Aveta Motorcycles Malaysia reached a significant milestone with the introduction of the Aveta Service Corner (ASC). The ASC, located within Aveta dealerships, is designed to ensure a hassle-free ownership experience for Aveta Motorcycle customers.
Aveta Motorcycles Malaysia reached a significant milestone with the introduction of the Aveta Service Corner (ASC). The ASC, located within Aveta dealerships, is designed to ensure a hassle-free ownership experience for Aveta Motorcycle customers.
Didi Group, the official distributor of Vespa & Aprilia scooters in Malaysia, has announced the opening of a new Vespa & Aprilia Showroom in Klebang, Melaka.
The new showroom, designed as a dynamic concept store, features the complete range of iconic Vespa & Aprilia scooters. Additionally, it houses a comprehensive customer service center, establishing itself as the ultimate destination for Melaka based two-wheel enthusiasts.
For Didi Group, the inauguration of Zen Sports marks a significant moment and a new milestone, as it stands as the first Vespa & Aprilia scooter 3S Showroom in Melaka.
As the official 3S dealer of Didi Group in Melaka, Zen Sports embraces the new Piaggio showroom Corporate Identity. The showroom meticulously curates a diverse range of models tailored to meet the preferences and desires of Vespa and Aprilia scooter enthusiasts, particularly in Klebang and the surrounding areas.
For existing customers, Zen Sports (Ban Zen Motors Sdn Bhd), located at Lot 332, Klebang Besar, 75200 Klebang Besar, Melaka, offers comprehensive sales and after-sales services.
The showroom proudly displays all Vespa and Aprilia scooter models available nationwide. In addition to the Service Centre, the facility features a comfortable waiting lounge and various lifestyle amenities, providing customers with a more enriching ownership experience that aligns with the distinctive personality of the brands.
Yamaha’s European President has sought to clarify the recent collaborative venture between Yamaha and CFMoto, emphasizing that any motorcycles resulting from this partnership will be exclusively intended for the domestic Chinese market.
In September 2023, Yamaha had announced a strategic manufacturing joint venture with CFMoto in China. This announcement sparked speculation that some Yamaha models intended for the European market might be produced by CFMoto, given the latter’s existing collaboration with Austrian brand KTM. Notably, CFMoto is responsible for manufacturing KTM’s 790 Adventure and Duke parallel twins in China.
To dispel any misconceptions, Yamaha Japan issued a statement explicitly outlining that the collaboration was focused solely on industrial cooperation for manufacturing vehicles in China, catering specifically to the Chinese market.
Seeking additional clarification, Motorcycle News (MCN) engaged in a conversation with Yamaha Europe’s President, Eric de Seynes (above). According to Seynes, the joint venture with CFMoto is designed to support the immense Chinese market by producing specific Yamaha models.
Seynes addressed comparisons with CFMoto’s collaboration with KTM, highlighting the distinct nature of Yamaha’s partnership. He emphasized that the arrangement with CFMoto is not comparable to the level of integration observed in the CFMoto-KTM collaboration.
Seynes characterized the deal as opportunistic, driven by the desire to effectively serve the growing Chinese market. Furthermore, he underscored the differences in scale, organizational structure, and communication practices between CFMoto and Yamaha, asserting that the collaboration is not intended as a challenge to KTM’s position in the market.
In essence, Yamaha’s collaboration with CFMoto is portrayed as a strategic move tailored to address the unique demands of the Chinese market, with a clear distinction drawn between this partnership and CFMoto’s collaboration with KTM.
The Kawasaki Ninja stands as an epitome of success within the supersport bike realm, with its name becoming synonymous with sportbikes for enthusiasts worldwide. Even today, the Ninja ZX-10RR continues to assert its dominance in the Superbike World Championship, maintaining its competitive edge.
In a nod to this triumph, Kawasaki has introduced an exclusive version of the Ninja ZX-10RR known as the Winter Test Edition. While previous superbikes have seen Winter Test Edition releases, the 2024 Ninja ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition takes exclusivity to a new level, with a mere 25 units slated for production. Crafted under the meticulous standards of the WSBK Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) technical department, each bike promises a unique blend of design and performance.
Owners of the 2024 Winter Test Edition are in for a treat, receiving a bike adorned in a livery reminiscent of the WSBK KRT Ninja Winter Test bike. The limited edition also boasts a numbered plate on the tank protector and features an Akrapovic exhaust system. As a cherry on top, purchasers will be granted a two-person VIP pass, allowing access to any 2024 WSBK round of their choice. This special pass grants entry to the paddock, VIP access to Kawasaki Racing Team hospitality and boxes, a guided tour of the KRT Box, and an opportunity to meet Team Green’s racers, Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani.
