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

KTM Drops Toby Price as Factory Rally Rider

KTM drops Toby Price as factory rally rider. Price is a two-time Dakar Rally champion, both times with KTM.

The legendary Aussie rider said that the Austrian factory dropped him after the the 2024 Dakar Rally. “Everyone has been asking me about what events I’ll be riding in this year, but in some personal news, KTM has decided to not renew my contract so Dakar 2024 was my last event with them,” he announced on social media.

This sad news marks the end of a 14-year racing career with KTM. KTM drafted him in 2010 when he competed in Australian rally championships. Price went on to a successful career in North America and Europe with KTM, then to Dakar in 2015. He won a stage and finished third overall on that very first attempt.

He came back even stronger the next year and dominated the rally and took to the overall victory. He was the first Australian to achieve the feat.

Price would repeat his performance in 2019 but again, in another amazing circumstance, he did so with a broken wrist!

However, results had not been the same since then due to Honda’s resurgence. Price took two podiums and a last stage win in 2022, with no overall wins. Honda overpowered KTM in 2024, pushing Price to a fifth place finish. And KTM decided to axe him after the rally.

Price continued, “I do feel like I’m still in my prime and going out there fighting for wins, especially at Dakar so it’s unfortunate to not have that opportunity to do it in 2025 but I’m really appreciative of the support they gave me in my career,” says Price. “We’ve been able to do some great things together like win two Dakars and get a couple podiums, a World Championship and our success in Australia too.”

He has natural talents and has many fans the world over. This writer also met him during the KTM 790 Adventure Media Launch in Morocco and he is a very nice, down to Earth bloke. We are sure that many factories will now court him and we wish him the best.

KTM 790 Adventure and KTM 790 Adventure R Test & Review

Modenas Ninja ZX-25RR Launched (from RM36,500)

The up-specced Modenas Ninja ZX-25RR has been launched in Malaysia. The launch was announced by Edaran Modenas Sdn. Bhd. (EMOS), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd. (MODENAS), today.

The Modenas ZX-25R SE has enjoyed a good reception from Malaysian motorcycle enthusiasts and continues to sell well, mostly due to its howling inline-four engine, amongst other things. It is no slouch either, pushing out 46.3 hp (34.5 kW) and 22 Nm of torque.

On the other hand, the ZX-25RR version brings a better suspension system to the table, as per Kawasaki/Modenas tradition, for example the Z900 vs. Z900 SE.

The highlight of the Modenas Ninja ZX-25RR is the rear suspension, consisting of a Showa Horizontal Back-Link BFRC (Balance Free Rear Cushion) Lite gas-charged monoshock. It offers compression and rebound damping in addition to preload adjustments, plus a top-out spring. So, better customisation according to rider weight, riding style and riding environment.

Its front suspension retains the same Showa 37mm SFF-BP (Separate Function Forks-Big Piston) forks, adjustable for preload.

Other features include the advanced electronics and rider aids, including Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), and riding modes. Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Assist & Slipper Cluth are retained.

Apart from those, both models also feature the TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity via the Rideology app. Riders can sync music, make and receive calls, as well as navigation.

The Modenas Ninja ZX25-RR is available in two colours, namely the traditional Lime Green, and the additional Ebony. Recommended Retail Price (RRP) is RM36,500 (not on the road). It will be available at Kawasaki All-Star Dealer showrooms by end March 2024.

For more information about the Modenas ZX-25RR and Kawasaki’s complete range of motorcycles, please visit http://www.kawasaki.com.my. You can also contact their Toll-Free Line at 1-800-880-008 or reach out to their WhatsApp Careline at +6019-570 8135.

Ducati Revenue Increased Despite Lower Sales in 2023

Ducati reported an increased revenue to over €1 billion despite lower sales in 2023.

To be more precise, the Italian manufacturer posted a revenue of €1,089 million, for a net profit of €112 million (10.5% increase over 2022), although they sold 57,224 bikes compared to more than 60,000 in 2022.

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, said:

“The results obtained by Ducati in 2023 confirm the validity of the strategic decisions and self-financed investment policy that we have been pursuing for several years. We closed the fiscal year with a revenue that once again exceeded one billion euros and a record operating result, to which must be added the successes in racing which saw us become World Champions in MotoGP and WorldSBK for the second consecutive year”. “ Strengthened by the goals achieved, we look to the future with determination and continue with the development plan of the brand and the product range, with the desire to expand our presence towards new segments, speak to new motorcyclists and grow the community of Ducatisti. The entry into motocross planned for this year is proof of this.”

The record results show for Ducati’s charge into several into different segments with several new bikes. For one, the DesertX was launched for the off-road adventure market and has found a strong following since then. Also, there is the Hypermotard 698 Mono, bringing the maker into the single cylinder supermoto fold. Other models also did well such as the sport-tourer (some call it the hyper-tourer) Multistrada V4 RS.

2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm Range Launched

The 2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm range has been launched, in both R and GT guises.

The Rocket 3 is famous for two things: One, it has the largest engine in production, and two, the engine’s massive torque will straighten your arms like a er… rocket. But make no mistake: Triumph has sold 18,000 Rocket 3’s since the remake in 2019.

And, Triumph knows that mo’ power is always better.

Here are the highlights of the 2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm range:

The 2,458 cc (yes, bigger than most cars in Malaysia), 3-cylinder powerplant now punches out 180 hp at 7,000 RPM and head-snapping 225 Nm of torque at 4,000 RPM.
That is a bump of 15 hp and 4 Nm.

