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

2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES Introduced in Malaysia

The much-awaited 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES has been introduced in Malaysia. Better known in short as the “Africa Twin” it features several important revisions, including more power and better comfort.

Key highlights:

The 1084cc, liquid-cooled, OHC, parallel-twin engine provides 7% more peak torque. Maximum power is 75 kW at 7,500 RPM and maximum torque of 112 Nm arrives at 5,500 RPM.
The DCT (Dual Cluth Transmission) has been revised to provide a more natural, feathered (better known as “half-clutch”) feel during initial acceleration, and between first and second gears.

The usual “M” (manual) mode is retained, allowing the rider to change gears by pressing the handlebar mounted buttons.
The riders can switch between “D” (drive) and “S” (sport) modes.
Further revision of the DCT includes incline detection, to avoid the gearbox shifting while the bike is leaned over.

Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERATM) suspension is now standard, as opposed to being an option on the previous Africa Twin.
The system automatically adjust damping force based on the riding conditions, and depending on which of the four suspension modes (MID, HARD, SOFT, OFFROAD) and a USER mode was selected.
The usual ride-by-wire throttle is retained hence providing electronic assistance in the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) feature, now managed with a six-axis inertial measurement system (IMU).

The rider can select one of four ride modes: TOUR, URBAN, GRAVEL, or OFF-ROAD.
There is also Wheelie Control with 3 selectable levels.
Its ABS also works in conjunction with the IMU to provide safer braking solutions at all lean angles.
Rear ABS can be turned off for off-road riding.

19-inch front wheel for better on-road stability while maintaining its off-road capabilities.
Minimum ground clearance of 220 mm.
Seat height can be adjusted between 820 mm and 840 mm without tools.

A new seat with 15mm thicker cushion and 8mm more area for more comfort on long rides.
The 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports E shows a redesigned front fairing for better wind deflection to minimise wind blast on the rider’s body.
6.5-inch TFT Multi Information Display (MID) integrates Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto.

The 2024 Honda CRF11000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES will be available from 19 June 2024 in two color options namely Mat Ballistic Black Metallic and Pearl Glare White. Selling price (not on the road) is RM 119,388.

2024 Honda CBR250RR Launched in Malaysia

The 2024 Honda CBR250RR has been launched in Malaysia, and brings along several updates centred around engine performance and handling.

New key features:

Compression ratio is raised to 12.5:1 from 12.1:1 by reducing the combustion chamber volume from 7.55 cm³ to 70.0 cm³.
The inlet port throat diameter was enlarged from 21.4 mm to 21.6 mm.
Updated valve timing and lift.

Optimised piston and oil ring tension to reduce friction.
These updates produce a 1 kW (1.34 hp) increase of maximum power over the previous model, and bringing it to 31 kW (41.6 hp) at 13,000 RPM and 25 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM.
The Assist and Slipper Clutch feature stays, but is now complimented with a quickshifter.

The front suspension is upgraded with 37mm Showa Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside-down forks.
On the electronic front, the 2024 Honda CBR250RR has a ride-by-wire throttle which in turn offers three ride modes, namely Sport+, Sport, and Comfort.
The bodywork has been reworked for what Honda calls “aggressive speedy shape” concept, leading to a 6% reduction in air resistance.

“With the new CBR250RR, we aim to provide an unmatched riding experience that combines power, precision, and style,” said Mitsuharu Funase, Managing Director and CEO of Boon Siew Honda. “It is a testament to Honda’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the supersport motorcycle segment. We are confident that the enhancements in performance and design will captivate motorcycling enthusiasts across Malaysian market.”

The 2024 Honda CBR250RR comes in in two colors – Mat Zodiac Blue Metallic and Honda Tricolor, both priced from RM27,999.

We Will Revoke your License if You Increase Prices, Warns PMX

Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also known as PMX, warned that strict action including revoking their license will be taken against any party who increases the price of services or goods. The warning also includes parties entitled to diesel subsidies.

The action should be taken because the targeting of the fuel subsidy is implemented to help the needy.

“We know people think that we the Cabinet of Ministers have it easy, we have no heart, we don’t care about difficult people, raise the price… no.

“I personally held dozens of meetings so as not to burden (the people), so fishermen were excluded, so subsidies continues for fishermen, small farmers, school buses.

“School buses go up (service prices), but we warn you, you are subsidised and (yet) you hike prices, we will withdraw your license, and cancel your company,” he said.

School bus, express bus, and tourist bus services should not increase price

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke said the school bus fare increase should not happen since the Subsidized Diesel Control System (SKDS) 1.0 for land public transport vehicles remains at the price of RM1.88 per litre.

