New Pirelli Angle ST Sports Touring Tyre

Pirelli have update their new product lineup for 2009. The Pirelli Diablo Strada which has never been here are to be replace with their new wicked Pirelli Angle ST. The Angle ST has unique different tread pattern that in the shape of an Angel tread and the Devil himself.


Product Manager for Pirelli, Federico Bodini told : “This is a tread pattern that is not only functional but it also has a design that communicates our new concept. We have the shape of angels and demons as the tread pattern as it translates to how the consumer wants to use their motorcycle.”



The new motorcycle tyre - Angel ST will be a single compound tyre, with more of a focus on the same EPT, or Enhanced Patch Technology, thesis that the Diablo Rosso sport tyre was centralized around last year.

Using a complex method of testing the pressure through the tyre, Pirelli has developed the Angel ST to have a much bigger contact patch for improved grip levels.


Don't worry. This not the pattern on the tyre will be.

Here how the tyre tread looks like :

The Angel and the Demon can be seen on the thread and as Pirelli said, it translates to how the consumer wants to use their motorcycle. It best to be said as a The Double Soul, as the people who chooses to buy a Sportstourer, who at the right times, does not want to sacrifice the thrills of the curve and the emotion of acceleration. Angel ST will fits best on a 1400GTR, ST1300, FJR1300 and ZRX1200. Should be best on Hayabusa and ZX14 too. To sum it up, it'll be a close rival to Bridgestone BT-021 and Michelin Pilot Road 2.




The Angel motive clearer seen when the tyre are new.


After 1000km of running in Demon mode, the tread then reflects your riding characteristics.
It's sings, kill the angel and live the demon. Huh. Is this right?

Hopefully MotoMillia as the new Pirelli Moto Tyres distributors will have them in their rack.

2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Video

Esok gi Mok sign je la warna hitam tu...
Slrupppp...!



MO Editor-in-Chief Kevin Duke recently returned from the Far East where he put the all-new 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R through its paces at Japans famed Autopolis Raceway. Check out the footage and you can get in on the action too!


"Tell you the old bike, really like it, but it was more of a nice bike. this bike, steers incredibly, much better than the old bike, more power always appreciated..."

"The R6 on the race track, great bike on the street not so good... CBR600 our class winner last year, but aa.. this gonna really give it runs for it's money..."

"Tell you it couldn't be a better bike, had a mechanic here trying to set it up the best they can for me, at the end of the day i couldn't ask for any other improvement."
- Kevin Duke

2009 Kawasaki 1400GTR

The Kawasaki 1400GTR is a great sport touring machine. Gong and me can testify how Tok Mat pulls this bike all the way to Kuantan from Temerloh while our speedo constantly reads the 260km/h following him. He also prove how this bike is great (and he too) on the Batu Arang twisties corners while most of the road are covered with patches and sand. I must admit I like this bike. You've got 155bhp and 136Nm of torque from a re-tuned ZZR1400 a.k.a Zx14 engine with Variable Valve Timing & ram-air. It weights 279kg dry. But it would not agree with me on the usage.

Around the net, the GTR could be improve with heated grips (which we don't use), glove compartment on side fairing (could be good), adjustable seat high (kawi offers gel seat which is more comfortable although the seat itself already are, and you can adjust the suspension bracket to adjust the high of the bike, like your height will differs in a few days huh?), electronic cruise control (errr... nevermind, i'm not planning to leave my attention to the road while i'm flying this monster) and outside temperature gauge (you're already outside!).

So to summarize, this is a near perfect sport tourer for me. Kawasaki made a good job here. A class leader.

More photos :







Side mirror width are well design to match the panniers. So if you pass the front, you'll pass your end. But this might troubles navigating through the traffic, especially when you have those box removed.





Features :

Tyre pressure sensor. No need for regular tyre pressure checks. Sensors deliver that information straight to the instrument console.


Shaft drive. A real benefit for the long-distance traveller - virtually maintenance-free shaft drive.


Electric Screen. Deflect wind and weather with the electrically adjustable screen, reducing fatigue so you can ride further and longer.


12V Socket. An all purpose DC socket with a capacity of 70W makes it easy to use electrical accessories.


Panniers. The large-volume panniers are integrally designed and easy detachable.


1400GTR Motor. Precision engineering is the secret of the 1400GTR’s extraordinary torque delivery across the rev range. Variable valve timing optimises torque for blistering acceleration, yet still delivers smooth power for high-speed cruising.


KIPASS (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System) increases your bike’s security wherever you travel.

Don't worry about losing them. You can order up to 6 unit of them from Kawasaki, you get 2 fobs as standard. The bike sense the nearby fobs within 1.5m range. You can park the bike and walk away while the fob are inside your pocket. It is secured. If you drop your fob after starting the bike, a warning will show on the LCD screen if the bike are away from the sensor range and the bike engine will stay running. If you stop the engine, you only have 10 seconds to start it back again without the fobs before it gets disabled. The GTR will also tell you when the fobs battery are running low.


ABS Braking. Linked petal brake discs all round, and radially-mounted front calipers allied with ABS, ensure composed braking under all conditions.


Tank compartment. Two golden rules of touring – don’t waste space and have essentials immediately to hand. Convenient tank compartment allow for quick access to documents, credit cards and cash.


Rear suspension. Touring riders demand convenience. Rear preload is quickly adjustable to compensate for a passenger and luggage.


Long range. With its 22-litre fuel tank the 1400GTR is in it for the long haul. Comfortably exploit its range thanks to the supertourer’s ergonomic layout and capable monocoque chassis.


Inverted fork. A true super-tourer wouldn’t be complete without adjustable and compliant upsidedown forks.


Comfort seat. You’ll spend hours in the seat of your 1400GTR on your transcontinental adventures. It’s been designed with long-distance comfort as the main priority.


Concentric Instruments. With constantly changing traffic and road conditions, you’ll appreciate the clarity of the concentric instrument panel. All the information you need at the quickest of glances.


Accurate Injection. Precise two-stage fuel injection guarantees dependably smooth power delivery at all engine speeds.


Exhaust. Designed to comply with stringent Euro emissions regulations, the GTR’s exhaust still makes the most of the high-perfomance ZZR1400-derived motor.

2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Arrived!

This post is dedicated specially to our Bro Barongan. Hehehe...

This bike is awesome. Of course I haven't yet to ride on one but the appearance already caught my attention. The sitting positing is like getting on the Suzuki GSX-R1000 K7, but the handles feel likes a Kawi. It feels and is much lighter that the previous version. Kawasaki uses lighter materials like magnesium case covers, lighter camshafts, lighter starter and some more stuff to shave up few more kilos on this bike. As claim by Kawi, it's almost 10kg lighter than it's predecessor.



