Austrian Adventure

THE Austrian-made KTM has been making headlines over the years with its dominance in the offroad, trail and cross categories.So, when the opportunity to test the 990cc Adventure came, we grabbed it.With the route mapped out, we headed north to hilly Cameron Highlands.The 75-degree V-twin engine matched with a GPR after-market exhaust at its rear is indeed a “sweet” combination.We were told that the GPR 2 full system shed about eight kilos and gained some performance to its rated 106bhp liquid-cooled engine. Click here to read more.

SYM-ply good

It has been quite sometime since we reviewed a maxi scooter as not many of them are available.Maxi-scooters are the big scooters, like the Aprilia Atlantic or the Yamaha T-Max, and these are superb alternatives to kapchais or small scooters.Top executives might not want to be seen riding a kapchai but these maxi scooters do make sense. Stylish, they also offer huge boot space under the seat but with the 86 per cent tax on big bikes, prepare to pay Perodua Myvi price for one of these. Click here to read more.

The naked Japanese monster

WHILE we can all agree that the Yamaha V-Max is the first Japanese naked bike that can be called a monster, Kawasaki's very own Z1000 has proven to be a strong competitor in that niche segment.Popular for its manga-look, the Z1000 actually had a difficult start to its career.Sales were not as good as expected during its earlier stage, and a minor facelift also received a cold response from the American market. Click here to read more.

BMW Cross Country

Though we are what you can call petrol heads, we still adore machines that do not use even a drop of petrol. In one of our many visits to BMW's HQ in Cyberjaya, we saw a pair of Mountain Bikes parked inside the office. We requested for a test ride of the MTB and suffice to say, a month later the bike materialised in our office. We got an ardent cyclist, Shukri to help us evaluate the bike. The report will come out soon but enjoy the video first!  Click here to read more.

Macho beauty and power

  By Salihin Abd Rahim FANCY a road legal race bike? There are not many models available, especially ones bearing the BMW marque. In fact, there are only 11 units of the HP2 Sports model available locally, and all have been taken up except for unit number six which is retained by BMW Malaysia. The HP2 Sport is the third motorcycle in the HP line following the release of the HP2 Enduro and the HP2 Megamoto. The twin-cylinder 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer-engine bike is technically based on the R 1200 S.Click here to read more.

Honda's nimble giant

Size can be intimidating, and one look at the Honda Goldwing and you will agree the term "oil tanker on two wheels" is not an over exaggeration. This is a bike which weighs more than 400kg (kerb, without accessories) and has a wheelbase that is more than half the wheelbase of a Perodua Viva. Then again, Honda first came out with the Goldwing a good 34 years ago with the GL1000 and they have the experience and the technology to make this barge as nimble as a tricycle - if a big one!Click here to read more.

The ugly Duke

Ducati's entrant in the dual-purpose (DP) category, the Multistrada, has a unique shape. While many think the Multistrada (or multi-roads in English) looks like a lanky mudskipper, they are also those who think the interesting design is part of the bike's character. If you can set aside how the bike looks, you will find the true character of this DP. If you want a Ducati that is really practical to tackle your urban route, there is nothing else as nice as the Multistrada. Click here to read more.

Vulcan goes on a voyage

When we talk about big cruisers in Malaysia, the Honda Gold Wing comes to mind.True, the Gold Wing has established itself as one of the best dresser bikes here.Even the old Kawasaki Voyager has been mistaken as a Gold Wing by those unfamiliar with motorcycles.Then again, the old Voyager copied the Gold Wing formula, looking wise although it does look like the Honda.Not any more - it appears that Kawasaki has taken an unproven road with the new Vulcan 1700 Voyager, the world's first Japanese dresser V-twin touring bike.Click here to read more.

The real GT bike

When you have been bitten by the bike bug, you want to go anywhere with a two-wheeler.The problem is, your crotch rocket might be too sporty for your luggage, and your back starts aching after two hours speeding on the highway.That is why bike companies have created touring bikes, so that we can go to Phuket and arrive fresh for action.Unfortunately, not all want a full-size touring bike like the Honda Gold Wing, the Kawasaki Voyager and many others.Click here to read more.

Hardly a Harley

Sportsbike riders find it difficult to appreciate Harley-Davidson (HD) bikes, and vice-versa. There is one exception though, the new XR1200 Sportster (RM123,000). This is something that some sportsbikers can appreciate, and in fact, buy. Though HD places it under the Sportster family, the XR is completely different from its other siblings. The engine gains a higher ratio, thanks to the crankshaft it shares with the Buell Thuderstorm.Click here to read more.