Loke suggested that although the Government does not control school bus fares, operators should hold discussions with the Parents and Teachers Association (PIBG), while the ministry also ready to help from various angles to ease the burden on the parties involved.

School bus and express bus users are still subsidised through the use of ‘fleet’ cards, and the price of diesel for them is RM1.88 per liter compared to RM2.15 before.

Apart from that, he also said that the government does not provide subsidies for tour bus services since it involves the private sector.

“We have to understand this… if the tour bus is for tourism (and) this is for foreign tourists, not for daily use. So we do not (give) subsidies for the tourism sector.

Tow truck operator served notice

The towing service company that announced an increase in service prices on the grounds of diesel subsidy targeting has been given notice.

Director of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Johor, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, said a notice was given to the company and they must respond within 7 to 14 days.

“The notice is for the company to provide feedback, especially documentation evidence and reasons for the increase in their operating costs associated with the implementation of diesel subsidy rationalisation starting last Monday.”

2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide Revival Lands in Malaysia

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide Revival has arrived in Malaysia.

As the name suggests, the model is an homage, in fact it celebrates, the release of the first Hydra Glide in 1949. The model was a groundbreaking model for the Motor Company, with featured telescopic hydraulically damped forks. Add on the Panhead engine and it became the shape of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that have survived to this day.

“The 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival model celebrates the 75th anniversary of the 1949 introduction of the Hydra-Glide telescopic front suspension for Harley-Davidson E and F models,” Harley-Davidson notes in its official press release. “When Hydra-Glide equipped models were introduced, the saddle of a smooth-riding Harley-Davidson FL motorcycle was an exciting way for many Americans to explore the country on the new network of interstate highways,” says Harley-Davidson.

Wearing a similar paint job from the ‘56 model including the classic “V” tank badges it is like riding through history. Another nice touch is the speedometer’s old-school aesthetic and it includes a custom insert on the bar risers, displaying the Hydra-Glide logo and each bike’s exclusive serial number (only 1,750 units will be manufactured). It also features a taller (and removable) two-tone windscreen versus the Heritage Classic, with a sleek color-matched lower piece.

The rider’s saddle is decked out with tassels, studs, fringe, and white seam piping with red contrast stitching. Hard-mounted saddlebags match the vibe with a tasseled and studded treatment. The luggage is lockable and water-resistant.

The 114ci Milwaukee-Eight V-twin (1,868cc) is fitted with a circular air cleaner just like the old days. The engine is rated at 94 hp at 4,750 rpm and 119 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 revs. Not enough power? Look through the Screamin’ Eagle catalogue.

The front suspension consists of a pair of 49mm telescopic fork with Showa’s dual-bending valve technology. A preload-adjustable shock is hidden under the rear fender while the laced wheels and brakes are pulled from the Heritage Classic.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide Revival is priced from RM176,900. Please visit the Harley-Davidson Asia Facebook page for more details and updates.

Honda to Produce Only Electric Motorcycles and Cars from 2040

Honda is set to produce only electric motorcycles and cars from 2040. In other words, no more new gasoline powered internal combustion engine (ICE) from the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.

This decision was highlighted in the manufacturer’s Summary of 2024 Honda Business Briefing on Direction of Electrification Initiatives and Investment Strategy.

According to the brief, “Honda has not changed its belief that EVs are the most effective solution in the area of small mobility products such as motorcycles and automobiles, and Honda’s electrification target to make EVs and FCEVs represent 100% of its global vehicle sales by 2040 remains unchanged. Honda must look ahead to the period of EV popularization and build a strong EV brand and a strong EV business foundation from a medium- to long-term perspective.”

Honda has a solution to address the issue of range, which is mentioned further into the document. These electric motorcycles will use the upcoming Honda Mobile Power Pack e: (MPP) which “Honda will introduce a micro-mobility product which will be equipped with 4 MPPs in Japan before the end of FY2026.” The company is also planning to launch two new electric motorcycles powered by 2 MPPs later this year.

As for the e-Fuels, Honda did say that they find it intriguing but that technology is not mature yet for the company to plan their future products on.

What is the CE Standard for Motorcycle Footwear?

You probably are already aware that reputable motorcycle gear such as jackets, pants, gloves, race suits, helmets are CE approved. And yes, there is also a CE standard for motorcycle footwear.

As you may be aware by now, the European standards committee is very serious when it comes to safety; so much so that their standards have been adopted by the United Nations. The CE mark is not something to be taken lightly, because insurance companies certain European countries will deny claims to injured motorcyclists found not wearing CE-certified gear.

