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While waiting for Indian Motorcycles to officially announces the brand’s arrival in Malaysia, the American motorcycle company has introduced the 2023 Indian FTR Stealth Gray Special Edition in Europe.

  • The European continent will only receive 150 units.
  • Features special trendy grey with fluorescent red FTR badge. 

The 2023 Indian FTR Stealth Gray is a European-exclusive model with a special livery that combines a trendy grey base colour with a red FTR badge across the tank.

According to the American company, the FTR Stealth Grey is limited to 150 units and built specifically for the European markets.

“This factory exclusive, designed by our internationally staffed design teams, takes the FTR’s American heritage and iconic silhouette and combines its dynamic performance with understated, under the radar, styling,” said Indian Motorcycle’s International Vice President Grant Bester. 

Despite the exclusive colour and graphics, the FTR Stealth Gray is a repackaged FTR R Carbon and features the same 1,203cc V-Twin liquid-cooled engine that makes 123hp and 120Nm. 

Power is delivered to the rear-wheel via slip and assists clutch equipped six-speed gearbox with final chain drive. 

Other exclusive features include:

  • A 4.3-inch TFT touchscreen capable display.
  • Akrapovic exhaust.
  • Three riding modes.
  • Wheelie control.
  • Cornering ABS, stability control.
  • Traction control and cruise control.

Meanwhile, braking is done by radial-mounted Brembo four-piston callipers at the front and a single two-piston calliper at the rear. Suspension is fully adjustable with 43mm front forks. 

Yamaha is set to put the Niken to a proper test as the Japanese motorcycle maker will compete at the 2022 Italian Hill Climb Championship.

  • The race-prepped Niken is set to take on the hills in Italy.
  • Four-time Italian Superbike vice-champion Luca Salvadori to pilot the Niken at Spoleto round.

Despite looking reluctant to update the three-wheeled Niken with the latest 890cc CP3 engine introduced on the new MT-09, Tracer 9 GT, and XSR900, Yamaha is determined that a tilting trike is relevant to compete at an international level moreover a hill climb event.

Moreover, Yamaha is confident that the company’s Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) technology yields an extra grip while at lean and under braking, making it the perfect weapon to take on corners at the championship.

Thanks to the Niken’s doubled inverted forks, Ackermann dual-axle steering mechanism, and cantilever suspension system; the motorcycle can achieve a 45-degree lean angle.

Nevertheless, Yamaha will equip the Niken with Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) accessories to enhance the motorcycle’s performance.

 

Meanwhile, four-time Italian Superbike vice-champion Luca Salvadori will take the race-prepped Niken in the Spoleto round on July 17.

The highly anticipated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R will land in Malaysia next year.

  • the ZX-25R will finally hit Malaysia’s shores soon.
  • powered by a 249.8cc 4-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, the ZX-25R makes 50hp and 22.9Nm.


Two years since the official launch of the Ninja ZX-25R in Indonesia, the quarter-liter screamer will finally make its way to Malaysia.

According to the newly appointed Kawasaki distributor in Malaysia, MODENAS, the Ninja ZX-25R will land in Malaysia within the first half of 2023.

The information was conveyed to us by MODENAS Chief Executive Officer Roslan Roskan, during the recent visit to the MODENAS factory in Gurun, Kedah.

However, Roslan admitted that MODENAS and Kawasaki are still yet to determine whether to bring in the motorcycle as a CKD or CBU unit.

Nevertheless, it is the news everyone has been waiting for ever since the Ninja ZX-25R appeared in Indonesia.

During the global introduction, Kawasaki Indonesia showcased four different colour options with two different variants up for grabs: the base 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R and the Ninja ZX-25R Special Edition (SE).

The differences between the base model and the Special Edition are the additions of selectable riding modes, quick-shifter (both ways), and traction control as standard for the SE.

As for the engine, the Ninja ZX-25R’s 249cc inline-four DOHC engine produces a staggering 50hp at 15,500rpm (51hp with ram air) and 22.9Nm of max torque at 14,500rpm. In other words, you will have some good times when you rev this baby hard.

Other specs include:

  • Power Mode Selection (Full or Low)
  • New race-inspired Trellis frame
  • 37mm front Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP)
  • Horizontal back-link rear suspension
  • Dunlop GPR300 radial tyres
  • LCD instrument display
  • 180kg (182kg for SE)
  • 15-litre fuel tank
  • With MODENAS taking on the role of distributing Kawasaki models in Malaysia, the company has committed to a number of things. 
  • MODENAS plans on establishing key service points throughout the country for Kawasaki models. 
  • Kawasaki too is committed to the local market by making parts available for local owners. 

Fans and owners of Kawasaki motorcycles in Malaysia were left in a lurch when the long term distributor – Kawasaki Malaysia Sdn Bhd – had to stop operations.

The move was part of a global alignment program where Kawasaki themselves took on the distributorship of its products rather than relying on local distributors.

Kawasaki did this through an official presence in markets, or by purchasing stakes in local companies, such as what it has done with MODENAS.

Kawasaki has always had an equity in MODENAS which previously stood at 19%.

However, the company recently increased its equity in MODENAS to 30%.

