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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New Honda Wave Dash (2013)

Honda again? Yes, we can see in this year (2013), Boon Siew Honda presented nearly a dozen of new model in Malaysian market. Very aggressive, strong dedication, robust growth in the domestic market and effective after sales service has made Boon Siew Honda took the largest market share.

What makes Honda being chosen compared to other brands such as Yamaha, Suzuki, SYM or other motorcycle manufacturer? Even though Honda’s bike not in the first class in design matters, I can said that Honda is very good in products features and fuel consumption. The reliability, durability, low maintenance costs, the balance of performance and fuel consumption are the major reason why Malaysian chose Honda’s motorcycles.

Recently, Boon Siew Honda launched their new Wave Dash - the new motorsport-inspired Honda Wave Dash R and S Series. The two new bikes, which feature sporty aerodynamics, styling and performance, are set to raise the bar in the mid-size cub segment of the local market.

Both the Wave Dash R and S are powered by an advanced 4-stroke 110cc engine that produces a maximum horsepower of 6.18kW (8.39PS) at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 8.15 Nm (0.83kgf.m) at 5,500rpm, while maintaining Honda’s excellent fuel-efficiency standards.

Moreover, the new Wave Dash’ gearing ratios offer a smooth performance and excellent ride characteristics. The engine is also compliant with EURO 2 standards for low CO2 emissions.

Safety isn’t compromised either in the new Wave Dash as both feature 17-inch durable tubeless tyres. The tubeless tyres prevent the sudden dissipation of air in the unfortunate event of a tyre puncture, which in turn allows the rider to safely bring the bike to a stop.

Additionally, the new Wave Dash R is equipped with double disc brakes which offer superior braking performance during emergencies or other unfavorable conditions. The new Wave Dash S is equipped with a single disc brake.

Both the Wave Dash R and S feature motorsport-inspired aesthetics to truly reflect the exciting and dynamic ride the bikes have to offer. The new Wave Dash features a new stylish white halogen headlight that makes the bike hard to miss while on the move or at a standstill.

In addition, a distinctive crystal eye-line winker design and bright illuminated tail light with multi-reflectors enhance the visibility of the new Wave Dash for trailing motorists while raising the bike’s sporty presence on the street.

The sporty design also extends to a wide-angled multi-function speedometer with a clear display, 3D leg shields which improves aerodynamics and protects the rider from road debris, sporty exhaust muffler, exhaust heat shield and five-spoke sport rims.

The Wave Dash R and S are available in Vivacity Red, Pearl Magellanic Black, Luminous Orange and Force Silver Metallic while the Repsol Honda-inspired Luminous Orange is exclusively available for the Wave Dash R. The showroom price for Wave Dash S is priced at RM5,029.00 while the Wave Dash R is priced at RM5,289.00 and the Wave Dash Repsol design is RM5,419.00. Both come with a two year or 20,000 km manufacturing warranty.

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Yamaha XJ6 Diversion

We already acknowledged that Yamaha have an excellence record in producing two-wheel machines. Of course, it certainly cannot be denied so far. Since its establishment in 1955, Yamaha had reached top of the world after several successes in MotoGP legends such as Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey and until today, Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

In the middle of 2011, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. (HLYM) has introduced middleweight sportsbike - Yamaha XJ6 Diversion. Within two years, XJ6 doing well in the local market. For me, factor of brand, four-cylinder inline engine and affordable price is the main reason of its ownership.

Recently, HLYM had gives new touches to the XJ6 Diversion. In the early introduction, XJ6 only got two colours available to be chosen - metallic blue and metallic black. Recently, XJ6 have two more colours as option. The options are white colour and the dark gray matte (Race Blu). I just love the Race Blue colour actually. The naked version already got this colour option and it will make this mid-sportsbike gain more competitive in the two-wheeler market.

In terms of the design, I did not think it could be the best attraction to the younger people. Although Kawasaki Z800 is not a direct rivals, but due to design factors, price and purchasing power, it may confuse buyer a little bit to choose. Fortunately, the model's main rival, Honda CB600 not coming into the Malaysian market. For sure if CB600 coming to the market, it would be more interesting.

I was given an opportunity to test the Yamaha XJ6 Diversion recently and I got such a lucky draw when HLYM gave me the key of XJ6 Diversion in Race Blu colour. What can i said, Race Blue Colour is more appealing compared to the white. The combination of the dark gray matte colour on the body quite matched with the rims in blue colour. It looks more visible than the previous model. Look at the mileage, the bike given just made a journey of 2 kilometres.

 I did some road tests in the middle of busy city roads. This machine is very manoeuvrable, lightweight and not tiring even in low speed riding. Diversion’s clutch working smoothly and the six-speed gear handling is ease. The riding position is more of a touring style - it does not require excessive bent. My body posture just nice and comfort to grip the handlebar. It was not too arrogant when Yamaha claims this 600cc offers the best rides in the urban.

There was a little different in this new XJ6 Diversion. Besides to the addition of the body colour options, the Japanese manufacturer has changed the simple graphics on the front side fairing. Signal lens was changed from the normal colour to clear and rear seats handlebar was separated compared to the early model.

Testing the ability of this bike in highway, Diversion easily reaches speeds of 150 kilometres per hour (km/h). The engine is still convincing at that speed. The hydraulic braking system certainly matches to the power of a bike.

I squeezed the throttle aggressively, gears changed every time the rpm meter reached 10,000 rpm, and then I achieved the maximum speed of 218 km/h. At that speed, I found the engine vibration still minimum.

SKVE highway quite bumpy and dangerous if the suspension system is not functioning properly. I did not have any problem speeding at the bumpy highway even the suspension system relatively soft due to make it as best urban bike.

For me, the comfortable rides are at the speeds of around 140 to 170 km/h. It is sufficient for this middle-weight bike, and the fact, XJ6 developed in purpose of relaxing adventure and urban riding style.

In high speed, the exhaust sound is not too attractive even it got 4 cylinders. Some bikers will not enjoying enough if their bike sound too slow. No wonder why XJ6 owners doing a little modification to their exhaust system, applying aftermarket muffler such as Yoshimura, Leo Vince and some more. XJ6 Diversion has pretty good performance in cornering. When I treat Karak highway corners, I was enjoying the moment. Turn-by-turn easily beaten and there is no problem to lean while taking sharp turns. It provides good responsiveness and easy to change direction after every turn. Overall, I quite satisfied with the XJ6 performance. It has own advantages in its class. Quality and price offered at RM39, 500 (without insurance) make this bike is worth to buy.

SPECIFICATIONS YAMAHA XJ6 Diversion:

Engine: Four cylinder inline, four-stroke 600cc liquid-cooled DOHC

Maximum power: 57 kW (76.4 hp) @ 10,000 rpm

Maximum torque: 59.7 Nm @ 8,500 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed

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