Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world

ARIIC 318 GT Launched, from RM22,888

“The scooter war in Malaysia has not ended,” thus said Asri Ahmad, the Chief Operations Officer of MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. during the official launch of the ARIIC 318 GT, last night.

What he said was true, if not prophetic. As such, more and more scooters are now entering our market, providing buyers with a whole plethora of choices. And that is a great thing.

As the name suggests, the ARIIC 318 GT is luxury middleweight grand touring scooter, therefore offering the owner much in the way comfort when touring, and also the convenience of riding in the city.

Highlights:

330cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine, supplying 28 HP at 7,000 RPM and 30.8 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.
Notice that the maximum torque is higher than maximum power, which is a good attribute for a touring and urban motorcycle engine.

Twin 260mm front disc brakes gripped by radially-mounter four-piston calipers, with a 240mm rear disc brake, supported by dual-channel Bosch ABS.
Front tyre size is 120/70-14, while the rear is 150/70-13.

Forks are of the telescopic variety, while the rear is supported by twin shocks that are adjustable for preload.
Large sized TFT screen, with tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Front facing onboard camera.
Electrically-operated adjustable windscreen.

Underseat storage space that can accommodate two full-face helmets.
LED lighting.

Backlit switches.
Keyless ignition.

16-litre fuel tank, which could theoretically provide approximately 500 km of range, given the quoted best fuel consumption of 3 litre/100 km.

However, there is no traction control or ride mode, but those are already many great features for the selling price of RM22,888.00.

The ARIIC 318 GT is covered by a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty. It will be available at authorised MForce Bike dealers soon.

Photo gallery

KTM Stops Production (Again)

KTM has stopped production again – just when you thought things are looking better since their restructuring plan was approved by creditors in Febuary.

This latest round of hiatus occurred merely weeks after restarting production. KTM says it is due to lack of parts. More worryingly, full production may not resume until the end of July 2025.

According to German news outlet 1000PS, KTM has not been able to source critical parts for its bikes. It is as a result of production stopping last year, during which no new parts were ordered for around three months as it went through its financial crisis.

KTM was forced to stop production the first time around when the company went into self-administration. Hundreds of employees were also retrenched, and several racing activities were placed on the back burner.

The news of KTM pausing its production for a second time reportedly came during a video call on Thursday morning, where the brand’s CEO Gottfried Neumeister told employees: “Due to serious supply chain problems, it is impossible to continue production as planned. Stocks were only sufficient for around 4,200 motorcycles, and now there is a shortage of essential components. Production in Mattighofen will therefore be suspended until 27 July.

Not surprisingly, KTM’s attempts to restart production last month were met with caution from some suppliers. As such, some have halted further production or supplies to KTM altogether, despite KTM’s confidence in finding a solution and that production in Mattighofen could restart at full capacity.

KTM’s parent company, Pierer Mobility, faces a financing gap of around €600 million (roughly £5.1m), which needs to be raised by 23 May as part of the agreement with creditors.

SYM TTLBT 508 First Ride Review

The star of the of show during our visit to SYM in Taiwan was undoubtedly the the SYM ADXTG, but we were also given the opportunity to sample another model: the SYM TTLBT 508.

Sure, we do not see many GT (Grand Touring) scooters in Malaysia, most probably to their pricing, but there is demand for them. These machines slot in nicely between automatic scooters and full-sized tourers, thus providing the best of both worlds.

What is the SYM TTLBT 508?

It is a grand touring maxi scooter, whose predecessor was the SYM MAXSYM 500. Grand touring means luxury and the TTLBT has it all.

By the way, “BT” is the factory’s code for the new “Bestia” (in Italian or “Beast”) touring series, while TTL stands for “Tartaruga” in Italian or “Turtle.” No, that does not denote that bike is slow but the turtle holds a significant place in Chinese culture, which alludes to symbols of longevity, power, and tenacity, and are often associated with good luck and prosperity.

Highlights:

508cc, DOHC, 8-valve, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine which produces 44.9 HP (33.5 kW) at 6,750 RPM and 49.9 Nm at 5,250 RPM.
Notice that the torque is higher than maximum power? It shows that the bike is good for carrying a passenger and hauling cargo – great attributes for a tourer.

Front suspension consists of upside-down forks, while the rear has a side-mounted monoshock with multi-link.
Front brakes consist of dual 275mm discs gripped by dual four-piston calipers, while the back wheel has an equally sized 275mm.

The brakes are supported by dual-channel ABS.
The throttle is ride-by-wire, enabling ride modes which are paired to the traction control system (TCS).

Riding modes are: “Normal with TCS,” “Normal without TCS,” and “Rain with TCS.”
The traction control system receives input from an inertial measurement unit in order to provide the best strategies, especially during cornering.

