Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by ZZR-Pilot

Skilled Marshall Training

ZZR-Pilot — Tue, 20 May 2025 11:07:21 +0800

So I jumped at the chance as soon as it appeared. RM680 but Triumph is sponsoring RM200.

Gidibii Nemo 2 chain oiler

ZZR-Pilot — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 13:47:51 +0800

Finally got around to installing the damn thing. The whole kit costs about RM100 on AliExpress I think, although if you're brand conscious you can cough up 3x more for the angmoh Cobrra version on Shopee.

Unlike Scottoiler's elaborate mechanism, the Nemo 2 only requires u to fill the aluminium tank with cheap-ass gearbox oil (typical 90 weight oil can be had for under RM10 a little) then turn the body 90-degrees each time before riding off to get it to dribble oil on your chain for 3 minutes at a time.

Very simple mechanism. It relies on tank pressure - the whole body is threaded, so when you turn it, it screws down to pressure the oil to dribble out the tube.

Haven't tried it in action just yet, coz I'm waiting for my new batt to arrive since my Optimate says the old one is now charging up to 60% only.

Fastbikes no longer Triumph distributor

ZZR-Pilot — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 10:26:00 +0800

Fast Bikes ends distributor agreement with Triumph in Malaysia, becomes Honda Big Wing Dealer on Jan 14
In Bikes, Local Bike News, Triumph / By Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 December 2022 6:37 pm / 0 comments

As of January 14, 2023, Fast Bikes will cease to be the official Malaysian distributor for Triumph motorcycles, subsequently taking on a Honda Big Wing dealership. Accordingly, Motoradic, as exclusive official importer for Triumph, will also relinquish its role.

Fast Bike’s Triumph outlets in Penang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu will also end operations on that date. A new Triumph motorcycles representative for Malaysia has been appointed but the name has not been officially announced.

For Triumph motorcycles no longer under warranty, Fast Bikes remains available for consultation and advice on service and technical matters. For motorcycles still under warranty, Triumph Motorcycles UK and its official representative in Malaysia will be solely responsible for all terms and conditions.

What's part-time PhD like?

ZZR-Pilot — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 22:36:31 +0800

Hello all.

I'm a late bloomer, having completed my Master's in my late 40s. Admittedly, by this time I have already made Director in my career so the entire endeavor was purely for the pursuit of self-satisfaction (my dad & wife have PhDs, mom & younger brother both have Master's degrees). In my line of work, a graduate degree means jack shit... especially at my level. It isn't going to make me Executive Director, not by a long shot.

I found the entire experience to be fun, despite the hard work, because after over 2 decades in advertising, USM's Integrated Marketing Communication actually made sense and I had my professional experience to add to the lectures. Basically grad school was easier and more enjoyable than my undergrad, coz in the 90s I was just a gormless git fresh out of high school with zero understanding of anything.

The most rewarding part was the thesis as it was inspired by an experimental olfactory communication exercise that we did for a client overseas some years ago. My supervisor told me after Raya Haji I should consider working towards getting it published, but to cut a long story short there's a possibility of continuing the work at the doctorate level. I found the work exciting and revealing as it added to my work-related experience on the same topic.

Quitting my job at my age to pursue postgraduate studies that will do me no favors in my career is a no-no (mortgage to pay, retirement plans & my kids themselves will enter uni in 2 years' time). So it has to be part-time. I understand it will stretch for 6 years and there's a saying that a part-time PhD is a slippery slope to no PhD at all coz the attrition rate among part-timers is very high.

Nobody I know has ever attempted a PhD part-time.

Has anyone here attempted such a thing? Is doing PhD part-time for self-satisfaction nothing more than a pie-in-the-sky bullshit that should be buried in the deepest orifice of my mind?

ZX-4R inline 4 400cc is next!

ZZR-Pilot — Sun, 23 May 2021 09:47:31 +0800

The 90s is definitely coming back! After the rebirth of the legendary ZXR250, now its bigger bro is also making a comeback!

