New Legend: Lagenda 115Z

Recently, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) unveils their latest Lagenda, 5^th generation. New Lagenda equipped with latest Yamaha fuel injection technology. Since Honda had more advantages which would break moped markets thru their several models launched this year while Yamaha struggling with their only bike for this year.

 During the launch, Yamaha Co Senior Executive Officer, Mr Katsuaki Watanabe said, the ASEAN market is very important for them. Currently, they hold 33% Malaysian market share. With the tagline ‘Feel The Difference!’, Yamaha trying to convey something extraordinary about the bike. Lagenda 115Z have significant improved from the technical aspect for better handling, feels and reliability.

The injection system introduced is to ensure the performance and improve fuel efficiency. This bike powered by 4 stroke engine SOHC 115cc air cooled. The new engine can produce 7.4kW at 7750rpm and maximum torque 9.9Nm at 6250rpm. The engine mated with 4 speed transmission.

In the aspect of design, it gets sportier look and more inspired in sophisticated style. The headlamp and rear lamp cluster designed better than the previous model. The meter instrumentation is simple and arranged ergonomically. Besides, the bike featured double layered fins and new designed muffler. For better appearance, Lagenda 115Z offered stylish look sport rims.

Moreover, Lagenda comes with R as the premium line. Same spec with the standard one, but featuring instrumentation panel with LED backlight, under seat compartment light, fordable footrest, and air tank at the rear suspension.

For the riding experience, the acceleration improved better than the previous. I can feel the power more balance and smooth along the way. Handling part, what u can expect more from moped bike? During my first ride, the bike is easy to control and comfort to ride. Just nice, it’s not too light and not too heavy.

Yamaha decided to sell the bike at RM4,792.00 for the most basic variant – non sport rims and kick start, while the electric starter version with sport rims selling price is RM5,158. The premium version - Lagenda 115ZR sells at RM5,410. The price is exclude insurance and road tax. Yamaha offers 1 year warranty or mileage of 10,000 kilometres (whichever come first).

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The Re-born Honda EX5 Dream

It is not easy to keep maintain in the market. Some may have short lifecycle, and some are very lucky to have longer period being maintain in the market. Each of products has their own lifecycle. Raymond Vernon in 1966 developed the theory and it tell us how the business on going. He said, product lifecycle will go thru 4 levels which are introductory, growth, maturity and decline.

However, the chronicle of Honda EX5 is very poles apart. Even Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd bring in EX5 to market since 1987 (more than 25 years) seems like it doesn’t have decline stage. Not just me seems it as unusual, but same goes to Managing Director and CEO Boon Siew Honda, Satoshi Okada. Okada-san happily said that his quite shock regarding Honda had extensive product lifecycle in Asia, especially in Malaysia.

EX5 first model is the most success motorcycle. Everybody love the bike, even until today, it still have demand. Of course it is because of the overall performance, durability, reliability, and ease to maintain. I can bet u guys, EX5 is the easiest bike u can see on the road, it is everywhere. Whether u can see it in the middle of the city, or u can see it in the suburb area – farming official bike.

Recently, Boon Siew Honda had launched their new EX5, 3^rd generation. It was launched with the tag line “Bapa borek, anak rintik” or “like father like son”. The 2^nd generation was introduced in 2001 but it can’t rid of the first model popularity. 

The new generation of the iconic moped had been given new look, but for me; Honda was turning back to the 1^st generation concept. The classic concept combined with little younger design. But, the look from behind is quite weird. I am not sure either the new EX5 is for the youth generation or maybe Honda try to capture the older bike user. The main fault is the backlight. I believe, and for sure other also agreed with me, the previous generation backlight is much better than the new one.   

In the aspect of engine, the bike powered by 110cc compared to the previous model only got 100cc machine. Honda claimed that they made improvements on the aspect of design and technical to increase the performance and durability. The major importance, the power improvements did not superseded the fuel economy function. Each litre of petrol could make 53.6 kilometres. 

Other than that, the leg cover is widening to improve the aerodynamic aspect instead of covering the engine. New EX5 also had been installed with high durability shock system. To ensure the stability of the bike, the tyre size was enlarged. 

Although the design more to oldschool type, it is still a good bike. The performance, handling, durability, economy, practicality and the price tag, it is worth to buy. But, Honda can’t give high expectation from the local market; of course Malaysian will give priority to the design aspect nowadays.

Honda EX5 Dream 110 can be purchased at RM3,908 for the basic unit, while RM4,145 for the electric starter variant. It comes with four colors option; Red Euphoria Metallic, Pearl Green, Blue Vital Metallic and Purple Mariana Metallic. Boon Siew Honda gave two years warranty or mileage 20,000 kilometers.

