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

Aprilia Ready to Defend Africa Eco Race Title

Aprilia is ready to defend their Africa Eco Race (AER) title which they won on their first attempt on the Tuareg 660.

The Noale-based manufacturer took the victory of the 15th AER race in January this year, which saw Jacopo Cerutti beating the favourite pairing of Pol Tarres and Alesssandro Botturi on the Yamaha Tenere T7.

Aprilia’s commitment to theAER followed an encouraging result in the Tuareg 660’s debut race in the 2023 Transanatolia Rally (TAR). Although Yamaha took the win, Aprilia finished third with Francesco Montanari riding.

Aprilia had also won the Italian Motorally Championship with Cerutti in 2023, apart from the Africa Eco Race and Transanatolia Rally. The team will also defend this title.

Jacopo Cerutti said during the announcement of the project, “We won on our debut, so expectations are high. The goal is to win the Italian Championship again and strive for the best possible performance in Africa. I started training immediately after the Africa Eco Race, and I feel in good shape for the new season.”

Francesco Montanari added: “I am training and preparing as hard as possible. I hope to repeat last year’s performance and improve my results, especially in the Africa Eco Race. We are also determined for the Italian Championship, and I’ll try to do my best.”

The project is now called Aprilia Tuareg Racing and is even more ambitious than before, with them competing in:

Africa Eco Race is scheduled for 28 December 2024 – 12 January 2025.
Italian Motorally Championship begins on 20 April.
Hellas Rally Raid from 24 May – 2 June
Transanatolia Rally scehduled for 31 August – September 7.

Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO, said: “After such an extraordinary debut last year, both in Italy and in Africa, expectations are very high. The goal is to confirm our leadership in this new sector. We have a historic and important name as Tuareg, and to see such a beautiful and powerful motorcycle in its natural habitat is a source of pride for Noale.”

Thai Motorcycle Sales sees 11% Decrease

The Thai motorcycle industry sees an 11% decrease in the 1st quarter of 2024.

The Kingdom’s motorcycle market had enjoyed three years of consecutive growth previously, making it the sixth largest motorcycle market in the world. However, there were only 454,795 motorcycles sold (-11%) in the first three months of the year

Honda, while retaining their top spot, saw a decrease of -9.9%. Their closest rival Yamaha has lost -10.6%. Following in third was Piaggio with a decrease of -29.6%, and local brand GPS who sees a massive -52.2% drop.

However, it is not all doom and gloom for some emerging brands such as Lambretta who saw a +29.8% increase, Lion +302%, and EM +1,534%.

However, the drop is not due to over saturation. Instead, it is due to Thailand’s current economical state which is already in recession due to high household debts, lack of stimulus (investments) and economic reform. The country’s economy is the slowest in the region.

Despite hopes that the economy rebounds this year, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has reduced its 2024 growth forecast for Thailand’s economy to 2.2%-3.2%, from the 2.7%-3.7% predicted in November. The forecast was based on a 1.7% GDP growth in Q4 2023, driven by exports and private investment, but a 3% drop in government spending.

Several Thai news outlets had already predicted a decrease in 2024 motorcycle sales in as early as January 2024.

Thailand is the 5th largest major motorcycle manufacturing base with a capacity for 2 million motorcycles, behind China (23 million), India (20 million), Indonesia (8 million) and Vietnam (3 million).

There are 7 motorcycle manufacturers in Thailand. They are Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph and Ducati.

Subsidies Removal will not Bring Negative Effects – Analyst

Analysts of a market research firm expect rationalization measures (including the withdrawal) of targeted subsidies will not have significant negative effects on consumers and businesses.

TA Securities also said the government should continue to reduce subsidies and increase income despite political pressure to achieve the annual deficit target of 4.3 percent for 2024 compared to 5.0 percent in 2023. Deficit reduction is expected to increase confidence in the government’s ability to reduce deficit and debt.

They added, the Fiscal Responsibility Act states to achieve a three percent fiscal deficit target between 2026 and 2028.

TA Securities also expects a gradual increase in fuel prices at the pump.

An increase in the price of RON 95 petrol by 40 cents per liter can reduce subsidies by RM10 billion. It is based on the indication of a subsidy reduction of RM11.4 billion to RM52.8 million in the 2024 Budget.

Regardless, the firm said the B40 and M40 groups to a certain extent should receive cash assistance from the government to offset the negative impact of rising prices of petrol and other goods.

They also explained that those income groups will realize their purchasing power is smaller.

“For example, translating an increase of 40 sen as 20 percent based on the current price of RON95 at RM2.05 per litre, the average consumer who spends RM300 a month on petrol will see an increase of RM60 a month in their monthly bill,” he said.

TA Securities said, following the price increase following the implementation of the targeted subsidy, it is important for the government to focus on effective monitoring and enforcement of regulations. The move is to prevent unethical businesses and individuals from exploiting the situation by dramatically increasing the prices of their goods and services.

Qabil Irfan Azlan is Ready for ESBK

Malaysia’s young racer, Qabil Irfan Azlan is ready to challenge the international riders in the first round of the Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) 2024 at the Jerez Circuit, this weekend.

