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Yamaha Y16ZR – Best Kapcai of the Year

Winning the Best Kapcai of the Year category for the Yamaha Y16ZR in the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025 is no easy feat.

This is a hard-fought category, chock-full of motorcycles that are truly capable, showing us just how far kapcais have come. It used to be that kapcais were just a means of getting from Points A to B, but there are so many these days that are full of great features. It is no surprise that even veteran bikers buy kapcais to get their adrenaline fix while revelling in the bike’s practicality.

Supporting this category of motorcycles is a fully mature aftermarket industry that provides all the solutions to customise one’s kapcai from bog stock to personalised, and of course, the upgrade the bikes’ performance from mild to wild.

So why did the Yamaha Y16ZR win?

Launched in 2021, the model took performance kapcai category to a new level, even overshadowing its long-running cousin, the Y15ZR, more commonly known as the YSuku.

Central to this shift is the Yamaha Y16ZR’s engine. The 155cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) powerplant produces 17.7 HP at 9,500 RPM and 14 Nm at 8,000 RPM. It remains as the only kapcai to utilise an engine with VVA, and was the first to feature a slipper and assist clutch.

Heck, this engine platform is so good that it powers another three of Yamaha’s super popular motorcycles, namely the YZF-R15/R15M sportbike, MT-15 naked bike, and the NVX scooter.

The VVA features ensures that the bike pulls hard from the lights, and continues to pull all the way to its redline. Overtaking is a breeze, too, as there is torque and power available throughout the rev range.

While there is one particularly more powerful kapcai in the market, the Y16ZR boasts a well-rounded character, in terms of performance, handling, (passable) comfort, practicality, and features. Its overall build quality is fine, too.

Last but not least, although it is not something we recommend, there are plenty of aftermarket parts and accessories to support the model.

These are the reasons why the Yamaha Y15ZR is the Best Kapcai of the Year in the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025, despite being launched 4 years ago.

What we liked: Flexible engine, sportiness, handling.

What we did not like: Seats need more cushioning.

Best of the Best – Winners of the Allianz-BikesRepublic Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025

The Allianz-BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025 is a motorcycle award like no other in Malaysia. Instead of merely announcing the winners in our social media portals, the the trophies were conferred to the winners in a prestigious gala dinner.

Held at the Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur last night (19 February), the winners were from 16 different categories – 12 for motorcycles, 2 for Malaysian motorcycle personalities, 1 for the best motorcycle related company, and 1 for a motorcycle service provider.

The motorcycles were extensively tested, the data collated systematically, and finally, the results were debated among the panellists to determine the winner. You can be assured that there is no one getting superfluous awards.

The Winners

So here we are, what you have been waiting for. (Please click on the links for the brief review of the winners.)

Kapcai of the Year: Yamaha Y16ZR
Scooter of the Year (Above 250cc): Honda ADV 350
⁠Scooter of the Year (Below 250): Vespa Sprint S 150
⁠Sportsbike of the Year: Triumph Daytona 660
⁠Touring Bike of the Year: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
⁠Cruiser of the Year: Harley-Davidson Road Glide
⁠Naked Bike of the Year (Below 1000cc): Yamaha MT-09
⁠Adventure Bike of the Year (Above 800cc): Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro
⁠Adventure Bike of the Year (Below 800cc): Honda Transalp 750
⁠Modern Classic Bike of the Year (Above 500cc): Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
⁠Modern Classic Bike of the Year (Below 500cc): Triumph Speed 400
⁠Malaysian Motorcycle Of The Year Overall Champion: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
⁠Malaysian Motorcycle Personality Of The Year: Ahmad Faez Bin Tan Sri Yahaya
⁠Malaysian Rider of the Year: Dato’ Ahmad Azhar Othman (Awie)
⁠Malaysian Innovator of the Year: RCB
⁠Motorcycle Insurance Provider Of The Year: Allianz Insurance

As you can see from the list, the brands being distributed by Didi Group has at least one winner, sweeping 6 of the 12 categories nominated.

However, the single manufacturer who won the most awards was Triumph, however capturing the ⁠Malaysian Motorcycle Of The Year Overall Champion award was the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX.