The 400cc inline 4 class had practically gone extinct in the last 15 years, with the exception of the grossly overpriced CB400. Back in the 90s, MSC in PJ used to bring in the GSXR400-RR and there were a few locally registered CBR400-R & VFR400 running around.

They were mostly miniaturized versions of politically incorrect, hardcore face-down-ass-up 750cc supersport bikes! Whereas the current line-up of 400cc bikes are the opposite -- more like overgrown 2-cylinder 250cc bikes.

https://www.bikesrepublic.com/year/2021/con...patent-filings/

PDRM launch Ops Yoshimurah

ZZR-Pilot — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 21:45:32 +0800

Police to go after loud motorcycle exhausts

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI
NATION

Wednesday, 30 Dec 20205:42 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman will conduct a special operation to single out illegally modified motorcycles which are sources of public nuisance, says Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.

The Inspector-General of Police said the operation will be conducted by the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) soon.

"Many people complained that these motorcyclists are causing disturbances, especially with their noisy exhausts.

"These same riders are also disrupting regular traffic when they travel in groups," he said in an interview with selected media in Bukit Aman on Wednesday (Dec 30).

The country's top cop said the large scale operation will be conducted to ensure these riders are penalised.

"Enough is enough for those who rev the engines of their modified motorcycles, especially in the mornings and disturb the peace.

"Modified motorcycles may be seized, and they must be restored to their original condition," he added.

CFMoto MT800

ZZR-Pilot — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 02:47:05 +0800

News broke that this model has now reached production stage, even though the launch has been delayed to 2021 due to the pandemic.

Apparently, CFMoto has been making engines & complete bikes for KTM so now they have leveraged their relationship with the Austrian brand to access the KTM 790 Adv chassis and the 799cc LC8C engine for a proper adventure tourer of their own. KTM is OK with it since they've moved up from 799cc to 889cc.

So now you've got an ADV-style bike with a KTM frame and a KTM engine complete with the hallmark 75-deg crank that pushes out 95 horses, full colour TFT dash, a 230kg kerb weight, 19" + 17" wheel combo, low seat height and cool looks penned by a KTM designer.

Motomalaya.net claim they were told this bike will enter the Msian market.

Better than hanging around waiting for Benelli's TRK800 - it's the end of 2020 but no further news of that bike yet from Benelli!

Adventure tourers seem to be the rage nowadays, a far cry from the 90s when hardcore face-down-ass-up 750cc supersport race-reps absolutely hogged all the news.

https://www.cycleworld.com/story/bikes/cfmo...urce=googlenews

https://motomalaya.net/blog/2020/12/04/ini-...799cc-dari-ktm/

Philips 346B for RM1150 holy sheeeeeet

ZZR-Pilot — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 09:22:58 +0800

I was actually aiming for the Xiaomi 34", but when this bugger popped up on 11.11 for RM1150 incl shipping it was a slam dunk.

It loses out on the refresh rate at just 100hz versus 144hz, but so long as it's above 60hz I couldn't care less. Besides, my eyes can't tell the difference between 100hz & 144hz anyway.

I bought it because we're working from home permanently now, so it's worth my while to start upgrading my 7-year old Ivy Bridge rig. I'm starting with the monitor first, I'll start putting a whole new rig together after CNY when the nonsense with the availability and prices of Zen 3 & RX6800 has settled down.

The extra 7 inches of screen width is a godsend compared to my old 1080p 27" screen.

The only other fly in the ointment is the fiddly control buttons - would have preferred a joystick but still it ain't the worst.

Suzuki Malaysia rebooting.

ZZR-Pilot — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 23:19:15 +0800

A visit to GC Ann in K Sgor on Sat revealed the news that Kawasaki is currently in the midst of taking over Suzuki Assembler Msia's operations. The dealership flat out told me, if I'm thinking of buying a V-Strom, hold the thought for now until they finalize the CKD version in the coming months.