Qabil is the country’s sole representative at the tournament in the Moto4 class. He feels he has adapted to the machine in a test session last month.

“This is my first experience in Europe, I usually come here for the race only. My preparation is to practice with the machine and do fitness training. I also train as usual in this month of Ramadan.

“Before this, I participated in the test session in Jerez. I am confident with the bike and also the management of the team. Regardless, I have to learn more and I hope to be able to compete in the front group and win,” said Qabil as a rider for VHC Frando Racing from Spain .

Previously, the move of ZK Racing and the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to ESBK was to expand the wings of Qabil’s career after he showed excellent performance to emerge world champion in the 2023 MiniGP World Series Championship.

In the meantime, the Chief Executive Officer of SIC, Azhan Shafriman Hanif said, his side has high hopes for the young rider.

“It’s not easy for a young man like Qabil, who is only 12 years old but has the opportunity to race in Europe. Our hopes are quite high for Qabil to do his best. Under Zulfahmi, we are confident that Qabil will achieve the excellence he deserves.

“For KPI, in the first year, we estimate to be in the top 15. He will also race in the 190cc Malaysian MiniGP Series,” said Shafriman when met after the SIC 2024 Ramadan Iftar, yesterday.

CFMoto 450 CL-C Cruiser, or Bobber?

Chinese manufacturer CFMoto adds the CFMoto 450 CL-C cruiser (or bobber?) to their 450cc lineup.

As part of the 450 CL lineup, “CL” denotes classic while the last “C” designates it as a cruiser. The case of the 450 CL-X, the “X” means the bike has some off-roading capability.

Highlights:

It utilises the same twin-cylinder, 449cc engine as the CFMoto Ibex 450 adventure bike, with the same state of tune.
The powerplant produces 44 hp at 8,500 RPM and 44 Nm of torque at 6,250 RPM.
The engine also uses the now ubiquitous 270-degree crank configuration and dual counterbalancers.

Power is sent six-speed gearbox, with slipper clutch.
The engine is carried by a chromoly steel tube frame.
Front suspension consists of a pair 37mm upside-down forks.
The rear is supported by a monoshock and twin-spar swingarm.

A four-piston, radially-mounted J.Juan caliper grabs a single 320mm disc in the front.
Front and rear wheels are 16-inches.
Bosch ABS is standard for both ends.
A round 3.6-inch TFT display. It does not appear to feature connectivity, though.

Fuel capacity is 12-liters.
CFMoto claims a curb weight of 181kg.

Truth is, the bike does not only invoke memories of the Triumph Bobber, but many parts do look like the Bobber’s. Check out the engine fins and engine capacity plate on the side of the cylinder. That fuel tank, round headlight, etc.

Anyhow, the CFMoto 450 CL-C cruiser does look good and at a more affordable price.

Kawasaki Johor Bahru Opened

Edaran Modenas Sdn. Bhd. (EMOS), the wholly owned subsidiary of Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd. (MODENAS) celebrated the successful launch of its fourth All-Star showroom, Kawasaki Johor Bahru today.

The grand opening was officiated by Qbee Ng, Director of Kawasaki Johor Bahru, saw together with EMOS Chief Executive Officer Roslan Roskan, CEO, and Chief Marketing Officer George Kashiwagi.

During the ceremony, Kawasaki Johor Bahru and EMOS handed over three units of the recently launched Modenas ZX25-RR to its first owners in Johor.

Drawing a crowd of 700 people, the event also featured exciting activities including test rides, lucky draws, and various family-friendly entertainment.

Managed by Qbee Superbike Sdn. Bhd., KJB was officially appointed as a Kawasaki All-Star Dealer – the first in Johor – in March 2023. Founded by Qbee Ng, who started off as a motorcycle mechanic, in 1987, Qbee Superbike has grown into one of the nation’s largest motorcycle importers and exporters., now holding the title of an official Kawasaki All-Star Dealer.

“In celebration of our 1st first anniversary as an official Kawasaki All-Star dealer, the opening of Kawasaki Johor BahruKawasaki Johor BahruKJB signifies our commitment to building the Kawasaki brand in Malaysia. The showroom serves not only as a platform to showcase the latest Kawasaki technology and products, but also as a community hub for motorcycle enthusiasts to share their experiences and stories,” Qbee Ng said.

EMOS plans to open eight more by December 2024. The new ZX-25RR is now available at all authorised Kawasaki All-Star dealers.

For inquiries or additional information about the dealer showroom, please visit the official KAWASAKI website at https://www.kawasaki.com.my/kawasaki/shop. The new ZX25RR is now available at all authorised Kawasaki All-Star dealers. The latest news on MODENAS and Kawasaki bikes is also available at

Stay updated on the latest news by visiting the official MODENAS and/or KAWASAKI Malaysia website at https://modenas.my/v2/ and/or http://www.kawasaki.com.my/home, or by calling . You can also reach out via the Toll-Free Line at 1-800-880-008 or the WhatsApp Careline at +6019-570 8135.

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Aprilia Ready to Defend Africa Eco Race Title

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Kawasaki Johor Bahru Opened

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