More than 150 Ferrari Dinos and over 300 customers from all over the world flocked to Maranello and Ferrari on Saturday 30th June for an event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the road debut of the first production car.
The Dino, one of the world’s best-loved and biggest selling Ferraris, had a rather long gestation. Fitted with a six-cylinder engine designed by Enzo Ferrari’s son, from whom it has taken its name, the saloon was first presented as a prototype at the Paris Motor Show in October 1965.
A year later it went on display at the Turin Motor Show but was only officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show the following November.
Thus, the car’s 50th anniversary should really have been marked in 2017, but any commemorative event would have been overshadowed by the Ferrari 70th anniversary celebrations. Hence the decision to celebrate the half-century of another special event, the road debut of the first model in March 1968.
On Saturday, the cars arrived in the forecourt of the Maranello Museum and then headed to the Fiorano track, where they cars paraded all together. At midday, the Dinos drove into the factory where the customers were given a special tour.
Then at the end of the afternoon a memorable day closed with the traditional drive, one car at a time, under the arch of the historical entrance on Via Abetone Inferiore. This spectacular parade attracted many fans of this much-loved Ferrari.
Ferrari Dino 50th Anniversary gathering photo gallery…
Grantt Lubricants telah melancarkan produk terbaharu mereka iaitu Grantt Stellar 8000 SAE 0W-20.
Minyak pelincir Stellar 8000 telah diformulasi dengan teknologi Knock Guard™.
Ia mampu memberi perlindungan maksimum untuk enjin jenis GDI dan TGDI dari fenomena LSPI (Low Speed Pre-Ignition) atau ‘knocking’.
UMW Grantt International Sdn Bhd baru sahaja melancarkan siri produk minyak pelincir terbaharu iaitu Grantt Stellar 8000 SAE 0W-20 API SN Plus jenis sintetik. Minyak pelincir baharu ini telah diformulasikan dengan teknologi Knock Guard™ untuk perlindungan maksimum dari LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition) ataupun lebih dikenali dengan ‘knocking’. (more…)
In line with Porsche’s global 70th anniversary theme of “Sportscar Together”, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) launched the new 911 GT2 RS to its customers, sports car enthusiasts and the media on 29 June 2018 at Sepang International Circuit. It was a gala affair and here’s the launch gambit plus pit walkabout video…
“Porsche is celebrating its 70th anniversary with numerous activities around the world; uniting sports car enthusiasts, customers and employees, reminiscing cherished and exciting moments that have been shared with others around the world,” said Arnt Bayer, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance (below). “We are honoured to join Porsche in celebrating its 70th anniversary in conjunction with the launch of the new 911 GT2 RS,” he continued.
“The 911 GT2 RS is not only the most powerful, but also the fastest 911 ever built. It has the performance level of a super sports car and has set a new record for road-approved sports cars on the 20.6-kilometre Nürburgring Nordschleife at six minutes, 47.3 seconds,” he added.
At the heart of the new 911 GT2 RS is a 515kW (700 hp) biturbo flat six engine. Weighing in at 1,470kg with a full fuel tank, the lightweight two-seater accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. The rear-wheel drive Coupé has a top speed of 340 km/h, and with its motorsport derived drive technology, the new 911 GT2 RS trumps its predecessor by 59kW (80 hp) and achieves a torque output of 750 Nm (an increase of 50 Nm).
The 911 GT2 RS builds on the 3.8-litre engine used in the 911 Turbo S. In order to increase its performance, larger turbo chargers push an increased volume of processed air into the combustion chambers. A new cooling system delivers optimum cooling at peak loads and, at very high temperatures, sprays the charge-air cooler with water. This causes the gas temperature to fall in the over-pressure range and ensures optimum power output, even under extreme conditions.
The customised seven-speed double-clutch transmission (PDK) in the new 911 GT2 RS enables power to be transferred with uninterrupted traction. In addition, the specially developed exhaust system is made from extra-lightweight titanium. The use of titanium enabled Porsche’s engineers to reduce the weight by around 7kg compared to the exhaust system in the 911 Turbo. In addition, it features a newly developed, independent exhaust system with titanium rear silencer and the full sound of a high-performance turbo that delivers an emotional soundtrack that is without precedence.
