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

BMW R 1300 GS Recalled Worldwide

This is perhaps something no one wants to hear, especially when the bike is so new. In this case, the new BMW R 1300 GS is recalled worldwide. We have to state that we saw this news from European and American quarters, so do check with BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s Technical Campaign page to see if your unit is affected.

What triggered the campaign?

According to the safety report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the starter relay housing was produced with an insufficient injection moulding process. The defect may make the housing susceptible to damage during motorcycle assembly or a dealer maintenance visit, leading to possible moisture ingress. Consequently, this could lead to corrosion of internal electrical contacts in the relay.

Leakage of current between corroded contacts could result in heat damage to the starter relay. In rare cases, this could increase the risk of a thermal event or a fire. BMW states riders should be wary of warning signs such as the starter motor turning on its own, odour of overheating electric components, and even smoke.

Persisting Issue

It turns out that this is not the first recall related to the R 1300 GS’s starter relay.

The manufacturer had discovered it even during the launch events in October 2024 with several bikes not starting, or the starter motor running themselves. The issue was traced to the starter relay housing which let moisture in.

BMW issued the first recall in February 2024 to replace the relay’s plastic cover but the issue persisted, showing that the rectification was not effective. So, another recall was issued in July 2024.

Affected units

It is estimated that 25,000 units of the BMW R 1300 GS are affected, for those produced between 14 July 2023 to 18 March 2024.

Again, you can check if your unit is affected by keying in the VIN in BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s Technical Campaign page.

B2 to Full B License Transition Program Approved

The Ministry of Transport has issued an official statement saying that the B2 to Full B license transition program has been approved. It will start on October 1, 2024.

The B2 class license limits riders to motorcycles of no more than 250cc, a B1 class license limits riders to no more than 499cc, and a B class license (often referred to as ‘Full B’) allows riders to operate motorcycles of all sizes.

However, this transition of the Malaysian Driving License (LMM) for Motorcycles is subject to several conditions, including attending and passing the adaptation program for motorcycles 500cc and above at a driving institute.

As such, it does not mean that a motorcyclist who holds an existing class B1 or B2 license can convert it to class B class automatically.

The conditions are:

Individuals must have held B1 and B2 licenses for at least 10 consecutive years.
The applicant must be free from any blacklist, outstanding summons, transaction restrictions, record of conviction for similar offenses or any pending matter under Act 333. (Act 333 is under the supervision of the Road Transport Act 1987, regarding the offence of dangerous, reckless driving, and being under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and causing death or injury.)
Confirmation of healthy body, physical, and mind.
Attend and pass the transition and adaptation program for motorcycles 500cc and above at the driving institute. The program involves practical riding work, safe driving information and large motorcycle driving information for 2 hours.
And finally, confirmation of the ability to operate a large motorcycle by a Certified Training Officer at the driving institute.

The service charge for this program is RM160.

Apart from that, the B1 class motorcycle license will be combined with the B class.

Conditions:

There will no more programs for B1 license starting October 1, 2024.
Existing B1 license holders must undergo the transition program above if they wish to convert their license to class B.

2025 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Gets New Colours

There will be new colours for the 2025 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin. The model had just gone through an update for 2024, so it is just colours for different variants this time.

The three variants are: Africa Twin, Africa Twin ES (main picture), and Africa Twin Adventure Sports.

All three variants share the same 1084cc parallel-twin engine that produces 101hp and 112.6Nm of torque. The main differences are in the chassis department, and the new colour schemes.

Africa Twin (base variant): Standard Showa suspension, 21-inch front wheel. Colour options are Grand Prix Red and Matt Ballistic Black Metallic.
Africa Twin ES: Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERATM) suspension, 21-inch front wheel. Colour options are the existing Grand Prix Red, Matt Ballistic Black Metallic, while adding Pearl Glare White with Pearl Hawkseye Blue Metallic Tricolour and black wheels.
Africa Twin Adventure Sports: Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERATM) suspension, 19-inch front wheel. Colour options are the existing Pearl Glare White Tricolour with gold wheels, with a new Matt Iridium Grey Metallic and black wheels. This second colour is actually based on the original Honda XRV650 Africa Twin’s.

The new colours for the 2025 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin were launched in the UK, so they will be available in Malaysia at a later date.

World Ducati Week 2024 Sets New Attendance Record

World Ducati Week 2024 set a new attendance record, after seeing more than 94,000 attendees from 86 different countries.