Exhaust goes back to the right side. I like this setup more than the under seat exhaust. And Kawi takes advantages of using less material due to the shortcut.



Rear hugger as equip as standard. A little bit paint would make this hugger look more awesome.


Bridgestone Battlax BT-016 as standard OEM fit.


Rear brake reservoir been located near the engine.


Same Ohlins damper on the ZX-10R fitted to the bike.




Showa's new BPF (Big Oiston Fork) 41mm fork. It features large diameter internal piston. Same system found on the new GSX-R1000 K9. Rebound and compression damping adjuster located on the top end. So you can adjust them easily while you're riding. Yeah! Hehehe... The preload adjuster are located on the bottom.


New meter design. No battery fitted to the bike yet. So no no turn on for me. This one idle at 3,000rpm without starting the engine. Haha.


Pojie's eying on this side mirror for his ZX-10R. Looks cool. And it's very light.


ZX-10R gen. Doesn't have enough fierce looking face like his bigger brother, but still looks good enough for me.



Swingarm looks more solid than the previous year. But I think it's just as good as the ZX-10R. I mean, really like the '08/09 ZX-10R


Lovely in black.


Rear end. Different tail light than the other 09 Kawi sports bike, but looks almost the same.


Immobilizer as standard starts from the 08 model. You get the key when you pay for the bike.


Side air collector for the 599cc turbine jet.


Wanna some piece of me?


Revised RAM air intake.


Lawanya 250 ni...!!


Color options of lime green, metallic diablo black as shown, and candy surf blue.


2 years warranty. Cheers to Kawasaki Malaysia awesome job on parts and warranty. Don't worry about thrashing this bike on the track.


New triple clam. Light saving as on the CBRs.


Again, ain't that weird looking as the ZX-10R.



Footpegs.



Easy access H9 & H11 bulb. A great advantages if something goes wrong to the bulb during the night. Then again, these superbikes are damn realible machine.




Same old ergonomic design button and switches. Did it has a pass light? I didn't notice.


Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, top-out spring and pillow ball upper mount, dual-range (high/low-speed) stepless compression damping, 25-way adjustable rebound damping, fully-adjustable spring preload / 5.2 in.


300mm petal rotors disc. Dual piston and dual pad on each side.


Making way for the ground clearance. My my... this bike are well design to be lean.


Clean undertail when you remove the mudguard & tail.

The price increase RM2,000.00 from the previous model.
Net selling price : RM 66,900.00
1 year Insurance : RM 2,087.50 (All rider)
1 year road tax : RM 200.00
1 year PA insurance : RM 130.00
Registration fee : RM 5.00
Number plates : RM 40.00
Hak Milik Fee : RM 20.00
Freight Charges : Rm 200.00
Admission fee : RM 300.00
On the road price altogether : RM 69,882.50
Sum insured : RM 67,000.00

I was THIIISSSSS close on taking one back home for the next track day. Arggghhh!! Apa susah, sign je.. kan?

Akrapovic Racing/Evo Full System for 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R

The Akrapovic full system exhaust saves 7.51kg for their evolution model and 6.28kg for the racing line. Akrapovic claims a massive 7.8bhp increase over the stock exhaust. That means the Kawi, produce 113.9bhp at stock, pumps out to 122.1bhp @ 14500rpm with the full system model. Imagine the whole Evo system weights 3.71kg only. Damn!


Looks good. I would prefer titanium muffler if the bike is green and blue. But for diablo black, the carbon fiber would be a fine choice. Ahh.. Who cares? You're the one who's buying, right? But I wonder if the link pipe will be exposed like that. Muffler angle match perfectly with the body line.


System diagram. More infor on the exhaust can be found at http://www.akrapovic.com



Akrapovic dynochart measured on Dynojet ATV.

How they treat every motocyclist is a snatch thief

Motosikal ditegah di pusat pelancongan?
Utusan Malaysia Online - 21.01.09
Oleh sharilfuddin saari

KUALA LUMPUR 20 Jan. - Motosikal mungkin tidak dibenarkan memasuki lokasi-lokasi tertentu yang menjadi pusat perniagaan dan tumpuan pelancong di bandar raya ini bagi membendung jenayah ragut.

Langkah itu dianggap antara pilihan yang ada sekiranya jenayah ragut ingin dikurangkan di ibu negara.

Ketua Polis Negara, Tan Sri Musa Hassan berkata, pihaknya akan mengemukakan cadangan itu kepada Kementerian Pengangkutan dalam masa terdekat.

Beliau berkata, larangan itu tidak bermaksud di semua tempat tetapi beberapa kawasan yang dikenal pasti mempunyai kadar jenayah ragut yang tinggi.

“Kita telah membuat kajian dan mengenal pasti lokasi-lokasi tertentu di ibu negara yang memiliki kadar jenayah ragut yang tinggi.

“Kawasan seperti ini tidak perlu penggunaan motosikal kerana orang berjalan kaki,” katanya pada majlis makan tengah hari anjuran Yayasan Pencegahan Jenayah Malaysia (MCPF) bersama media di sebuah hotel di sini hari ini.



Source

2009 Kawasaki ER-6n

The top selling Kawasaki CKD bike ER-6n comes with two colours. Black & White. Priced are slightly higher than last year, due to our FOREX. It's retail on the road at RM33K.

White always looks cool for me.

Sharper design.

Nice looking bike from this angle.

New tail light.

Got the same new Nissin brake pump as the 2009 Versys.

New meter. Clean.

The new vertical headlight.

Dorna CEO threatens to sue Kawasaki if they don’t race in 2009 MotoGP

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has warned Kawasaki that its ZX-RRs must race in MotoGP this season - something that is looking more likely after a subsequent revelation that factory test rider Olivier Jacque is currently on track in Australia.

Kawasaki, which officially announced that it was suspending its factory MotoGP activities on January 9, has a contract with Dorna to race in MotoGP until the end of 2011. Ezpeleta told La Gazetta dello Sport that he was willing to release Kawasaki from the final two years of that agreement, providing its bike are on the 2009 grid.

“There is an agreement until 2011, which Dorna has with all the factories,” Ezpeleta told the sportspaper. “It cannot just be discarded.

“I have told Kawasaki that I would not accept this contract being broken and, since they have said that the costs for this season are budgeted, I have proposed that they race in 2009. In exchange I will release them from 2010 and 2011.

“The problem with this is that Kawasaki says it only has engines built for 25% of the championship and that they don’t want to develop the rest. Therefore I am searching for a structure, in France, to do this for them. The final obstacle will be to get the Japanese to meet these people and agree to this scenario.”

When asked how optimistic he was of success, Ezpeleta declared “I think that it will all be resolved” then revealed that Kawasaki are testing today (Wednesday) and that he expects the current team structure to remain.

