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.

Complementary partners

Superbikes - the big boys' toys. Like supercars, superbikes satisfy your hunger for adrenaline. Unfortunately, not many are able to enjoy them. Cost might be the biggest factor, but riding a high performance bike needs skill and also a bit of bravery. Like driving, there is risk involved. But unlike driving, there is nothing to stop you from hitting the tarmac with possibly unpleasant consequences.Click here to read more.

Sky Drive from Suzuki

When the motorcycle market is shrinking by as much as 17 per cent, Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia is actually seeing its sales figures up by 42 per cent. According to Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia managing director Kazumasa Watanabe, the market volume for the company from January to May this year is up 17 per cent compared with the same period last year. Due to the demand, the company has launched its latest scooter, the Sky Drive. Click here to read more.

Kawa Seals the 250 Market

While other main players are focusing on the kapchai market, Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (KMSB) wants to continue heading the above 250cc market.The new VN II seals that segment for KMSB.Currently, KMSB's Ninja 250 is already controlling the market (although its best selling model is the ER6-N) with total combined sales figure of around 3,500 units last year.This year, KMSB is targeting a five per cent increase, which we think is a modest amount as the VN II we test rode last weekend should garner a lot of interest and surely, a lot of sales.Click here to read more.