7-inch TFT display with Apple Carplay funtions.
Cruise control which can be activated when speeds are above 50 km/h.

Electrically-adjustable windshield.
37-litre under seat storage compartment, along with two detachable panniers, each with 14.4 and 13.6 litres of space.

Heated grips with 4 levels of power.
708mm seat height.

16-litre fuel tank.
Advanced Smart Key System.

Those specifications would be the norm for high-end motorcycles, but remember, this is a scooter.

Test riding the SYM TTLBT 508

As with the ADXTG 400, we tested the TTLBT 508 on the same testing ground, which was divided into two areas – a straight section for acceleration and top speed testing, another for manoeuvrability.

Pre-ride

First visual impression says that the TTLBT looks large overall. The front is wide and tall, the body is long, and the seat is wide and thick. This writer was frankly a little intimidated as scooters with wide seats and floorboards cause a little bother with his short legs. (Read: Having to tip toe. This writer is 167cm in height and has short arms and legs.)

However, the TTLBT proves that the adage “never judge a book by its cover” is true. Swinging a leg over the bike was easy without the shoes contacting the rear seat and top of the pannier. Lifting it off its sidestand was easy, meaning that its weight is well-distributed, and putting a foot down flat on the ground was also easy, without needing us to slide a cheek off the seat, unlike other maxi scooters. Pushing it around while seated was also as easy as the smaller ADXTG. We forgot all about this concern immediately, and started playing with er… evaluating other aspects of the bike.

We definitely loved that giant TFT screen. The layout made a lot of sense and the speedometer featured prominently along with the bars of the tachometer. Other functions were placed on the right side of the screen and this writer’s old eyes could pick them out with a single glance. The screen was also sharp without fuzzy edges around the icons and numbers.

Playing around with the Apple Carplay function took some practice but it did not require the deft hands of a Gen-Alpha gamer. It took almost no time to pair to our iPhone (Apple after all), but also to ahem, non-iPhones. It was also easy to hook up our Midland Bluetooth headset.

Riding the TTLBT 508

Okay, okay, with all that out of the way, it is time to ride.

We thumbed the started button and the engine came on with a beautiful low vroom, before settling down to a low booming idle. It sounded a lot like a Boxer boom, instead of that pop-pop-pop of a parallel-twin. Unfortunately, we forgot to ask SYM whether the engine has a 360° crank (both pistons rising and falling simultaneously hence the Boxer-like sound), or 270º crank (mimics the 90º V-Twin), or the typical 180° crank (one piston hits TDC, while the other hits BDC).

Straight-line testing

In any case, the bike rolled ahead easily with the application of the throttle without a sudden jerk or that clutch slip feel of most scooters.

And it was easy to manoeuvre to u-turn despite its length.

So, at the end of the straight, we gave it full throttle for the acceleration test and of course, the engine responded immediately. Not a huge kick, mind you, but a nice, smooth and quick acceleration off the line.

There was also a noticeable lack of rear end squat during hard acceleration, thanks to the long wheelbase and multi-linked suspension.

We applied the brakes from around 140 km/h around the 50m mark and the bike slowed immediately, showing just how effective the brakes were. No drama.

We did the same straight-line test over and over again, yielding the same results, and without fear of frying the clutch unlike on clutched bikes.

Manoeuvrability testing

By now, we have completely forgotten about the SYM TTLBT 508’s size.

So, into the “roundabout”, the bike’s dynamics began feeling like a normal motorcycle, instead of a scooter. It felt so natural. Certain scooters will remind you that it is a scooter and need to be hustled in ways unique to that type of motorcycle, but not the TTLBT. We went into the circle, countersteered and the bike steered around the circle. In fact, it was very keen to steer deeper into the corner, rather than try to go straight, courtesy of those 15-inch wheels.

Now, having ridden many scooters in the past taught us the lesson that their chassis can isolate the feel of what the tyres are doing. In other words, the bike was already sliding down the road on its side while we were still wondering if we had just crashed.

But not so on the TTLBT. Tyre feedback is what gives the rider the confidence. Thus, we went faster and faster around and around, the bike leaning further and further over despite the dusty road surface.

In fact, another tester went even faster around the testing area and he did not reduce his pace when it began raining.

Conclusion

Of course, we need more comprehensive testing of the SYM TTLBT 508 and the SYM ADXTG 400, but we still came away impressed. We tried to find something to complain about the bike for a more rounded review but could not find even one. Again, it was testament to how much development time SYM was willing to put into their products without submitting to the pressure from the competition churning out new model almost at will.

We cannot wait until the bike gets here!

SYM ADXTG 400 First Ride Review

Ah, adventure scooters. These are all the rage in several motorcycle markets, including here in Malaysia. We are happy to report that we are in the thick of this revolution, having sampled almost every one of them, including this new contender, the SYM ADXTG 400.