Beyond these exclusive perks, the ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition stands as a formidable machine on its own. Powering this beast is a 998cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, inline-four cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 214 horsepower and 119Nm of torque.
Equipped with advanced electronics, including a quick shifter, traction control, and cornering management, the bike ensures a thrilling and controlled ride. Additional features include an Ohlins steering damper for maximum control, built-in cruise control for road comfort, and a large, full-color TFT display providing essential ride statistics.
Undoubtedly, such a high-performance machine commands a premium, and the ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition is no exception, priced at 33,000 euros (approximately MYR167,000). With only 25 units available, including 10 reserved for the French market, the exclusivity of this model adds to its allure. The chances of Malaysians getting their hands on one is extremely low, especially with Kawasaki Malaysia focusing on fast moving models rather than ultra-exclusive models such as the ZX-10RR Winter Test Edition.
Vespa stands as an unequivocal icon in every conceivable aspect. Its significance is not only rooted in its timeless design but also in the enduring legacy of the company, which has been in existence since 1946. Remarkably, the design of Vespa scooters has remained largely unchanged since that pivotal year.
The brand’s value has experienced a remarkable surge, witnessing a staggering 19% growth in just the past two years.
According to Interbrand, a global brand consulting organisation, Vespa has surpassed the 1 billion Euro mark, asserting its dominance as the primary contributor to the Piaggio Group’s financial success, boasting a substantial 30% increase in turnover as of 2022.
Under the adept stewardship of Piaggio over the last few decades, Vespa has adhered to a strategic approach, blending significant under-the-surface technical enhancements with well-considered stylistic refinements.
This approach has been applied judiciously to both the high-end GTS and the more compact Primavera models.
Consequently, Vespa has not only retained its classic, nostalgic allure but has also fortified its reputation for functionality, reliability, and safety.
Recently, Vespa’s iconic status received formal recognition from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), affirming that the design of Vespa is unmistakable and cannot be replicated, making it instantly recognizable across Europe.
This judicial pronouncement concluded a decade-long legal dispute between the Piaggio Group and the Chinese Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group. The latter had introduced the ZNEN scooter, an unabashed copy of the Vespa, leading to a protracted legal battle.
In 2014, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) acknowledged the unique design of Vespa and granted it trademark status. However, in 2018, Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group managed to overturn the Vespa trademark in court, leveraging their strengthened position in Europe after acquiring the Moto Morini brand.
Subsequently, the EUIPO reversed its earlier decision, allowing the Chinese company to freely manufacture and sell its ZNEN scooter (seen below).
In response, Piaggio Vespa mounted a vigorous defense, seeking recourse from the CJEU to reinstate Vespa’s design as a trademark. The EU court sided with Piaggio Vespa, rendering the ZNEN scooter ineligible for import and sale anywhere in Europe.
This legal victory echoed a similar triumph for Vespa against another Chinese imitator in 2020, Chen Huang (below), who had also produced replicas of the iconic Vespa.
These successes underscore Vespa’s commitment to safeguarding its distinctive identity, a stance that may extend to safeguarding its iconic uniqueness in other global markets.
Ducati is known to create special-edition builds and sometimes does it with car brands like Lamborghini. Now though, Ducati has joined forces with Bentley to build an exclusive edition of their Diavel V4 muscle cruiser.
Limited to a mere 500 units and dubbed the ‘Ducati Diavel for Bentley,’ this premium motorcycle comes with a hefty price tag starting at £58,000 (MYR340,000).
Built upon the foundation of the standard Diavel model, it houses the formidable 1158cc V4 Granturismo engine, boasting a claimed 166bhp at 10,750rpm.
Unveiled during Art Basel week in Miami Beach, this collaboration marks the first-ever partnership between the renowned motorcycle and Bentley.
Additionally, 50 ‘Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner’ models have been reserved exclusively for existing Bentley customers.
Retaining the core features of the standard Diavel, including the cast aluminum monocoque chassis, advanced lean-sensitive electronics, and a distinctive side profile, the special edition distinguishes itself through design elements inspired by the exclusive Bentley Batur.
The color ‘Scarab Green,’ sourced from Bentley Mulliner, adorns the bodywork, while bespoke forged rims finished in ‘Dark Titanium Satin’ emulate those found on the Bentley Batur.
The two-tone front grill, fairing, and upper tank elements take cues from Bentley’s powerful production car. The four-exit exhaust of the standard bike has been replaced with elongated, flatter tips.