“Today Olivier Jacque is testing at Eastern Creek, in Australia. The team will continue to be managed by Michael Bartholemy and it is important to safeguard the futures of John Hopkins and Marco Melandri.”

Despite such optimism, Ezpeleta once again warned Kawasaki that it cannot simply walk away: “If Kawasaki will not race, I will take them to court.”

Those words could also be seen as warning to any other manufacturers thinking of quitting.

Ezpeleta also added that he wants a series of cost cutting measures - such as a reduction in testing, and engines that last for two or three grand prix weekends - agreed before the start of this season and is aiming to boost grid numbers to 20 riders for 2010.

Kawasaki’s apparent withdraw had reduced the 2009 MotoGP field to just 17 riders.

Source

Trying to kneedown on a Naked Bike

Yesterday I was so bored at home, so I suit up and called my buddy to come and shoot me in action. I wanted to try to kneedown using the Super Duke.

I head out to the nearest roundabout I could find and went around it once to make sure it's safe for me to attempt it. I felt rather awkward hanging off the bike, because of the handle bar positioning is completely different from a superbike and the rear end has the tendency to slide, maybe it's because of the tyre. The Katoom has a Metzeler Sportec M3 fitted both front and rear. Everytime I tried to lean more I started to lose the rear end. After trying for some time the traffic started to get heavier and the skies looks it's going to rain, so I didn't manage to kneedown but at least I tried.

Here's some of the photo of my attempted knee down somewhere around Shah Alam.

I've got to watch out for inbound traffic, if I don't be careful I might get hurt. It may seem a bit dangerous but you should blame the government for not having enough facility for us bikers to use.

Awesome Video : Stand By Me

Playing For Change: Song Around the World "Stand By Me"


Thank you for the video! Awesome job!

Loan Bike: KTM Super Duke 990

How often do a Superbike Shop gives you a temporary bike until your bike is ready? The answer is always, but what kind of bike they gives you is the real question. I got a brand spanking new KTM Super Duke courtesy of Kenny's Planet Cycle.

KDX220 & Air Terjun Tanglir

I was on the market for a MX or an enduro dual-purpose bike. It gaves me a hard time to decide which one is the best for my purposes. Actually I don't give a damn, I just want to go offroading - with some freestyle jump along the way. So Ah Meng help me on it. He was kind enough to loan me a Kawasaki KDX220 for the weekend. I kinda hesitated to try it at first, never like to loan other bikers bike before, but it's very hard to resist. So I did. I pick to go to air terjun Tanglir, which is between Genting Sempah & Bukit Tinggi. The place may be well know, but to access to the waterfall is kind of difficult, unless you're OK to go trekking for one an a half hour, or got a 4x4 or an off road bike, making the waterfall privately own by you.


I went to the Tanglir waterfall with my family. My invitation to the other 300kmj buddies leave unanswered. Oh... thought of having a biking buddy on the trail would be much more fun. The Ford Ranger is really a multi purpose vehicle. It use to play the same role when I punctured my tyre on the Awana route last year.


We convoyed with 3 cars. Parked at the end of the Sentosa home, there a guard guarding the front gate there, so it's quite safe to leave the car. The whole family jump on the ranger and I took the bike uphill.


Gravel for the appetizer.


The trail isn't a real justice to test the bike. But it's the closest I can think of in the shortest distance.


The family pack are ready for the lift off.


I wish there would be more of this. The trail takes about 10 minutes journey. Around 5km I guess. Some of the are tarmac, some are mud, some a gravel and some just patches of holes that made it so much fun.


I wouldn't be fair if I had the only fun machine. They're roller-coasting too.


The entrance to the waterfall. It's still accessible by a 4x4. But after a few hundreds meters, only a fully mod 4x4 could go in. I wonder if those guys on the RM271K Land Rover Freelander 2 would gave this a try. I've been dreaming on that SUV too much know. But it's unreachable.


Tyre track are still there. I'm still blasting with the bike, err not really blasting, trailing would be a better word. The KDX220 is a good trail bike. I never handle this kind of bike before, but I'm having so much fun on it. I went up until the river crossing. Up there the trail are just fine for a enduro to jump in. I chicken out actually. I don't think I could survive the steep climbing angle and the big rocks. That's the end for me. But I would love to try it if it's my bike that I'm riding.


We all jump into the water here. I can summarized Tanglir as a multilevel waterfall. The highest waterfall reach more than 100ft on the first layer, if I count head it right. This is the 4th layer. The depth is just nice for an adult. You can jump in from layer one to five. But I couldn't manage to find how to go down to the first waterfall.


This is the 2nd layer. The best of Tanglir for us. It's like about 30ft high. The trek to get down here is quit steep. But it's not that hard, but you have to leave behind your picnic basket. The water here aren't deep enough to slam diving, at the end of the waterfall, it's just the high of a man shoulder.


No room for U-turn if you're on a 4x4. Then again, if you on 4x4, it ain't a problem.


Posing on the edge. Way down there is the Tanglir tallest waterfall.


Went checking out the stages with my brother in-law. Looks cool.

We head up from 1p.m. and by the time we get down, it's almost 7p.m. Tanglir really is an awesome place. The water is cold, but you'll get use to it once you jump in. It's worth going to and it's not that far from the city. Most probably like us, you'll own the place for yourself the whole day. The KDX was awesome too. I didn't really push that bike too much. It's still is a buddy's bike. It really made me wonder how the KX250F would perform on this. When I get back down, I've decided to get the KLX450R for my liking. It's an enduro with some MX gens, just a fine balance between those two. When I do, I'll be coming back. Thanks Ah Meng for the loan. Appreciate them!

2009 Kawasaki KLX450R

A street legal, dual purpose enduro bike. Features KX450 suspension with modification for enduro style riding. Yummy!



KLX450R Specifications
Engine type : Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single
Displacement : 449 cm³
Bore x stroke : 96.0 x 62.1 mm
Compression ratio : 12.0:1
Valve/Induction system : DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel system : Carburettor: Keihin FCR
Ignition : Digital AC-CDI
Starting : Electric, primary kick
Transmission : 5-speed, return
Frame type : Perimeter, aluminium
Rake/Trail : 27.1º/117 mm
Suspension, front : 48 mm upside-down AOS-type telescopic fork
Suspension, rear : New Uni-Trak
Tyre, front : 80/100-21 51M
Tyre, rear : 110/100-18 64M
Brakes, front : Single semi-floating 250 mm petal disc
Brakes, rear : Single 240 mm petal disc
Steering angle, left / right : 42º / 42º
Fuel capacity : 8 litres
Automatic Headlights On (AHO) : Yes
Complies to EU emission limit : EURO 2

Propose Ride: Songkran & Phuket Bike Week

'Someone' once told that you haven't truly experienced Thailand until you been to a Songkran Festival and Phuket Bike Week, well that's what I intended to do this year.