He quoted me RM43k OTR as the current price for the 650XT, which suggests they might be clearing out the CBU stock to make room for the CKD production. Who knows?

Interesting news, nonetheless.

https://pandulaju.com.my/kapcai-suzuki-munc...ar-di-malaysia/

Modenas to build Kawasaki bikes?

ZZR-Pilot — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 17:05:59 +0800

Will probably take a few years in the making, but here's hoping for a cheaper 2020 Z900..!

Modenas to build Kawasaki bikes?

New TNT600 for 2020

ZZR-Pilot — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 08:06:57 +0800

Getting a long-overdue update?

New TNT600

2020 Benelli TNT 600i Leaked In A New Set Of Photos
MAXABOUT TEAM Jul 29, 2019 8636 0

2020 Benelli TNT 600i has been spotted again in a new set of pictures. The new images surfaced online have been shot at a studio, unlike the previously seen images that were captured at the production facility in China. The recently surfaced photos show the upcoming motorcycle with a host of new updates.

Inspired from the design language of Benelli TNT 899, the upcoming motorcycle now features almost identical twin-eye shaped LED headlights as seen on its other siblings of the TNT portfolio. The LED headlight setup offered on the previously gathered spy shots featured a contemporary vertical headlamp design for the motorcycle. The production version of the motorcycle is expected to get the same twin-eye headlamp set up to give the bike its unique identity as that of the other motorcycles in the TNT series.

The fuel tank of the motorcycle features a more angular design language while the brand has equipped the same with Benelli badging on the top black panel. The turn indicators on the motorcycle now come integrated into the tank extensions. The 2020 model of TNT 600i features a split seat setup that offers a more sporty look to the streetfighter.

Also taking some design cues from the Benelli TNT 300, the upcoming TNT 600i now gets an underbelly exhaust system ditching the twin under-seat exhaust system as seen in the last-gen model. Powering the current-gen Benelli TNT 600i is the 600cc, inline, four-cylinder engine capable of churning out a maximum power of 86.2 HP and a peak torque of 54.6 Nm. The 2020 Benelli TNT 600i will have more power and torque output while the engine will be BS6-compliant for the Indian roads.

The current-gen Benelli TNT 600i is available at a price tag of INR 6.20 lakh while one can expect the updated version to be priced in the same bracket though a slight price hike might add up with the BS6-compliant engine. The updated Benelli TNT 600i is expected to be launched at the EICMA in November 2019 while the Indian market will get the updated version of the motorcycle sometime in 2020.

Rebirth of the legendary ZXR250: New ZX-25R

ZZR-Pilot — Wed, 01 May 2019 23:54:21 +0800

The legend of the 90s is making its return in modern guise. When this shows up, bye-bye parallel twin 250cc & 300cc sportsbikes. Current 2-pot Ninja 250 will do 12500RPM... if the old ZXR250 is anything to go by, an inline 4 250 engine will rocket up to 18000RPM and scream just like an F1 car.

The real killer however would be a 400cc inline 4 version, CKD.. if there is even such a plan in the works. If the old ZXR400 is anything to go by, that ought to be about 14000RPM, 60+ horses in a package not that much bigger than a 250cc bike - sounds plenty fun!

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In-line four-cylinder Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R ready in prototype form

The rumours about the in-line four-cylinder Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R have been around for quite some time now. In a new development, Indonesian website Gridoto claims that this rumoured quarter-litre motorcycle is ready in prototype form at the PT Kawasaki Motor Indonesia’s factory.

The report adds that the prototype motorcycle is equipped with a racing exhaust. The sound produced by the bike is claimed to be equivalent to that of a big bike. The details are scarce, but if a new model is under development, we can expect to see improved performance numbers. The two-cylinder Ninja 250, which is currently on sale in select international markets, draws 39 hp at 12,500 rpm and 23.5 Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm from its 249 cc liquid-cooled motor.