Adventure scooters provide an extra dimension to automatic scooters. Scooters, in the traditional sense are daily runabouts, great for the daily grind from your home to the office and back, while offering more convenience than the kapcai. However, the scooter essentially has remained unchanged since the first one post-WWII, hence they were starting to taste “vanilla.”

The advent of the adventure scooter has certainly changed this aspect and suddenly, it is the most popular variant in many countries around the world. It does not look like passing fad, as the sales of this type of scooters has been steady for many years already and does not seem to be slowing down. The makers promise some off-roading capabilities, but 99.9% of them will not see dirt, apart from road shoulders. However, adventure scooters look more interesting than their urban counterparts.

What is the SYM ADXTG 400?

The SYM ADXTG 400 is a midrange adventure scooter. Yes, midrange as the biggest scooters are typically in the 500cc range. Sangyang Motor a.k.a. SYM calls it “the real off-road scooter,” hence the tall front riding position.

Features include:

399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine with Hyper VVS, which produces 34.5 HP (27.5 kW) at 7,000 RPM, and 37.0 Nm at 5,500 RPM.
The Hyper VVS (variable valve system) provides optimum torque at both low and higher RPMs.

The engine features twin counterbalancers on the bottom of both sides of the cylinder block to rid of engine vibrations.
A new frame developed from the MAXSYM TL touring scooter, which allows for large luggage space in addition to a great handling motorcycle.

41mm upside-down forks up front with a centrally-mounted monoshock at the rear.
The monoshock acts through a linkage and is mated to a beautifully polished aluminium swingarm.

A single 275mm disc is up front, gripped by a radially-mounted four-piston caliper, while the rear is a 233mm disc.
TCS and ABS by Bosch are standard, and the TCS and rear ABS function can be deactivated for off-road use.

The front wheel is 15-inches, while the rear is 14-inches. They are beautifully cast and uses thin wall construction to save weight.
Other features include a bright and sharp colour LCD panel, which is just as good as a TFT display.

Reversible handlebar clamp, allowing you to set your preferred reach.
Smart key system.

32-litre underseat storage space, which can fit an XXL-sized full-face helmet.
The seat’s lock is at the front, and the seat flips up toward the back to allow for better access.

Adjustable windscreen, adjustable over 92mm in two positions.
Handguards and under engine bash plate.

Design and styling

There is a saying in the automotive world that “something that looks good, goes good.” Well, the SYM ADXTG 400 certainly looks good. Who would buy and ride an ugly motorcycle, right?

SYM says that they took inspiration from sabertooth tiger’s fangs when they designed the front end, and this can be seen on the two daytime running light strips that run down the front of the fairing. From the side, the panels evoke the body shape of cheetah while running at speed.

However, in layman terms, the bike looks great without being fussy. If the Honda ADV350 is the embodiment of simplicity, and the Zontes 368G is the personification of a futuristic robot design, the ADXTG sits smack in the middle. Besides that, the ADXTG has its own, distinctive design language, so we do not want to hear the word “copycat”!

Riding the SYM ADXTG 400

Approaching the bike, it looked kinda big but climbing on was easy, as the sides of the rider’s seat tapered inwards by a lot. On most scooters of this size, you can have a hard time putting a foot down, never mind both as the rider’s seat is very wide. However, this was the first time that we felt that the seat is closer to its 790mm specification.

Reach to the handlebar was perfect, putting us immediately at ease. A glance at the test rider and we found out why: He was about the same height as this writer.

To start the bike, you need to switch the ignition on by pressing the main button, pull in the rear brake lever (as like all automatic scooters), and jab the engine start button.

The engine came to life with a vroom but it was noticeably smooth without that high frequency vibe of single-bangers. Twist the throttle and the ADXTG rode off smoothly without trying to overwhelm your senses.

The SYM test area was separated into two: One for straight-line testing and another for manoeuvrability. We decided to do the former first.

Straight-line testing

We took the bike to the end of the 200m-long straight and gunned the throttle all the way to the stop. Of course, the ADXTG took off but it did not exhibit a big kick. Instead it blasted down the straight quickly but smoothly without the engine yelling for help.

We turned around and did another run, but this time for a rolling position instead of from idle. Again, the engine revved up smoothly as the speed increased. We saw nearly 130 km/h at the end of the straight.

What we gathered here was that the engine has plenty of go, but did it in a smooth, smooth manner, instead of hammering on the speed in a jiffy. It is so for better control when riding off-road, since SYM calls the ADXTG 400 “The real adventure scooter.”