Anyone wants to join me? This ride is not for the faint hearted!

Songkran Festival

Sawadee, Tjock dee pii mai!

Thailand's most celebrated festival is the Songkran Festival. It starts April 13 and lasts between 3 and 10 days, depending on where you are in Thailand. The word Songkran is from the Sanskrit meaning the beginning of a new Solar Year, but nowadays Thailand celebrates the New Year on 31 December. The Thai people celebrate this festival with water. Everyone gets soaking wet and since it is the hottest season of the year, the custom is quite refreshing.

It is an old belief that the Nagas or mythical serpents brought on rain by spouting water from the seas. The more they spouted, the more rain there would be. So, one might believe that the Songkran customs of throwing water is actually a rain-making idea, but it seems that the Thais don't really bother about way they celebrate Songkran - they just do it for having a great time!

JOIN IN THE FUN AND BE PREPARED TO GET WET? VERY WET!

2009 15th Phuket Bike Week

The Biggest Motorcycle event in South East Asia Celebrating 14 years of Phuket Bike Week on an international scale and for the First Time Phuket Motorcycle Exhibition ( PBW & MCE ) on April 9-14,2008

Phuket Riders Club and Ride Thailand Magazine would like to take this opportunity to invite everybody to be part of the Phuket Bike Week 2008. This year will see the first Annual of the Phuket Motorcycle Exhibition which is a must for all bike lovers, and an excellent platform to exchange contact information. Invited to be a part of this Exhibition are International motorcycle companies such as Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Triumph, Victory, KTM, Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha and so much more… During the Exhibition competitions for best of Bikes will be held, souvenirs for bikers, as well as a colorful variety of concerts by Thai Artists.

I'm On Boycott for Israel & Their Ally (That's You Too USA)

When I was a kid, so far as I can remember, I always see my dad watch Dunia Jam 10, a local TV news, every day at 10p.m. The news covers most of the news around the world and the war between Israel & Palestinians too. I had to admit I couldn't understand them at first, and understood why my dad are so interested with the news. As years gone by, I then knew who is the Israel and who is the Palestinians. The Palestinians, الفلسطينيون (al-Filastiniyyun), suffering is nothing I could describe for the wrong doing of the Israel. The point is, the Palestinians had suffered too long. Too long as far as I can remember. Too long as you can read it in the history.



I promise today, I wont drink Coke anymore. And that's one of the list that I'm not spending for Israel ally. I wish to help Palestine by doing my part. Come, let all Muslim acts, we could shake their economy and they would hurt to finance their war. Dr. M used to say Jews rules the world by proxy. It's so true.

I know Malaysia doesn't want any business with Israel. But I wonder how the KATA product got here. And it is being sold by these guys, Eng Tong Systems Sdn. Bhd. If you guys know any other Israel direct product had come in here, do let me know.

I kinda felt to kept this blog just for biking, but this is something all Muslim would do. Spread the words guys. AllahuAkbar!

BTW, is the a www.boycott-made-in-usa.com? The link seems to be broken... always.

Update :
Dr. M :
"Israeli goods doesn't get into Malaysia except through Singapore, of course we allowed that to happened, I don't why..."
- The Star Online, 5th January 2009

KAWASAKI PRESS RELEASE

It's official Kawasaki will quit MotoGp next season!!! Damn I was looking forward to see Kawasaki fight for the championship with their new screamer engine. The 2005 MotoGP runner up Melandri is surely cursing his bad luck, maybe he should go 'mandi bunga' to get rid of his bad luck!

BBC Sport Website

Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki has pulled out of MotoGP to cut costs amid the global financial crisis. "We took the final decision not to continue in MotoGP," said Kawasaki's Katsuhiro Sato. "It's something we have been considering since mid-December. "In the current economic climate and unless the situation improves it is difficult to say if we will return." Kawasaki had competed in motorcycling's premier class since the 2003 season, with annual costs of around £28.8m. The worldwide economic downturn has also affected other Japanese marques involved in motorsport. Honda announced in December it is quitting Formula One, while Subaru and Suzuki are out of the World Rally Championship

Kawasaki has also felt the bite with sales of its bikes in the United States and Europe badly hit by the economic slump. Dutch-based Kawasaki Motors Racing failed to win in MotoGP, their best result French rider Randy de Puniet's second place in Japan in 2007.

The team had a miserable 2008 campaign , with John Hopkins injured for much of it and finishing 16th overall. Kawasaki's decision leaves the American and new team-mate Marco Melandri of Italy looking for rides ahead of the 2009 season. Melandri, who has won five MotoGPs, finished runner-up to compatriot Valentino Rossi in 2005. Kawasaki's exit, assuming its two bikes are not taken on by an independent team, leaves the MotoGP grid with 17 riders. Points are awarded down to 15th place.

SOURCE 1

SOURCE 2

Rider died while he waited to be found

The deadly Dakar Rally was in mourning again yesterday with the news that French motorcyclist Pascal Terry had been found dead while competing in this year's race.
The 49-year-old Terry was found dead late Wednesday Canberra time after the fourth stage of the gruelling spectacle which is taking place for the first time in South America after terrorist threats forced its cancellation last year.

''Officially the result of the autopsy revealed that the French pilot Terry died of pulmonary edema ... which produced cardio-respiratory failure,'' Julio Acosta, chief of the department of operations of the La Pampa province police, said.

''The death occurred between Monday and yesterday [Tuesday] morning.

''He could have been saved, if he had been rescued in time.''

Nasser Al Attiyah reclaimed the lead from Carlos Sainz in the fifth stage between Neuquen and San Rafael over the Patagonian steppe yesterday.

Terry had been missing since Sunday's second stage between Santa Rosa and Puerto Madryn.

Acosta said confusion over whether Terry had arrived at the Nequen camp on Sunday delayed the start of the search.

Search operations were launched on Monday, but they were unable to locate Terry until early on Wednesday morning when he was found dead by police.

''The motorcyclist was found in an area that is very inaccessible with very dense vegetation 15 metres from his bike,'' organisers said. ''He had taken off his helmet and had taken shelter with food and water next to him.'' AFP

Source

Cheaper RON95 petrol by mid-year

RON 95 petrol will be introduced by the middle of this year to provide a cheaper fuel option for the masses. At the same time, a higher tax will be levied on RON97 to subsidise RON95. This was revealed by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad. A chart on how the retail price of petrol is determined will be provided to the public next week.

The chart will help answer queries and explain how the pricing mechanism works. RON95, although of a higher grade than RON92, will be priced at the same level as RON92. Shahrir explained that RON95 was a basic grade of petrol which could be used by virtually all vehicles with the exception of some luxury cars.