Racing chassis for outstanding dynamic cornering
Discipline in sport means mastering every single detail, and in the world of super sports cars, cornering speeds are on another level. The 911 GT2 RS reaches these speeds, thanks to its flawless racing chassis with rear-axle steering and Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres. Like all GT sports cars, the new 911 GT2 RS features a specially calibrated PSM with a Sport mode that is tailored to provide optimal driving dynamics. Powerful air intakes and outlets, and the imposing rear wing emphasises the vehicle’s aerodynamics, which also means that everything about the new 911 GT2 RS is functional; it is a car that has truly mastered both form and design.
The large, wide wheels (265/35 ZR 20 at the front and 325/30 ZR 21 at the rear) ensure outstanding braking and cornering power. The 911 GT2 RS features Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as standard. The front wings, wheel housing vents, outer shells on the Sport Design exterior mirrors, air intakes on the rear side sections and parts of the rear end are made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFR), as are many of the interior components. The bonnet is also made from carbon to make the 911 GT2 RS as lightweight as possible, while the standard trim roof is made from magnesium. Both body parts have a wide lateral swage line.
Optional Weissach package with 30kg weight saving
Performance can always be cranked up a notch – even on the 911 GT2 RS. That is why Porsche’s engineers have developed the optional Weissach package, which provides weight savings of around 30kg. The package includes additional elements made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic and titanium. For instance, the roof and the anti-roll bars are made of carbon, so are the coupling rods on both axles. Magnesium wheels reduce both the gross weight and the unsprung weight, providing a greater wealth of impressive chassis properties. The luggage compartment lid and the carbon-weave finish roof are emblazoned with a central strip in the same colour as the car for a visually distinctive look.
A truly sporty interior
The passenger compartment of the 911 GT2 RS is dominated by red Alcantara, black leather and features carbon-weave finish as standard. The GT2 RS sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles enables quick and sporty gear changes. Drivers and passengers will experience the driving dynamics of the high-performance sports car in full bucket seats with carbon-weave finish. As in every 911, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is the central control unit for audio, navigation and communication. The Connect Plus module and Porsche Track Precision app are also included as standard, enabling detailed recording, display and analysis of driving data on a smartphone.
The optional Chrono Package expands the PCM functions to include performance display, which can be used to display, save and evaluate track times. The package also includes a stopwatch on the switch panel with both analogue and digital displays. What is more, the Chrono Package on the 911 GT2 RS comes with a lap trigger. Using the Porsche Track Precision app in conjunction with external markers on a start/finish straight, this lap trigger enables drivers to record lap times with high level of precision.
Exclusive watch for owners: Porsche Design 911 GT2 RS Chronograph
For the first time ever, Porsche Design is celebrating the debut of a high-performance sports car by releasing a special-issue watch. Offering a nod to the world of motorsport, the 911 GT2 RS watch is exclusively available to owners of the new vehicle and can be ordered at the Porsche Centre. At its heart is the first clock movement developed by Porsche Design, the product of three years’ work. The calibre 01.200 includes a flyback function, a load-path-optimised movement bridge and an official COSC certificate of authenticity. The timepiece housing is made of lightweight titanium. The vehicle and watch are produced individually according to customers’ preferences and will be delivered together.
The retail base price for the new 911 GT2 RS starts from RM2,900,000 which includes a four-year warranty. The stated price includes all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and insurance. Specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd, an authorised dealer of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has officially launched its Nissan 3S dealership in Seremban, providing convenience and efficient services to the surrounding community in Negeri Sembilan.
(L-R) Christopher Tan, Sales & Marketing Director of ETCM, Yang Berhormat Tuan Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport Malaysia, Alfred Tham, Founder & Managing Director of Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd & Trevor Tham, Director of Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd
The ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Tuan Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport Malaysia, who was accompanied by Mr Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, and Mr Trevor Tham, Director of Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd.
“We are pleased to present you the new Seremban Victory Nissan 3S Centre, with an improved, larger, and more accessible 3S centre to fulfil the needs of the Seremban community. With the additional facilities, we will be able to provide our customers with a complete Nissan experience all under one roof”, said Trevor Tham Lin Sing, Director of Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd.