And in social media, Ducati reported 17 million impressions, but most likely due to Marc Marquez’s antics in the Race of Champions.

Speaking after the event, Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO, said:

“World Ducati Week is the event that better than anything else embodies our brand’s mission to offer memorable experiences to our enthusiasts, created around special bikes, which are a magical combination of technology and beauty in pure Italian sporting style. The numbers of this edition are extraordinary and are proof that the love for Ducati in the world has never been so strong. I want to thank every single participant, but also all the staff composed mostly of Ducati employees who, as usual, worked hard to make this incredible experience possible. Thanks also to all of Ducati Corse and in particular to the riders, the heroes of WDW, who made themselves available to the fans and gave us a show that is unique in the world like the Lenovo Race of Champions. The performance achieved by the new Panigale V4 is truly incredible: the fastest lap in qualifying was just 3.2 seconds away from the MotoGP race track record, which belongs to Francesco Bagnaia with 1m31.8s. Equally incredible is the determination with which Pecco once again proved to be the best, in a race where everyone had exactly the same bike.”

While the race was an exhibition event, Francesco Bagnaia put in an incredible 1m35.4s qualifying lap to put himself on pole, riding the newly launched 2025 Ducati Panigale V4. It was only 3.2s slower than the MotoGP lap record at the Misano circuit where the race was held. By comparison, the previous Panigale V4 was 4.0 seconds off the record.

Then, on the last lap of the race, Marquez lunged at WSBK Ducati factory rider Nicolò Bulega from a long way back into the final corner. Bulega crashed heavily but did not sustain any serious injuries. Trackside video footage looked as if Marc had used Bulega as a berm and punted him off the track, but Bulega would later state that he was surprised by the move and overbraked, therefore causing himself to crash. Still, it showed Marc’s aggression and desire to win more than anything else, even it was at a “friendly.”

Well, we guess the attendees at World Ducati Week 2024 had the time of their lives.

Art of Speed 2024 – The Biggest and Boldest Yet

The 13^th Annual Art Of Speed 2024 (AOS 2024) was held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS) from 27 – 28 July 2024. And of course, it has grown from its humble beginning to the biggest and boldest motor show, regardless of its overall custom culture theme. And, it has gone fully international.

Begin press release:

Art Of Speed’s tradition of various international guests together with a showcase of customized vehicles from overseas has always been one of the main highlights that draws both visitors and fans alike.

This year’s distinguished guests include:

Shige Suganuma, Shinotsuka “NATQQ” Michihisa & Hey Murakamii from MOONEYES, Japan
Professional Japanese Drifter Daigo Saito from Fat Five Racing
Katie’s Customs, Japan featuring a custom Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle
STOOP Motorcycles, Japan – featuring a custom Harley-Davidson Panhead
EVILACT, Japan featuring a custom 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead EL
Nigel Petrie from Engineered To Slide, Australia
Spinny, Thailand – Best European Custom Bike Winner at Bangkok Hot Rod Show 2024
Little Boy Cycles, Thailand – Best of Show Winner at Bangkok Hot Rod Show 2024
Dino Dalle Carbonare & Alexander Iain from Speedhunters.com, Global
ONE LOW, Masashi Tasaki; Japan
Tengku Djan Ley, The Malaysian Prince of Drift
Makoto from Makoto M&K Custom Signs, Japan
2 Percenter, Japan
Masanari Kobyashi, Japan
Burnout Magazine, Japan
Vibes magazine, Japan
Ignite magazine, Thailand
Cynar, Japan
Mow, Australia
Choppajoop, Singapore
Sixty Sick Paintlab, Indonesia (a collective group of 15 pinstripe artists)
Fahmi Freeflow, Indonesia
Mill Art, Indonesia
Pinman, Thailand
Irvine Jasta, Indonesia
Cherry Bomb Pin-Up Parlour, Singapore
Bangkok Hot Rod Show, Thailand
Mooneyes Bangkok, Thailand
Kustomfest, Indonesia
Borneo Kustom Show, Brunei
BBQ Ride, Indonesia
Wicked Wallop, Singapore
Ya Seat, Thailand
Wheelspin, Thailand
Von Dutch, Indonesia

This year’s Art of Speed Invitational Bike Build Off 2024 featured 10 talented builders competing to wow the jury selection and public choice. The overall jury pick winner and public choice were unanimously awarded to Irwann Cheng from FNG Works with their amazing RXZ Twin Boss V2. FNG Works took home a RM5,000 cash prize for the public choice and will have their custom bike shipped to Japan for the 32^nd Annual MOONEYES Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2024 as the jury pick winner.

