmission.

Other features include carbon fibre components including the wheels; Brembo Stylema front brake caliper, 5.5-inch TFT display, Ohlins suspension system, LED lights, among others. The bike is also sold with the Nurburgring Racing Kit (Nurburgring Racing Kit) which consists of an Arrow titanium full exhaust system, racing ECU, as well as some carbon fiber components.

Electronic features include ride modes, traction control, wheelie control, MV EAS 3.0 quick-shift system, MV MY Ride App communication system, and ABS.

The MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Nurburgring Limited Edition is sold at a price of RM399,900.

AMI also exhibited a line of other MV Agusta models such as Brutale 1000 RS (RM168,800), F3 RR (RM145,800), Fs Rosso (RM111,800), Superveloce (RM138,800), Dragster RR (RM148,800) , Dragster Rosso (RM99,800), Brutale Rosso (RM96,800), Turismo Veloce Lusso (RM140,800) and Turismo Veloce Rosso (RM99,800).

AFY Two Wheels SEA Sdn. Bhd. which is newly operating at Section 51A, Petaling Jaya and is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm.