MV Agusta Dragster 800

Quite shocking after seeing MV Agusta video teaser of Dragster 800 on YouTube. Dragster 800 is another tre-cylinder machine, maybe will be brought to the market on 2015. Referring to other hardcore's motorcycle websites comments, it have some factors to compete with Ducati Diavel.

The details on the latest MV machine not available yet, but at the glimpse in the video teaser, it still remains the state of the art of the MV's heritage - triple cylinder machine, single sided swing-arm, and sexy bodyworks. 

Yes of course, the Italian native manufacturer will equip Dragster with Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System (MVICS) and other advance electronic systems despite of relying on their superb chassis framework.  
  

Read More

Suzuki Jimny's Price Shrunk?

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile (SMA) today announced that it has revised the pricing of the Jimny – the fresh-faced legendary compact 4x4 that’s been a dependable favourite for over 4 decades.

 

“In light of recent hikes in the cost of living, we’ve decided to revise the pricing of the Jimny as a gesture to our customers. In situations like these, ‘every little saving helps’ and we hope that this will somewhat ease the financial strain on new car buyers,” explained Mr. Keiichi Suzuki, Managing Director of Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd.

 

The new pricing means the Jimny can now be purchased for RM3,400 less than its original 2013 selling price (on-the-road price without insurance). The 1.3L Jimny is available at RM86,488 (AT) or RM81,488 (MT) in Peninsular Malaysia. East Malaysians also benefit from the price reduction: RM90,488 (AT) or RM85,488 (MT) in Sabah and RM91,488 (AT) or RM86,488 (MT) in Sarawak.

The newly launched Jimny is a genuine cross-country vehicle that meets daily city maneuvering with ease and dominates in off-road encounters. Incorporating subtle changes with its practical design, the 2013 Jimny remains true to its predecessors yet comes with a fresh new face and muscular appearance that make it suitable for both work and play.

 

During the announcement of Jimny’s price revision, Suzuki also revealed that its award-winning Swift Sport will soon feature the Auto-Cruise function before the second quarter of this year, providing efficient, comfortable and easy driving with greater fuel-saving. Yet another consideration that makes increasing living costs a bit more bearable!

 

Anyone in the market for a top quality car can head to the Suzuki Mega Roadshow locations (only until 2 March 2014) or visit authorized Suzuki dealers to get their very own Jimny, Swift, Alto, Grand Vitara, SX4 and Kizashi and have the benefit of sensational deals and rebates.

Read More

All-new Yamaha Ego LC YMJET-FI

The All-new Yamaha Ego LC with Fuel Injection System (YMJET-FI)

New bike introduced at the HLYM Dealers’ Appreciation Chinese New Year dinner. 

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd (HLYM) celebrated their Dealers’ Appreciation Chinese New Year dinner with the introduction of the 2^nd generation Yamaha Ego LC with YMJET-FI, fuel injection system. The activity-filled dinner event was attended by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor dealers and guests from across the nation. They were feted by a Lion Dance and other entertainment performances to usher in the year of the horse in style.

The new Yamaha Ego LC has been developed around the concept of an automatic machine that has a sporty engine performance, economical and enjoyable to ride, traits that appeal to the modern automatic bike user.

With the incorporation of the YMJET-FI fuel injection system developed by Yamaha Motor Co Japan, the Yamaha Ego LC has been proven in other Asean markets for strong engine performance and improved fuel efficiency with outstanding reliability. “The 2^nd generation Yamaha Ego LC is powered by a liquid cooled 4 stroke, 125cc single-cylinder engine with YMJET-FI fuel injection system. The power-plant mounted onto a compact body with new styling front lamp, body panels and tail lamp comes in prominent new colours to distinguish itself from the rest of the other automatic models available in the market.” said Mr. CH Ng, Managing Director, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor. “The new colours and graphics adopted for the new Yamaha Ego LC are catered for the trend-conscious automatic bike users that commute to work, school or for fun rides with friends” added Mr. CH Ng.

The new Yamaha Ego LC meets the UN-ECE requirements and expresses new designs and thrilling features such as:

 1.                   New 125cc engine with YMJET – FI system 

 2.                   Front headlamp

 3.                   Tail lamp

 4.                   Meter panel

 5.                   Large storage compartment

 6.                   New muffler design

 7.                   Side stand switch

“The qualities of a great automatic bike is not only the top speed of the bike but a fine balanced engine with strong performance, low fuel consumption, stylish body design with striking colours coupled with all round riding performance in terms of handling and maneuverability that makes the riding experience most enjoyable. The new Yamaha Ego LC has all these qualities and even more. We, at Hong Leong Yamaha Motor are confident that the new Yamaha Ego LC will be well received by the motorcycle market” said Mr. CH Ng.  

The New Yamaha Ego LC comes in an innovative bright yellow, red and black with trendy eye-catching graphics and is available at all authorized Yamaha dealers nationwide. The price of the new Yamaha Ego LC is RM 5,640.00, excluding road tax and insurance. (Peninsula Malaysia Only)

Read More

Hypermotard’s Revolution

No issues, even I have to dump my work aside and I think Ducati has tortured my mental by offering me the new generation and sexier Hypermotard. The creativity of Pierre Terblanche, Ducati SuperMoto design became a limelight at EICMA in 2005 before it was proceed to get in mass production in 2007. The new generation developed as the Italian acknowledged the growing demands of the market segment. They decided to enhance Hypermotard 796 which produced in 2009.