The quarter-litre four-cylinder model, if launched, will compete with the Honda CBR250RR and the Yamaha YZF-R3. Both its rivals feature a twin-cylinder engine.

The new engine specifications will be backed with updated hardware that should target the Honda CBR250RR. The quarter-litre from Honda packs upside down front forks and ride-by-wire tech. Kawasaki can try to integrate those features into the four-cylinder Ninja 250. The current generation model already gets full LED headlight. The semi-digital instrument console with an analogue tachometer can stay.

Like the Kawasaki Ninja 250, the rumoured Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R should feature single disc brakes on both wheels, but maybe with a larger rotor. Dual-channel ABS will handle the safety department. The world premiere may take place at either the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show or the EICMA 2019 in the final quarter of the year.

Meanwhile, in India, Kawasaki has commenced the pre-bookings for the 2019 Ninja ZX-10R, its litre-class supersport model. With the MY2019 update, the Ninja ZX-10R's engine's maximum power has gone up from 200 PS to 203 PS. The bike can be pre-booked with a deposit of INR 1.50 lakh.

https://indianautosblog.com/in-line-four-cy...-launch-p317157

Yamaha Tracer GT launched in Malaysia

ZZR-Pilot — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 11:49:55 +0800

By AMIR HAMZAH - February 10, 2019 @ 1:40pm

THE latest edition of Yamaha’s Tracer was launched on January 27 by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd (HLYM), in conjunction with its annual Chinese New Year gala dinner.

The popular model earned itself the name of “Two Sides of the same Coin” and the Tracer 900GT replaces the outgoing Tracer 900 model. The GT was launched by Datuk Jim Khor, managing director of HLYM, and witnessed by Maurizio Ghezzi, Yamaha Europe project leader.

Ghezzi handled the development of the Tracer Grand Tourer but the model sold in Malaysia comprises Japan complete-knocked-down (CKD) units.

The GT is an evolution of the Tracer, but it retains the upright riding position and lightweight-handling characteristics. “The introduction of the Tracer 900 GT is Hong Leong’s quest to continuously innovate the mobility lifestyle of the Malaysian motorcycle enthusiast,” said Khor.

The model seems to mirror Khor’s words as it offers more innovation and brings the Tracer series to the next level.

The 847cc DOHC crossplane triple engine remains unchanged, producing 115 bhp @ 10,000 rpm and 87.5 Nm of torque@8,500 rpm controlled by YCC-T ride-by-wire engine management.

The same D-Mode ride modes are offered and the assist and slipper clutch, TCS and ABS are all present and correct. The new upgrades on the GT are a quickshifter (up only), heated grips, cruise control and full-colour TFT instrument panel.

On the chassis side, more upgrades are evident. The redesigned windshield is adjustable (one-handed) and the swingarm is 60mm longer to improve weight transfer to the front wheel. The handlebars are slightly narrower and the redesigned bodywork is designed to reflect the original Tracer while being sleeker and higher-quality.

The upside-down front suspension is fully adjustable (separate functions for each fork) and the rear monoshock features a remote preload adjuster for easy changes.

The GT comes in two colours — Grey and Matt Blue — and will be available this month at all authorised Yamaha Big Bike dealers. Early buyers will receive a free Yamaha Disc Lock and also be eligible foraspecial and attractive Aeon Credit financing scheme.

At RM58,888.00 (including SST) the Tracer GT will be a force to be reckoned with in the competitive middleweight tourer segment.

https://www.nst.com.my/cbt/2019/02/458887/y...-900gt-launched

Cheap Nyko Data Bank for PS4

ZZR-Pilot — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 20:37:34 +0800

Selling for like RM25 on Lazada, with free shipping.

I ordered it to see if it really was a joke, then the package arrived 4 days later. It works!

So now my PS4 has ditched its original 500GB drive for a 2TB desktop drive.