The takeaways from this session confirmed:

The dual counterbalancers worked really well in stamping out that irritating and buzzy vibration associated with single-cylinder motorcycles. This writer’s finger joints and arm sockets are prone to hurting now that arthritis is setting in (no, not a joke) so a smooth engine is much-welcomed.
The smooth powerband says that the ADXTG is not a sports scooter, but something that is easy to live with day-after-day for many years to come.
There is no doubt that the Hyper VVS contributes to the smooth powerband, although there’s a slightly perceptible ‘bump’ in engine torque when the revs reach a higher RPM.
During the acceleration testing, we threw out the anchor with just 30m to a berm that separated us from the Taiwanese countryside. Thank goodness the brakes are powerful which needed two-fingered pull on both brake levers.

Manoeuvrability testing

One aspect that is always overlooked by many motorcycle buyers in Malaysia is a bike’s handling and agility. Never mind whether a bike can turn and brake, it is always “What’s the top speed?” Sad…

As we mentioned earlier, the second area of the SYM testing grounds is for testing a bike’s handling, which included a virtual roundabout.

The asphalt in this area is not exactly smooth and it was dusty with patches of dirt and loose tar-covered gravel. We are not complaining because it replicates real-life situations.

The takeaways from this session confirmed:

The SYM ADXTG 400 turned in well during the initial tip in.
However, there was a noticeable pushback from the handlebar at very low speed. It was the signal that you can ride the bike faster, which we did.
The bike felt better the faster we went around and around.
The tyres did not slip one bit.
Much of the bike’s weight is biased to the back, however, it would change if we turned the handlebar mount around.

Conclusion

Truth is, we kept wishing we could go out of the factory grounds for a full road test, but perhaps it was not an easy thing to do in Taiwan. We really hope that MForce Bike Holdings will extend a unit for more comprehensive tests (and prettier pictures) to us once it is launched in Malaysia some time in May 2025.

Still, the SYM ADXTG 400 showed itself as a very good bike with very good quality despite the short tests. Mind you, SYM tests their prototypes for at least two years before they are launched hence they are already refined when they hit the market. You cannot go wrong with an SYM scooter.

2025 BMW F 900 GS Adventure Arrives in Malaysia

The 2025 BMW F 900 GS Adventure (better known as the ‘F 900 GSA’) has also arrived in Malaysia, offering a great choice for bikers who seek a midrange adventure motorcycle from the German marque. Of course, the ‘Adventure’ version features higher specs than its standard cousin.

The 2025 BMW F 900 GS Adventure

The 2025 BMW F 900 GS Adventure is designed for riders who seek the perfect blend of rugged exploration and long-distance touring. With its unmatched versatility and exceptional capability, it takes on both challenging trails and extensive journeys with equal ease.

At its core, the new 895-cc, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke inline engine delivers 77 kW (105 hp) at 8,500 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm.
This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds with a top speed beyond 200 km/h.

Standard with a fully adjustable (spring preload, bound and rebound) upside-down fork offering 230 mm of spring travel. The suspension allows for precise tuning without tools.
Heated grips, durable plastic handguards, and engine protection aluminum skid plate are standard.

Adjustable aluminium gearshift lever further enhances ergonomics.

Standard inclusion of the Ride Pro package enhances the New BMW F 900 GS Adventure across several aspects:

A main stand, luggage rack featuring aluminum case holders and M Endurance chain.
LED headlights with daytime running lights and auxiliary headlights ensure superior visibility, providing added safety on in all terrains, while country-specific light control optimises lighting performance for diverse environments.

Shift Assistant Pro, Dynamic ESA and Prep. Navigation system are also standard.
Riding Modes Pro is also equipped as standard, featuring Rain, Road, Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro modes.

Colour options

The 2025 BMW F 900 GS Adventure is available in White-Aluminium Matt, a striking finish that enhances its presence on any terrain. It features new GS-logo side panels, a comfort seat in black and grey, white-aluminium radiator covers with new tape detailing, and a body-colour tank cover in white-aluminium, further elevating its bold and rugged design.

Financial Services

With the Straight Line Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia (based on estimates of a 90% loan on a 7-year tenure), ownership of the All-New BMW S 1000 RR starts from RM 1,948 per month. Meanwhile, ownership of the All-New BMW S 1000 RR with M Package starts at RM 2,228 per month. For the New BMW F 900 GS Adventure, ownership starts from RM 1,338 per month. Owners can also enjoy additional benefits with the Industry-Leading Premium Engine Oil Inclusive, Service Inclusive, and Warranty Extension Programmes by BMW Motorrad Malaysia.

The recommended retail price (on the road, with BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s All-New 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance Programmes, without insurance) for the 2025 BMW F 900 GS Adventure is:

The 2025 BMW F 900 GS Adventure: RM95,500.00

For more information on the All-New BMW S 1000 RR and the New BMW F 900 GS Adventure, visit the BMW Motorrad Malaysia website at https://www.bmw-motorrad.com.my/