Buying an affordable CKD superbike in Malaysia. A dilemma?

Since the introduction of Ninja 250R, er6 families and followed by Yamaha XJ6F, big bore motorcycle industry in Malaysia finally awaken since early 20’s era of Kawasaki Vulcan 750, ZXR250, Virago XV535S, Laverda and few others.

CKD exercise means price drop to an affordable range perceived by many especially those in middle income bracket.  A 650cc disregard engine configuration starts from a shy RM23K with Naza Blade GTR and to maximum of RM109K for a CKD Ducati Diavel. It is interesting to note that this lowest and maximum offering comes from Naza. 

Seems they left middle price range untouched and toying their GTR650 in shadow of ER6N/F and even XJ6F/N. For me it is a good strategy to capture those who have first interest in full frame bike but with really price cautious mind and later upgrade to a more prestigious makes such as Ducati.

Being in middle income group, the decision to buy which model should comes with more product knowledge and research.  I have come across one guy who bought newly 2010 Er6N and later to find that he is more suited to Versys 650. Surprisingly they are buyers which after purchase only realize that 4-inline sounds much better than parallel twin.  

Youtube and online review are often sourced to provide answers.  Review will give insight on what will the buyer had for their purchase for ongoing model such as Kawa Er and Yamaha XJ series which was introduce years back before entering into Malaysia market. In this case, Wikipedia is also a good source to learn the lifecycle of one model. I usually read Bike Magazine as the article will mention the model life cycle from birth to current.

Learning current model jig and bits while searching for info on updated or heavily revised current bike will make your purchase worthwhile for a long time.  It is a trend nowadays to equip bike with ABS, TC and power mode. Therefore, we could expect current model to be equipped with the gizmos in next model revision. 

For example, a R6 enthusiasts may hold their purchase this year as a new R6 with tre-pistoni, yes you read it right, no more 4-inline but a hello to new 3-inline territory to fight with Triumph Daytona 675R. A heavily revised R1 is also suspected to emerge in the last quarter of the year.

Yamaha XJ6F/N – 4-inline a short of 400cc Rossi wannabe

Well in terms of current lineup in Malaysia, there are few suspects reaching its borderline.  Firstly to 2013 XJ6F/N buyers as this carried over model from Diversion was launched in 2009. Being almost 5 years in the market, XJ might get new frame, cloth or even powerhouse. In addition, a recent minor updates to XJ6N strongly hints that a new boy in town might emerge next year or so.

Errr ER6 N/F – Parallel twin 650

Er6 families’ including Er6 Naked and Er6 F gets major lift last year and if based on its first insertion in 2006, it should be good for another a year or two. Its design language especially to F version seems in line with Z and ZX series. Big head but small back design philosophy. 

N version seems a tad away from current Z800 and Z250 design. Maybe it will get new shirt in a year or two. For your information, there are ABS model sold in other countries and i believe Kawa Malaysia should do the same too.

Benelli Tornado TnT 600 – Cheapest 4-inline

Another new middleweight contestant is Benelli TnT 600 CKD.  This China-Italian marriage seems working at the moment in drawing attention to its strong pricing factor.  Those who wish to have melodic 4-in line sound at affordable price, this is the right choice. 

You could save around 8 – 9K over XJ6. The only worries are about its reliability and somehow brand acceptance.  Malaysian is quite concerned with resale value. This is also considered a basic bike just like XJ6 and ER families with no ABS and power mode. This bike design will good for 3 years from now before minor updates introduced.

KTM Duke 690 - Mono Piston – I am not ready to race..as yet.

Single cylinder KTM Duke 690 CKD is the first cheapest full continental (minus Benelli Keeway TnT 600) around.  Just being introduced last year with softer visual compared to its previous racy and edgy version, it could be a complete bike all around for Malaysian. 

It has switchable power mode, WP suspension, Brembo brakes, Marchesini wheels, ABS, APTC slipper clutch, twin plug with individual timing and power mode but no TC. I personally think (without sales data) Duke sale may not be as high as Kawasaki range of CKDs due to its single piston configuration and its price too.  A 15 – 16K high as compared to ER6N. Maybe there are people who doubted (those who do not do research) Duke 690 ability to perform long distance journey.  Countering this perception maybe, Motonation create a touring spec Duke.