And that figure could be taken as high up as 48% if certain conditions are met.

This is all well and great, but what about Kawasaki owners in the interim?

Where do they go when it comes to servicing their motorcycles, sourcing for parts or even claiming warranties should the need arise?

We were recently invited to tour the MODENAS assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah, where MODENAS and Kawasaki executives met us and other members of the media for a question and answer session.

MODENAS has clarified that it will take on the job of servicing, warranty claims and sourcing of Kawasaki spare parts.

Servicing can be done at either ‘Kawasaki Shops’ or ‘Kawasaki Stations’. The difference between the two is that the former will be an exclusive Kawasaki shop where else the latter will be a multi brand shop that also sells and services other brands.

MODENAS says that it plans to introduce 20 Kawasaki service points by the end of 2022, and this figure will go up to 40 by mid-2023.

What about servicing at shops which were once branded as Kawasaki or Ninja Shops?

These shops will be able to continue servicing Kawasaki models and can order Kawasaki parts directly from MODENAS.

However, they will not be able to entertain warranty claims.

Warranty Claims can only be carried out ‘Kawasaki Shops’.

MODENAS has also committed to making available a range of spare parts.

During the press session, MODENAS executives clarified that the company will be ordering up to 80,000 parts dating back to 1992.

But it doesn’t just end there, should you need parts that are not immediately available in the market, you could approach a Kawasaki or MODENAS outlet to have it ordered.

And so for Kawasaki owners in Malaysia, the good times will continue to roll.

MODENAS Does Not Rule Out Building A Super Moped!

Confirmed: MODENAS Vulcan S Will Be Introduced Later This Year!

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

  • There has been a lot of noise online among fans of MODENAS.
  • Many are asking the company to also build a high capacity super moped to rival the likes of the Yamaha Y16 and the Honda RSX.
  • But the company has been unable to respond, until now.
  • With Kawasaki as its partner, MODENAS could finally take on the super moped category.

Great news for fans of the super moped, MODENAS has confirmed that it will not rule out its participation in the super moped category.

MODENAS has been under pressure on the digital front about producing a super moped underbone motorcycle, but has been unable to respond.

However, with the involvement of Kawasaki, MODENAS CEO Mr Roslan Roskan has confirmed that the company will not rule out producing a super moped.

“Modenas does not rule out  building a super cup model, ‘kapchai’ models make up a big part of local business, and Kawasaki is willing to explore smaller capacity engine capacity. The underbone category offers the highest growth segment, and so for MODENAS to grow further with Kawasaki as our partner we will participate in this segment, our plant has the capacity and we are prepared,” said Mr Mr Roslan.

Mr Roslan also hinted that should the company build a super moped, it will be powered by a high capacity engine, perhaps more than 150cc.

Kawasaki has always had a stake in Modenas, previously holding a 19% equity in the Malaysian national motorcycle maker. However, Kawasaki has increased its stake in MODENAS to 30% and may take that figure up to 48% if certain conditions are met.

Part of this includes technology sharing, sales and marketing as well as local-assembly of certain Kawasaki models which for now only includes models below 650cc.

Kawasaki does not build underbone motorcycles, but with MODENAS under its wing now and with the booming underbone category, we could still see a MODENAS super moped on our streets, but there’s no telling when.

Confirmed: MODENAS Vulcan S Will Be Introduced Later This Year!

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

 

  • Kawasaki has increased its stake in MODENAS from 19% to 30% and part of this plan includes the local assembly of certain Kawasaki models. 
  • MODENAS has confirmed that the Vulcan S will be assembled in Malaysia.
  • The plans will eventually include the local-assembly of all twin-cylinder Kawasaki models.

Ever since Kawasaki increased its stake in MODENAS, the Malaysian motorcycle industry has been abuzz with which Kawasaki models will be re-introduced as MODENAS models.

Besides confirming that the Ninja 250 and Z250 (ABS and non-ABS) will be locally-assembled and introduced as MODENAS models, Modenas CEO En Roslan has also confirmed a third model.

The ever popular Kawasaki Vulcan S will also be locally assembled at the MODENAS plant in Gurun and introduced as the MODENAS Vulcan S.

“We will be introducing four Kawasaki CKD models this year, and one of them will be the Vulcan S,” confirmed En Roslan.

As part of its strategy, all Kawasaki models assembled in Malaysia by MODENAS will carry the MODENAS brand instead of Kawasaki.

MODENAS will also be distributing CBU Kawasaki models such as the Ninja ZX10R, the Z900RS, the Versys 1000 and also the Ninja 1000 SX.

As for purchasing the Vulcan S, the model will be introduced towards the end of the year at Kawasaki shops throughout Malaysia.

MODENAS says it plans to introduce two types of Kawasaki shops in Malaysia:

1. Kawasaki Shop: This term is as simple as it gets, and the Kawasaki Shop will only sell Kawasaki models exclusively as well as genuine Kawasaki accessories and merchandise.

2. Kawasaki Station: This is a multibrand dealership that will also offer Kawasaki products. This is not an exclusive dealership.

There is no indication in pricing, but MODENAS has hinted that it will be lower than before.

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

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