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We have always said: Never, ever ride without insurance coverage. But picking the right insurance is never easy. We have learned it the hard way in our many years of riding. Well, worry no more because Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Berhad (ZGIMB) has launched two new motorcycle insurance plans called Z-Rider (EW) and Z-Rider (Plus).

From press release:

Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Berhad (ZGIMB) unveils two new motorcycle insurance plans, the Z-Rider (EW) and Z-Rider (Plus). These innovative plans aim to provide Malaysian motorcyclists with comprehensive protection and peace of mind on the road.

With over 16 million motorcycles in Malaysia, ZGIMB recognises the need for tailored motorcycle insurance solutions. The Z-Rider series addresses this gap by offering features that specifically benefit motorcycle riders. This aligns with Zurich Malaysia’s ‘Care For What Matters’ brand ethos, emphasising innovation, convenience, and empathy.

“The launch of Z-Rider (EW) and Z-Rider (Plus) marks a significant step forward in motorcycle insurance in Malaysia,” said Junior Cho, Country CEO/Head of Zurich Malaysia. “We’re proud to be the first insurer to offer a complimentary extended warranty, providing exceptional value to our customers. These plans offer comprehensive coverage and valuable benefits, making ZGIMB the ideal partner for a safe and secure riding experience.”

Z-Rider (EW): A Market-First

The Z-Rider (EW) is a groundbreaking addition to the market. It offers a complimentary extended warranty, which is a unique benefit that is the first in the market, ensuring optimal protection for riders. The key benefits* are as follows:

  • Complimentary Extended Warranty: Applies to new motorcycles up to 200cc (excluding electric bikes) purchased with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty through ZGIMB’s authorised agents who are motorcycle dealers.
  • Breakdown Towing Service: Coverage up to 60 km.
  • Personal Accident Coverage: RM5,500 per policyholder.
Z-Rider (Plus): Comprehensive Coverage For Diverse Needs

Designed for motorcycles under 250cc. This comprehensive plan provides a wider range of benefits tailored to diverse rider needs. The key benefits* are as follows:

  • Breakdown Towing Service: Coverage up to 60 km.
  • Personal Accident Coverage: RM5,500 per policyholder.
  • Flood Allowance: RM1,000.
  • Accident Towing: RM100.

Further details on Zurich Malaysia’s Z-Rider series can be found on the official website at https://www.zurich.com.my/insurance-products/protection/for-my-vehicle/z-rider and https://www.zurich.com.my/takaful-products/protection/for-my-vehicle/z-rider-takaful.

* Terms and conditions apply.

About Zurich Malaysia

Zurich Malaysia is a collective reference term for the Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) business subsidiaries operating in Malaysia: Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Zurich Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad and Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad. Zurich Malaysia offers a broad range of comprehensive insurance and takaful solutions; helping individuals as well as business owners understand and protect themselves, their businesses and their assets from risk. Zurich Malaysia has an integrated branch network in major cities nationwide as well as dedicated agency and distribution channels nationwide to serve the needs of its customers. For further information on Zurich Malaysia, visit www.zurich.com.my.

The police conducted an Ops Samseng Jalanan (Road Thugs) at the Ulu Yam “circuit” yesterday (Sunday, 11 August 2024). As a result, 40 summons were issued for various offenses.

The police found that some individuals who drive supercars and ride high-capacity motorcycle often use Jalan Ulu Yam-Sungai Tua, Batang Kali as a place to test the potential of their vehicles.

The operation carried out by the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division (BSPT) of the Hulu Selangor District Police Headquarters (IPD) from 7 to 10 in the morning saw a total of 40 summons issued for various offences.

Hulu Selangor District Police Chief, Superintendent Ahmad Faizal Tahrim said the operation was held to curb and prevent traffic offenses in the area involved.

“Among the offenses committed are cutting on double lines, not obeying the speed limit, not having a driver’s license and using a mobile phone while driving.

“However, there was no seizure and no driver was arrested in this operation,” he said when contacted.

Ahmad Faizal said, monitoring found that Jalan Ulu Yam Bharu-Sungai Tua was the focus of a convoy of drivers and motorcyclists with some driving dangerously.

“So far, the police have not received any complaints of racing parties, but they will monitor from time to time.

“Drivers and motorcyclists are reminded to drive their vehicles as best as possible, obey traffic laws and not take themselves too seriously,” he said.

Ay, just when we thought the recent Ducati Panigale V2 Superquardro Final Edition was the last V-Twin superbike that Ducati will make, they say there is a new Ducati V2 superbike is on the way.