“We will introduce RON95 by June or July. RON95 is about 10 sen to 11 sen cheaper than RON97. RON92 is currently priced at RM1.70. We will price RON95 at about the same,” he said after launching the Tesco-RHB Credit Card and Tesco-RHB Debit cards in Tesco Ampang yesterday.

Shahrir said the pricing of RON95 would be based on the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM). Prior to this, there was no price crisis and there was no need to explain on how the mechanism worked, he said. The pricing of petrol at kiosks is based on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), a regional fuel price monitor.

“Should the MOPS price go below US$40 (RM142) a barrel then retail fuel price will fall. If MOPS is above US$78 per barrel, retail fuel price will increase,” he said.

Source

Michelin Pilot Road 2

Thinking of changing a tyre for your sporttourer? Amir FJR ask me is the Pirelli is a fine choice without specifying the model name, but I don't know if Pirelli do bring in a suitable tyre for a sporttourer, what I know that Pirelli have here is the Corsa, Corsa III, DragonCorsa, DragonCorsa Pro and the SuperCorsa. None of them are really suitable for the sporttourer. The choice a limited. The most popular is the Bridgestone BT-021, and then you have Bridgestone BT-020 and Metzeller Roadtec Z6. So I did some homework and find out the Michelin Power Road 2 are available here.


Here's how the front tyre looks like. Price within the same range as the Bridgestone BT-021, I think it'll be a super deal for sporttourer uses. Looks are the thread pattern, you'll know it's being design to perform well on the wet.


The tyre adopt the Michelin dual compound technology, 2CT. A dual compound for a sporttourer is a great advantage. Review of this tyre shows that it has longer thread wear than the Bridgestones and it perform extremely well on wet. The tyre are directly rivals with Pirelli Diablo Strada, Bridgestone BT021 and BT020, Dunlop Sportmax D220, Continental Road Attack Z and the Metzeler Roadtec Z6.





Michelin lost quite a deal when lost the Formula 1 contract and the MotoGP. But they have always been known to produce excellent quality tyres. I bet this tyre would be great. And with the price within the range of the Bridgestones, again, it'll would be an awesome bargain!.

Gong's Superbike School

Gong's Superbike School, it's one day course are carefully structured and the school uses high quality digital still camera and video camera to help riders tackle their weakness and can immediately sees their mistakes. Yeah Right!

Under the Gong's supervision your riding skills and confidence will increase.

Last month Sifoo Gong organized a class especially for Pojaman, who've just upgraded to ZX10 and joining him that day was also Najib and Man .

If anyone wants to learn how to kneedown in one day don't hesitate to contact Gong.

I also participate in this class but since this time I'm a senior I got to be Gong's Gundik (Assistant).

Here are some of the picture from our most recent classes.

Sifoo Gong showing the newbies how to do it.

1

Gibsi Laut

1

Pojaman with his new ZX10R

1

Najib practising hard

1

It's not as easy as it look, Pojaman trying realy hard.

1

Showing the lines to Pojaman.

1

Hell yeah!! Kneedown baby

1

The Master in action

1

Side by side

1

Hehehe

1

Pojaman and his new ZX10R

1

The Class of 2008

1

The only 2 graduates hehe

2009 Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG (Japanese Market)

This new ZRX1200 DAEG is for the Japanese market only. Too bad Kawasaki Malaysia doesn't have any plan to have this one here yet. Among the feature highlighted for this model are :

1. Fuel Injection, with Z1000 based fuel pump.
2. ECU are based from their flagship superbike, the Kawasaki ZX10R.
3. 6-speed gearbox.
4. Adopt ZZR1400/ZX-14 wheel shape.
5. Immobilizer as standard.
6. LED tail lamp.
7. Slimmer radiator, lighter, added 16% more cooling efficiency.
8. New suspension.
9. New D shaped swing arm.
10. Exhaust design changed.






More photos, click to enlarge :







The power plant. Get a new Z1000 based fuel injection and a 6-speed transmission. Abg Suindra one is 5 speed. Nak upgrade tak? Hehehehe...


Remember 1984 GPZ900R Ninja. Some gen of it are here.


Meter gets 2 LCD panel. It display clock, odometer, trip and fuel meter.


Those LED tail lights shares with 07/08 ZX6R and GTR 1400.
Bridgestone BT-021 fitted as standard tyres.


Seat are new. Leather materials are different than current one and a little bit slimmer.


New rear suspension. Angle mount are different.


New revised suspension.


D-shaped swingarm are new, but looks almost the same.


Slimmer, larger and lighter radiator with 16% more efficiency claim by Kawasaki.

2009 Kawasaki KX250F

Power Unit
・新しいシリンダーヘッドは吸気ポートを新設計とし、全回転域、特に高回転域での性能を向上。
・シリンダーヘッドの鋳造工程で使用される中子に、特殊コーティングを施すことで吸気ポートを平滑化し、全回転域にわたって吸気効率を向上。
・シリンダーヘッドのウォータージャケットを変更、クーラントをシリンダーヘッド前部に通すことでさらなる冷却性能を確保。
・チタン製エキゾーストパイプはテーパー形状とし、低回転域と高回転域の性能を同時に向上。
・カムチェーンテンショナースプリングのバネ定数を変更し、メカニカルロスを約30%低減。
・ラジエター幅を左右ともに各6.4mm拡大し、総容量を6%アップして冷却効率を向上。
・エンジンオイル量を少なくすることで、軽量化とトランスミッション室内のメカニカルロスを低減。
・新設計のギヤシフトメカニズムはラチェット式を採用。レバー比、バネ定数、シャフト位置を全て見直してシフトフィールを向上。
・超軽量チタンバルブの採用により、往復運動部分の重量を低減して高回転での信頼性を確保。また、吸気バルブには新しい高剛性チタン素材を使用し、傘部を厚くして強度を高めている。
・トランスミッションのシャフト間隔を1mm広げ、より高強度のギヤを使用することが可能となった。
・サイレンサーはAMAとFIMの騒音規制に適合。（日本仕様は94dB