Based on my reading and following the posts in KTM Forum and certain direct question to an owner in Malaysian Bikers Community (MBC) revealed that this Earl of Duke would happy to do high mileage at speed above national limit. No fuss to maintain him around 140 – 150kmh. Furthermore, Duke mill would not get tired at that speed either. There is vibration but acceptable based on individual preference. Duke is a big thumper, so it is expected to vibe. 

For me this is a great all-rounder bike where you could have a big smile in town for its real agility plus crazy pick-up and is capable to do highway trip. The design is still new being coming in 2012. It is safer too with its Bosch ABS and power mode to curb its 70hp power-to-weight ratio. If you have extra money in ASB, buy an upgraded spec with Akra full system, high cam and performance air filter. Now, you are ready to race!

Shivering Aprilia Shiver 750 V-twin

2009

- 2011 -

- 2013 -

Mr Shiver has been around for quite a while and previous price reduction makes it a lot tastier to V-twin lovers. Definitely the cheapest 750cc in town now and completed with radial front brake plus USD fork. 

Power delivery is retarded by three mapping choices of Sport, Normal and Rain. I am not sure whether mapping can be selected on-fly but it is good to have it as to suit the bike with different scenarios.  Shiver is a bit tall for 162cm and below. There is also a semi faired model called GT but never make it to our Bolehland. If you are a v-twin lover, Shiver should be in your shopping list.

If Naza CKD'eed this bike, will you spend dollar and dime to own one?

*all pic in Shiver column are credited to the owner.

Undisputed Middleweight The Fat 4-inline Zed 800. Really?

Malaysian love Kawa. Really they are.  This is my first statement whenever this team green comes into my mind.  Why? I also do not know for sure.  Maybe most of them rely on Kawa well known reliability or they simply buy because others bought them too?

Pic credited to the owner

 

Zed 800 for me is basically bike on botox, nip and tuck here and there. Nothing K-Pop put into it besides fully digital meter. No ABS and power mode. It is practically a basic bike with serious weight on it. If you know MV Agusta Brutalle 800, then you will get what i mean from earlier statement.
The mean bulldog look seems carried over from z750 and it is the cheapest 800cc 4-inline mill in Malaysia for RM50K and its looks will last for another 5 years or so.

Ducati Monster 795

The first CKD Duke of Earl in Malaysia and the cheapest way for you to sign as a Ducatisti. Latest version introduced with ABS. At 60K, you are already a step brother to Dovi and Hayden.  For me, this bike is for personal statement and if your body retaliates to its strange naked riding position, just shut up and ride the bike.

 

There are also package to upgrade the look and add Termignoni sound for additional few Ks. Monster family started in 1993 and this latest 795 version meant for Asia started in 2011. Engine comes from 796 Monster and chasis from 696.  Maybe good for another 3 years ahead from this current model.

Mr. Do-it-all Versys 650

Let us admit it.  You wish to have different bike to suit different situations right? Well, you got to earn like Azizan Osman to have it all to call your day.  Versys will go to pasar pagi Sabtu, then after your missus approved your AP, you will head to Klawang. At night you will meet your peers for TT session telling how thin your footrest now or how you eat a just-a-novice R1 at corners. 

The next day you want to head for ikan patin masak tempoyak at Temerloh with a go.  On Monday blues, you and your missus headed to office in Jalan Sultan Ismail to see the boring face of your boss via Jalan Loke Yew.

Versys is also a basic all-rounder bike at the cheapest in town disregard its engine configuration. Nothing fancy on it and it has been around more than 5 years worldwide and has done one or two minor cosmetic change. If you need to arrive early, then go for Versys 4-inline 1000cc CBU with more electrical things to play on.

My Rojak Conclusion:

If I were to buy a bike of 600cc and above, I will write down all the needs and study the model carefully in terms of its equipment (ABS, Power Mode, TC, etc.) and its expected lifecycle so that my model would not dated too soon.  I want an all rounder where:

·        I could go to office while facing traffic war in the morning and dawn comfortably.

·        My pillion sits comfortably and ergonomically.

·        My kids could sit safely at the back going for school or tuitions.

·        Go to Pasar Pagi or Pasar Malam without having to wear all those safety things and look funny. A short and a Pagoda t-shirt will do.

·        Do long interstate journey at 160-180 kmh.

·        Play some corners when adrenalin heats up.

·        Sounds great (obviously not a parallel twin).

·        Have fuel gauge and not only a warning light.

·        A longer service interval.

·        Easy to wheelie (hooligan eh?)

·        A price of below rm70K

I think I know which to choose already.  Wait for my next review :) .

Notes:

You may read this as a guide to choose bike here.