Manic month for Malaysian motorcycling

By topgear ,

Honda Rebel

After two months of decreased activity during Ramadhan and Aidil Fitri, the local motoring landscape saw an explosion of launches on both the four- and two-wheeled side of things. For this post, we’ll recap some of the critical new bikes launched over the last 30 days or so.

Ducati – New Scramblers @ AOS 2017
For Ducati Malaysia (Next Bike Sdn Bhd), its 2017 model year expansion actually began way back at the tail-end of July during the sixth annual running of the Art of Speed (AOS 2017) show. The custom vehicles showcase was indeed the perfect setting to debut the hip and retro Scrambler range’s new additions – the Scrambler Desert Sled and the Scrambler Café Racer.

Both the Desert Sled and Café Racer share the same chassis and air-cooled 803cc L-Twin hearts as found in its siblings, outputting 73hp and 67Nm of torque. Both are sent to the rear wheel through a six-speed transmission whilst the chassis features Brembo brakes with monoloc radial calipers plus ABS as well.

As you can see, the Scrambler Café Racer takes inspiration from Ducati’s illustrious racing heritage from the 50s and 60s. In this form, the Scrambler gets a single-seat layout plus racy ergonomics through lower clip-on handles and 805mm seat height amongst others.

The Desert Sled, on the other hand, was inspired by the dirt-busting desert racers of yesteryear, features a taller seat height of 860mm with an 840mm low-seat height option available. It also features long-travel suspension plus spoked wheels to complete its off-roading essence.

Their arrival now sees the local Scrambler Ducati range increase from five to seven in total. Both the Scrambler Desert Sled and Scrambler Café Racer share the same RM68,999 basic price tag (with GST) sans insurance and registration costs.

Honda Rebel 500 @ AOS 2017
Besides Ducati, powerhouse Honda bikes assembler and distributor Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd also capitalised on the festivities at the Art Of Speed 2017 show by introducing its latest addition called the Honda Rebel 500.

This entry-level feet-forward cruiser was developed off the red wing marque’s highly successful CB500 series platform. This explains how the new Rebel shares the same 471cc parallel-twin heart as the CB500 models that outputs 45.6hp and 43.2Nm of toque – similar to the sport-bodied CBR500.

The classic tank design aside, Honda clearly raided and reworked plenty of parts from the CB500 to makes this cruiser the way it is. More importantly though, it comes brimmed with a dual-channel ABS suite as standard equipment for unparalleled safety.

This entry-level cruiser is aimed at attracting a new and younger-aged crowd of riders seeking for a cruiser of such size and capacity. More importantly, it’s affordably basic price tag of RM31,798.94 (with GST) means said buyers will not burn a hole in their pockets to own one.

Naza Merdeka Auto Fest –  Four new Italian offerings
Next up came the simultaneous launches of four new models under the Ducati, Vespa and Piaggio brands during the annual Naza Merdeka Auto Fair besides the new Chevrolet Colorado X. Amongst them were the new Ducati Monster 797 and Multistrada 950, followed by the Vespa S125 I-GET and Piaggio Medley S 150 ABS. More on them in our initial launch report published earlier.

BMW Motorrad – New G310R plus refreshed 2017 models
Making a buzz this month was BMW Group Malaysia as its BMW Motorrad division finally launched one of the brand’s most anticipated new model – the G310R naked. BMW’s first entry into the lucrative global small-capacity segment was the result of a collaborative effort with Indian manufacturer TVS.

Set to rival against the highly popular KTM 390 Duke, this pint-sized beemer seems to have it all. Encased within its chassis is a thumpy new 313cc single-cylinder mill mounted in reverse – intake facing forward and tilted backwards to place weight over the rear wheel. The mill outputs 34hp and 28Nm of torque, both managed by a six-speed transmission to get this laden 158kg weight up speeds.

Notable features include a dual-channel ABS suite for the single-disc brake front and aft setup featuring a quad-piston caliper up front, 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a novice-friendly seat height of 785mm.

With three paint scheme options available, the new BMW G310R commands a basic sticker price of just RM26,900 (with GST). This should see it woo plenty of newbies despite its capacity size calling for those who possess B-Full licenses only.

Aside from the new entry-level naked, BMW Motorrad also announced the availability of the updared-for-2017 S1000R streetfighter and R1200 GS Adventure dual-purpose. Available for purchase through authorised dealers now, both bikes are retail from RM92,900 and RM116,900 respectively (basic with GST).

Moto Guzzi relaunched in Malaysia

More recently came the famed Moto Guzzi brand’s relaunch here in Malaysia through the opening of its new flagship centre located in The Gasket Alley, Petaling Jaya just last week. Appointed by parent group Piaggio Asia Pacific as the storied Italian brand’s new caretaker here is local firm Didi Resources Sdn Bhd – the same firm that handles Zero Engineering Motorcycles locally as well.

The new home for Moto Guzzi Malaysia in The Gasket Alley couldn’t be any more fitting, with the centre housing a full-fledged showroom and service centre manned by staff accredited by Piaggio Asia Pacific. On display during the launch were the current crop of the brand’s models such as the V7 and V9 plus the rare appearance of a V7 III Anniversario that’s limited to just 1,000 units worldwide.

At present, Moto Guzzi Malaysia will operate out of this new base and through authorised Penang-based dealer Sheng Fatt Motor. Plans are underway to set up two more dealerships at other locations sometime next year.