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DRE Road Academy Welcomes Riders of All Brands

Learning to ride safely and skilfully is a lifelong journey. Well, there is great news, now that the DRE Road Academy welcomes riders of all brands of motorcycles.

Organised by Ducati Malaysia, the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) Road Academy conducted for their first 2024 event at Gamuda Gardens on 25 April. It was a “comprehensive motorcycle training program designed to enhance rider skills and promote safe riding practices,” consisting of theoretical classes and practical exercises, and conducted by certified DRE Instructors.

About the Ducati Riding Experience Road Academy

The Ducati Riding Experience Road Academy was meticulously designed with the primary objective of enhancing rider safety skills through comprehensive training focused on road safety and defensive riding techniques. This involved a strong emphasis on adhering to traffic regulations and enhancing situational awareness.

Aligned with the objective of fostering a community of confident, safety-conscious riders, Ducati Riding Experience participation is open to owners of all motorcycle makes and models.

The Ducati Riding Experience Road Academy program boasts key features that set it apart as a premier motorcycle training experience:

Participants will engage in comprehensive theory sessions that cover safety and precision courses, laying a solid foundation of knowledge before advancing to practical applications.
The hands-on riding sessions are conducted by certified DRE Instructors who bring both expertise and passion to the training process.
The use of Ducati motorcycles during these sessions provides an authentic riding experience.
And the awarding of a certificate of completion to those who successfully finish the program.

The backbone of the Ducati Riding Experience Road Academy is a team of Certified DRE Instructors. Each instructor brings extensive experience in motorcycle training and safety, ensuring that participants receive high-quality instruction. Our proudly Malaysian instructors have gone through a rigorous certification process, reflecting Ducati Malaysia’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of the training program.

Participants embarking on the Ducati Riding Experience Road Academy are required to equip themselves with proper riding gear:

This includes helmets, gloves, long pants, riding shoes/boots, and riding jackets to ensure their utmost safety.
A booth for Ducati technical apparel will be accessible during the events.
The participants have an invaluable opportunity to explore and invest in high-quality riding gear, further enhancing their overall experience with Ducati ownership.

Mr. Dennis Michael, Chief Operating Officer of Ducati Malaysia, shared his insights on the intentions and aspirations of the Ducati Riding Experience Road Academy: “Our initiative is centered on being ambassadors of road safety, promoting responsible riding among enthusiasts. We are committed to enhancing rider safety skills through practical training, and we’re thrilled to offer first-hand experience to prospects who are eager to learn and embrace the Ducati way of motorcycling.”

“We’re also proud to acknowledge that all 3 DRE instructors are fellow Malaysians, who trained at DRE instructor’s courses around the world, which they completed to world-class standards.” he added.

Participants who are interested in taking their motorcycling journey further may look forward to joining the DRE Road Academy by registering and securing their participation at their nearest Ducati authorised dealer.

Our comment

We at BikesRepublic.com and MotoMalaya.net are strong advocates for advanced rider training, given the lack of interest and initiatives by the authorities to enhance rider safety and lowering accident and death rates among motorcyclists. And, as we are all aware, the syllabus taught at driving schools are mere procedures to pass the tests!

We have attended numerous Ducati Riding Experience classes, in addition to the California Superbike School Malaysia, and Most Fun Gym to upgrade ourselves, and found them all to be essential for daily riding and not just for the track.

This is a great opportunity for you since the Ducati Riding Experience Road Academy is open to riders of all brands of motorcycles. So, no more excuses!

Road Maintenance Company Ordered to Pay RM721,000 to Accident Victim

The Johor Bahru Sessions Court ordered a road maintenance company to pay RM721,000 in compensation to an accident victim after he hit a pothole and crashed.

The 49-year-old male victim was injured after crashing due to hitting an unmaintained pothole in Pasir Gudang, near Taman Kota Masai, three years ago.

The judge, Sazlina Safie, made the decision after finding that Razali @ Mohd Leey Subeh, as the plaintiff (the party issuing the suit) successfully proved his claim against Safwa Global Venture (M) Sdn Bhd. Safwa Global Venture is the company appointed by the state government to maintain the road.

He filed a lawsuit against the company and the state government as the first and second respondents, respectively, for the injuries and damages he suffered as a result of the incident.

Judge Sazlina said, “The court can conclude that from the date of the incident (11 Feb 2021) until the excavation works on 29 September 2022, the hole remained at the scene without any repair, as admitted by all the witnesses.

“The court found that the issue of potholes at the scene of the incident had been proven and admitted by the defendant.

“The company also presented contradictory statements in their defense when they initially claimed that they did not see any potholes, but later discovered potholes caused by public utility works,” he said in the grounds of judgment published on the judicial website yesterday.

