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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
Notes:
You may read this as a guide to choose bike here.
what about mv agusta brutale 675 or 800??
ReplyDeleteTo "anda", thanks for reading this article bro.
DeleteI was planning to add another writing about this title which includes non-CKD bike such as MV Agusta B3/F3 675/800, Triumph Street Triple/Daytona 675, Kawasaki ZX6R 636 and others priced below RM75K
To answer your question MV's B3 series is a complete bike in my opinion due to its upgrades on electronic which makes Kawasaki Z800 spec look dull. If only Chear or Mofaz turns it into CKD, then this bike will be a very tight contender to other makes. MZ also is in exclusivity range.
For your information, the notes of bikes mentioned in this article are solely from my reading from various sources be it local and international. Thus, I cannot comment much on its riding experience.
I will write soon...surely.
So what did you end up getting mate?
ReplyDeleteNone at the moment Mr Kugen. None :) . I would be forced to go for Versys 650 to suit my current long distance needs.
DeleteWhat i really want is an Aprillia RSV4 & KTM Duke 690R. But i'll buy Duke first, RSV later. Anyone want to buy my apartment?
you should go for shiver bro. durability is far more than versys. nowdays lot of kawasaki user having so much difficulity using versys or er6. broken valve and broken clutch pad
ReplyDeleteSome says once we tried a v-twin, we won't run away from it. Aprilia Caponord with its front semi-active absorber and rear full-active suspension, coupled with TC, ABS and Power Mode seems a good buy. Meanwhile, Shiver strong pricing factor is no doubt a worth to consider heavily.
DeleteI am a bike enthusiast, but don't have any of them yet. Still searching for one that suits me. I also want a all rounder and what i can think of is Duke 690 :-) Just the problem is my height is 160cm.
ReplyDeleteBro Hafiez,
DeleteDuke 690 should be a fine all-rounder, but wait for MT09 or MT07 too should you interested in more cylinders and lower seat height. I think you can ride Duke just fine as its light and nimble as Nora Danish feathery weight. I still like Duke though and I wish Yamaha never ever created MT series.
All the fun factors lies beneath MT series and at much cheaper cost also. Can't wait for them to land here soon.
1)Any idea when is the mt07 will arrive in Malaysia??
Delete2) your opinion on honda cbr 500 series???
Hai Bikers, good day.
ReplyDeleteI m looking for Year 2011 Aprilia Shiver 750 top cylinder head without valves (2nd part). Do contact me at 012-5095585 if anyone can find the spare parts. Thanks
Firstly thank you for taking ur time to write this article,as a bike enthusiast I truly appreciate it.I have a question.between yamaha R6 & Ducati Evo which is better in terms of reliability,handling and spare part/maintainence price.pls advise.
ReplyDeleteThx a bunch !
Bro Rishinder,
DeleteThanks bro for stopping by. I wish I could answer your question, but I do not have any direct reference with regards to R6 and 848 Evo. The stratospheric revved R6 has been around without major changes and I guess this Iwata based company focused towards their new MT07/09 projects. Meanwhile, Ducati have been very busy lately with new and updated models.
In terms of reliability and handling, you may troll owners' review, youtube, magazine article and group also. I read about Ducati ownership quite sometime through UK based magazine and I conclude that in order achieve the reliability thingy, a trusted and experience dealer is the key. Long termer report is also a good thing to source.
Hope you could decide the best for you and may you have a great time either one of them. Surely!
Bro..can i know list of bike which have abs, power mode and tc? As these 3 features is important nowdays? Hope you can list it for me here..
ReplyDeleteMT-07 wheelie friendly....
ReplyDeleteBro, just wanna ask your opinion. between Z800 and versys 650, which one is better?
ReplyDeleteReally in big dilemma.
Wanna use it for : work, long distance ride
versys 650, heard of the valve problem. while, z800,i don't know much about it.
Can you help me with this?
Bro, thanks for stopping by.
Deletefor your information i have yet to ride both of them but i do read a lot tester and owners point of view. In my opinion, the suitable bike for work and long distance ride would be Versys 650 if you look for comfy and ergonomic. The engine is much more relaxed and you don't have to search the rpm up north to extract its power. The parallel twin will do its wonder in such a short manner and gearing. You can stay at 140 - 160kmh comfortably too. You have the freedom to install top box or side box without being looked awkward as opposed to Zed.
Meanwhile, if you are after a serious sub 250kmh and peaky redline then z800 is the ride for you. Just match it with an aftermarket bikini/touring windshield. The Zed is heavy on paper but not so when attacking corners. Facing terrible slow moving city traffic is a physical 'abang sado' job.
Should you have the opportunity to test ride both of them, please do so as it will gives you more personal feel and view. If Versys is your final choice, please buy it with ABS kit. It will keep our risk lower. Trust me.
Thanks again bro.
Hi bro,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to post this blog. I'm a Benelli 300 owner and I'm in love with it ;-) Ready for an upgrade to the 600 /800 cc category. Must have ABS. Unfortunately the present Benelli 600 doesn't have ABS.
Is there an aftermarket ABS or Ani-Brake Lock option?