The new Seremban Victory Nissan 3S Centre covers a total build-up area of 12,000 square feet. With an investment of RM10 million, it has the capacity to display up to 8 Nissan models in the showroom, and 13 service bays which are capable of accommodating 40 vehicles a day. A 1-stop for insurance and hire purchase services, as well as indoor air conditioned new vehicle delivery bay, WI-FI equipped customer waiting lounge and a kids’ playroom are some of the facilities that customers can enjoy at the new Nissan 3S Centre.
“As the state capital of Negeri Sembilan, Seremban’s economic and human capital growth has been steadily growing. It is crucial for us to make our presence even stronger here in Seremban, and support Nissan owners with a Nissan 3S Centre that complies with Nissan’s Global Retail Standards”, said Christopher Tan Kok Leong, Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM (above, left).
Operation hours for the Seremban Victory Nissan 3S Centre are from 9.00am to 6.00pm every Monday to Friday, and 10.00am to 5.00pm every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. The service centre is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm every Monday to Saturday. For appointments, customers can call the Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd at 06-720 2666 or 06-720 2888.
For more information, visit www.nissan.com.my or contact Nissan Customer Care Centre Hotline at 1800-88-3838.
BMW Group Malaysia has appointed Millennium Welt as its newest representative for the BMW Motorrad brand in Kuantan and the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (below) said, “We see great potential for growth in the East Coast for premium motorcycles and Millennium Welt has been a valuable partner for us in delivering the promise for BMW premium experience to our customers in Kuantan. We are confident they are the choice dealership to help us further cement our position in the region, now extending the impeccable premium experience to motorcycle enthusiasts in the East Coast as well.”
Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, meanwhile said, “With Millennium Welt Kuantan’s appointment, we look forward to welcoming more riders from the East Coast region to Make Life A Ride. The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia with its great windy roads down the coast is perfect for motorcycle riding but more importantly, the area delivers over 50 motorcycles annually and has the potential to grow steadily year on year.”
Millennium Welt is no stranger to BMW Group Malaysia with a proven track record as a representative of the brands BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad in Seremban as well as a representative of the BMW brand in Batu Pahat and Kuantan. At the BMW Group Malaysia’s 8th Dealer Awards ceremony held earlier this year, Millennium Welt took home 13 awards, including the BMW Excellence Club Award.
Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt Group of Companies said, “As the official dealership for the BMW brand in Kuantan since 2016, we have built solid credibility with our customers in Pahang and its surrounding areas. Riding on this momentum, we believe the addition of BMW Motorrad to our portfolio of premium vehicles will translate into a higher number of deliveries in the area.”
Millennium Welt Kuantan now offers a wider range of products and services consisting of BMW and BMW Motorrad models, as well as MINI Service.
By consolidating the sales and service of BMW automobiles and BMW Motorrad under one roof, Millennium Welt Kuantan will be able to communicate a more focused brand identity to the market. This also enables BMW to serve its customers more efficiently through a more streamlined channel.
Millennium Welt Kuantan operates from the 28,000 sq ft showroom facility, capable of displaying up to five BMW vehicles and eight BMW Motorrad motorcycles. The showroom is located at 32, Jalan Teluk Sisek, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang.
All ye Mazda Zoom-Zoom fans take note! Mazda cars have been designed and built for drivers to experience the joys of spirited driving. That is why the MazdaSports Division is dedicated to delivering the Jinba Ittai driving experience to everyone.
MazdaSports Academy is introducing the “MazdaSports Day”, where everyone can experience the driving ability of a Mazda through a dynamic test drive course and participate in exciting driver challenges with prizes to be won.
The MazdaSports Day is a fun driving experience programme open for everyone to join and personally experience Mazda’s “Celebrate Driving” brand essence. Participation is free. Set to take place July 7 & 8, 2018 (Saturday & Sunday) at the Shah Alam Stadium from 9:00AM – 5:00PM.
For more information on MazdaSports Day, visit Mazda Malaysia’s Facebook Page. (https://www.facebook.com/mazdamy/).