He said the company argued that the hole was not their responsibility because it belonged to the utility company and should have been maintained by a subcontractor or other party.

“Despite the allegation, the company failed to initiate any third-party proceedings against any of the contractors or related parties in this suit.

“The court also found it reasonable that the victim failed to notice the pothole due to limited visibility and insufficient lighting in the residential area at the time of the incident,” he said.

Therefore, the court believed that the defendant had failed in their duty to maintain the road in question and that they were liable to the plaintiff under Section 7(3) of the Government Proceedings Act 1956 (GPA).

“Although this case refers to the government and the GPA, it is a basic principle that must be applied to the parties responsible to ensure that the roads provided are safe for users.

“Therefore, the Court awarded the plaintiff RM352,947.33 for special damages and RM368,000 for general damages,” he said.

However, the plaintiff will not receive the compensation yet because the company will file an appeal against the judgment in the High Court.

2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Special Edition Launched, New Colours for Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Royal Enfield Petaling Jaya has launched the 2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Special Edition. They have also revealed new colours for the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Special Edition

The Bullet 350 Special Edition is powered by the 349cc, fuel-injected, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine which is shared by the Meteor, Classic, and Hunter. It produces 20 hp at 6,100 RPM and 27 NM of torque at 4,000 RPM, which RE says provides “strong, low-end grunt, super smooth linear power delivery.” The power is sent through a 5-speed gearbox.

RE also claims that the chassis is “designed for improved handling and manoeuvrability,” and that it is “firmer” than previous Bullets to enhance cornering prowess while remaining stable on straight roads. There are changes to back this up, now with 41mm forks, a 100/90-19 front tyre, and 120/80-18 rear tyre.

The Bullet 350 is released in two distinct editions and three colourways, all handcrafted
with a premium finish that will delight:

The Bullet Standard in Black or Maroon are fitted with dual channel ABS and rear discs, and are finished with elegant hand-pinstriped body-coloured tanks and components as well as chrome and gold badges. it is priced at RM 23,500.
The Bullet Black Gold is finished with a striking combination of matt and gloss black tank, copper and gold 3D badge, copper pinstriping and on-trend, blacked-out engine and components, and comes with dual channel ABS and rear disc brakes. It is priced at RM 23,900.

New Colours for the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Furthermore, Royal Enfield is excited to unveil the two new distinct colorways of the Super Meteor 650 – Interstellar Grey and Astral Green – in response to market demand and to further enrich Malaysia’s cruiser journey.

The Super Meteor 650 will be available starting from RM 37,900/- in its new distinct colourways.

From Royal Enfield Petaling Jaya’s Press Release:

“A gleaming symbol of limitless resilience and an enduring name in motorcycling and automotive history, the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 continues its legendary legacy in a new avatar as Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size (250cc-750cc) motorcycle segment, today announced the launch of the New Bullet 350 – Special Edition in Malaysia. Introduced on Royal Enfield’s proven, super-refined and smooth J-series engine platform, this iconic motorcycle, with over nine decades of heritage, proudly continues to be a fusion of resilient aesthetics and craftsmanship, a symbol of the vibrant culture it has catalysed over the last nine decades, and the community and characters it represents.

Additionally, in response to the strong demand following the successful launch of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 in September 2024 (sic). Royal Enfield is excited to reveal two new distinct colourways in Malaysia.”

Triumph Speed 400, Triumph Scrambler 400 X Launched in Malaysia

The much awaited Triumph Speed 400 and Triumph Scrambler 400 X were launched in Malaysia, over the weekend.

Both models represent what Triumph calls the T-Series. They offer an easier accessibility into the Triumph lifestyle and incredible value, with prices starting from just RM 26,900 to RM 29,900. It may also serve as the lightweight everyday big bike for those who already bigger cc bikes, especially in the urban environment.

The range of models take their design cues from the ever-popular Triumph Bonneville 900 and 1200 lineups, thus classifying them as modern retros, or the standard motorcycle.

However, as with all Triumphs, there is nothing “standard” (read: low end) about these two bikes, despite the lower capacity and price.

Features shared by both variants:

All-new fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC, four-valve, 398cc engine.
The valvetrain features low-inertia finger followers with DLC (diamond-like coating).
It produces 39.5 hp (40 PS) at 8,000 RPM and 37.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM.
It needs to be said that although the bike and engine are produced at the Bajaj plant, they are Triumph’s specifications and designs.
6-speed transmission with torque assist clutch.
Machined and concealed liquid-cooling fins.
Black powder-coated engine casings.
Bosch engine management with ride-by-wire throttle and traction control.
Bosch dual-channel ABS as standard, but the rear ABS on the Scrambler 400 X can be turned off for off-road riding.
Analog speedometer with integrated LCD screen.
All-around LED lighting, with signature Triumph DRL (daytime running light).