Another two of the Big Four Japanese makers, namely Yamaha and Honda captured two categories each.

What the Award Means for Motorcycle Buyers

Motorcycle comparisons in the Malaysian motorcycle media is not a true commonplace, unlike among the overseas media fraternity. This award sought to bring motorcycle reviews to a higher level in order to benefit motorcycle buyers in making their choices.

The Allianz-BikesRepublic Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025 also seeks to provide industry players a yardstick to measure the effectiveness of their products in the country. It is also a great opportunity for them to market their products proudly.

The Reviews

Do stay with us at BikesRepublic.com for the review of the Allianz-BikesRepublic.com MOTY winners in the coming days.

The awards was organised by BikesRepublic.com in association with DSF.com, and sponsored by Allianz Malaysia Berhad.

Photo gallery

How did Synthetic Motor Oil Come About? (Part 2) – Post-WWII

It it probably morbid, but while the Second World War saw more and more new technologies to kill another human being more effectively, the conflict also gave rise to many innovations that fast-forwarded technologies for better everyday living thereafter.

WWII also saw the rise of the jet engine. However, these engines did not work like piston engines. Instead, air is pulled in at the front, compressed, burned and expelled out the rear to push the aircraft forward. And they burn much hotter. They lubricants in the engine must withstand this heat in order to keep the bearings turning.

Conventional oils broke down quickly, along with the parts of the jet engine. Hence, synthetic oils became a necessity, especially when the U.S.A. and Soviet Union began to push the envelope on jet aviation along with supersonic flight.

Born to fly

One person who’d come to understand this firsthand was Al Amatuzio, Lieutenant Colonel and squadron commander in the Minnesota Air National Guard. Stationed in Duluth, Minn., Amatuzio had experienced the benefits of synthetic lubricants in his squadron’s jet aircraft.

Amatuzio had taken an interest in aviation from a young age as he watched the Sikorsky mail plane fly over his neighborhood on its way to Lake Superior’s St. Louis Bay. At 12, a short ride in a Piper Cub cemented his love of aircraft.

In 1942, Amatuzio answered America’s call during WWII. He attended Naval Air Corps training until the Navy closed the program. After the war and eager to again pursue his dream of flying, Amatuzio joined the Air Force. He helped usher in the era’s new jet-aircraft technology by flying the F80 Shooting Star.

“If it works that well in aircraft…?”

Seeing synthetic oil in action, Amatuzio wondered why it wasn’t used in automobile engines. He reasoned that the same performance benefits could be applied to the vehicles and equipment people depended on every day for work and fun.

When Amatuzio began researching synthetic oil in the 1960s, motor oil quality was poor and engines didn’t last long.

Then-modern oils were susceptible to breakdown in high heat and contributed greatly to hard-starting in cold weather. Oil industry giants thought conventional oils were good enough and thought synthetic oil was unnecessary for passenger cars.

Amatuzio undertook an intense period of research and development. He experimented with various formulations. He studied chemistry and learned about additives. In 1966, Amatuzio had formulated his first synthetic motor oil. To test his formulation, he asked one of his pilots to use it in his brand-new 1966 Ford station wagon.

Throughout the late 1960s, Amatuzio continued to develop and sell synthetic oils under a variety of names. By 1968, he was commercially selling his synthetic motor oil. He incorporated “Life-Lube, Inc.” on May 23, 1969 and continued to commercially sell various synthetic motor oil formulations.

By 1970, Amatuzio had settled on a single formulation and had renamed his company “AMZOIL” – an amalgamation of his name and “oil” – which he’d later change to “AMSOIL.”

Still serving in the Air National Guard, Amatuzio ran his company in his spare time, working from his basement and warehousing product in his garage.

His financial resources, however, didn’t match his energy, and he nearly bankrupted himself leading his fledgling company. Since no one believed in his idea, no one would lend him money. And few motorists were willing to pay for synthetic motor oil no matter how profound its performance benefits since it cost several times more than conventional motor oil.

