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

Ban on Heavy Vehicles on Highways Extended to Several other Highways

The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) has extended the ban on heavy vehicles using highways during peak hours on several highways around the Klang Valley starting February 19.

This involves the North-South Expressway (Plus), the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), the North-South Central Link Expressway (Elite) and the Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway (Duke).

LLM Director-General Datuk Sazali Harun said the implementation of the ban was gazetted by the government on October 21 last year and is one of the initiatives under the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion (JKMKKJR).

“It is aimed at smoothing traffic movement in the Klang Valley area and the Kuala Lumpur city centre.

“The heavy vehicles involved in the implementation of this ban are Class 2 motor vehicles, which are vehicles with two axles and six wheels except buses.

“Also affected are Class 3 motor vehicles, which are vehicles with three axles or more except buses,” he said in a statement today.

However, he said, the ban is exempted for heavy vehicles involved in cleaning, domestic waste disposal and delivery work, emergency and enforcement services, as well as heavy vehicles with highway maintenance work.

“LLM calls on all owners and drivers of heavy vehicles to comply with the heavy vehicle movement ban when it begins to be implemented,” he said.

Honda Expects to Sell 20.2 Million Motorcycles in 2024 Fiscal Year

Honda expects to sell 20.2 million motorcycles globally in their 2024 fiscal year which ends on 31 March 2025.

Should that come to be, it represents an 8% increase from the 2023 fiscal year, which saw the sales of 18.7 million units.

The number equates to almost 40 percent of the world’s motorcycle market. The largest contributor is expected from where else but Asia, more specifically in Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Vietnam. This region alone will see some 17.1 million sales (84.6 percent).

Other markets such as Japan, Europe, and the USA will make up a combined 1.2 million motorcycles (5.9 percent).

Honda produces motorcycles of all shapes and sizes, thus is able to find demand in any market. The smaller capacity motorcycles rule South East Asian streets, while the larger capacity models are the staple in the European and North American continents.

The company is setting their sights on the South West Asian region where 50 million motorcycles had been sold.

By the way, just for comparison, BMW Motorrad sold 210,408 bikes in 2024. So, that means Honda will sell 100 more than that.

Special Liveried Honda GL1800 Gold Wing to Celebrate 50 Years

There are two special liveried Honda Gl1800 Gold Wing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the model.

First launched in 1975 as the GL1000 flat-four, the Gold Wing has grown over the years to the current 1833cc flat-six. The last complete update was in 2018 which saw it gaining girder forks and Honda’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).

Updates have been given to both the standard and Tour variants of the bike – including two new paint finishes said to be influenced by models of the past. Amongst them is a combination of Eternal Gold and Mahogany Brown, which draws inspiration from the 1988 GL1500 variant – with unique badging also marking the special birthday.

An additional O2 sensor is fitted to the exhaust system, plus tweaks to the ECU to make the 124.7hp engine to meet the Euro5+ regulations. Buyers can choose between the manual transmission and DCT options.

Further nods to the milestone include a Gold Wing emblem on the key and seven-inch TFT display, which come complete with 50^th Anniversary and ‘Since 1975’ emblem.

On top of this, the first 1833 bikes sold across Europe (a nod to the engine capacity) will come with a replica model measuring 280mm long, by 152mm high.

Tweaks have also been made to the audio and rider/pillion technology on board, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available, alongside a new speaker system for better audio at high speeds.

Further to this, a ‘Ducking’ feature will automatically lower background music during conversations over comms, and you get two USB-C charging sockets for smartphones on both the standard and Tour variants.

New Vehicle Inspection Companies to be Announced Tomorrow – Anthony Loke

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will announce several new vehicle inspection companies tomorrow.

Its Minister, Anthony Loke said, “We hope that when we open up this market, there will be competition in terms of services.

“It will further improve the quality of vehicle inspections so that we can all ensure that the integrity of these vehicle inspections can be improved,” he said during the oral question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat, today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) on the extent to which the practice of allowing a monopoly to a company can affect the level of vehicle safety.

Further commenting, Anthony admitted that if an industry has a monopoly element, it will affect the quality of services and therefore his party encourages competition.

“The Ministry of Transport has received approval from the Cabinet to end the concession policy or monopoly policy for Puspakom (Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre) last year.

“Currently, Puspakom actually no longer has a concession, what we have given them is just a license to operate.

“What we (want) to do is open up this vehicle inspection market to more other operators,” he said.

Aprilia Racing Real Team Experience Showcased Aprilia RS457 Track Activation

Didi Group organised an exclusive event for Aprilia owners over the weekend following the 2025 MotoGP pre-season Winter Test at the Sepang International Circuit. The event included riding the RS457 on the Sepang International Kart Circuit nearby.