Highlights of the Triumph Speed 400

The Speed model lineup is geared towards performance.

Accessible seat height of 790 mm.
Lightweight at just 170 kg, wet.
43mm Big Piston, upside-down forks up front, 140mm travel.
A monoshock with internal reservoir at the back, 130mm travel.
17-inch wheels front and rear.
Large, 300mm front brake disc clamped by a powerful 4-piston caliper. The brake hoses are steel braided.

Highlights of the Triumph Scrambler 400 X

As the name suggests, this variant has some off-road capabilities, as such, there are several key differences to the Speed 400.

19-inch front wheel, 17-inch rear wheel.
43mm big piston, upside-down forks up front, 150mm travel.
Gas RSU monoshock with external reservoir at the back, adjustable for preload, 150mm travel.
320mm front brake disc, served by a four-piston caliper. Brake hoses are steel braided.
Longer wheelbase compared to the Speed 400.
Larger steel brake pedal, and high-grip footpegs for standing riding position.
179 kg wet weight.

Price and availability

As mentioned earlier, pricing is truly attractive.

Triumph Speed 400: RM 26,900
Triumph Scrambler 400 X: RM 29,900

They are open for booking from now. Please head to Triumph Motorcycle Malaysia’s official FB page for more details.

Two Days Remand for Woman who Crossed Road and Caused Death of Motorcyclist

The 35-year-old woman who stopped the vehicle she was driving before crossing the road on foot and causing the death of a motorcyclist has been remanded for two days.

Temerloh District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mazlan Hassan, said the passenger of the female vehicle involved, a 37-year-old Chinese man, was also remanded for three days to assist in the investigation.

“They were remanded from today for further investigation following the accident that involved the death of a man at the scene of the incident,” he said when contacted today.

In an incident at about 4pm yesterday at KM98.6 East Coast Highway 1 (LPT1) in the East direction, a 34-year-old man who worked as a musician at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) died after the high-powered motorcycle he was riding crashed into a Mitsubishi Triton pickup.

Preliminary investigation found that the accident occurred as soon as the pickup driver hit the brakes after the woman driving a Mitsubishi Pajero jeep stopped on the left shoulder of the road before crossing to the right of the road.

“At the same time, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 type motorcycle that the victim was riding came from behind hit the pickup, before the victim fell in the fast lane while his motorcycle was thrown into the back of the vehicle,” he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 304(A) of the Penal Code for negligence causing death, he said.

I Want a Malaysian Rider as Well – Razlan Razali

Datuk Razlan Razali plans to start a new Moto3 team and it must have a Malaysian rider. He said, “I don’t want to have only an European rider, I want Malaysian a rider as well” in the team.

He said this because there was a request from a potential investor in Europe for him to run a Moto3 team in the 2025 World Motorcycle Championship.

This is a great opportunity to include a national talent like Hakim Danish Ramli who is currently competing in the JuniorGP World Championship and the Red Bull Rookies Cup.

“Last week, there was a request from sponsors and potential investors (from Europe) asking me to come back, at least for a Moto3 team. They have a rider they want to bring in but want their own team.

“So I used that opportunity, maybe one European rider and another Malaysian rider. For me, if I want to make a Moto3 team, I don’t want the team to be all from Europe (riders), I want to include Malaysian riders as well,” he said.

Datuk Razlan also wants Zulfahmi Khairuddin who leads the ZK Racing team to participate in the project.

“I also have to get Zulfahmi’s opinion on whether I want KTM (machinery). If Moto3 is between Honda and KTM, KTM is better and things like this have to be planned well,” said Razlan.

He expects the final decision about it may be known before the Grand Prix (GP) of Kazakhstan, mid-June.

Bikesrepublic

Latest News

DRE Road Academy Welcomes Riders of All Brands

About the Ducati Riding Experience Road Academy

Our comment

Road Maintenance Company Ordered to Pay RM721,000 to Accident Victim

2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Special Edition Launched, New Colours for Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Special Edition

New Colours for the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

From Royal Enfield Petaling Jaya’s Press Release:

Triumph Speed 400, Triumph Scrambler 400 X Launched in Malaysia

Features shared by both variants:

Highlights of the Triumph Speed 400

Highlights of the Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Price and availability

Two Days Remand for Woman who Crossed Road and Caused Death of Motorcyclist

I Want a Malaysian Rider as Well – Razlan Razali

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