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Oxford Products just celebrated their best ever start to a year, achieving record sales in the first half of 2024.

The company’s products catalogue is extensive – even “extensive” does not truly cover the entire range – which includes almost every motorcycle accessory apart from the mechanicals and electronics, to rider comfort. Oxford Products produces motorcycle covers, grips, replacement turn signals, mirrors, tools, tank grips, tyre pressure gauges, lever guards, battery chargers, earplugs, balaclavas, etc., etc.

Speaking to MCN, Managing Director, Henry Rivers Fletcher said, “The story of 2024 is one of stability. Gone are the ups and downs of recent years. Our sales this year have been much more consistent, our stock management much more accurate, our business practises more disciplined – all enabling us to run the business more efficiently.

Founded in 1973 by Alec Hammond, the British brand had humble beginnings, with Hammond selling fibreglass boxes from the back of his van. From there, it has grown to offer thousands of products, boasting an annual turnover over £50m (RM 285,497,500).

Hammond added, “Like most businesses in the UK, if not the world, we have experienced some challenging, unpredictable, stormy times since March 2020. But for those of us old enough to remember, there have always been challenges. Recessions, political upheavals, energy crises, financial crashes. We’ve seen them all, but always had the right people with the right ideas, the tenacity, the creativity and the sheer willpower to turn adversity into opportunity and opportunity into success.

He went on to promise more investment in the coming year.

Oxford Products are officially distributed by Hodaka Motoworld.

This article was probably best-timed for the first Top Gun film which came out in 1986, but hey, the internet was not born yet. But this author had just rewatched the film (for the millionth time) and felt compelled to write about the original Top Gun bike: Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja.

Here are 5 interesting stuff you may not know about.

1. 6-year Top Secret Project

Kawasaki needed a bike to succeed the successful and iconic Z1. They needed something that is more powerful than what everyone else had in the market, as well as introduce a fresh design. The motorcycle world had headed into the early 80s by then, which was a decade of excess. Everything had to be more powerful and faster, and on top of that, with groundbreaking design.

Kawasaki worked on the bike over and over. No spyshots existed, especially since there was no internet back then. It stayed in secret better than the Darkstar aircraft.

Finally, it was released in 1984 to global acclaim.

2. The first Ninja

The GPZ900R was the first of Kawasaki’s bikes to wear the “Ninja” name to signify its handling and speed. Since then, all Kawasaki faired sportbikes and even sport-tourers from the ZX-250, to the nighty H2R utilised and utilises the Ninja designation.

3. The first DOHC 16-valve production bike

The engine followed the Z1’s 900cc capacity but it was given a DOHC 16-valve head – the first for a production motorcycle. It had liquid-cooling, too, but it was not the first bike to incorporate that feature.

The new features gave the engine a 115hp peak power output and took the bike to a 243 km/h top speed. That in turn earned the GPz900R Ninja the world’s fastest production bike title and laying down the gauntlet for other manufacturers to beat.

4. Tom Cruise wanted it in Top Gun

Ever noticed that Tom Cruise rides a bike in almost every movie of his? He had been a biker even before Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible series became famous. He knew about the GPZ900R and convinced the producers to include it in the movie which came out 2 years after the bike’s introduction.

5. Produced until 2003

The bike was so successful that it was produced until 1996 for the global market, but production kept going until 2003 for the Japanese market. That was a 17-year production run. Many classic bike aficionados are still seeking the bike.

Closing

The new Top Gun: Maverick movie had Maverick riding the Kawasaki Ninja H2, which is all good since it a continuation of the original Ninja and as the world’s fastest production motorcycle. But you just cannot take away the original Ninja’s clout, just like the first Top Gun movie.

We bikers are not immune to alamak moments too because we are simply human. Here are the Top 5 Alamak Moments for Bikers.

The word “alamak” is a Bahasa Malaysia word which we would utter when something goes wrong. Well, there are other curse words but they are unprintable here, so let us stick to this one. It is in the same vein as “blimey,” “oh crap,” “aiyah,” and many others.

