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

Indonesian Gojek Riders Demonstrate Despite Apology by Big Blue Taxi Founder

More than 400 Gojek riders and Indonesians protested outside the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta yesterday.
The demonstrations were held to protests against the disparaging remarks made by Big Blue Taxi founder Dato’ Shamsubahrin Ismail in a video.
They demanded that Shamsubahrin travel to Indonesia to apologize publicly.

More than 400 Gojek riders protested outside the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta yesterday.

The demonstrations were held to protests against the disparaging remarks made by Big Blue Taxi founder Dato’ Shamsubahrin Ismail in a video. Shamsubahrin said that the e-hailing service is meant for “poor” people like those in Jakarta, Indonesia, besides Thailand and Cambodia.

“This (Indonesia) is a poor country. We (Malaysia) are a rich country. If Indonesia’s youths are any good, they would not leave their country to look for a job,” he said in the video.

The video was circulated all the way to Indonesia where it infuriated Gojek riders. Gojek spokeswoman Theresia Ismiyanti demanded that Shamsubahrin travel to Indonesia to apologize publicly.

Shamsubahrin held a press conference on 30^thAugust to apologize but blamed a “media report” on poverty in Indonesia, instead. He also sent a letter to the Malaysian embassy in Indonesia. It was since handed to the Garda association of motorcycle workers by the Malaysian Police Attaché.

However, the riders and Indonesians were unsatisfied with the apology and continued their demand for Shamsubahrin to visit the country. They even raised funds for him to travel there.

Shamsubahrin spouted the claims when he protested against the government’s desire to allow Gojek to operate here. To his credit, he suggested that Malaysian-based Dego Ride should be given priority over Gojek.

SHARK 30th Anniversary Race R Pro GP

SHARK Helmets released three limited-edition SHARK 30^thAnniversary Race R Pro GP helmets.
All three make up a total production run of only 1989 helmets.
The 30^thanniversary models have more features on top of the already flagship Race R Pro GP.

French helmet maker SHARK Helmets launched three limited-edition SHARK 30^thAnniversary Race R Pro GP helmets.

They are available in 3 special colours, for a total number of 1989 units. They are Red Carbon Black, Black Carbon Pearl and White Carbon Black.

The SHARK Race R Pro is the helmet worn by MotoGP riders such as Jorge Lorenzo, Johann Zarco and Scott Redding.

The three models are named “Carbon” because they are built in carbon fibre. SHARK uses the next-generation Carbon on View and aramid (COVA) structure to increase compression and abrasion resistance. Because it’s made of carbon fibre, the helmet is also light to reduce neck muscle tension.

Its distinctive shape was derived through the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology and gaining feedback from the riders. The result is a helmet that boasts the best possible aerodynamic efficiency at top speeds to minimize drag and vibration for maximum stability.

The large spoiler at the back of the helmet uses a “Quick Spoiler Safety System.” It detaches the spoiler in a fall to minimize the effects of secondary shocks.

Speaking of shocks, SHARK Helmets employ multi-density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in different zones of the helmet for optimal damping.

The comfort lining uses new “3D morpho” cheek contours for maximum comfort and support. The lining is removable for washing and uses the “Alveotech” anti-bacterial treatment to prevent bacteria growth i.e. cuts down on smell.

SHARK helmets are known for their quietness. To do so, they employed memory-shaped ear pads, wrap-around neck protection plus the anti-fog breath guard which blocks background noise.

Last but not least, the Race R Pro GP has a “SHARK Racing Division” laser engraving on the visor mechanisms, neck protection and titanium-coated double-D ring strap. Besides that, there is a 30^thanniversary hologram behind the helmet.

Every owner of the SHARK 30^thAnniversary Race R Pro GP limited-edition helmets will receive a specially-designed “Racing Division” helmet box and “SHARK Racing Division” bag.

Adam Norrodin to Replace Khairul Idham Pawi at Misano

Ex-PETRONAS Sprinta Moto3 rider Adam Norrodin will be the latest replacement for Khairul Idham Pawi.
He is the latest substitute rider in the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team in Moto2.
Pawi is recovering from a hand injury.

Ex-PETRONAS Sprinta Moto3 rider Adam Norrodin will be the latest replacement for Khairul Idham Pawi.

Norrodin will take over the Moto2 reins in the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team at the Misano GP. Pawi is still nursing the injury to his right finger which had partly been amputated.

Norrodin used to race for the Sepang International Circuit team in the Moto3 class from 2016 to 2018, partnering Ayumu Sasaki. When the team became the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team for this season, Scottish racer John McPhee replaced Norrodin.

The Malaysian rider went to ride for the SIC Junior team, contesting in the European Moto2 championship.