Hypermotard has received a powerful 821cc engine unlike the previous generation engines, 1078cc and 803cc. First, I had to step higher to get on the bike as the Hypermotard is the highest seat height in all Ducati product line. Hyperstrada slightly lower compared to the Hypermotard. At the beginning, I am worried how to control the bike in congested traffic. Despite of my 176cm height, I still get hanging on the saddle.

Easily, I release the clutch lever and apply the Ride- by-Wire (RBW) throttle after kicked in 6-speed gear with APTC wet clutch. The capability of Hypermotard is different as it has more aggressive response compared to Hyperstrada, although it shares same engine and technology. Even both has same amount of torque - 89Nm at 7,750rpm, perhaps there is different engine mapping to suit in the characters and suitability.

Sitting on the bike, riding position is more relaxed; the distance between the handlebars and seat comfortable despites of the footrest positioning. Hunting attraction from road users in town area, I chose Urban mode which applying 75hp from total 110hp it had. Handling this bike is not difficult as I expected, in fact, it gives more confidence during slitting vehicles congested in traffic jam.

Riding in Sport mode, the engine response more vigorously than the Urban mode. I am really enjoying the torque delivered. I tweak the throttle and this machine can reach 223 km/h. Trellis framework excellence in supporting the power of the engine and provide stability. In the speed, vibration from Testastretta engine was minimums.

I am very enjoying with the throttle response then I decided to take it on winding roads. At the beginning, I do not too confident as the bike height factor. After a few bends encountered, the confident came and it can lean more then I expect. I do love the handling as it was fitted with 43mm inverted Kayaba fork at the front and Sachs monoshock at the rear. Yes, Ducati is brilliant enough in utilizing their prowess experience in Diavel and Panigale development to produce their latest motard machinery.

After that, I change the setting to Touring mode for relaxed ride. Even though the engine delivers 110hp in Touring mode, it's not aggressive as in Sport riding mode. Then, I understand, each riding mode programmed changes engine character and the level of ABS and traction control system.

Hypermotard equipped with double 320mm discs with Brembo M432 four piston monobloc callipers. At the rear, it used single 245mm disc brakes and two piston callipers.

Specification

Engine: 821.1cc Testastretta 11 °, twin cylinder liquid cooled, L Desmodromic

Transmission: 6 - speed, APTC wet clutch

Maximum power: 110hp (81kW) @ 9250rpm

Maximum torque: 89 Nm (65.8 lb - ft) @ 7750 rpm

Suspension: Kayaba 43mm upside down (front), single Sachs shock absorbers (rear)

Brakes: Brembo M4-32 4-piston monobloc with dual 320mm discs (front), 2 -piston calliper with single 245mm disc (rear)

Tires: Pirelli Diablo Rosso II, 120/70 ZR17 (front), 180/55 ZR17 (rear)

Petrol tank capacity: 16 litres
Price: RM 68,888 (CBU Thailand)

Read More

Ducati Hyperstrada

Hyperstrada, the new family to Ducati embraced two wheels market last year. We already know that the Borgo Panigale based manufacturer very successful in developing brand exclusivity.

I could not desist when got an offer to experience Hyperstrada even though my tight schedule. My mom always said - Don’t bother of anything that you don’t have enough time to do, pick the most important and get done what you have to. Sorry mom, I think Hyperstrada quite important for me at this moment.

I see Hyperstarada is capable to set a new standard in the motard segment. But, the envy Yamaha MT-09 quite impressive with tri-cylinder engine to compete with. I can’t give any comments to compare both of them as the MT-09 still not in our market yet.

Hyperstrada design actually does not have too much difference with Hypermotard, except the seat height, windshield, and panniers. Even Ducati already has Multistrada in their touring segment; the Italian positioned the motard-strada as product diversity effort in their product range.

The Hyperstrada has three modes rides: Sport, Touring and Urban, lack of Enduro mode granted to Multistrada. The engine performance and throttle character shaped by different riding modes. Those modes can be changed without stopping the motorcycle and activated immediately in 3 seconds.

Hyperstrada represented with new 821cc Testastretta 11 ° L -Twin cylinder Desmodromic that will reward maximum power of 110hp at 9250rpm and 89 Nm torque at 7750rpm. In the Sport mode, the Ride-by-Wire will deliver maximum power of 110hp. Meanwhile, in the Touring mode also deliver 110hp but get higher safety control (ABS+DTC) intervention and Urban mode controlled to 75hp only.

Riding thru in a busy traffic pretty convincing although carried along two black panniers. Sometimes, I feel the panniers quite burdened my rides, but ease me to bring along my camera set. Riding position is excellent and comforts enough to reach the handlebar, better then the Multistrada. After riding approximately 100 kilometres, it was perfect to have long-distance tasks.  On my pillion opinion, there is no complaint so far.

Hyperstrada equipped with safety features such as Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and ABS systems which support Brembo brakes. After a few days with this bike, I can say, this bike won’t disappoint you – stylish and everyday practicality.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specification

Engine: 821.1cc Testastretta 11 °, twin cylinder liquid cooled, L Desmodromic

Transmission: 6 - speed, APTC wet clutch

Maximum power: 110hp (81kW) @ 9250rpm

Maximum torque: 89 Nm (65.8 lb - ft) @ 7750 rpm

Suspension: Kayaba 43mm upside down (front), single Sachs shock absorbers (rear)

Brakes: Brembo M4-32 4-piston monobloc with dual 320mm discs (front), 2 -piston calliper with single 245mm disc (rear)

Tires: Pirelli Diablo Rosso II, 120/70 ZR17 (front), 180/55 ZR17 (rear)

Petrol tank capacity: 16 litres
Price: RM 73,888 (CBU Thailand)

Read More