Specification:

Engine: 4 Stroke OHC Air Cooled

Max Power: 5.64 kW @7500 rpm

Max Torque: 8.32 Nm @ 3300 rpm

Transmission: 4 Speeds

Price: RM3,908 (kick starter), RM4,145 (electric starter)

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Kawasaki Z250

Just as expected, finally Kawasaki Malaysia launched it's baby Z800. Why it took too long to have it here? Not sure, maybe Kawa want to have the perfect time to launch it.

Definitely, the bike already done better step at Indonesia. Since the rumors spreading, Malaysian keep patiently regarding Z250 especially bout the price and its street fighter looks. Aft
er Honda launched their CB500 series with the cheaper tag, peoples do expect higher with Kawasaki Z250 price. Unfortunately, the bike still pricey, RM21,589. Sad..but its still ok, for sure they have a good reason for the pricing.

Kawasaki Z250 brought almost the spec of its sibling, Ninja 250R. For me, the overall design trimmed well, more in aggressive mood and sure it would attract many street eyes. The shape was inherited from Z800 concept.

The headlamp exactly done as the Z8. From front angle, the headlamp, bigger side engine cover make it bigger, pull it out of it 250cc class. The end part, it looks sporty, sharp-end. It powered by 249cc engine, same as Ninja 250R engine which have 32PS at 11,000 rpm and maximum tork 21Nm at 10,000rpm. Ninja 250 dual valve system also brought to the baby Z. Fuel injection system - dual throttle valve will ensure precise control of the air intake to achieve ideal response at all speed range.

Kawasaki Z250 Specification:
Type of engine: 4 stroke 249cc, water cooled, twin parallel
Valve system: DOHC, 8 valve
Fuel Supply: Fuel injection system with dual throttle valves
Transmission: 6-speed, return shift
Maximum power: 23.5 kW (32 PS) / 11 000 rpm
Maximum torque: 21.0 Nm / 10,000 rpm

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Ducati 899 Panigale (2014)

Malaysian Motor Works just been told that Panigale with smaller displacement will be brought to the market. But I'm not sure Ducati Malaysia will give glamouring chances to the bikers to grab it one. Unfortunately, the superbike does not have same swingarm at the 1199. The machine would have a double swingarm, like the monster had. Hopes, Ducatisti not judging the 899 Panigale as the Kawa ZZR custom bike.

It was showcased at IAA International Motor Show, where Ducati 899 Panigale powered by 898cc Superquadro which produces 148hp (73 lbs•ft of torque), a monocoque “frameless” chassis design (372.5 lbs dry), and packed with electronics systems (DQS, DTC, RbW, EBC, & ABS).

I hopes  the smaller Panigale will come to our beloved country and the pricing not such too expensive. Come on, we need an affordable Ducati superbike.Of course, it will be compared with MV Agusta F3 800 machine. Up to you, whether U guys love the Ducati's v-twin sound or enjoying the sweet triple performance. Ducati claiming the machine have more horsepower, less weight, and full of performance electronics aid. Price? Ducati Malaysia will answer it.

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KTM 690 Duke R 2013

I am surprised after KTM introduced Duke R model here in Malaysia. Yes, non-R model performs quite well in the market, but actually I impatient with the rumours of Duke 390 on the way to Malaysia. However, Duke R 690 stills a hot stuff, packed with performance!

KTM 690 Duke R was introduced at Milan EICMA Show last year after the normal 690 done an excellent job at KTM European Junior Cup. MOTONATION Manufacturer Sdn Bhd (KTM Malaysia) is very committed to bring the R model into the Malaysian market. The R model was the third model they assemble in their local plant at Kedah.

This supermoto actually is the new version. It is totally different with the existed Duke 690. It was powered by 690cc engine. KTM claims that their engine is the most powerful single cylinder engine in the world. The engine have 70 horsepower with the torque of 70Nm. KTM has done some improvement on the fuel consumption, smoother engine, and the combination of drive-by-wire system plus APTC anti-slipper clutch.

Regarding the frame and swing-arm, KTM was very proud with their R&D in developing extreme level of torsional stiffness in order to provide excellent tracking stability. The orange powder coated lightweight frame is a new revolutionary from the Austria origin manufacturer. Duke 690 R employs WP suspension, 43mm upside-down fork, pro-lever linkage to set up precise handling. To give broad spectrum of adjustment, front fork and rear shock is adjustable.

Newly developed by Bosch, the ABS system is complying with the brakes system. The new high end calliper combined with 320mm front brake disc and 240mm rear brake disc. Even it a little bit higher than the existing model, the riding position is comfort and ergonomics. Most interesting part, Duke R adapted with Akrapovic slip-on titanium silencer which has increased 2 more horsepower. The Akra awarded the motard with deeper and attractive sound.

What can i say about this bike, it have nice bodywork, aggressive looks, and packed with performance part. How about handling, quality and maintenance? I hope I can give some feedback after I test the bike. Some more, I just heard KTM Duke 390 will be launched this October.

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