Although he has experience riding a Moto2 machine, this will be his first time on the Triumph-powered Moto2 machine in the Moto2 World Championship.

“It’s a shame that KIP is not able to return to racing, but I’m really happy to have been given this opportunity; it’s like a dream come true,” Norrodin said. “There’s something new for me to learn, but it’ll be interesting for me – it’s a new chapter for my story and I need to say a huge thanks to Dato’ Razlan Razali and the team for still believing in me.”

Team Principal Dato’ Razlan Razali said “One of our objectives is to encourage and nurture Malaysian racing talent so with Khairul Idham Pawi still recovering, there was an ideal opportunity to give Adam Norrodin the opportunity to sample Moto2 at world championship level.”

Mattia Pasini, Jonas Folger and Bradley Smith have substituted for Pawi this season. As Smith will be representing the SIC team at Misano for the MotoE race, he will unavailable as substitute.

Woman Catches Husband Riding with Another Woman in Police Summons

A woman caught her husband riding with another woman on his bike through a police summon.
Imagine how the man will have to explain his way out.
The “affair” happened in Thailand.

Raise your hands if you’ve ever received police summons for speeding? It shows the picture of the “offence.” Well, that’s how a woman caught her husband riding with another woman on his bike.

A Thai man had received a police summon in the mail. With his wife around, she proceeded to open the envelop to see a picture of a woman riding behind him on his bike.

What aroused her suspicion was the woman riding without a helmet, unlike what she does. Adding fuel to fire, the woman appeared to be totally relaxed and nonchalant. It finally dawned on her that it wasn’t her on the bike as a passenger.

Well, you can imagine what kind of interrogation the man faces.

Some netizens were quick to “Padan muka (serves you right).” They reasoned that the police wouldn’t have shot the photograph and issued the police summons if the rider hadn’t broken the law. There was a commenter who called it “karma” for cheating on the wife.

There were also netizens who didn’t take a liking to the ahem… affair. To them the Thai cops’ “efficiency “may have ruined a marriage.

Our thoughts? Tell the passenger to wear a helmet at all times and don’t cheat. (Shh… the wife was looking at what I typed.)

Source: Siam Varietyvia World of Buzz

New Colours for 2020 Suzuki SV650

The 2020 Suzuki SV650 will receive new colours.
The SV650 continues its run after 20 years.
Will the new bikes head to Malaysia?

The 2020 Suzuki SV650 will receive new colours.

This year is the 20^thanniversary of the Suzuki SV650. Production began in 1999 as the smaller engine brother to the TL1000S. But while the TL1000S (and later TL1000R) lived short lifespans, the 650 soldiered on.

It became the questionably-styled Gladius 650 at one point before Suzuki went back to the original naked sportbike/standard bike design.

Its strength is that smooth V-Twin engine which provides plenty of torque. Also, its light handling is the best in its class and only beaten by the earlier Triumph Street Triple 675 and current 765.

The engine also powers the V-Strom 650 adventure bike. Suzuki will continue with the V-Strom 650 while dropping the V-Strom 1000 in 2020. The 650 is much easier to ride and has better ergonomics hence its popularity in Europe.

So, for 2020, the SV650 gains three new colours including the beautiful silver bodywork with blue frame and wheels scheme, matt black with red frame and wheels, and the blacked-out gloss black with black frame and wheels.

Will Suzuki Malaysia bring in the new SV650? Your guess is as good as mine, given their sloppiness in spreading the news about their bikes.

BMW Motorrad Auto Bavaria – S1K Malaysia Track Day

Auto Bavaria BMW hosted the S1K Malaysia club for track day at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.
The S1K Malaysia club consists of BMW S 1000 RR superbike owners.
Participants rode on beautifully prepared bikes.

Auto Bavaria BMW Motorrad hosted the S1K Malaysia club for track day at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.

As its name suggests, the S1K Malaysia club consists of BMW S 1000 RR superbike owners.

The track day was to allow S 1000 RR owners the opportunity to utilize their bikes the way they were designed for. The racetrack is the best venue to find the the riders’ and the bikes’ limits, in a safe and controlled manner.

While it was a mixed brand track day, the S 1000 RR owners were the most heavily represented. Owners had shown up with bikes that have been customized with beautiful paintjobs, exhaust systems and even lightweight wheels.

Although the entire session was for three hours, it was apparent that they enjoyed the day out regardless of their pace. There were fast riders who dragged elbows and knees, and there were riders who didn’t drag anything, yet they all went away with smiling faces.

It was also visible that the S 1000 RR were extremely suited to track work and didn’t required the riders to fight with their bikes.

On the other hand, the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR has yet to make an appearance. Auto Bavaria BMW Motorrad informed us that BMW Motorrad is having their hands full in order to satisfy demand.