Power is sent through a Torque Assist Clutch, the buyer can purchase the optional quickshifter.
The frame continues to be aluminium, which made its debut in 2019. Better to keep the weight down.
New, 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels to reduce unsprung weight by 2 kg. Reducing 2 kg is a lot when the wheels spin up, giving quicker handling as there’s less gyroscopic forces.

The front has massive Showa 47 mm forks, adjustable for rebound and compression damping.
The rear shock is a Showa RSU monoshock with piggyback reservoir.
Brembo Stylema calipers are up front, clamping on 320mm discs.
At the back, a Brembo M4.32 monobloc caliper grabs a huge 300mm disc (since the bike’s weight is rear biased).
Taming that power are rider aids like TC, ABS, and four power modes.
There are also lean-angle sensitive ABS, and well as optimized cornering traction control.
There is now Hill Hold, which prevents the motorcycle from rolling backward by applying the rear brake.
Cruise control comes as standard on both models, and you can activate it at the touch of a button and adjust it up or down in 1 mph increments.
All of the tech features should be easy to interact with via the full-color TFT display and five-way joystick.

Both R and GT variants deliver a blacked out, if not sinister, attitude.
The R has a sportier stance, with mid-mounted adjustable footpegs, while the R has forward footpegs and more laid-back riding position.

How much?

The 2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R is USD 24,995 (RM 118,501.30) and Rocket 3 Storm GT is USD 28,995 (RM 137,465.29). Of course, prices in Malaysia will be much higher (along with everything else).

Where do the Funds from Special Registration Number Sales Go?

One of the many frequent questions asked by motorists is “Where do the funds from special registration number sales go?”

Where did the funds go?

During the question and answer session in Parliament today, Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (PN-Kuala Kangsar) sought information on the revenue generated from Special Registration Number (NPI – Nombor Pendaftaran Istimewa) bidding offers. He also requested fordetails about the initiatives undertaken by the ministry in utilising NPI proceeds from 2018 to 2023.

The Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke Siew Fook answered that all revenue generated is channeled into the Federal Consolidated Fund. Also, the Ministry of Transport does not benefit from the proceeds of vehicle number plate sales.

The Minister went on to state that the total revenue from special registration number sales in 2023 reached RM311.8 million, which included proceeds from the sale of special registration numbers totaling RM21 million.

A portion of the funds were used to cover the driving test fees for motorcycle B2 class, e-hailing, and taxi licences, which benefitted over 40,000 underprivileged youths.

He also stated that 100,000 helmets, including children’s helmets, were also distributed free of charge to financially disadvantaged families.

“The FLYsiswa initiative will be continued to benefit nearly 60,000 students from low-income families, especially in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, along with financial initiatives by Perkeso (Social Security Organisation) for nearly 50,000 taxi drivers, rental car drivers, and school bus drivers,” he said.

Loke added that the ministry had recently introduced the NPI for the GOLD series, with total collection amounting to RM17 million thus far.

“As mentioned earlier, the GOLD1 serial number was bid by His Majesty, the King of Malaysia, for RM1.5 million, contributing to government revenue. Half of these proceeds were returned to the Ministry of Transport for the implementation of initiatives as stated,” he highlighted.

Scam activities involving vehicle plate sales

A supplementary inquiry from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) was brought up, concerning concerns on social media alleging fraudulent activities related to vehicle registration number sales on social media.

The Minister urged the public to only bid through the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and cautioned against purchasing from third-party sources, to prevent falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

“If you intend to bid, use the government’s JPJ e-bidding system, avoid third-party channels. Raising awareness is vital as we aim for the revenue to contribute to government funds, enabling us to implement more initiatives to assist the people,” he emphasised.

2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Launched (Finally)

The 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 has officially and finally been launched after years of rumours and several rounds of teasers.

It is now the biggest Svartpilen/Vitpilen model by utilising the KTM 790 Duke’s LC8c engine. Comparatively, the Norden 901 remains the largest Husqvarna by way of engine capacity, as it uses the KTM 890 Adventure’s engine, but it was tuned for torque, rather than horsepower, resulting in 103hp.

Highlights of the 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801:

Powertrain

799cc, parallel-twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled LC8c engine makes 77 kW (103 hp).
Engine power is sent through a six-speed gearbox with a PASC assist and slipper clutch. There is an up-and-down quickshifter, too.
Service interval for the Svartpilen 801 is 15,000 kilometers.
Fuel consumption is claimed at 4.5 liters/100 kilometers.

Chassis

Chromium-molybdenum tubular steel frame with tuned flex and rigidity.
Adjustable WP Apex 43 front forks with 140mm travel.
WP Apex monoshock at the back, offering 150mm of travel.
The wheels are 17-inch alloy, wearing Pirelli MT60 RS rubber.
Up front, J. Juan radially mounted four-piston calipers clamp on 300mm brake discs.
The rear brake consists of a single two-piston caliper and a 240mm brake disc.
Bosch ABS is standard with Supermoto ABS mode.
The fuel tank holds 14 liters of fuel.
Husqvarna claims the Svartpilen 801 weights 181 kg, dry.

Electronics

A five-inch TFT dash and connectivity unit fitted as standard.
The rider can pair with TFT via the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles smartphone app, for navigation, calls, and music.
There are three ride modes: Street, Rain, and Sport. The owner can purchase the optional Dynamic Pack which adds the Dynamic ride mode, Cruise Control, ten levels of traction control, and five levels of wheelie control.
LED lighting is also standard.

How much?

The 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 sells for USD 10,899 (RM 51,650.36) and will begin to enter several global markets by June. Might as well be the end of year or early next year for us.