Valentino Rossi 46th Birthday Race Suit Launched

Love him or loathe him, Valentino Rossi is a MotoGP legend. It is no surprise that there are still many brands that are keen to continue working with him, including his long-time supporter, Dainese. And to commemorate his 46th birthday, the Italian company has launched the Soleluna Vale46 Anniversario limited edition race suit and AGV helmet (AGV is under Dainese).

The new suit uses Rossi’s famous trademark design details, such as the sun and the moon motif. The sun and moon (hence Soleluna) signify the light and the dark, which Rossi has likened to his on and off-track personalities.

The design adorns the Dainese Demone GP D-air 3x suit made, which is made from kangaroo hide. From what we can see, the suit has more gold detailing than Rossi’s signature fluorescent yellow, so the wearer does not look like a ‘highlighter pen’ as MotoGP commentator Julian Ryder called him. The helmet is an AGV Pista GP RR, which features a black and carbon base with unique gold-leaf details along with that famous fluorescent yellow hue.

Just 46 pieces of the suit will be built. However, Rossi will not be getting the first one. Instead, the first suit with serial number 01/46 is for a special charity auction which will benefit a charity selected by Dainese and The Doctor.

Ironically, the suit is not suitable for road or track riding according to Dainese, so it is a collector piece. They will though be going on sale at specially selected Dainese outlets, VR46 stores, museums, racetracks, and art galleries. Each purchase will be completed with a certificate of authenticity and each suite and helmet are signed by the man himself. The manufacturer did not reveal the suit and helmet set’s price, which means it is something it is going to be out of reach for most of us (us included!).

Source: Visordown.com

The History of MV Agusta – When Motorcycles Meet Italian Drama (Part 1)

Ah, MV Agusta. The name alone sounds like a Shakespearean tragedy or a particularly fancy pasta dish. But no, it’s one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in history—a brand that combines speed, style, and a healthy dose of Italian flair.

If motorcycles could talk, MV Agusta (as in Meccanica Verghera Agusta) would be the one wearing a leather jacket, sipping espresso, and dramatically gesturing about the meaning of life. Let’s dive into the history of this legendary marque, where passion, performance, and a touch of chaos collide.

Act 1: The Birth of a Legend (1945)

Our story begins in the aftermath of World War II, a time when Italy was rebuilding itself and Count Domenico Agusta was looking for something to do. You see, the Agusta family had been in the airplane business, but post-war regulations said, “Hey, maybe let’s not build warplanes anymore?” So, Domenico did what any sensible Italian aristocrat would do: he pivoted to motorcycles. Because nothing says “rebuilding a nation” like two wheels and a screaming engine.

On January 19, 1945, in the town of Cascina Costa (near the Malpensa airport near Milan), a private company, Meccanica Verghera S.r.l., was registered.

The first MV Agusta bikes were humble, utilitarian machines designed to get Italians from point A to point B without breaking the bank.

Using an engine that had been prepared by August 1943 which was a 98 cc single-cylinder two-stroke with a two-stage gear box, and spare parts obtained from the black market to bypass shortages, a prototype motorcycle was constructed. The prototype was exhibited to the press in late October 1945 at a dealership on Via Piatti in Milan. It was light motorcycle with a steel tube rigid frame, a girder fork, 19-inch wheels, and a gas tank marked with a large M and V. It was initially called “Vespa 98” before being renamed to “MV 98” to avoid confusion with the Vespa scooter produced by Piaggio.

The MV 98 was first produced en masse in 1946. Two versions were sold to consimers: Economica, based on the prototype presented a year earlier, and Turismo, distinguished by the presence of a three-speed gearbox and a rear suspension. The Turismo proved to be so overwhelmingly popular that before long, the Economica was discontinued. In 1946, about 50 units were produced.

But Domenico had bigger dreams. He wanted to race. And not just race – he wanted to win. Thus began MV Agusta’s love affair with motorsport, a relationship that would define the brand for decades.

Act 2: The Golden Era (1950s–1970s)

Count Domenico was likened to Enzo Ferrari. The Agusta family produced and sold motorcycles almost exclusively to fund their racing efforts. So soon after the start of production of its first model MV 98, the company launched its own factory racing program.