MazdaSports Day Location Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hw281w8u6v Google Maps : https://maps.google.com/?q=3.080410,101.542252
No, I’m not kidding, nor am I on drugs; I really liked this SUV from Renault, despite the marques less-than-perfect heritage in the country. It’s an affliction that’s not unique to Renault of course, just about every carmaker represented here has a skeleton or two in their respective closets, but some like Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, etc. have fared worse than others, and that was no fault of the cars actually. They weren’t properly homologated and ‘tropicalised’ for our climate, as I mentioned in my in-car video below…
This is not one of those cars. Through the Renault-Nissan alliance, at least they got this one right unlike the old Alfa Romeo Arna, because the Koleos represents the best of both worlds; Japanese reliability coupled with French panache. The aforementioned Arna got that one bass-ackwards, so let’s try and forget that monstrosity shall we?
In the time I had the Renault Koleos, I clocked up more mileage than any test-car I’ve driven this year, as the photos attest, I legged it out of town. On the open highway, the Koleos – despite its CVT – proved to be quite a remarkable cruiser, effortlessly tackling even the more twisty bits once I said adios to the highway.
Power from its 2.5-litre in-line 4-cylinder is rated at 171Ps and 226Nm, and while these may not be huge numbers, the Koleos does put this grunt to good use, especially when it comes to long-haul highway drives, averaging about 8.3L for every 100km, while attaining speeds well in excess of the national highway limit. The feather in its cap though is the All-Mode 4×4 iTechnology drive system.
In normal driving conditions, all the power from the engine goes to the front wheels, however, during times of hard acceleration, or when the on-board computer detects any wheel-slip, it instantly sends power to the back wheels. You can actually monitor this in real-time thanks to a graphic in the instrument cluster that constantly conveys the front and rear torque-split in percentages. But for actual off-road driving, the Koleos comes with a 4×4 Lockfunction that instantly enables a 50:50 front/rear torque split. Pretty cool. For the full specifications list, click to download this brochure: KOLEOS BROCHURE 2018
Now here’s the best part… thanks to the 0% GST implemented on June 1st, and before the SST kicks in later this year, the Renault Koleos is yours for only RM189,000! Psst! The Koleos 2WD variants are even cheaper. We recently highlighted the new pricing for Renault vehicles in Malaysia, and you can check them right here.
If you’re looking for a full-size SUV, you simply have to check this one out. Take it for a test drive, because to me it’s like a hidden gem among a sea of other more popular SUVs, and it really, really deserves its time in the limelight. I loved it. – Chris Wee.
Does anyone remember the Volvo S60 of the new millennium? If you’re a car freak like me, you should. Debuting in 2000, there was one variant brought in by (then) Federal Auto Cars called the S60 T5 and it looked like this:
Well, unbeknownst to many, this was one of the cars that actually began the widespread use of the term ‘sleeper’ among car enthusiasts because below that unassuming bonnet up front lay a 2.3-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that produced 247bhp and 330Nm of torque. No, really.
Top speed was a governed 250kmh,and 0-100kmh was achieved in 6.8sec. Those figures are impressive even today, so let’s not forget that this was almost 20-years ago!
Carrying on this fine ‘sleeper’ tradition, the new Volvo S60 has made its debut recently in the USA, and it’s a stunner! Here’s what The Car Connection had to say about the new 2019 S60’s powertrains…
“A trio of engines lie under the 2019 S60’s hood, each with its own name: T5, T6, and T8. In the T5, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 cranks out 250 horsepower, which is sent via an 8-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. The T6 adds a supercharger for a total of 316 hp delivered to all four corners. Topping the line is the T8plug-in hybrid that adds an electric motor for a combined output of 400 horsepower.”
Here’s the product walk-around video…
And from Auto Express UK, here’s the latest regarding the 2019 Volvo S60…
Volvo’s journey to fully-fledged premium car maker is now complete. With its XC SUV models matching or beating anything BMW, Audi or Mercedes can offer, and its S and V 90 models providing stiff competition for the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Merc E-Class, now it’s the turn of an all-new compact executive – the S60.
This model, though, has the toughest task of them all. When it arrives in UK showrooms next year, it’ll line up against an all-new 3 Series, not to mention Mercedes’ revised C-Class, Audi’s A4 and Jaguar’s XE.
Volvo’s President and CEO Håkan Samuelsson calls the S60 “one of the most exciting Volvo cars we’ve ever made” and “a true driver’s car.” Big claims. It’ll be made at an all-new plant in the US in Charleston, South Carolina with a clear leaning to the big and lucrative US and Chinese markets.
Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) and its fully-owned subsidiary Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd have been formally certified by SIRIM to the latest 2015 versions of the ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) 9001 and 14001 standards, emphasising the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility.
To obtain ISO 9001 certification, an organisation must comply with quality best practices in their work processes, with the aim of improving customer satisfaction in every sense. ISO 14001 however, focuses on environmental standards. “SIRIM’s ISO recognition means a lot to Perodua as it reinforces our vision of becoming a regionally competitive player and demonstrates our strive for Kaizen or continuous improvement,” said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh (below, centre) at a certificate presentation ceremony held recently at Perodua’s headquarters in Sungai Choh.
Also present at the ceremony was SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd Managing Director En Mohd Azanuddin Salleh, (above, right) who presented the certificates to Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin (above, left). Perodua first adopted ISO standards in 1998. ISO 9001 was extended to Perodua sales and service branches in stages from 2005, standardising the customer experience across the board. All Perodua branches are currently ISO-certified.
Altogether, Perodua has successfully undergone one ISO 14001 and three ISO 9001 version upgrades, including today’s certification, which covers a total of 39 sales and 55 service branches nationwide, plus 35 departments under Perodua Headquarters. “The demands of the market and industry never stop changing, and it is essential that we constantly update our standards and procedures to adapt and respond to those changes. Only if we remain relevant to our customers can we exceed their expectations,” said Datuk (Dr) Aminar. “With this certification upgrade, we hope to further reduce the satisfaction index gap between us and other recognised international players,” he added.
Datuk (Dr) Aminar said that Perodua will also extend these standards to its business partners, be they dealers or suppliers in the near future. “We will ensure our business partners and suppliers comply with green practices as required by ISO standards, including the sourcing of materials in environmentally-friendly ways,” he said. Besides taking customer satisfaction and environmental management to new heights, ISO practices have also led to improvements for Perodua’s internal processes and communications, as well as customer deliveries, amongst many others.
First introduced in 1987, ISO 9001 is one of the world’s most widely-used quality management systems, with the latest 2015 revision expanding the requirements to include risk-based thinking. ISO 14001 was born in 1996 and concerns environmental management and pollution prevention. The latest ISO 14001:2015 revision brings additional emphasis on leadership, strategic planning, proactive initiatives and even communications strategies.
I want both. Oh man, how I would have loved to keep them permanently. Of course it really didn’t help that I tested both the Yamaha X-Max 250Scooter (below) and MT-09 Streetfighter (above) back-to-back, and for the first time ever, here were 2 bikes – well one bike and one scooter, but for the purposes of this article I’ll be referring to both of them as ‘bikes’ – that I really, really despised. Despised the fact that I had to return them of course.
It’s no big secret that I’ve been a biker longer than I’ve been driving cars, having cut my teeth on 2-wheelers long before I was even allowed to ride them legally (sorry, I was a bit of a juvenile delinquent in my youth, but hey I turned out fine….ish. Sorta…), and over the years I’ve owned a slew of high-performance machines, only to unexpectedly and inexplicably turn to the ‘retro’ scene about the decade ago, as well as the scooter scene around the same time.
I reckon the bike that caused this ‘turning-point’ in my biking life was the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 a.k.a. ZZR1400 which I reviewed many moons ago when it first burst onto the scene. Capable of an amazing 200bhp going to the back wheel (not a typo) with its infamous ‘ram-air’ induction system, and a top speed in access of 300kmh, this six-eyed monster was to me the epitome of everything that had gone wrong with the world of biking…
Although I must admit I thought the ZX-14 was (and still is) an incredible feat of engineering and admired the hell out of it for its sheer audacity and in-your-face disregard for political-correctness in an age where we’ve never been more so, I also strongly felt that bike makers had lost the plot completely when it came to biking, by constantly producing bigger, faster and more powerful 2-wheelers. Where would it end?