The 2nd Official Hot Wheels Collectors Convention Malaysia was once again held at Hall C for fans and collectors of the die-cast brand. AOS 2024 marked the launch of the first ever convention exclusive die-cast model from Mattel factory for Malaysia together with Hot Wheels Design Manager – Vehicles, Dwayne Vance.

AOS 2024 also marked a special collaboration with Selangor FC (SFC) in support of SFC’s campaign; “Stop The Violence” crossing over from football to automotive lifestyle. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari attended the event on Sunday to officiate the collaboration and was given a special tour of AOS 2024.

Other AOS 2024 activities included:

Roda Rumble 2024 – Two Wheels Gathering & Outdoor Festival supported by Retro Mania
La Cultura – Malaysia’s Chicano Culture Appreciation Gathering, which includes a fashion display of Cholo and Chicano style, Dance and DJ show, and more
Food Park food vendors and trucks
Automotive flea market
Product launching on stage
Test Ride Zone for bike (Royal Enfield, Vespa, Aprilia, Triumph, Lambretta, Harley-Davidson, and more)

Instead of the usual outdoor festival, this year the SoundCircus Takeover returned as an indoor experience in Hall A. The SoundCircus Takeover line-up included Spider, Gerhana Ska Cinta, Salam Musik, Jemson X Forcesparkbois, Slatan, 53 Universe and many more.

Last but not least was the crowd favourite lucky draw giveaway. On Saturday, the giveaway was for ONE (1) paid Japan trip to the 32nd Annual MOONEYES Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2024. The lucky winner of the Japan trip was awarded to Fitri Wahyudi B Suparno. On Sunday the grand prize for AOS 2024 was ONE (1) modified Honda Jazz in collaboration between AOS X QARTEL TV. This year’s lucky winner of the giveaway was awarded to Muhammad Farish B Mohd Fadzil.

The Best of Show motorcycle winner will win a package trip to the 32^nd Annual MOONEYES Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2024 as the Guest of Honour.

AOS SPECIAL AWARD

BEST OF SHOW MOTORCYCLE

Winner : PA’DIN MUSA – Malaysia

Vehicle model : HARLEY-DAVIDSON SHOVELHEAD 1969

INVITATIONAL BIKE BUILD OFF

Abah & Sons (Padin Musa)
Nodie Cycles
Acid Welding
Zuhalfast
RGF
Flying Loser
Chaos Customs
FNG Works
Hills Angels
Son of Abdul

PUBLIC CHOICE AWARD

Winner : FNG WORKS – IRWANN CHENG

Vehicle model: RXZ TWIN BOSS V2

JURY PICK WINNER

Winner : FNG WORKS – IRWANN CHENG

Vehicle model : RXZ TWIN BOSS V2

CUSTOM KINGS BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON

First Runner Up : NORKHAIRI – Malaysia

Winner : KHAIRUL AZIMIN – Malaysia

List of AOS2024 winners:

BEST MARKETPLACE

Winner : NANOSTIX – Malaysia

BEST DISPLAY CAR

Winner : BWB – Malaysia

BEST DISPLAY MOTORCYCLE

Winner : HILLS ANGELS – Malaysia

Invited Guest Pick

MOONEYES PICK

Winner : ART GARAGE – Malaysia

EVILACT PICK & KUSTOMFEST PICK

Winner : HILLS ANGEL – Invitational Bike Build Off – Malaysia

STOOP MC PICK, LITTLE BOY CYCLES PICK, CHOPPAJOOP PICK, MASANARI PICK, ROUGH CRAFT PICK & BANGKOK HOT ROD PICK

Winner : PA’DIN MUSA – Malaysia

KATIE’S CUSTOM PICK

Winner : FNG WORKS – RXZ TWIN BOSS V2 – Malaysia

ONE LOW PICK

Winner : ASEP AHMAD ISKANDAR – ART OF SPEED FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