CE standard for motorcycle footwear

The current CE standard for motorcycle footwear is EN 13634:2017. This is the third and latest revision after the standard was established in 2002. The revisions concerns how the shoes and boots are tested besides other safety criteria.

The label shows that this is a personal protective equipment (PPE) for motorcycling use.

The CE standard for motorcycle footwear, EN 13634:20XX. The year at the end notes the year of the EN 13634 standard was revised, in this case, 2017. It DOES NOT denote the year the footwear was made.

Height of the footwear. “1” is for ankle height, while “2” is for tall boots that cover the shin. Some manufacturers forgo this digit.

Level of abrasion resistance. The footwear is divided into two areas: Area A includes the sole, front and back of the boot. Area B includes all other areas outside A. Three samples are cut from each area and they are held against a moving abrasive belt. Thus, the abrasion level is determined from how soon the material develops a hole.

- Level 1 means the Area A sample lasted a minimum of 1.5 seconds while the Area B sample lasted a minimum of 5 seconds.
- Level 2 is certified when the Area A sample lasted at least 2.5 seconds, and Area B lasted a minimum of 12 seconds before holing.

Impact cut resistance – how well the footwear holds up against sharp objects. A blade is mounted to a block which is then dropped at different speeds onto the footwear’s Areas A and B.

- For Area A, the blade is dropped at 2 m/s. The blade must not penetrate more than 25mm to earn Level 1 and Level 2 rating.
- For Area B, the blade is dropped at 2.8 m/s. Level 1 approval is accorded if the blade does not protrude more than 25mm. Level 2 approval is given if the blade does not go through more than 15mm.

Transverse rigidity – The strength for the footwear in resisting being crushed i.e. motorcycle dropping onto the wearer’s foot.

- The widest part of the footwear is positioned between two compression plates that presses together at 30 mm/min. An apparatus records the force required to compress the sole. The machine is stopped when the plates stop compressing or the force remains constant or the sole has been crushed by 20mm. The test is repeated three times.
- If a force less than 1kN compressed the sole to 20mm, the footwear fails the test. If the force was above 1kN to 1.4kN, the footwear is certified at Level 1 for transverse rigidity. If 1.5kN or higher was required to compress the footwear by 20mm, it gets a Level 2 pass.

Optional tests

Manufacturers may opt to submit their products for additional tests. The passed criteria will be printed on the label beneath the mandatory boxes.

IPS/IPS – Impact protection for the ankle or shin. The footwear is cut open at the sole and the protector is subjected to a force of 10 joules. The protector must not transmit more than 5kN through it. Should the ankle protector pass, IP will be printed on the label. If the shin protector passes, IPS will be indicated.

WR – Water resistance. There are two ways of testing for this. The first is a person donning the footwear and walking a total of 1km in shallow water. Another method is by fixing the footwear to a machine with toes and replicating 4,600 steps while submerged in water. The area of dampness inside the footwear must not exceed 3cm².

FO – Fuel and oil resistance on the sole. The sample footwear is first weighed before being soaked in fuel for 22 hours. It is then removed and weighed again. The new weight should not increase more than 12%.

SRA/SRB/SRC – Sole’s slip resistance. The tests are carried out with a mechanical heel placed at a 7-degree angle. If the footwear’s label shows “SRA,” it passed on a ceramic tile surface covered with diluted soap. “SRB” means steel floor treated with glycerol. “SRC” means the footwear passed both the SRA and SRB tests.

Breathability of upper parts – If the footwear’s label has a “B” on it, it has passed the test for moisture vapour escape.

WAD – Water absorption/desorption of inner. The footwear is tested to see how much water gets soaked into the inner and how much of that is released.

In closing

Do consider wearing CE tested footwear when you ride because they were exhaustively tested before being approved for sale.

Granted, there are also motorcycle footwear in the market without without CE approval but there is no telling how well they will protect your leg and feet in any accident.

And no, your Nike Air Jordan is not CE certified for motorcycle riding.

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Latest News

2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES Introduced in Malaysia

Key highlights:

2024 Honda CBR250RR Launched in Malaysia

New key features:

We Will Revoke your License if You Increase Prices, Warns PMX

School bus, express bus, and tourist bus services should not increase price

Tow truck operator served notice

2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide Revival Lands in Malaysia

Honda to Produce Only Electric Motorcycles and Cars from 2040

What is the CE Standard for Motorcycle Footwear?

CE standard for motorcycle footwear

Optional tests

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