MCN said that an interview with the manufacturer’s Head of Product Communications, Giulio Fabbri during the World Ducati Week revealed that the companyt has other plans.

Fabbri told MCN: “It’s not the V2 that is leaving the market, it’s just that particular engine that is going. It’s just the final edition of the V2 Superquadro, but something new will come.

“For sure, we will continue to see a supersport Panigale with a V2. But it’s still very early to talk about the future. I cannot say when something new will arrive, but for us it is very important and the V2 engine is special. It is part of the culture of Ducati.”

What Fabbri said was correct, as it was the V-Twin (also known as V2 or L-Twin in Ducati’s parlance) was what brought the brand to prominence – from the Imola bikes to the 851, 916, and all the way to the Panigale 1299 – prior to the current Panigale V4.

But of course, the Ducati man did not revealed the new bike’s specifications. The last Panigale V2 Superquardro engine displaced 955cc and produced 153hp.

Three policemen were arrested after it was discovered that a Yamaha RX-Z was missing some components. The motorcycle was in the case goods store at the Kemaman District Police Headquarters, Terengganu.

Kemaman District Police Chief, Superintendent Hanyan Ramlan, said the suspects were between 26 and 32 years old.

He said all the members involved were arrested last Tuesday after an investigation found that there were several motorcycle engine components missing from the storage store involved.

“We then conducted an investigation before arresting all the suspects for further investigation.

“Further investigation found that two suspects have the same type of motorcycle and are big fans of RX-Z motorcycles,” he said.

Two of the suspects were brought to the Criminal Court for an application for remand today, but the application was rejected on the grounds that they are still police officers who can be called at any time. The court has also allowed both suspects to be released on bail.

However, Hanyan said his party will prepare investigation papers immediately and refer to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further action.

BMW has purchased Suzuki’s MotoGP data, possibly to fast-track their entry into the premier class.

According the Motosport.com, this was an insider’s news during the British GP over the weekend. And if it was true, BMW is seeking to pay €18 million for all the GSX-RR’s data acquired.

While BMW knows how to build high powered engines, they possibly need the data in terms of chassis setup and traction control strategies. 18 million is a lot of money, for sure, but it is definitely cheaper than throwing it at a blank sheet. Having the data in hand means BMW has a base to work from and develop their bike.

Dorna has been leaving an empty slot on the grid for the Bavarian brand and it is hoped that the latter will join the championship in 2027. 2027 is the year when MotoGP will go through another large revision, including the use of smaller 850cc engines in place of the current 1000cc engines, and not unimportantly, limiting the use of aerodynamic devices. BMW is already currently making an inline-four engine for their S 1000 RR superbike, so the MotoGP bike could very well adapt that engine.

At the time being, BMW has gleaned a lot of data from the WSBK project. They may have scored only one win in each of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons, but the signing of Toprak Razgatlıoğlu has since yielded 12 wins from 18 races this year. Will the Turkish rider be apart of BMW’s MotoGP assault? We can bet on this one.

Pirelli took over from Dunlop as the exclusive tyre supplier in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes this year, and immediately saw lap records tumble one by one.

At the British GP at the Silverstone circuit last weekend, Ivan Ortola’s victory was 53 seconds faster overall, compared to 2023. That averaged to 3.5 per lap faster.

Let us not forget that even a 0.1-second per lap improvement is already considered a huge deal at this level of competition, let alone 3.5 seconds. That is because 0.1 second multiplied by 15 laps (at Silverstone) equates to a 1.5-second lead at the end of the race.

Over to Moto2, Jake Dixon’s last lap victory over Aron Canet was also a record-breaking affair. His overall time was 12.5 seconds faster than in 2023. That averaged out to 0.7 second faster per lap.

In fact, of the 40 Moto3 and Moto2 sessions thus far, 38 of those have seen faster times than when Dunlop was the supplier.

It also reminds us of what Sam Lowes said many years before while he was riding in Moto2, when Honda was the engine supplier. According to him, lap times had stagnated because of the tyres.

Seeing this sort of achievement in the very first year is nothing short of breathtaking. Pirelli says they will use the data collected this year to make further improvements for the next rounds and beyond.

While most pay almost all attention to the premier MotoGP class, the real battles are in Moto3. The class features some hair-raising up close and personal racing consisting of multiple overtakes and dive bombs that thrill even grizzled observers. And the new tyres certainly gave the riders more grip to play with, translated into faster lap times and new records.

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