But here’s the thing: MV Agusta didn’t just win races—they did it with style. Their bikes were works of art, with sleek lines, vibrant red paint, and that iconic “MV” logo that looked like it belonged on a Renaissance painting. Even their engines sounded like opera singers hitting high notes. It was as if every bike came with a built-in soundtrack of Ennio Morricone music.

Vicenzo Nincioni delivered the brands’s first victory when he won the La Spezia road race on October 6, 1946. Just a week later, he took the third place in Valenza, where the first place was also taken by the MV racer Mario Cornalea. On November 3, in Monza, MV racers Vicenzo Ninconi, Mario Cornalea and Mario Paleari occupied the entire podium for the first time in MV racing history. It was the start of the MV Agusta dominance.

In 1961, British racer, Mike ‘The Bike’ Hailwood joined the Italian team. He also won the rode the 500cc four-cylinder MV Agusta racebike in its signature red and silver paint to several wins including the 1965 Tourist Trophy (TT).

And then, in 1965, an Italian racer by the name of Giacomo Agostini signed up to ride the factory’s three cylinder race bikes. He went on to win 311 races, 18 Italian championships, and 13 world championships, thereby cementing both his and MV Agusta’s names as legends.

So, if MV Agusta were a movie, this would be the montage where they win everything and look impossibly cool doing it. They won 37 World Championships, 270 Grand Prix races, and basically every trophy they could get their hands on.

End of Part 1

We shall look at the 70s and through to modern day in Part 1, so stay tuned!

Allianz – BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025 – The First Of Its Kind!

There are motorcycles of the year awards, and the there is the Allianz – BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025.

Boasting 15 distinct categories for motorcycles and 1 for service providers, it is the most comprehensive motorcycle exclusive award ever conceived in Malaysia. The awards is supported by Allianz Malaysia Berhad, and organised by us at BikesRepublic.com in collaboration with DSF.com.

Each nominated motorcycle was fully tested by a panel consisting of veteran members of the media, as well as veteran hardcore bikers and casual bikers.

The choice of panel members was made to provide a balanced review to benefit motorcycle buyers with a wide range of riding and technical skills through real-world-based information. Too many times have we seen buyers regretting their decisions in buying their motorcycles after following the review of a particular type of rider who is more ‘in tune’ with a different type of motorcycle. Thus the panel of judges include Datuk Capt. Nik Huzlan and Jehan Miskin.

To ensure neutrality, no fee was levied. In other words, there was and is no charge to participate, use of the event’s logo in the participants’ marketing communication material, sponsorship or marketing fee to the winners post event. Additionally, there is no fee to attend the gala dinner. Even the parking is free!

The Allianz – BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025 gala dinner will be held this week, so stay tuned for the winners list.

How did Synthetic Motor Oil Come About? (Part 2) – The 1930s and WWII

Continuing this series, let us take a look at the motivation to create synthetic motor oil and how it is made.

How is synthetic motor oil made?

Let us start by saying that synthetic motor oil was born out of necessity, but more on this later.

The reason why this type of oil is called ‘synthetic’ is because it was synthesised in the lab, to offer the best lubrication properties, while minimising or eliminating the drawbacks of petroleum based oils altogether.

It is because crude oil (as we mentioned previously) consists of many different ‘parts.’ These elements and molecules cannot be removed entirely through distillation and some of them can cause engine wear or harm.

The process used to make synthetic oil solves this problem by removing contaminants. Formulators start with a crude-oil fraction. Amsoil describes the fractions as a pile of LEGO . Different chemical processes are utilised to “crack” the blocks into individual LEGO bricks, deconstructing each larger molecule into its constituent parts. They’re left with different molecules, like LEGO bricks spread out on a table.

The formulators then select only the pure, uniform materials best suited for lubricating an engine, which is typically ethylene when manufacturing synthetic lubricants. Using organic synthesis, chemists use ethylene to build larger molecules, called alphaolefins. Then they use alphaolefins to build polyalphaolephins (PAO) – “poly” meaning “many.” The final product is a PAO synthetic base oil used to make synthetic motor oil.

Wait, hang on, that PAO is not the finished product as it is just the base oil. Additives are then added to it to produce the final product that we buy. The base oil can also be mixed with mineral base oil to produce a semi-synthetic base oil.

