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  • Kawasaki has increased its stake in MODENAS from 19% to 30% and part of this plan includes the local assembly of certain Kawasaki models. 
  • MODENAS has confirmed that the Vulcan S will be assembled in Malaysia.
  • The plans will eventually include the local-assembly of all twin-cylinder Kawasaki models.

Ever since Kawasaki increased its stake in MODENAS, the Malaysian motorcycle industry has been abuzz with which Kawasaki models will be re-introduced as MODENAS models.

Besides confirming that the Ninja 250 and Z250 (ABS and non-ABS) will be locally-assembled and introduced as MODENAS models, Modenas CEO En Roslan has also confirmed a third model.

The ever popular Kawasaki Vulcan S will also be locally assembled at the MODENAS plant in Gurun and introduced as the MODENAS Vulcan S.

“We will be introducing four Kawasaki CKD models this year, and one of them will be the Vulcan S,” confirmed En Roslan.

As part of its strategy, all Kawasaki models assembled in Malaysia by MODENAS will carry the MODENAS brand instead of Kawasaki.

MODENAS will also be distributing CBU Kawasaki models such as the Ninja ZX10R, the Z900RS, the Versys 1000 and also the Ninja 1000 SX.

As for purchasing the Vulcan S, the model will be introduced towards the end of the year at Kawasaki shops throughout Malaysia.

MODENAS says it plans to introduce two types of Kawasaki shops in Malaysia:

1. Kawasaki Shop: This term is as simple as it gets, and the Kawasaki Shop will only sell Kawasaki models exclusively as well as genuine Kawasaki accessories and merchandise.

2. Kawasaki Station: This is a multibrand dealership that will also offer Kawasaki products. This is not an exclusive dealership.

There is no indication in pricing, but MODENAS has hinted that it will be lower than before.

MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 Almost Ready For Launch!

  • MODENAS has prepared a specialised assembly line for Kawasaki models only. 
  • Both the Ninja 250 and Z250 will be assembled locally at first. 
  • Eventually all twin-cylinder Kawasaki models will be assembled in Malaysia under the MODENAS brand. 
  • You can purchase one at a ‘Kawasaki Shop’ or ‘Kawasaki Station’.

MODENAS has confirmed that it will be introducing the locally assembled Ninja 250 and Z250 both with ABS and non-ABS models, sometime at the end of July of this year.

This comes after Kawasaki upped its stake in MODENAS from the previous 19% to 30% with a further 18% on the cards if certain conditions are met.

Part of this acquisition involves the local assembly of certain Kawasaki models which will eventually include the entire twin-cylinder range and more.

The local assembly of Kawasaki models will start with the twin-cylinder Z250 and Ninja 250 models (models with and without ABS will be available).

In a rare preview of the assembly plant at the MODENAS plant in Gurun for members of the media, MODENAS showcased its specialised Kawasaki assembly line that was put together by Kawasaki Japan and Thailand.

MODENAS assures that the quality of locally-assembled Kawasaki models will be identical to the imported models since a lot of the assembling capabilities include input from Kawasaki engineers, which ensures consistency in the manufacturing process.

MODENAS also showcased a unique dyno test machine that was specially flown in from Japan. The dyno machine is the first of its kind in ASEAN that has the capabilities to test both the front and rear wheels with the purpose of testing engine output and braking capabilities, which is important since some Kawasaki models come with twin-channel ABS.

Every single MODENAS-Kawasaki model assembled in Malaysia will have to begin its life by first proving its worth in the dyno machine. Only after MODENAS engineers are confident the bike meets all Kawasaki and MODENAS requirements, will it be released for distribution.

The MODENAS Ninja 250 and Z250 will be available at two types of dealerships. MODENAS says the new Kawasaki-MODENAS bikes will be available at Kawasaki branded shops called ‘Kawasaki Shop’, which is basically a exclusive Kawasaki shop similar to the Ninja Shops of before.

The second types of dealerships will be called ‘Kawasaki Station’, which are not exclusive Kawasaki dealerships but rather a multi-brand dealership which also offers Kawasaki-MODENAS products.

In terms of design, the MODENAS Ninja 250 and MODENAS Z250 are identical to their Kawasaki siblings except for a few MODENAS stickers differentiating the two models.

