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In an effort to ensure road safety during the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations, PUSPAKOM has launched a voluntary vehicle inspection campaign from April 10 to April 20, 2023. 

  • The free inspection will run from April 10.
  • The initiative, which is aimed at all private vehicle owners and drivers, is being promoted with the hashtag #drivesafenoregrets.

PUSPAKOM is reminding the public, especially those traveling back to their hometowns during this festive season, to ensure that their vehicles are in top condition before starting their journey.

Vehicle owners who wish to take advantage of the free inspection, also known as Voluntary Vehicle Inspection (VVI), can walk in to any PUSPAKOM branch nationwide (except for the Shah Alam, Taman Bukit Maluri, and Pasir Gudang branches) between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

To further promote the campaign, PUSPAKOM is also organizing an easy competition for customers and deploying Mobile Inspection Units to offer free inspections at selected locations, including Wisma DRB-HICOM, MMU Cyberjaya (for staff only), Setia Alam Impian, and Lotus’s Ara Damansara.

According to PUSPAKOM CEO Mohammed Shukor Ismail, “The free vehicle inspection campaign in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebration aims to help vehicle owners identify the condition of their vehicles through computerized PUSPAKOM equipment. They can then use this information as a reference to perform proper maintenance.”

“We are offering VIP services to customers who undergo voluntary inspections, where they can walk in to PUSPAKOM without an appointment and enjoy priority service,” Shukor added.

PUSPAKOM sees the free vehicle inspection campaign as a corporate responsibility in raising public awareness about the importance of vehicle safety, particularly during festive seasons, said Shukor.

The voluntary vehicle inspection is focused on safety aspects such as brake, side slip, tire, suspension, emission, lights, upper and lower parts of the vehicle, dark mirrors, and more.

For more information on the Free Voluntary Vehicle Inspection campaign and how to win prizes, please visit www.puspakom.com.my or Facebook PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd.

Honda has filed a patent for a new self-balancing system that will be used in the next-generation Gold Wing and other models. The system is not as advanced as the Riding Assist concepts but still uses the same technology to make it easier to push the bike around.

  • the system will allow big bikes especially the Gold Wing to be push around easily. 
  • The DCT version of the Gold Wing already has a “walking speed mode,” and adding a steering assist to this mode will make it easier to prevent low-speed toppling.

The main component is a steering actuator that will keep the bike tilted toward the rider and prevent it from getting out of control.

The system is designed to reduce the weight that the rider has to hold up while pushing the bike. The steering actuator is connected to a computer that takes signals from an onboard tilt sensor. If the bike leans too much toward the pusher, it will steer closer to them, making itself more upright to reduce the weight they’re holding up. If the bike gets completely vertical, the steering will turn the other way to prevent it from falling away from the pusher.

*while pushing the bike, the actuator located at the handlebar will steers the bike closer to the rider to stand it up if it detects the bike is leaning too much.

The DCT version of the Gold Wing already has a “walking speed mode” that allows it to move forward or backward at low speeds under its own power. Adding a steering assist to this mode will make it easier to prevent low-speed toppling. The existing sensors and computers used for traction control and ABS systems can already monitor the bike’s lean angle, so adding the steering servo to the system would be easy to adopt.

Honda has filed many patents for a next-generation Gold Wing, which is at the center of a large R&D project. It’s not clear when we’ll see the results, but Honda will want to establish itself as a tech pioneer sooner rather than later since rival brands are already offering rider-assist technology that Honda doesn’t have yet.

Fantic and Motori Minarelli have officially begun production on the Issimo City electric scooter at the Calderara di Reno factory.

  • The Issimo City electric scooter line includes the L1 and L3 variants, both powered by a Dell’Orto 3-kilowatt motor.
  • Fantic and Motori Minarelli have begun production of the Issimo City electric scooter in the Calderara di Reno factory.

The production launch was celebrated with the presence of important local officials, including Emilia-Romagna Region Economic Development Councilor Vincenzo Colla, Bologna mayor Marco Panieri.

The Issimo City electric scooter is the result of Fantic’s acquisition of Motori Minarelli from Yamaha in January 2021. The acquisition allowed the Bologna-based firm to lay the groundwork for its transition to electric mobility models. Now, more than three years later, Fantic and Motori Minarelli are reaping the fruits of their labour.

The Issimo City electric scooter line includes the L1 and L3 variants, both powered by a Dell’Orto 3-kilowatt motor. The L1 model has a maximum speed of 45 kilometers per hour (28 miles per hour), while the L3 model can reach up to 65 km/h (40 mph). The standard 2.2-kilowatt-hour battery yields 72 kilometers (44.8 miles), and the 4.4 kWh option extends the range to 140 km (87 miles).

According to Motori Minarelli General Manager Vittorino Filippas, Fantic and Motori Minarelli are not caught unprepared for the opportunity presented by the increasing demand for sustainable mobility.