So if any of you need a bigger drive, you might want to check it out - I have never seen a Nyko Data Bank sell this cheap.

https://www.lazada.com.my/nyko-data-bank-fo....100d712dUtkgyN

How wipe old SSD to blank, like-new condition?

ZZR-Pilot — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 09:52:58 +0800

My 250GB Sandisk Extreme SSD drive that I use to store all my Steam games is chock full.

So I bought a 1TB Seagate Firecuda to replace it, and I wish to reuse the Steam SSD drive as my Windows boot drive.

Since the SSD is full, all of the sectors in my SSD drive have been written on. This means it I will not get optimal speed if I were to simply reformat it and install Windows on it.

So my question is, how do I wipe the drive clean and make it completely blank like a brand new SSD drive? Is it possible to return it to a like-new condition for the best performance?

PROPERTY MARKET TO BE BADLY HIT IN 2018

ZZR-Pilot — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 17:35:36 +0800

PETALING JAYA: The property market will take a terrible hit next year, with developers and house owners facing one of the toughest times to find buyers, says a real estate veteran.

Ernest Cheong said it could lead to a market crash as consumers do not have the financial capacity to own homes with some failing to even pay their monthly instalments.

“The panic (within developers and house owners) might start after Chinese New Year in February or later if the government decides to pump in money to strengthen the market,” he told FMT.

He was responding to a reply given in the Dewan Rakyat by Deputy Finance Minister Lee Chee Leong who said unsold completed residential units rose by 40% to 20,807 units in the first half of 2017 compared with the same period last year.

Lee had said the units were worth RM12.26 billion with condominiums and apartments costing over RM500,000 dominating the unsold homes in Malaysia.

However, Cheong pointed out that the RM12.26 billion is only from the primary market, which includes launches by developers. It does not include the secondary market, which is house owners seeking to sell their homes.

“Previously, house buyers needed to pay 10% as deposit. Today, the situation is different. Developers are in a desperate situation.

“That is why they are allowing buyers to pay 1% of the property price and pay the remainder upon completion,” he said.

Cheong said this “generous payment mode” exists because developers are finding it hard to sell off their new properties.

He said they are in danger of losing their bridging finance from banks if they fail to sell at least 40% of the total units. The bridging finance is used by developers to support their construction.

“This is where the danger starts. I predict if this continues, markets will crash within 24 to 30 months because consumers do not have the financial capacity to buy properties any more.

“Furthermore, developers who started building two years ago are expected to flood the market further with their units.”

He estimated the value of homes waiting to be sold in the secondary market to be around RM4 billion and expected more foreclosures by banks.

“So about RM16 billion of properties are waiting for buyers. But there is no demand. The reason is that people don’t have the money,” he said.

When the property crash comes early next year, Cheong expects the prices of houses to fall from RM500,000 to RM300,000.

He advised Malaysian consumers not to commit to buying a home unless they could save up to RM1,000 a month for at least a year.

“This is to cover for rainy days if they lose their jobs.”

Cheong said findings by the Employees Provident Fund show that 89% of Malaysians earn RM5,000 and below a month.

He said those who bought their homes five years ago are facing hardship as prices of homes were at their peak then.

On average, for every RM100,000 housing loan, a buyer pays the bank RM500 instalment a month, based on a 30-year payment period.

Cheong advised Malaysians to spend cautiously and invest wisely instead of buying any property at the moment.

“There should not be any urgency to buy a property at the moment. Try renting first.”

INSURANS MOTOR NAIK

ZZR-Pilot — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 18:14:46 +0800

You all would have heard last time that insurance companies would be de-tariffed. They went to great lengths to hide the obvious fact that it's an attempt for these bloodsucking buggers to charge higher premiums. Kelentong lanjiao macam-macam.

http://www.thestar.com.my/business/busines...urance-players/

I went to renew my insurance today... and sure enough... insurance companies all diam-diam pakat among themselves to force motorcyclists to pay more. How? They banned the cheaper SINGLE RIDER clause, and are now forcing everyone to pay for ALL RIDER.