Trial by fire

Then World War II erupted in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland.

As we mentioned in Part 1, the first synthetic oil was produced way back in 1877, which paved the way for further research for decades to come. However, the oil did not find widespread use as many still trusted the good old dinosaur juice.

The pivotal moment was when oil embargoes were enacted on Germany and Japan (for their aggression in China, prior to the Pacific).

Then in 1941, Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa and attacked the Soviet Union. The Wehrmacht (German Army) had made huge gains in the initial invasion in the summer and fall of that year but the assault came to a grinding halt during the terrible Russian winter. Men, pack animals, weapons, vehicles froze. The mineral oils in these vehicles froze solid due to the high wax content.

Come August 1942, the German 6th Army became bogged down and was besieged in the city of Stalingrad. Then Russia’s brutal winter set in again. This was the point when Stalin deployed his Siberian troops after being transported from that region. Still, Hitler refused to pull his troops back and regroup, and instead told the men to fight to the last bullet and last man.

Adding to the troops’ misery, the army’s tanks, aircraft and other military vehicles refused to start due to petroleum oil solidifying in the bitter cold. The German troops named the battle of Stalingrad ‘Rattenkrieg’ (rat war) as opposed to their fearsome ‘Blitzkrieg’ (lightning war).

On 2nd February 1943, seeing that they were encircled and cut off, Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus surrendered himself and the remaining 91,000 troops of the 6th Army to the Soviet Red Army.

What Operation Barbarossa taught the Germans

The Stalingrad disaster coupled with lack of crude oil forced Nazi Germany to undertake an intense effort to find alternatives to petroleum oil. Zorn and his colleagues investigated a wide range of synthetic base-fluid chemistries, many originating from coal and other bio-based sources. Germany evaluated more than 3,500 synthetic esters (plant base oil) between 1938 and 1944, a key development in the history of synthetic oil. Their superior performance made them the focus of Germany’s synthetic-lubricant technology during the closing years of the war.

In America, meanwhile, W.A. Zinsman led a more limited research program into synthetic motor oil at the Naval Research Laboratory between 1942 and 1945. The result was the development of the first diester synthetic base oils, a notable contribution to synthetic oil history.

End of Part 2

We shall cover the developments of synthetic motor oil post WWII and to the modern day.

Schizophrenic Driver Drove Round and Round Hundreds of Times

A driver who circled his car hundreds of times around a roundabout in Kluang, Johor, has been confirmed to be suffering from schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects how a patient thinks, feels, and behaves. They may have difficulty distinguishing between reality and their own thoughts or imagination. Among the symptoms are hearing ‘commands’ or ‘conversations’ with non-existent people. (Similar to the movie The Sixth Sense.)

Kluang District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Bahrin Mohd Noh, said the car was driven by a man in his 50s with a valid B2 and D driving license until 2027.

However, he stated that the car belongs to the driver’s older brother.

“The driver had previously received treatment at Hospital Permai, Johor Bahru, in 2020 and 2021 for mental illness.

“Recently, he has been receiving treatment at Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom, Kluang, for schizophrenia.

“The patient is still undergoing treatment at the PSY Clinic and has a treatment card,” he said.

Earlier, he mentioned that the police received a report regarding the incident at 8:20 PM the previous night.

“The vehicle was successfully stopped by police officers about 10 minutes later. No accidents or injuries were reported,” he said.

At the same time, Bahrin advised the family not to allow the man to leave the house without family members and to prohibit him from driving.

A 57-second video went viral, showing a Perodua Axia driver allegedly driving around the Mahkota Roundabout here hundreds of times from morning until night.

The video clearly shows the car circling while flashing emergency hazard lights.

How did Synthetic Engine Oil Come About? (Part 1)

Synthetic engine oil is the way to go these days as they provide the best possible protection for your engine. Being synthetic as in ‘synthesised,’ means they do not have less or even none of the shortcomings while sharing the best features of the best petroleum-based i.e. mineral engine oils.

But where did it all begin? What was the impetus that drove engine oil manufacturers to create this kind of oil?

The basics – how is lubricating oil made?