He said, “People’s sensitivity towards more sustainable mobility will further accelerate the demand for light mobility. Fantic Motor and Motori Minarelli do not want to be caught unprepared for the opportunity this challenge presents us with. Indeed, as early as 2023, 50% of vehicle production will be entirely electric.”

The Calderara di Reno factory can manufacture up to 100 units per day, which means that Issimo City production is capped at 20,000 units in the first year alone. The Emilia-Romagna Region has shown its support for Fantic’s electrical project, which relaunched the historic Bolognese brand Motori Minarelli.

This support has helped Fantic become one of the beneficiaries of regional law 14 on attractiveness, which focuses on sustainable innovation and creating new employment opportunities.

Benelli Malaysia has unveiled its latest model, the TNT25N, aimed at motorcycle enthusiasts looking for a machine that is both easy to handle and powerful.

  • The TNT25N is available in Malaysia in three colours: Power Black, Strength Red, and Golden Yellow.
  • The TNT25N makes 25.5hp and 21.2Nm.

Equipped with a single-cylinder, DOHC, 249cc, liquid-cooled engine mated to a six-speed transmission, the TNT25N is capable of delivering a maximum power output of 25.5Hp at 9,250rpm and a torque of 21.2Nm at 8,000rpm. The bike features bright headlights, LED signal lamps, and a digital meter panel. The brake system uses a single 260 mm disc in the front and a single 240 mm disc on the rear.

The TNT25N also boasts an inverted fork on the front suspension and a single shock absorber on the rear suspension, ensuring a smooth ride throughout. The result is better handling and stability, making the TNT25N a great option for riders seeking a high-performance bike that is also easy to handle.

The new Benelli model is now available at any authorised Mforce dealer throughout Malaysia for an introductory price of RM12,998.00 (excluding insurance and road tax). Buyers of the TNT25N will enjoy a manufacturer’s warranty of two years or a mileage of 20,000 km (whichever comes first) and online spare parts purchase service by MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd.

The launch of the new TNT25N model underscores Benelli Malaysia’s commitment to providing its customers with the latest and most advanced motorcycles that meet the demands of motorcycle enthusiasts in Malaysia.

Malaysia has become home to the first-of-its-kind motorcycle subscription service called Flux. This innovative service allows customers to enjoy a range of benefits, including flexible contracts, concierge services, and the ability to swap between different bike models during the subscription period.

  • FLUX offers Malaysia’s first motorcycle subscription service. 
  • customers can select from a variety of motorcycles including EVs. 

The service is structured around a security deposit paid upfront and a subscription term that ranges between 24 to 60 months. At the end of the subscription period, customers have the option to purchase the motorcycle for a guaranteed future value, which is determined based on the selected plan.

The subscription fee covers various aspects such as insurance, road tax, servicing, and maintenance, replacement of selected wear and tear items. The customers only have to pay for brake pads/discs and tires. Additionally, the service offers several models of motorcycles and scooters, including the Yamaha Y15ZR and 135LC, the Honda RS150R and Wave 125i, and the Blueshark R1 and R1 Lite electric scooters, as well as the Vespa LVX150.

The process begins with the customer selecting one of three plans, which range between 24 to 60 months, and a mileage package that includes 2,000 km, 2,750 km, or unlimited. Flux will then set a guaranteed future value depending on the selected plan. The customer can then make a reservation online and pay the security deposit/downpayment, with the selected motorcycle or scooter delivered within seven days.

Flux’s motorcycle subscription service offers numerous benefits to customers, including a concierge service that renews road tax and insurance, with reminders for scheduled maintenance. This service provides a hassle-free experience for customers, who can focus on enjoying their motorcycle without worrying about any additional costs or paperwork.

Moreover, the service allows for not only swapping between different bike models but also between motorcycles and cars provided by Flux, adding another layer of convenience and flexibility for customers.

Ducati, has revealed that it is open to the idea of developing small capacity electric vehicles. Despite being the last of the big European brands to venture into this market, Ducati’s sales and marketing head, Marco Biondi, hinted at the company’s interest in producing electric bikes in the lower capacity segment.

  • Ducati sees potential in certain types of EVs. 
  • Ducati is determined to maintain its premium positioning and core ethos.

While Ducati has been known for producing big, powerful motorcycles, the company acknowledges that there is a growing market for low capacity and cost-effective bikes. In fact, BMW, Triumph, KTM, MV Agusta, and even Harley Davidson have already tied up with partners to produce low-capacity electric motorcycles.

During a recent interview, Biondi revealed that Ducati sees potential in certain types of EVs and that the company might eventually make its first electric two-wheelers. According to Biondi, Ducati believes that there will be a market for 35kW (47.5hp) and even 11kW (15hp) EV bikes.

However, Biondi also cautioned that this won’t happen anytime soon as it depends on how quickly battery density levels will increase. He added that for now, Ducati is primarily focused on MotoE, which helps the company learn a lot about electric technology.

While Ducati is considering entering the lower capacity electric motorcycle market, the company is determined to maintain its premium positioning and core ethos. Biondi emphasized that the technology is not yet there, and bikes need to be light and have a range of 250km for it to make sense

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