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

Detained Traffic Policemen in Extortion Case Back on Duty

The two traffic police officers who were detained for assisting in the extortion case against the public at Bangunan Sultan Ismail (BSI) in Johor Bahru have returned to duty as the remand order against them expired today.

South Johor Bahru District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said they were on duty as usual because no work stoppage order had been imposed.

“They are now back on duty under the Johor contingent as usual until there is a stop work order (if any),” he said when contacted by Berita Harian.

Yesterday, the Johor police stated that they would submit a letter to Bukit Aman to obtain a suspension order against the two policemen.

The two policemen on duty at the BSI were arrested on April 5, to assist in the investigation of an extortion case involving a victim by asking for a payment of RM2,000 to avoid being prosecuted for having a record of past offenses in an incident earlier this month.

They were arrested again last Saturday for a complaint submitted by a 50-year-old victim who was allegedly threatened by the two suspects while at BSI, on January 4.

JPJ Penang Concerned about Increase of Foreigners Breaking Laws

The Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) raised concerns regarding the increase in road offenses involving foreigners. The main and increasingly serious offense is not having a driver’s license.

The state JPJ director, Zulkifly Ismail, said that since the beginning of January until today, a total of 267 summons notices were issued to foreign drivers and 124 vehicles were confiscated, all due to not having a driving license.

He said, that does not include last year where 534 summons notices were issued to foreign drivers of which 416 vehicles were seized.

“We have noticed a trend in recent times of offenses committed by foreigners being quite serious and increasing.

“So I would like to remind vehicle owners to be careful not to arbitrarily let their vehicles be driven by foreigners who do not have valid driving documents.

“Otherwise they will also face action especially under Section 26 of the Road Transport Act 1987 if their vehicles are detected being driven by individuals who do not have a valid driving document,” he said when met while inspecting a special operation in conjunction with Aidilfitri at the JPJ Enforcement Station in Valdor, here. today.

In the operation, a total of 670 vehicles were inspected with 181 being taken action, while 213 summons notices were issued and six vehicles were seized for various offences.

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) who were also involved in the same ops issued 30 summons notices, followed by the Immigration Department who arrested eight foreigners.

The Department of Environment (JAS) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) issued two and six compounds respectively, while the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) conducted urine tests on 15 drivers, six of whom were found to be positive for drugs.

Hafizh Syahrin Wins at ARRC Zuhai 2024

Malaysian rider, Hafizh Syahrin won at ARRC Zuhai yesterday, and subsequently gave Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Racing Team their maiden victory.

It was the first race session, in the second round of the Asian Motorcycle Championship (ARRC) 2024. Hafizh rides a Ducati V4 R machine in the ABS1000 category for superbike machines 1000cc and above.

Hafizh who started in the front row showed a consistent ride to be the first rider to cross the finish line.

He beat Honda Asia-Dream Racing Astemo team rider, Andi Farid Izdihar who was satisfied to finish the race in second place while another national rider, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman representing TKKR BMW Racing Team was third.

For the record, this is the first victory for the JDT Racing Team, who are appearing in their first ARRC season. On his previous debut at the Buriram International Circuit, Thailand, Hafizh took third place in the second race, after experiencing technical problems in the first race.

Hafizh who uses a Ducati Panigale V4R machine dedicated the inaugural championship to the Acting Sultan of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail who is also the owner of the team.

Yamaha MT-09, Yamaha XMAX Wins Red Dot Award

The new Yamaha MT-09 and Yamaha XMAX each won a Red Dot Design Award for 2024.

The 2024 MT-09 is in its fourth generation. Yamaha redesigned the bike as the previous 2021 MT-09 with the “cyclops” (one-eyed monster) headlight proved unpopular. The new version also has a new front screen, fuel tank, and tail section. Additionally, the redesigned fuel tank includes acoustic ducting to channel the bike’s engine sound to the rider. The new tank was also designed to allow for a freer riding position.

While the MT-09 won the award for its design, the XMAX won on practicality. Yamaha says the functionality of the front fork and engine, “are visualised in the tight silhouette, expressing an attractive sense of exuberance.” As a footnote, although it was the XMAX 300 that garnered the accolade, it has the same design as the XMAX 250 in our country.

Yamaha has picked up Red Dot Design Awards in each of the last 13 years, having won one at least every year since 2012.

Two of Honda’s motorcycles had also won the Red Dot Design Award, earlier. One was the EM 1e:, together with the Motocompacto. Both are electric scooters.

Vespa 140th of Piaggio Celebrates Piaggio’s 140th Anniversary

It is an important year for Piaggio as they celebrate their 140th anniversary. Piaggio in 1884 and has since owned the Vespa brand, among others. So, Piaggio called upon Vespa to create the Vespa 140th of Piaggio edition.

To commemorate the momentous achievement, only 140 will be built, making it the rarest Vespa. It is only available for ordering between 18 to 21 April, coinciding with the Vespa World Days 2024 Rally.

The Vespa 140th of Piaggio is resplendent in a white and blue theme, as an homage to Piaggio’s corporate colours. Several other components also use these colours such as the seat and wheels.

As you can see, it is based on the Vespa GTV, which has a 300 HPE single-cylinder, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine. It produces 24 hp, making it the most powerful Vespa engine.

Apart from that, it has a digital display, keyless start, traction control, ABS, and connectivity via the Vespa MIA app.

Each unit has a numbered celebratory plate on the rear shield, with an enhanced 140-years logo.

There is no pricing on the bike, though, but you can check it in on the Vespa website.

Suzuki Avenis and Suzuki Burgman Street EX Launched

Suzuki Malaysia launched the Suzuki Avenis and Suzuki Burgman Street EX scooters, aimed at strengthening the brand’s presence in Malaysia’s small capacity scooter segment.

While both models share the same platform, Suzuki says the Avenis is aimed at younger riders while the Burgman Street EX is a more premium offering.

Highlights of the Suzuki Avenis

A 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC 125cc Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) engine.
It produces 8.6 HP (8.7 PS) of peak power at 6,750 RPM and 10 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.

Compact LCD screen with an intuitive layout and an eco indicator light for fuel-efficient operation.
External hinge-type fuel cap located conveniently at the rear behind the seats.

21.5 litres of under-seat storage, two helmet hooks, and two utility hooks for additional items.
5.2-litre fuel tank capacity.
The three colour options are Metallic Matte Fibroin Grey with Metallic Lush Green, Metallic Matte Black with Glass Sparkle Black, and the special Metallic Sonic Silver with Triton Blue ‘GP Edition’.

The standard colours are priced at RM 6,980.00, while the GP Edition is priced at RM 7,200.00 (nett selling prices, not on the road).

Highlights of the Suzuki Burgman Street EX

A 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC 125cc Suzuki Eco Performance-Alpha (SEP-α) engine.
It produces 8.6 HP (8.7 PS) of peak power at 6,750 RPM and 10 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.
Equipped with Engine Auto Stop-Start (EASS) and Suzuki Silent Starter System.

Longer wheelbase for better stability, planted feel, and a comfortable riding experience.
Extended floorboards offer both flexibility in foot positioning and comfort during long rides.
21.5 litres of under-seat storage, two helmet hooks, and two utility hooks for additional items.

A closable front compartment with a USB charging port and easy access to front storage compartments.
A larger 5.5 Litres fuel tank capacity, best in its class.

The Burgman Street EX comes in two colour options – Pearl Moon Stone Gray and Metallic Mat Black.
It is priced at RM 7,500 (nett selling price, not on the road).