Let us refresh.

The earliest and most basic engine oils until today is petroleum based. It starts with raw petroleum (crude) drawn from the ground. This crude, which contains many different substances such as sulfur, various heavy metals (no, none are called Metallica), nitrogen, oxygen, waxes, etc., is then refined through distillation. Heat and pressure is applied to the crude in a fractional tower, resulting in the crude breaking i.e. fractioning into different groups of petroleum based groups, hence ‘fractioning.’

The ‘lighter’ (more volatile) groups rise to the top of the tower such gases, kerosene, and gasoline. Medium weight molecules become the base for lubricants, and the heavier molecules such as tar pool at the bottom.

However, distillation does not remove impurities entirely. There will be waxes and even some sulfur in the base oil, and these will soon rear their ugly sides.

Early synthetic motor oil research

French chemist Charles Friedel and his American collaborator, James Mason Crafts, first produced synthetic hydrocarbon oils in 1877.

In 1913, German scientist Friedrich Bergius developed a hydrogenation process for producing synthetic oil from coal dust.

Forward to 1925, his countrymen, Franz Fisher and Hans Tropsch, developed a process for converting a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbons.

Over in America, the Standard Oil Company of Indiana tried to commercialise synthetic oil in 1929, but found lack of demand. However, the company’s researcher F.W. Sullivan published a paper in 1931 that disclosed a process for the polymerisation of olefins to form liquid products.

At about the same time, German chemist Hermann Zorn independently discovered the same process. Their discoveries laid the groundwork for the eventual widespread use of synthetic oil.

End of Part 1

As we said earlier, mineral engine oil began to show its weakness especially during the Second World War. We shall elaborate on this further in Part 2.

We shall also cover the basics on how the synthetic engine oil is made is Part 2, so stay tuned.

2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 Debuts, Gets V4 Power

The 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 has made its debut and is now powered by a V4 engine.

Powertrain

The Granturismo V4 engine already powers the Diavel S and Multistrada V4 lineup. As such, the new bike boasts 168 hp (124 kW) at 10,750 RPM and 126 Nm at 7,500 RPM, compared to 160 hp (118 kW) and 127 Nm at 5,000 RPM of the previous 1262cc Testastretta DVT V-Twin engine. That is an 8hp peak power gain, although maximum torque has moved up the powerband by 2,500 RPM.

But maximum power is just part of the story, as the V4 engine features a counter-rotating crankshaft which promotes nimbleness. Additionally, the 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 weighs in with a kerb weight of 229 kg, which is a whole 6 kg lighter than its predecessor. Yes, the V4 engine is actually lighter than the V2. So, more power, less weight equals a faster and more nimble motorcycle.

Chassis

Suspension duties are handled by 50mm fully-adjustable upside-down forks up front, complemented by a fully-adjustable monoshock at the back, acting on a single-sided aluminium swingarm.

Still about the chassis, the brakes consist of none other than Brembo Stylema four-piston monobloc calipers that grip dual 330mm discs at the front. The rear brake features a single 265mm gripped by a two-piston Brembo caliper.

The riding position has likewise been revised with the handlebar lowered and brought closer to the rider. The seat now features thicker material for better comfort.

Electronics

Over to the electronics, the 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 has three power modes with four riding modes namely Sport, Touring, Urban, and Wet. Traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, cruise control, quickshifter, are all there.

A new 6.9-inch colour TFT has been fitted. It offers Bluetooth connectivity to pair the smartphone for calls, text messages and music, or use the turn-by-turn navigation system (only available as an accessory) via the Ducati Link App.

Colour options

There are two new colours for the 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 called Burning Red and Black Lava, both metallic. The price has not been revealed.

2025 Kawasaki ZX-6R Handed over to First 100 Customers

MODENAS organised an event to handover the 2025 Kawasaki ZX-6R to the first 100 owners in the country today.

The event was held at the Sepang International Circuit, giving the owners their first feel of their bikes in its natural habitat.

The day kicked off with registrations and interviews with several owners. Next, a convoy consisting of the owners were guided around the track. However, perhaps the true highlight of the day was an exclusive track day for the media and owners who had brought their race suits along.