Currently all parts are imported from Kawasaki Thailand and assembled locally in Malaysia, with up to 33% local content set to be introduced later.

As for pricing, unfortunately there is no indication as yet, but MODENAS CEO Mr Roslan Roskan (pictured above) promises competitive prices that could just be lower than before. Deliveries are expected to begin at the end of July.

EMOS officially appointed as Malaysian Kawasaki distributors

After proper reconsideration, Switzerland has officially lifted the country’s 67-year ban on circuit racing.

  • Switzerland has banned motor racing since 1995 after a horrific crash at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.
  • Mercedes driver Pierre Levegh and 84 spectators were killed, and 120 more people were injured during the incident.

However, due to the advancements in the safety of both vehicles and race tracks, Switzerland has decided it is the right time to welcome back circuit racing.

The National Council and the Council of States unanimously agreed to remove the racing prohibition after a recent modification of the Road Traffic Act.

Both houses voted to lift the prohibition hence overturning the 67-year ban.

The primary factor behind the overturning was that for the past 67 years, circuit and vehicle safety has improved dramatically and continues to improve.

Despite the good news, it might take a while before Switzerland could hold a world-class motor racing as no full-fledged racing facilities exist just yet.

For that reason, it may take a while before popular racing series such as the MotoGP and Formula 1, to include Switzerland in their calendar.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has updated its 150cc naked motorcycle, the MT-15, for 2022.

  • the 2022 MT-15 now appears in three new colours; Icon Blue, Midnight Black and Cyan Storm.
  • 2022 Yamaha MT-15 is now priced at RM12,298.

The Yamaha MT-15 will be available nationwide at every authorized Yamaha dealership beginning on 13 June 2022 (today).

The smallest of the ‘Monster of Torque’ range now comes in Icon Blue, Midnight Black, and Cyan Storm colourway.

Nevertheless, the MT-15 continues to run with the same 155cc VVA liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that makes 19hp @ 10,000rpm and 14.7Nm @ 8,500rpm.

However, there is a slight increase in the recommended retail price, which now sits at RM12,298 than the previous RM11,988.

Recent checks by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) have found that hundreds of thousands own an expired driving license of more than one to three years.

  • Expired driving license holders will require to renew their license by 30 June.
  • Motorist will need to retake the full driving test if they fail to do so.

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is urging the public to renew their driving license or suffer the consequences.

Those who are yet to renew their expired driving license for more than one to two years will have to retake a full driving test if they fail to renew by 30 June.

The driving license classes involved are as follows:

  • Learner’s driving license (LDL) expired for two years.
  • Probationary driving license (PDL) for over a year.
  • Competent driving license (CDL) for over three years.
  • Public service vehicle (PSV) and goods driving license (GDL) for over three years.

The announcement came after a recent check by JPJ found that hundreds of thousands of motorists have yet to renew their licenses despite the moratorium on renewal ending on 31 December 2021.

According to reports by Sun Daily, many road users are still under the impression that the moratorium is still ongoing.

As such, the expired driving license holder will have the chance to renew their license by 30 June. After that date, they can be fined for not possessing a valid driving license if they are caught driving or riding on the road.

Meanwhile, the expired driving license holder can renew their license online via MyEG or Lesen2u if unable to go to JPJ offices.

The Honda CB250R received some mild upgrades for 2022 in an effort to improve the rider’s comfort.

  • The CB250R now features improved Showa USD front forks.

  • The quarter-liter neo-retro motorcycle continues to run on the same 250cc single-cylinder engine.

Currently, the 2021 Honda CB250R is on sale in Malaysia for RM22,999; however, the upgraded model are now available in Europe and Japan.

According to the Japanese motorcycle company, the CB250R now gets a 41mm Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Front Fork – Big Piston) similar to the one found on the 2022 CB500F, CB500R, and CB500X.

The new Showa SFF-BP improves handling and reaction thanks to a separate function (hence, the name) with the pressure damper in one leg and the spring mechanism in the other.

Other mild upgrades include a revised gear indicator display.

Nonetheless, the Honda CB250R continues to run on the same 250cc single-cylinder engine capable of producing 27.2hp @ 9,000rpm and 23.2Nm @ 8,000rpm.

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