Begin Press Release:

Didi Group, the sole importer and distributor of Aprilia in Malaysia has designed an exclusive event to strengthen its brand presence and a lasting impact during the MotoGP 2025 winter test season here in Malaysia. A day full of engagement with the Aprilia community, and introduction to the highly anticipated RS 457.

The event featured a special introduction, featuring Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, showcasing their ambitions for the upcoming MotoGP 2025 season. Meet & Greet session with the 2025 MotoGP Aprilia Racing Team, giving fans and owners a rare opportunity to interact with top riders Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, and Lorenzo Savadori. Additionally, the RS 457 Track Activation aim to provide an exhilarating experience for attendees to witness Aprilia’s cutting-edge technology.

Key Highlights of the Event:

Exclusive Meet & Greet with Aprilia Racing Team.
RS 457 Track Activation – Showcased the latest in Aprilia’s sportbike innovation.
Lorenzo Savadori engagement with the Aprilia Community – Showcased his riding technique with the Aprilia RS 457.
Showcasing full Aprilia model line-up – RS660, Tuono 660, RS 457, SR GT 200 and SR GT 200 Replica.
Attendees included esteemed figures such as Mr. Massimo Rivola, Chief Operating Officer, Aprilia
Racing, along with Aprilia Malaysia’s key business partners, dealers, and a passionate community
of owners.

Aprilia continues to set new benchmarks in the sportbike segment with the all-new RS 457, a machine designed to deliver outstanding performance, easy handling, and cutting-edge technology. In a recent interview, Lorenzo shared his insights on the bike and the excitement it has generated among journalists and riders alike.

A Compact Powerhouse

When asked to describe the RS 457 in three words, Lorenzo was clear: Light and powerful, easy to ride, and technologically complete. This new addition to the RS family maintains Aprilia’s signature DNA while offering an exhilarating experience for both beginners and experienced riders.

An Authentic Aprilia Riding Experience

Comparing the RS 457 to the RSV4 and RS 660, Lorenzo affirmed that despite the differences in displacement and power, the RS 457 still embodies the distinct Aprilia essence. The RS 457 has fewer horsepowers than the RSV4, but when you jump on this bike, you feel you are riding an Aprilia, thanks to its typical Aprilia easy handling. This characteristic ensures that every rider experiences the precision and control that defines Aprilia
motorcycles.

Cutting-Edge Features for an Unmatched Ride

When asked about standout features, Lorenzo pointed to the RS 457’s advanced Traction Control system. The presence of the Traction Control feature allows for adjusting the setup to best fit my riding mode, he explained. This adaptability ensures that riders can tailor their experience to their skill level and riding conditions.

Ready for the Track

Beyond street riding, the RS 457 is primed for track use. Lorenzo emphasized the bike’s racing potential, noting that Aprilia Racing offers a special kit that transforms the RS 457 into a racing bike, including a fairing, ECU, air filter, and switch buttons.

The Aprilia RS 457 stands as a testament to innovation, performance, and the brand’s racing
heritage. With its dynamic capabilities and advanced technology, it is poised to become a favorite
among riders seeking both everyday thrills and track-ready excitement.

50 Percent Toll Discount for Hari Raya Aidilfitri

The Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, announced that a 50 percent toll discount will be implemented throughout the festive season this year (2025).

“Last year, the Cabinet had indeed decided to streamline the provision of subsidies to better target those in need of assistance.

“So, that decision is final, and there will be no more free tolls this year. As you are aware, during the Chinese New Year last week, there were no free tolls, but a 50 percent discount was given.

“Therefore, for Aidilfitri and other celebrations this year, we will implement a 50 percent discount,” he said.

He mentioned that this decision was made during the Cabinet meeting on January 24, involving a financial implication of RM20.08 million borne by the government as compensation to toll concession companies.

This will be implemented at all toll plazas except for the toll plazas at the country’s borders, namely the Sultan Iskandar Building Toll (BSI) on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (LINKEDUA).

In the same development, Nanta Linggi stated that the Cabinet can make decisions and change views as needed.

“All tolls are funded by the government and not by the concession companies. I hope the public is aware of this (public money is being spent).

“If tolls were free, we would spend over RM100 million a year. With a 50 percent discount, the government will pay approximately RM80 million to the concession companies, and these savings can be used for maintenance work,” he said.

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Latest News

Ban on Heavy Vehicles on Highways Extended to Several other Highways

Honda Expects to Sell 20.2 Million Motorcycles in 2024 Fiscal Year

Special Liveried Honda GL1800 Gold Wing to Celebrate 50 Years

New Vehicle Inspection Companies to be Announced Tomorrow – Anthony Loke

Aprilia Racing Real Team Experience Showcased Aprilia RS457 Track Activation

Begin Press Release:

Key Highlights of the Event:

A Compact Powerhouse

An Authentic Aprilia Riding Experience

Cutting-Edge Features for an Unmatched Ride

Ready for the Track

50 Percent Toll Discount for Hari Raya Aidilfitri

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