1. The (broken) routine

Long-time riders have the “procedures” of getting for a ride down to a routine. But we sometimes get it all so wrong when there is too much to think about or a hot girl walks by. Or just getting old and senile like me.

It goes like this:

  • Walk outside.
  • Insert key in the ignition.
  • Gloves on.
  • Wait a minute… where is the helmet?
  • Alamak! It is in the house.
  • Remove gloves.
  • Dig into pockets for house keys.
  • Go inside house and grab the helmet.
  • Put helmet on.
  • Alamak! Forgot to put in the earplugs.
  • Never mind, am late already! Ride away like an angry hornet.
  • Realise there is the wind feels kind of er… breezy on your hands.
  • Alamak! Did not put on the gloves. In fact, where are the gloves???
  • Insert the most favourite curse words here.
2. Rain suit on or rain suit off

The Oxford definition of Sod’s Law is: The fact that things tend to happen in just the way that you do not want.

You check the weather app and says sunny all day, but you stuffed the rain suit into the space under the seat, anyway, knowing how fickle our weather is.

Breakfast was good and you are leaving. But the sunshine suddenly goes away as if you are under a full eclipse. You begin to hear patters of rain on the mamak restaurant’s roof. So, you rush out to the bike, remove the seat and pull the rain suit out. You pull on the rain suit, wear the helmet… and the clouds part and the sun comes out.

Ah nevermind, you ride off in the rain suit anyway and the sun began to get hotter and hotter. You are now sweating like an Eskimo in the tropics, wrapped up in clothes looking like a parachutist who missed his landing point and ended up on a motorcycle.

So, you decide to stop and take the rain suit off. Ah, what a relief!

Two kilometres down the road, the rain comes down again… Alamak!

3. The charge/non-charging device

The alarm clock rings and you get up quickly. Hey, it is the day for the big ride. You reach for your phone which you had plugged in all night. 12%. What the… Alamak! The switch was off!

But you dress up anyway. But just before starting the ride, plug the phone in, to be greeted with a the charging tone.

You reach your destination and take the phone out for pictures with your buddies. 5%.

Alamak!

4. The wayward earplug

I do not know about you guys, but I refuse to ride without earplugs. I used to refuse to believe in them until I tried them on and what a difference it makes.

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But… earplugs need to be inserted correctly otherwise they will wiggle their way out of the ear hole sooner or later. And it usually only happens in one ear, especially when you are riding at high speeds. Correcting it needs helmet removal, which follows removing the gloves. So, another alamak moment.

5. Unstrapped chin strap

You are enjoying the ride when you suddenly hear something slapping the side of the helmet. Alamak, you had forgotten to fasten the chin strap. The only way to fix it is to stop the motorcycle, and removing the gloves. Not going to happen when you are in the middle of convoy.

Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. has released the latest edition of 2024 WMOTO RT1 with new colours and graphics.

The distributor says that the changes meet the needs of scooters fans for that stylish and elegant looks. Its technical specifications remain unchanged apart from and “improved” USB charging port located near the front storage pocket.

Highlights:
  • The WMOTO RT1 is powered by a 149.3cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine which produces 11.5kW (15.4hp) of peak power at 8,000 RPM and 14.5Nm of peak torque at 6,750 RPM.

  • A Traction Control System (TCS) enhances rider safety especially on slippery roads.
  • Similarly, there is ABS as standard rider safety during emergency braking.

  • There is a TFT meter panel but Mforce did not mention if it features Bluetooth connectivity.

  • Lighting is all-LED.
  • A front dashboard camera with 1080p resolution as standard.

The three colours are called Sky Blue, White, and Matte Red. Base selling price remains at RM9,888, excluding insurance and road tax. Buyers can enjoy a two-year or 20,000km manufacturer’s warranty (whichever comes first), besides online genuine parts purchase service.

The 2024 WMOTO RT1 available now at all Mforce authorized distributors throughout Malaysia.

2024 WMOTO RT1 Photo Gallery

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.

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