This incredible leap in technology also sent the price of big bikes rocketing through the stratosphere locally, seeing as how our taxation system for bikes over a specific cubic-capacity was thought of and introduced when the main mode of personal transport was a bicycle called the ‘Seven-up’. Google it… okay, I’ll save you the trouble:
So yeah it was in and around that time when I decided nope, no more insanely high-powered bikes for me, and decided to go retro, starting with a BMW K1100RS, and followed-up with the likes of old skool Suzuki GS’s, GSX’s, etc. etc. etc. and as mentioned I got heavy into scooters. In successive order I’ve owned a V100, VS125 (2 actually), Elegan 150, and a currently a Sym200 VTS.
I’ve toned-down a lot when it comes to biking, preferring instead to just cruise at moderate speed rather than ‘balls-to-the-wall’ type riding, and in that respect, I’ve found that as far as daily-commuting and the occasional scootour long-distance ride is concerned, there aren’t many scooters I’m comfortable on apart from my Sym, and I’ve always bench-marked any scooter I review against my own.
Thus far I’ve been content with the fact that my Sym suits me the best insofar as the riding position, comfort and long-distance capability is concerned; that is until this goddam Yamaha X-Max came along… Here’s my post-ride video that sums up my thoughts nicely:
And then, having returned the X-Max, it just so happened that the new Yamaha MT-09 was available if I wanted it for a few days, and of course I could not say no, because the MT-09 – to me anyway – does not belong in the Yamaha line-up; as a matter a fact, a bike like this shouldn’t be in any bike-makers line-up and here’s why…
The MT-09 is a Streetfighterthrough and through, and although there isn’t a badge, emblem or sticker that reads ‘Streetfighter’ anywhere on the bike that I could see, it definitely is one simply by virtue of the way it looks, the way it’s built and the way you ride it. And the reason a Streetfighter doesn’t belong in any bike-maker’s official stable is because it was created by bikers, not bike-makers, and purely by accident too, literally.
Streetfighters came about when sportsbike owners had crashes and sent their fairings in to be repaired. Since the bikes could still be ridden sans fairing, many did so after slapping on a straight handle bar to replace the inevitably damaged clip-ons, and the trend caught on around 20-odd years ago, when some realised that a sportsbike looked kinda cool with its kit-off, and owners started to remove their expensive fairings from their bikes on purpose – possibly to save them big bucks if they had an ‘off’ – and ‘lo and behold Streetfighters were born.
The moment I swung my leg over the MT-09 and spirited myself away from Hong Leong Yamaha in Sg.Buloh, I could tell this was a Streetfighter right away. The riding-position is possibly the biggest giveaway, because in typical Streetfighter fashion, the rider sits quite upright and very ‘forward’ with his franks and beans right up against the tank. It’s also a very short bike from nose to tail, allowing for incredible maneuverability. Here’s my post ride, jittery, shaky, adrenaline enhanced video…
The nimbleness of the MT-09 is only overshadowed by the unbelievable amounts of torque from it 847cc, 3-cylinder engine. On paper the torque is only rated at 87.5Nm, with a healthy 115Ps @ 10,000 rpm, in a bike that weighs less than 200kgs. You know what that means don’t you? Should I elaborate? Very well then…
This bike is insane. It is so quick you’ll not believe how fast it reaches triple-digit speeds from a standstill, especially since it’s equipped with a ‘Quickshifter‘ you won’t need to use the clutch after 1st gear or shut the throttle to upshift. Hard acceleration sees the digital speedometer become absolutely worthless because this bike’s acceleration is so brutal, it just becomes a blur of flying digital bars that look like they’re on flakka.
It really did remind me of the bikes I used to lust after in my youth, and as the song goes, it made me feel eighteen again. If only for a while anyway. The thing to remember though, is that even with all my years of riding experience, this was still a very hard bike to tame. It’ll take a much younger hand with an equal (or more) amount of riding experience to fully explore the capabilities and limits of this bike, something I was not prepared to do myself unfortunately. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a lot of fun on this thing…
So back to taking things slow. In a nutshell, if an easy ride is what you’re after, a fuss-free daily commuter that can easily double-up as an occasional long-distance tourer, the Yamaha X-Max 250 is by far one of the best options out there now at around the RM20k price ballpark.
However, if you have the inclination to step-up your game and swing a leg over something totally bonkers, the Yamaha MT-09 at around RM45k is definitely a bike worth considering. I’m still recovering from the adrenaline rush to be honest… – Chris Wee.