SPINNY PICK, MR. PINMAN PICK, MOONEYES BANGKOK PICK & IGNITE BKK PICK

Winner : 1968 ANGELS – HILLS ANGELS – Malaysia

ENGINEERED TO SLIDE PICK

Winner : ALEX LIEW – Malaysia

BURNOUT MAGAZINE PICK

Winner : 1950 CHEVY TRUCK – Thailand

THE KALIFORNIA PICK PICK

Winner : 1941 DODGE TRUCK – Thailand

VIBES MAGAZINE PICK

Winner : 1993 LIL’ BOOGIE – HILLS ANGELS – Malaysia

COM PICK

Winner : HOSNI MUBARAK – Malaysia

DAIGO SAITO PICK

Winner : ACID WELDING – Malaysia

WICKED WALLOP PICK

Winner : SHAMAN – Malaysia

BORNEO KUSTOMSHOW PICK

Winner : AZIZAN – CHAOS CUSTOM – Malaysia

SIXTY SICK PAINT LAB PICK

Winner : RUSTY FACTORY – Malaysia

WHEELSPIN PICK

Winner : 1948 RUN HONEY RUN – HILLS ANGELS – Malaysia

Partner Pick

NO EQUAL PICK

Winner : NIGEL PETRIE – ENGINEREED TO SLIDE

IGL COATINGS PICK

Winner : REINIER KISWANSURIZK – Malaysia

MATTEL CONTINENTAL ASIA SDN BHD PICK

Winner : MUHAMAD REDUAN SAMNSUDIN – Malaysia

HAUSBOOM PICK

Winner : EAST GHOST MC – Malaysia

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Malaysia PICK

Winner : HILLS ANGELS – SHOW & SHINE – Malaysia

VESPA PICK

Winner : ABAH & SONS – SHOW & SHINE – Malaysia

ROYAL ENFIELD PICK & TRIUMPH PICK

Winner : 1959 CHORRTORRO – Malaysia

LAMBRETTA PICK

Winner : THUNDER MOTORCYCLES BOOTH – China

NANOSTIX PICK

Winner : ROBERT MIDDLETON – Malaysia

MONSTER PICK

Winner : IGL COATINGS X FAT JOE’S PRESTIGE TOUCH- Malaysia

AOS2024 Show & Shine winners

LOWRIDER CATEGORY

BEST OF LOWRIDER – 12″, 16″ & 20″ WHEEL LOWRIDER

Winner : SHAM ENERGYCOM – DOUBLE DICE CREW – Malaysia

BEST OF LOWRIDER – 24″, 26″ & OPEN WHEEL LOWRIDER & LIMOUSIN

Winner : MAT TOPO – DOUBLE DICE CREW – Malaysia

BEST OF BMX

Winner : MEGAT PANJI ALAM – Malaysia

BEST OF FABRICATION

Winner : RAISYA KIDD – DOUBLE DICE CREW – Malaysia

BEST PAINT

Winner : SAHRIL SALLEH – Malaysia

BEST LIVERY DESIGN

Winner : ASYRAF – DOUBLE DICE CREW – Malaysia

AUTOMOBILE

BEST OF CLASSIC EURO

Winner : FAROIB AUTOSPORT – Malaysia

BEST OF MODERN EURO

Winner : VOX – Malaysia

BEST OF USA

Winner : SHAMAN – Malaysia

BEST OF JDM PRE 1998

Winner : TOMMY – Malaysia

BEST OF JDM ABOVE 1998

Winner : CREZTA – Malaysia

BEST OF NATIONAL HEROES

Winner : AMER HARRIS – Malaysia

BEST OF RADIKAL

Winner : NOISY BOY – Thailand

BEST OF VW AIR-COOLED

Winner : ART GARAGE – Malaysia

BEST OF RACE CAR

Winner : WING HIN – Malaysia

BEST OF ADVENTURE

Winner : MOHD FAIZ ALI – Malaysia

BEST OF PICKUP

Winner : BAY BWB – Malaysia

BEST OF WAGON

Winner : AXLED GARAGE – Malaysia

BEST OF VAN

Winner : EDDY NEO – Malaysia

BEST OF STANCE

Winner : EDRY AMYRUL – Singapore

BEST OF K CAR

Winner : WAN IBRAHIM WAN HASSAN – Malaysia

BEST OF OPEN CLASS

Winner : HAZUAR FROM BIG CAT CUSTOM – Malaysia

BEST OF WILD COLOUR

Winner : PRAJAK TANTIKULWIJIT – Thailand

BEST INTERIOR

Winner : ART GARAGE – Malaysia

BEST ENGINE BAY

Winner : TOMMY – Malaysia

BEST RIM SET

Winner : ADY BWB – Malaysia

BEST LOWERED

Winner : TOM CLASSIC – Thailand

BEST LIVERY DESIGN

Winner : MUUHAMMAD FIKRIE – Malaysia

BEST OF ENGINEERING

Winner : FAROIB AUTOSPORT – Malaysia

BEST OF FABRICATION

Winner : HAZUAR FROM BIG CAT CUSTOM – Malaysia

BEST PAINT

Winner : REJAB AUTOSPA – Malaysia

MOTORCYCLE

BEST OF CHOPPER ABOVE 401CC