Frame& Suspension
・フレームはメインパイプ全幅を約6mm狭め、スリムなライディングポジションを実現。
・アッパーエンジンマウントをエンジンの真上からシリンダーヘッド両脇に変更し、剛性を向上。
・新設計メインパイプ、ロアクロスパイプ、燃料タンクを囲むガセットパイプの断面形状を変更。
・部品の変更により、合計約1ｋｇの軽量化を実現。
・スイングアームは剛性を最適化し、走行安定性を向上すると同時に約400ｇの軽量化に貢献。またピボット位置を上方へ移動することで後輪のトラクション性能を向上。
・フロントフォークインナーチューブの外面にはニュースーパーハードチタンコーティングを施し、摺動抵抗を低減してスムーズな走行に貢献。高い表面硬度を持つ濃紺色のコーティングがチューブの傷やダメージを防止する。
・フロントフォークアウターチューブの内面にはフリクションを低減するカシマコートを施し、サスペンションの動きをよりスムーズにして高い走行フィールを実現。
・フォークのオフセットを24.5mmから23.5mmに縮小、フレームの剛性バランスやサスペンションセッティングの変更とともに、軽快なハンドリングと前輪の路面追従性向上を実現。
・フォークガードはカラーリングをブラックとし、従来モデルよりも更にフォークを覆う形状としてインナーチューブの保護性を向上。
・リヤショックはタンクシリンダーにカシマコートを施し、フリクションを低減してスムーズなサスペンションの動きを実現。
・ダブルモールド（二色成形）による、ツートンのシュラウド、サイドカバーはよりスリムなパッケージを実現。またサイドカバーに空けられた穴がサイレンサーの冷却効果を向上。
・ワイドステップは前後方向46mmから50mmに拡大、グリップ性と操作性を向上。


KX250F SPECIFICATION
エンジン種類/弁方式: 水冷4ストローク単気筒/DOHC4バルブ
排気量(cm3): 249
ボアxストローク(mm): 77.0×53.6
圧縮比: 13.2：1
点火方式: デジタル AC-CDI
潤滑方式: セミ・ドライサンプ
始動方式: プライマリーキック
燃料供給方式: キャブレター KEIHIN FCR37
トランスミッション型式: 常時噛合5段リターン式
クラッチ型式: 湿式多板
駆動方式: チェーン
ギヤ・レシオ:
1速: 2.142(30/14)
2速: 1.769(23/13)
3速: 1.444(26/18)
4速: 1.200(24/20)
5速: 1.045（23/22）
一次減速比: 3.350 (67/20)
二次減速比: 3.692 (48/13)
フレーム型式 アルミペリメター
タイヤサイズ: 前: 80/100 -21 51M
後: 100/90 -19 57M
ブレーキ型式: 前: ペタル（花弁）形状シングルディスク 250mm(外径)
後: ペタル（花弁）形状シングルディスク 240mm(外径)
サスペンションタイプ: 前: テレスコピック(倒立・インナーチューブ径47mm)
後: スイングアーム(ニューリンク・ユニトラック)
全長(mm): 2,170
全幅(mm): 820
全高(mm): 1,270
シート高(mm): 955
軸間距離(mm): 1,470
最低地上高(mm): 340
車両重量(整備)(kg): 104.3
燃料タンク容量(L): 8.0
エンジンオイル容量(L): 1.0
メーカー希望小売価格: 677,000円 (RM 26K++)
(本体価格644,762円、消費税32,238円)

Cyber TTS

What's a CyberTTS? Well, it's kinda a proposal for the group. CyberTTS is just like the same regular TTS we often go every Friday. But instead of hangin' out at Pelita or any mamak store, we just hang out at our own house in front of the computer and discuss whatever to be discuss. We log on to this website and have a chat on the Shoutmix box. I don't see we'll be missing anything. It's more convenient and we can make our own drink while at it. If you guys want to run in your bike. Just go outside and start the bike and idle it for 10 minutes. That would make the engine running as well. How about it guys? If this is a success, we can have a cyber futsal as well.


Look. You can stretch your leg, get a pack of cigarettes and cans of soda. All to the comfort of your home.

Some more, advantages of the CyberTTS is you'll save your tyre life and have more pocket money from the fuel you saves. So, I'm ready to SMS to call our first CyberTTS. How about it?

East Malaysia Top Road for Superbiking

I'll try to review each of them in up coming time. I'll try to get videos, pictures and more stuff about the road. It's just a route which me and my friends would love to enjoy most, and I'm sharing it with those who read this. And it is not in any particular order.

I'm not suggesting for those who read this to go high speeding on it. Yes, sometimes I do break the law too in speeding. But please, safety is important, and should come first. This route are being use daily by the public. Most of them had a speed limit of 90km/h only. If you're too hungry for speed, get them on track, Sepang is the best. Lap the Sepang track at 2:15:00, and I salute you every time I see ya.

So, here it goes. My top rated route in East Malaysia.

1. Karak Highway, Selangor
2. Kuala Kelawang, Negeri Sembilan
3. Ulu Yam/Awana, Selangor
4. Bukit Tinggi, Selangor
5. Baling-Gerik Expressway, Kedah
6. Simpang Pulai-Pos Slim, Perak
7. Pos Slim-Gua Musang (Simpang Pulai), Perak & Kelantan
8. KPE (Kuala Lumpur-PutraJaya Expressway), Kuala Lumpur
9. Gerik-Banding, Perak
10. Banding-Jeli, Perak & Kelantan

I'll keep updating this post. More to come with more miles to roll.

A Twist Of The Wrist

Ever wonder how can those guys go so fast on the track? It's all about hard work. And what they are working on the bike is applying every technique that they know to be the fastest on the track. Believe me, to get the fastest lap is to always concentrate on what you are doing. A few seconds lost is a big time for a racer. If you lost my 0.001sec, you still lost. Right? In taking a corner, you have to always watch your reference marker to know exactly where you could brake the latest. Knowing your line which is the best to take, you throttle, you weight distribution, what your suspension will to do you is most of the things you where thinking while on a corner. So, how do you learn about this technique? And where to? The simplest and easy way is to read a book. Keith Code is a common name in the superbiking world. He wrote several riding technique books and the important of all I must say is the "A Twist Of The Wrist". This books help riders to think and prepare themselves how to beat the track.


Here's what the book looks like. If you planning on getting one, it's available at Kinokuniya, KLCC. I don't find them elsewhere when I was looking for this book. It was recommended to me by Mr. Lee, my first boss when I work as a Shell pump attendant when I was 18. He used to be a good rally driver, and motorsports has always been his hobby. I admire him because he knows where and when to go fast and when and where are not. A person like this always know his responsibilities for himself and others. When I took by my ZX6R in front of him, he gaves me a thumbs up. He then grab my hand and took me to his office. "Come on", he says. He wrote down "A Twist of The Wrist" on a paper and ask me to find this book and understand it. I did and I'm glad.


A boring look inside. But excitement starts when you where thinking on how would it'd be if you are on you bike. Personally, I say the book helps a lot on my riding technique. It would not be as fun as having a teacher or a personal coach, but the theory inside already helps you to explore and experiment what it'll be like to take a perfect corner. But it's not just about cornering. It's more about self control and awareness.


Keith other product doesn't just end on a book. I purchase the AudioCD for A Twist of The Wrist Volume II which is just the same as reading the book itself. I would recommend getting the Volume II rather than the first one. But it's never a lost to have them both. Other books and DVD also available from him.

