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Malaysia’s young racer, Qabil Irfan Azlan is ready to challenge the international riders in the first round of the Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) 2024 at the Jerez Circuit, this weekend.

Qabil is the country’s sole representative at the tournament in the Moto4 class. He feels he has adapted to the machine in a test session last month.

“This is my first experience in Europe, I usually come here for the race only. My preparation is to practice with the machine and do fitness training. I also train as usual in this month of Ramadan.

“Before this, I participated in the test session in Jerez. I am confident with the bike and also the management of the team. Regardless, I have to learn more and I hope to be able to compete in the front group and win,” said Qabil as a rider for VHC Frando Racing from Spain .

Previously, the move of ZK Racing and the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to ESBK was to expand the wings of Qabil’s career after he showed excellent performance to emerge world champion in the 2023 MiniGP World Series Championship.

In the meantime, the Chief Executive Officer of SIC, Azhan Shafriman Hanif said, his side has high hopes for the young rider.

“It’s not easy for a young man like Qabil, who is only 12 years old but has the opportunity to race in Europe. Our hopes are quite high for Qabil to do his best. Under Zulfahmi, we are confident that Qabil will achieve the excellence he deserves.

“For KPI, in the first year, we estimate to be in the top 15. He will also race in the 190cc Malaysian MiniGP Series,” said Shafriman when met after the SIC 2024 Ramadan Iftar, yesterday.

Chinese manufacturer CFMoto adds the CFMoto 450 CL-C cruiser (or bobber?) to their 450cc lineup.

As part of the 450 CL lineup, “CL” denotes classic while the last “C” designates it as a cruiser. The case of the 450 CL-X, the “X” means the bike has some off-roading capability.

Highlights:

  • It utilises the same twin-cylinder, 449cc engine as the CFMoto Ibex 450 adventure bike, with the same state of tune.
  • The powerplant produces 44 hp at 8,500 RPM and 44 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM.
  • The engine also uses the now ubiquitous 270-degree crank configuration and dual counterbalancers.

  • Power is sent six-speed gearbox, with slipper clutch.
  • The engine is carried by a chromoly steel tube frame.
  • Front suspension consists of a pair 37mm upside-down forks.
  • The rear is supported by a monoshock and twin-spar swingarm.

  • A four-piston, radially-mounted J.Juan caliper grabs a single 320mm disc in the front.
  • Front and rear wheels are 16-inches.
  • Bosch ABS is standard for both ends.
  • A round 3.6-inch TFT display. It does not appear to feature connectivity, though.

  • Fuel capacity is 12-liters.
  • CFMoto claims a curb weight of 181kg.

Truth is, the bike does not only invoke memories of the Triumph Bobber, but many parts do look like the Bobber’s. Check out the engine fins and engine capacity plate on the side of the cylinder. That fuel tank, round headlight, etc.

Anyhow, the CFMoto 450 CL-C cruiser does look good and at a more affordable price.

Edaran Modenas Sdn. Bhd. (EMOS), the wholly owned subsidiary of Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd. (MODENAS) celebrated the successful launch of its fourth All-Star showroom, Kawasaki Johor Bahru today. 

The grand opening was officiated by Qbee Ng, Director of Kawasaki Johor Bahru, saw together with EMOS Chief Executive Officer Roslan Roskan, CEO, and Chief Marketing Officer George Kashiwagi.

During the ceremony, Kawasaki Johor Bahru and EMOS handed over three units of the recently launched Modenas ZX25-RR to its first owners in Johor.

Drawing a crowd of 700 people, the event also featured exciting activities including test rides, lucky draws, and various family-friendly entertainment.

Managed by Qbee Superbike Sdn. Bhd., KJB was officially appointed as a Kawasaki All-Star Dealer – the first in Johor – in March 2023. Founded by Qbee Ng, who started off as a motorcycle mechanic, in 1987, Qbee Superbike has grown into one of the nation’s largest motorcycle importers and exporters., now holding the title of an official Kawasaki All-Star Dealer.

“In celebration of our 1st first anniversary as an official Kawasaki All-Star dealer, the opening of Kawasaki Johor BahruKawasaki Johor BahruKJB signifies our commitment to building the Kawasaki brand in Malaysia. The showroom serves not only as a platform to showcase the latest Kawasaki technology and products, but also as a community hub for motorcycle enthusiasts to share their experiences and stories,” Qbee Ng said.

EMOS plans to open eight more by December 2024. The new ZX-25RR is now available at all authorised Kawasaki All-Star dealers.