In my case, that translates to an increase of about RM250 in my comprehensive insurance premium.

That's a 50% increase. FIFTY F*CKING PERCENT.

Even though nobody else in my family can ride a B-full motorycle except me, I'm still forced to pay 50% more as the result of this de-tariffication con job.

MORAL OF THE STORY:

JANGAN PERCAYA KELENTONG DERANG. SEMUANYA MAU KASI BARANG NAIK.

In-wall ethernet cable vs TPlink Powerline

ZZR-Pilot — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 18:25:20 +0800

1) I bought a condo. 1300sq ft, single phase wiring. But the building is 20 years old.

2) Planning to place the Unifi modem in the living room.

3) Wireless router will be next to the modem for our laptops & phones.

4) PS4 & Blu-ray player will be connected to wireless router via ethernet.

5) Need to connect my PC in a different room down the hall.

Since I will be renovating, I could tell the contractor to hack the wall to install conduit + wall jacks to run a concealed ethernet cable from near the modem for some 15 meters up the wall, along the plaster ceiling and down the wall into the PC room across the hall. For the best performance, I know this is the way to go.

Or should I cut the crap and use one of those TPlink Powerline thingies that lets me turn my condo electrical wires into a network? By not having to hack the walls & run ethernet cabling, this could be the cheaper solution.

Whatever it is, I don't trust WiFi for my desktop since I'll never get very high speed wirelessly.

So how reliable are those Powerline thingies? Are they better or worse than a good dual-band AC Wifi setup? Anyone has experience?

Lift-up hydraulic storage bed

ZZR-Pilot — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 11:20:09 +0800

A while back in Cheras Leisure Mall I ran into a company promoting divan beds with hydraulic jacks (like in the car boot) inside which allow the mattress to be lifted up to access the space inside the bed for storage.

The sales lady didn't hv a card with her, so I couldn't find them after the roadshow.

Does anyone know where to find this bed?

Contemporary (Non-traditional) Wedding Bands

ZZR-Pilot — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 14:22:28 +0800

I don't wear gold, and I hate silver because it turns to shit real fast. I used to wear platinum because 20 years ago the price of platinum was a small fraction of what it is today.

These days, a simple platinum wedding band costs as much (if not more) as a diamond engagement ring..! How f*cked up is that?

I started looking at palladium, but that too has gotten ridiculously expensive for what it is.

All my GF wants is something decent to put on my ring finger to tell people she owns my ass.

So we said.. screw it.. let's look at the non-traditional stuff. And so we found out that there are many jewellers online that peddle wedding bands made of exotic sounding metals like TITANIUM, COBALT CHROMIUM and TUNGSTEN CARBIDE. These heavy-duty industrial metals all cost under RM500 for real, man-sized rings (8mm width).

These are by no means precious metals by any stretch of the imagination. But, hey, nobody said a guy's wedding band die-die must be made of gold or platinum, right?

Of the lot, I know tungsten carbide very well because my favourite masonry drill bits are all made of this stuff. It's super hard to cut through stone & concrete. So I imagine they would make excellent rock hard rings that are will not be scratched... that's something I really like, because I remember my platinum ring getting scratched up and squished out of round after just 4 years. Also tungsten carbide is super dense too and is said to be feel as hefty as 18K gold. Of course, the heftiest of them all is platinum - you really feel the weight. Although not as 'white' as white gold, its mirror shine will hold up for many years before getting dulled by chlorine... and even then you can polish it back yourself using a polishing wheel on a Dremel tool. So that's pretty attractive to me too.

Titanium... well... I'm not sure about its good points, but I really don't fancy lightweight jewellery that feels like cheap aluminium. Real bling's gotta have some real weight!

Cobalt Chromium sounds damn fancy, but I have no idea about this metal.

Anyone of you looking at non-traditional wedding bands too?