Carbon fiber accents grace elements such as the headlamp covers, engine covers, radiator covers, and the rear bodywork, which can be interchanged between double and single seat designs.
This collaboration echoes Ducati’s previous venture into luxury car partnerships, exemplified by the release of the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini in 2020.
Both Bentley and Lamborghini are part of the Volkswagen Group, hinting at potential future collaborations with Audi or Porsche.
Adding an extra layer of exclusivity, 50 ‘Diavel for Bentley Mulliner’ bikes will be exclusively produced for existing Bentley customers, offering them the epitome of garage luxury at a price of £71,000 (MYR420,000).
These buyers can personalize their motorcycles in collaboration with Ducati’s Centro Stile styling team, choosing different colors for the seat, front brake calipers, carbon components, and rims. For a matching aesthetic, the bodywork can be painted in the same color as their Bentley car.
Each of these special Ducatis comes with a certificate of authenticity, featuring the model’s name and production number engraved on a plate on the right side of the bike. Upon startup, a special animation graces the TFT dashboard.
For those who prefer display over ride, the bike will be delivered in a personalized wooden crate. A matching jet helmet and jacket are also available, with further details at ducati.com.
The rumours about Kawasaki and Modenas creating a super moped has been circulating for years with the photo above being the driving force behind it.
We are not sure who created the photo but it has been making its rounds around the internet for some time now.
But the rumours are getting stronger and the latest ones are that the bike in question is currently being developed in Europe.
There is no word about where in Europe it is being developed but apparently there are a few Modenas engineers that are currently stationed in Europe for the past three months.
They are apparently there to help prepare the super moped for an imminent local launch.
It is believed that their main area of focus is on the powertrain development as well as technical training.
According to reports from a few Malaysian outlets, the new super moped was designed in Malaysia, received technical input from the Japanese and is currently being developed in Europe.
Now you may be wondering why Europe since mopeds are not exactly popular in Europe.
A quick search online has revealed that Kawasaki actually has a few factories and offices scattered all around the region, particularly for Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
Interestingly though, there is a Kawasaki Motors division in The Netherlands which has offices in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
It is not immediately clear if these branches are sales outlets or also play a role in development though the former seems more likely considering that Kawasaki has booted out a few of its global dealerships in favour of an official presence. Case in hand being Kawasaki Malaysia.
But what if the rumours are true? Which engine would Kawasaki use since it does not have a small capacity engine in the local market? Well that is not exactly true.
Kawasaki India recently launched the updated W175 (seen above) for 2024. It has a 177cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine with an output of 13hp and 13Nm of torque. It is not a new engine and has been in the market for a while, which means it is tried and tested and is widely available.
In the spirit of the super moped, could this be the engine to power the highly anticipated bike?
As usual, it is all still speculative, just as it was for the past few years. But with a number of local outlets reporting on it, the rumour could be true, or it could be what it always has been – click bait.
If you understand Bahasa Malaysia, below is an video interview we did with the CEO of Modenas En Roslan not too long ago about this exact same topic:
In a recent report by The Nation, a Pattaya resident raised concerns about gangs comprising mainly Arabian tourists aged 17 to 25, engaging in high-speed bike races along Soi VC Residence Hotel and Soi Yensabai.
Australia’s pioneering motorcycle riding kit safety testing initiative, MotoCAP, has uncovered a concerning trend in the protection provided to women riders. A recent study revealed that seven out of ten pairs of motorcycle leggings scored a mere half-star out of five for protective capabilities.
Chinese motorcycle manufacturers were once relegated to the lower echelons of the industry, relying on affordability rather than innovation to secure their market share. However, significant transformation has taken place, and brands such as Zontes, Moto Morini, Benelli, and now CFMoto have elevated their products to amazing new heights.
The key to their newfound appeal lies not only in improved product quality but also in the cutting-edge hardware embedded within their motorcycles. While these manufacturers once depended on strategic brand partnerships for technological advancements, they have now emerged as independent innovators.
The Gilera brand, part of the Piaggio Group, has a rich history but has been somewhat overlooked compared to its sister companies like Moto Guzzi and Aprilia. However, there’s a new effort to revive Gilera in China through a joint venture with Zongshen Piaggio Foshan. This collaboration aims to bring back the Gilera name on a range of motorcycles.
Undoubtedly, contemporary advancements in heated apparel, coupled with innovations such as heated seats and grips, have significantly enhanced the comfort of cold-weather riding compared to previous decades. Despite these improvements, Indian Motorcycle is pioneering a breakthrough approach to elevate on-bike comfort even further through the incorporation of wireless, inductive power transfer technology.
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