It's never important to me to be the fastest rider on the track, because I'm not racing. But I love riding. And I like anything that's fast. So to be fast on the track, it's not just about opening up the throttle and have the meanest & powerful machine you could find. It's all about the technique. And a good rider or racer knows them. Let's be one!

Peter Lenz

Peter is a 5 time National Champion for his class. He has been coached by Keith Code since he was 8 years old. Wow just look at the way he ride, I just wish a Malaysian could have this type of high quality training for our future MotoGP champion.

Enjoy :)

MCN Roadtest: Kawasaki ZX-10R: Race v road

Kawasaki's ZX-10R was designed for the race track but also happens to be road legal so just how far apart is it from a genuine racing ZX-10R?

MCN road tester Adam Child travelled to Mallory Park to test his ZX-10R long-term test bike against the British Superstock ZX-10R of Astro Racing Kawasaki.



Enjoy :)

2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R v 2008 Yamaha R1

Check out the first monster battle of 2008. In this video MCN pitch the new Kawasaki ZX-10R against the Yamaha R1 - MCN's superbike of choice for 2007. The ZX-10R has already ripped up the rule book by producing a staggering 170bhp - 8bhp more than the R1. It also flew down MCN test track at a genuine 184mph, in the wet!



Enjoy :)

Salin Kulit Tahap Dewa

I'm cured! Semalam pergi mandi air terjun kat Air Terjun Tanglir. Hehehe... Tu track MX bikes tu...

Monster Energy

Heck... I just knew that Monster Energy is an energy drink. I thought it was a Kawasaki Team name or something. Duh!!!

MCN Roadtest: Kawasaki ZX-6R 2008 vs 2009

Kawasaki have made big claims that there new ZX-6R is more powerful, lighter and easier to ride than ever before.

To find out if they're right, Senior Road Tester Michael Neeves puts it to the test on the road against the old model.



Enjoy :)

G.P.R exhaust for the KTM RC8 1190

Well I've already ordered this exhaust for my new bike, initially I want to get the Akrapovic full system but alas I couldn't afford the price tag so I opted for the G.P.R full system since it provides the closest performance gains as to Akrapovic. The G.P.R cost RM7k but it still cheap when compare it to the Akra's RM17k. Well I dont think of it as RM7k spent just RM10k saved.

I've also choose G.P.R because of its racing pedigree this brand has already proven it worth where it matters the most - Moto GP.

This Italian made exhaust claims a reduction of weight achieved by 10kg, with an increase of 7hp in power.

I'll bet the many more kilos is coming off me since I've to cut down on everything to afford my new 'Orange Beast'.

Planet Cycle Shop

Eddy couldn't stop talking about this shop ever since he got back from Penang last month, so out of curiosity I decided to check this place out. I asked Eddy to tag along as long as he promised me that we're not going to end up on the wrong side of the border, he cheekily agreed.

When I arrived there he introduced me to Kenny the owner of Planet Cycle Shop the authorized dealer of KTM for the Asia Pacific Region. I must admit that I was impressed with Eddy's networking, because everywhere he goes he can arrange sweet deals for you. I heard that his connection even stretches beyond the border. Maybe some of us can testifies to this hehehe

Eddy trying to convinced Kenny that he's Kenny long lost son.

Admiring the RC8

RC8 comes with 2 years unlimited mileage warranty

Brembo brakes and Marchesini rim is standard.

So is the Brembo master pump for the brake and clutch.

Aftermarket GPR exhaust.

Mat punya Kekasih Gelap

Eddy dan basikalnya

Nizam the guy who introduced Eddy to Kenny and
the owner of the Goldwing that Masri used to guide us
through Penang during NEC, and also Masri's brother in-law.

Overall this shop is truly a one stop KTM centre, sales, service and spare parts under one roof. I hope they will continue to improve on KTM's image and reputation in Malaysia.

KTM RC8

Review by MCN's Chief Road Tester Trevor Franklin

Enjoy :)

Hikmah

the food in this Damansara Specialist is great, even my kids love it.

This will look like a hotel room if you minus the bed.

my kids enjoying the toilet, well its kind of posh for a hospital

Thank you lan,sham,yan,hazmi,sam,julia,remy,shasha,robert,evonne,sarah,emma,adrin,zakwan&makngah and other who came when im still in a state of euphoria. Anyway its just a minor surgery, where 2 wire is insert into my wrist to stabilised the radius. A true biker will experience a fractured bones once in his lifetime thats what Doohan say. This is my fifth fall from a bike and my second on a superbike. My third time hospitalised, first due to dengue fever, second a fractured wrist, fell from a scooter. For fellow bikers dont ever think that youre man of steel, a simple highside, will throw you out the bike like a wild horse, its a matter of second and you dont have time to plan on how youre going to land. So ride safely. Alhamdulillah, before the incident i manage to performed sunat hajat & dhuha prayer, if not maybe will be worse than this. Maybe God want me to rest for a while to be with my family.

Maybe he want me to realised how much my wife loves me. Now my wife become my right hand, she chauffered me wherever i wanna go, i just cannot imagine if i have to live this life all alone, even wearing my shirt its a painstaking process during the first week. So take care of your wife frens. yang sedap kat luar tu hanya sementara saja.

I believed this unfortunate accident will clean some of my sins.

life is meaningless without a happy family, life is bland without a bike but a wifi inside the room save the day.

this is not italian food advert but its my dinner a spaggheti bolognaise. comparable to itallianies.

Good thing about paying first class is that you can have it all including LCD TV and DVD player. I played SBK world championship 2008 all nite. But the best part i dont have to pay coz my insurance medical card cover it all. i still got another limit of RM1,485,000-00 left, i think its enough to cover any illness ,nauzubillah, if i live long enough. at least i dont have to beg from my children.

KTM 990 SuperDuke : 2007 Promotional Video

Ready to Race. Another lesson for KTM lovers.

KTM 950 Supermoto & RC8 : The Right Way

Here's how the KTM guys show us how to ride their bike.
Enjoy!

Posting on YouTube? Think Again...

Somehow, I think Yan will have more interest in this post. :-)





The man who post this video on YouTube, user jmm006 or Joel, 20 years old, who's riding the Kawasaki z750 as pictured below, recorded himself riding throught the street of Canberra, Australia over 200km/h. The speed limit of the streets are 60km/h. Cops who watch this video, of course from YouTube, then traced his home address through his YouTube account and pay him a visit with a search warrant.

They seized up his laptop, camcorder and harddrive and he then been charge for reckless riding / speeding. He'll face court in future date.

So, thinking of showing off on YouTube heh? One day Malaysian police could use your publicly broadcast video the same way, as an evidence againts you. This is a fine example of how Google is just another US conspiracy. Believe me! Hehehe...