Winner : PA’DIN MUSA – Malaysia

BEST OF CHOPPER BELOW 400CC

Winner : KHAIRUL AMEER, BRAIN HUNDRED – Malaysia

BEST OF CAFE RACER BELOW 400CC

Winner : HUZAIL ANAQI – Malaysia

BEST OF JAP STYLE & TRACKER ABOVE 401CC

Winner : RUSTY FACTORY – Malaysia

BEST OF JAP STYLE & TRACKER BELOW 400CC

Winner : RUSTY FACTORY – Malaysia

BEST OF MODERN HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Winner : MAF14 AIRBRUSH STUDIO – Malaysia

BEST OF CLASSIC HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Winner : EAST GHOST MC – Malaysia

BEST OF CLASSIC SCOOTER

Winner : NAZRAN ASFAHIM – Malaysia

BEST OF MODERN SCOOTER

Winner : MEOR AMIR FAIZAL – Malaysia

BEST OF RETRO JAPANESE

Winner : MOHAMMED FITRI ABDUL – Malaysia

BEST OF CLASSIC CONTINENTAL

Winner : AZBEDER CYCLEWORK – Malaysia

BEST OF MODIFIED CONTINENTAL

Winner : 1959 CHORRTORO – Malaysia

BEST OF ALL MAKES MODERN BIKE

Winner : RUDY GTB – LARRY TONNKA – Malaysia

BEST OF TWIN SHOCK CHOPPER

Winner : RUSTY FACTORY – Malaysia

BEST OF FABRICATION

Winner : PA’DIN MUSA – Malaysia

BEST TANK DESIGN

Winner : SHOIRAZI SALLEH – Singapore

BEST PAINT

Winner : MOHD NAIM – Malaysia

BEST LIVERY DESIGN

Winner : JANDAL 68 – Malaysia

For more information about this event, please visit www.artofspeedmy.com or www.facebook.com/ArtOfSpeedMY/

13th Art of Speed 2024 photo gallery

Yamaha MT-09 First Yamaha to Receive Y-AMT Auto Transmission

Following the unveiling of the Yamaha Y-AMT (Yamaha Automatic Manual Transmission) last month, the MT-09 will be the first Yamaha motorcycle to receive the feature.

Yamaha says base specifications of the upcoming bike with the new option will remain the same. The Y-AMT system enables the rider to shift gears via handlebar-mounted buttons, or leave it to the system to sort out gear changes automatically. The functions are similar to Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), but the Y-AMT system does not have dual clutches. Another similarity is the deletion of the clutch and gear levers.

Gear shifting is controlled by two electric actuators, in place of the rider’s left hand and left foot. The system weighs 2.8kg and is slim enough without increasing the bike’s width.

The Y-AMT is not the first Yamaha automatic transmission (apart from scooters with CVTs, of course), as the the manufacturer had equipped the 2007 FJR1300A with the YCC-S (Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift). It uses an automatic hydraulic clutch and the rider changes gears through a finger operated gear lever.

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Latest News

BMW R 1300 GS Recalled Worldwide

What triggered the campaign?

Persisting Issue

Affected units

B2 to Full B License Transition Program Approved

The conditions are:

Conditions:

2025 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Gets New Colours

World Ducati Week 2024 Sets New Attendance Record

Art of Speed 2024 – The Biggest and Boldest Yet

Other AOS 2024 activities included:

AOS SPECIAL AWARD

List of AOS2024 winners:

Invited Guest Pick

Partner Pick

AOS2024 Show & Shine winners

AUTOMOBILE

13th Art of Speed 2024 photo gallery

Yamaha MT-09 First Yamaha to Receive Y-AMT Auto Transmission

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