For inquiries or additional information about the dealer showroom, please visit the official KAWASAKI website at https://www.kawasaki.com.my/kawasaki/shop. The new ZX25RR is now available at all authorised Kawasaki All-Star dealers. The latest news on MODENAS and Kawasaki bikes is also available at 

Stay updated on the latest news by visiting the official MODENAS and/or KAWASAKI Malaysia website at https://modenas.my/v2/ and/or http://www.kawasaki.com.my/home, or by calling . You can also reach out via the Toll-Free Line at 1-800-880-008 or the WhatsApp Careline at +6019-570 8135.

MForce Bikes Sdn. Bhd. also launched the SYM Maxsym TL508 maxi scooter alongside the SYM Husky 150.

According to the press release, it has a perfect body configuration with 50/50 weight distribution to ensure excellent handling performance.

Highlights and features:
  • There is only one variant unlike the Husky 150, with three colour options available, namely Indigo Blue,
    Storm Gray, and Jet Black.
  • Its introductory selling price is RM46,888.00, excluding road tax and insurance.

  • The engine is enlarged from 465cc in the Maxsym TL500 to 508cc in the current Maxsym TL508.
  • The parallel-twin produces 45.0 hp (33.5 kW) at 6,750rpm and 49.9Nm of torque at 5,250rpm.

  • A 12.5-liter fuel tank feeds the engine.
  • There are traction control (TCS) and dual-channel ABS, too.

  • As per the Husky, the TL508 also features a TFT screen, although its size was not stated in the press release.
  • There is also no mention if the rider can connect his smartphone to the TFT.

  • Keyless ignition is standard.
  • Full LED lighting and signals.

  • Adjustable windscreen.
  • Seat with anti-slip cover, with waist support for the rider and passenger.

  • Two-year unlimited mileage warranty.
  • Online genuine parts purchase service by MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd.

Photo gallery

The much-awaited SYM Husky 150 was launched in Malaysia yesterday, by the official country distributor MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd.

MForce says the SYM Husky 150 was “Inspired by adventure features,” and that it “is  a scooter full of personality.” In simpler terms, it is an addition to the adventure scooter bandwagon.

Highlights and features:
  • There are two variations: Standard, and Special Edition.
  • The RM9,998.00 Standard version is offered in Ebony Black, and Pure White.

  • While the RM10,298.00 Special Edition variant gets Matte Green, and Wolf Gray.
  • Its engine is a 150cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 4-valve unit which produces 14.5 hp (10.8 kW) at 8,000

  • RPM and 14.5 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM.
  • Enlarged 15-litre fuel tank.

  • 5-inch TFT instrument panel with auto dimming, plus day and night display modes.
  • Keyless locking and ignition system with an emergency ignition mode if the key’s battery is weak.

  • Rider assistance features such as Traction Control System (TCS) and dual-channel ABS are standard.
  • Fully LED lighting and signals.

  • Two years or 20,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.
  • Online genuine parts purchase service by MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd.

Photo gallery

It is official. Liberty Media is set to acquire MotoGP by year-end 2024 from Dorna.

As we reported earlier, Liberty Media who currently owns Formula 1 (F1) will pay €4.2 billion (RM21.34 billion) for the acquisition. However, the deal is not a complete takeover but rather only 86% of Dorna, while the balance 14% remains with Dorna.

Dorna Sport S.L. currently holds the television rights to the premier MotoGP championship as well as the World Superbike Championship (WSBK). They are also involved in the managment and marketing of several other motorcycle championships including the Spanish Road Racing Championship (CEV), British Superbike Championship (BSB), the Trials World Championships (Indoor and Outdoor).

This stunning development will unit the world’s premier two-wheel motorsport series with the world’s best four-wheel series.

There is no shake up in Dorna’s management at this moment as it was announced that Dorna will remain as an independently operated company. As such, Carmelo Ezpeleta will remain the Dorna CEO, and his his team will continue to run the business from Madrid, Spain. Apart from that, Dorna will be part of Liberty Media’s Formula One Group tracking stock.

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Greg Maffei, Liberty Media President and CEO. “MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a highly cash flow generative financial profile. Carmelo and his management team have built a great sporting spectacle that we can expand to a wider global audience.

The deal will be completed by the end of 2024 and is subject to the receipt of clearances and approvals by competition and foreign investment law authorities in various jurisdictions. This is why Liberty Media did not acquire 100% of Dorna’s interest in MotoGP, so as to not send up a red flag for anti-competition regulators.

Of course, the news has attracted no shortage of comments from netizens, albeit the majority being negative. The most obvious theme is the fear of MotoGP turning into another F1 circus. However, let us be reminded that F1 had grown by leaps and bounds since Liberty Media acquired it from CVC Capital Partners in 2017.

With all being said, let us see what Liberty Media has in store for MotoGP for next season.

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