Pink Challengger's Ride : A Tag Along with MAFTS Bikers

Abang Aziz and Epol are members of MAFTS, Motorcycle Associations of Federal State and Selangor. They joined together on a well organized trip to Melaka for a breast cancer awareness by the Breast Cancer Association of Federal States & Selangor. It was on the 30th November 2008, and I haven't got the time to blog about it until now. Me and Bedah tag along but Bedah misses the morning alarm. He then joined us at Melaka in the afternoon.


The meeting point was at Menara Hap Seng, Jalan P. Ramlee. Epol meet me at my house and we cruise along to the place. Upon arrival, we kinda not expecting the crowd will be this big.


Some of the survivors of breast cancer. The lady and the girls ride along with the Harley Davidson bikers all the way to Melaka.


An awareness program like this helps a lot on getting funds and sponsors. But their main agenda is to make awareness among the public, especially the female, so the main point is to saves lives :-). Thumbs up for they effort and willingness. People should take this as a good example.


Police escort are there.


Kaka was also there.


Getting ready to launch.


I like this pants. Jeans & leather with sliders to play along. Where can I get one?



Off they go.


We wait for the group to reassemble le at Shell Tol Sungai Besi. Epol and Abg Aziz planning to overtake everyone. Hehehe.. Just kidding. They are already fast bikers.


Some more bikers grouping. All kind of bikes are invited. I count head at least about 80 bikers from KL. More to come from Melaka and Singapore that had Melaka street give way for us all.


We stop at Air Keroh tol plaza to regroup again.


The new Ducati 696 are in sight too.


So then they came...


Abg Aziz FJR1300. An awesome sport touring machine.


One bike got my attention.

We then convoy to Dataran Pahlawan. I must say it close to 150 bikes along the road. At Dataran Pahlawan we are free of our own agenda. Me, Epol and Abg Aziz go and get our launch. Bedah then join in. Moments after we took our own route and cruise along Melaka. We had a cendol and Melaka Jam Besar.


We meet a nice PakCik who gives us a lot of tips on Melaka streets and police. Such a cheerful fella. Epol and Bedah loves to have memories with him. I'm sure he's famous in the Melaka walkway.


Cendol Jam Besar Melaka are always busy. Hardly who can get a sit to enjoy them. But a few minutes wait not a big deal to enjoy them.


Lovely taste. Especially in the hot afternoon.


Bedah snap my bike. If you could minus of some object from this picture, then I would be a nice one.

My GPS doesn't work well here. I loaded the malfreemaps.com version and the coverage of Melaka is minimal. As I depended on my GPS a lot now, I kinda lost without one. Parking on street doesn't feel that safe, so we kinda dried out to places to go.

Got back to KL late evening. It was fun.

Kawasaki to withdraw from MotoGP?

What? Really? Why?

Kawasaki to announce their withdrawal from MotoGP on the 5th January next week. The reason is not yet clear, I think maybe they decided when Hopkins bikes loose it's chain on the Le Mans. Hehehe... Just kidding. As most of people commented, it's due because of the cost and financial. I was shocked to read this news. Kawasaki's withdrawal will be the fourth time a Japanese manufacturer has pulled out of a major motorsport category in recent weeks. Honda announced in early December that it was quitting Formula One, while Subaru and Suzuki confirmed later in the month that they were stopping their programmes in the World Rally Championship. This is a slap to MotoGP. Lets wait and see what Kawa will announce on this 5th. Source.

2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R Streering Damper Mod / Fix

Ohlins damper that comes with the Kawasaki ZX-10R from 06-09 is crap. It has the same built quality as other Ohlins aftermarket steering damper, but the function lacks. This is because of the needle inside which has a hole in it and release air even when you screw it to the max. I really not sure why they even bother putting a damper like this on a their flagship bike.

So. One day, I had decided to upgrade my damper. Since I want to do it, I thought modding the damper will be risk free for me, because if it doesn't work, I already can accept the lost. Hehehe.. kinda smart stupid thing. Word around the forum gave a clear guide how to mod the damper yourself. I like to share the little details with some pictures for you guys if you ever want try it yourself.


Here is the crap damper. The Ohlins sticker doesn't do any justice to it.


My open working space. Boy, I'm in for a surprise. If you choose to work the damper, put it on your table inside and get a shoebox. Why ah? I lost a tiny ball bearing and a C clip while doing this process. Take me a day to look for it again.

OK, time for the real thing. The first step, remove the tiny screw using an alankey at the side where you adjust the click.


I pause briefly while you are doing this... Hehehe. That's the Microsoft activation line.


One you have take it out. Note the C clip that prevents the joint to the remove permanently. Remove the C clip carefully. I use a knife. Be careful because it'll bounce when u set it free.


One you remove the joint, you can see the needle which you need to mod to have the damper fix. Use a long nose and unscrew it until it's completely loose. The needle are being locked by two ball bearing on each side of it. Careful not to lost these bearings.


How the needles, bearing(s) and a small spring looks like. I lost a bearing in this process. Couldn't find it again. That's why you only see one here. I went to a bearing shop for a replacement the next day.


I make a mistake on opening up the other end too. You should deal with the first end first. Then only you came to this. You should only open the other end when you want to re bleed the oil. But no harm done.


I use these epoxy glue to cover the needle holes after soldering it.


Err.. I don't know how this thing works. Hehehe... This cylindrical are on the other side of the damper. There's a sponge in it, use as a reservoir for access oils within the damper. The angle needle can be pull out half way, why? I have no idea. Should have been an Ohlins specialist.


The bleeding side. Which again you done have to open it first.

Again the needle. You can see three holes on it, two on each side and one on the top. Solder all three of them. After a few hours cold down, use the epoxy glue to confirm the seal. I have to wait 8 hours to make sure the epoxy completely bond. Then I use a knife to make the needle surface as flat as before. The needle close the tiny tunnel inside the damper, as no air could come out, this will make a complete lock on the damper.


The pain stacking process begins. This again make me think twice to ever mod a damper again. Note the teeth on the damper inside, the two ball bearing are being pushed side by side by the spring so you have the locking click sound. They have special tools for this. It you don't have them, it's nearly impossible to have them fix back again. I tried and tried, until I said screw them. I fix only a bearing for the time being.

Reverse the order and fix them back again. Once you done this, remove the other end cap and re bleed the oil. Take out the sponge first and remove the oil completely by pumping the damper. Make sure no air are inside the damper else you'll feel a free play which is very dangerous for riding.

Credit to guys on the zxforums.com and other kawiforums for this mod. How do they perform after? You'll get a complete lock (which you don't use) on the steering after this mod. I could only say for the fun of it, if you decide to change your damper, go ahead and try it. The OEM damper need to be more stiff to had it perform best on the Zx10R. Else, it's just pointless to put this damper on the ZX10R.