From the press release:

Motosikal & Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (“MODENAS”), a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad (“DRB-HICOM”) rolled out the red carpet, or more accurately the racetrack, for the first 100 proud owners of the brand-new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R at Paddock 1, Sepang International Circuit. With 350 excited attendees including Kawasaki dealers, die-hard fans and the media, it wasn’t just a handover — it was a full-throttle celebration!

Leading the festivities was Yusaku Kashiwagi, Chief Marketing Officer of MODENAS, who personally handed over the keys and welcomed new owners to the Kawasaki family. “This is not just a bike delivery. This is the moment Kawasaki is fulfilling the passion of its fans who love performance and pure adrenaline. The Ninja ZX-6R is built for those who crave speed and precision, and today, our customers get to experience that firsthand on the legendary Sepang track,” said Kashiwagi.

And experience it they did! The new owners wasted no time revving up their engines and hitting the track for their first exhilarating ride on their brand-new supersport machines. Adding to the thrill, the media was also treated to exclusive test rides on the Sepang circuit.

The demand for the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has been nothing short of phenomenal. When the pre-booking campaign kicked off in November 2024, MODENAS initially expected to secure 50 units. However, due to overwhelming demand, the number of units was doubled to 100 units — effectively selling out the first and second batches of deliveries in record time!

So, what makes the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R such a game-changer? Let’s talk specs! Powered by a 636cc inline-four engine, this beast delivers heart-racing performance with smooth acceleration and torque. It comes packed with advanced electronics, including a quick shifter, three-mode traction control, and multiple power modes to match any rider’s style. The Showa Separate Function Big Piston Forks ensure razor-sharp handling, while the 4.3” TFT dash with smartphone connectivity keeps you informed and in control, no matter where you ride.

And here’s the best part — MODENAS is offering the latest 2024 model at an unbeatable price of RM59,900, a massive drop from the previous 2018 model RM79,900 price tag thanks to the bike now being assembled locally in its plant in Gurun, Kedah. That’s power, performance, and value all wrapped into one thrilling package!

“This model is built for the track, but it’s also ready to dominate the streets. At this price point, the Ninja ZX-6R is the ultimate supersport machine for riders who want the best of both worlds,” Kashiwagi added.

With cutting-edge features, an aggressive design, and an unbeatable price, the Ninja ZX-6R is ready to redefine the mid-weight supersport category. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or looking for your next adrenaline rush, this machine is built to thrill.

Prices of Kapchais to Hike 20 Percent Next Year?

The prices of kapchais may go up as much as 20 percent from next year.

Motorcycle manufacturers and dealers say buyers will be affected by inevitable price hikes should the revised open market value (OMV) for vehicles is implemented.

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said in January the implementation of the revised OMV had been deferred once again after its expiration on Dec 31, 2024.

The OMV excise duty revision – officially known as the Excise (Determination of Value of Locally Manufactured Goods for the Purpose of Levying Excise Duty) Regulations 2019 or “OMV 402” – is now set to take effect in January 2026.

OMV 402 was originally scheduled to take effect in 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic had the Finance Ministry putting it on hold until 2021. It was deferred again for 2021. MAA lobbied the government to defer OMV 402 and was granted a two-year extension until 31 December 2024.

The revised regulations OMV calculation stated that the profit and general expenses incurred or accounted in the manufacture of a vehicle, plus also of its sale value.

This revision leads to higher the taxable value of vehicles, resulting in higher prices.

The Motorcycle and Scooter Assemblers and Distributors Association of Malaysia (MASAAM) and the Malaysian Motorcycle and Scooter Dealers Association (MMSDA) raised concerns that manufacturers may struggle to fully absorb the increased duties.

This will potentially drive up motorcycle prices by 10 per cent to 20 per cent, depending on the models, they claimed. As such, kapchais currently priced at RM10,000 could cost between RM11,000 and RM12,000 after the revision.

This is not good news, given that the Malaysia motorcycle market is ‘soft’ lately. According to the Motor Cycle Data website which tracks the number of motorcycles that were actually delivered to buyers, Malaysia saw a -19.9% drop in 2024 compared to the 2022 record year.