Arrival and Entrance
Last Wednesday, we embarked on an exciting journey to the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 at MAEPS Serdang. We left home at 9:30 AM and was greeted by a bustling influx of vehicles heading towards the parking area. It dawned on me that it was a public holiday, which explained the crowd. Fortunately, the weather was gloomy and cloudy, providing a welcome relief from the typical Malaysian heat.
Upon arriving, we parked car and joined the crowd heading towards the exhibition entrance. The entrance was divided into two sections: one for online ticket holders and another for on-the-spot purchases. Ironically, the queue for online tickets was longer, which seemed counterintuitive since online purchases are supposed to save time. This is something the organizers need to improve for future events.
The Motorcycle Section
My primary focus for the day was the motorcycle section divided into 2 halls, as I was in the market for a replacement for my Kawasaki Ninja 250, which I sold last year. My first stop was Hall C, where Didi Group showcased brands like Royal Enfield, Triumph, Aprilia, Vespa, and Harley Davidson.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
As I'm looking for a dual-sport adventure bike, the Himalayan 450 was high on my list. Unfortunately, it was only on display, and I couldn't sit on it to test its ergonomics. The exhibition area for this bike was also poorly lit, making it difficult to examine the components in detail. Pricing was not yet released, but estimates suggest it will be around RM33,000 by the Sales Advisor
Exploring Hall B
Next, I ventured into Hall B, dominated by Chinese brands distributed by MForce. Here, I found an impressive array of bikes from QJMotor, CFMoto, Keeway, Voge, Benda, SYM, Yadea, Moto Morini, Cyclone, and WMoto. I estimated there were more than 50 bikes on display. Most of the big bikes were priced between RM25,000 to RM50,000, making them very affordable compared to their Japanese counterparts. This pricing strategy aims to attract early adopters and change the perception that Chinese products are of poor quality.
The CFMoto 450MT
The highlight for me in this hall was the CFMoto 450MT, the legendary "Unicorn" ADV bike that enthusiasts worldwide have been eagerly awaiting. Priced at RM28,888 for the basic unit and RM30,888 with three panniers, I leaned towards the basic unit as I wasn't keen on the panniers. The bike's height and ergonomics were perfect for me, even as a beginner.
Other noteworthy arrivals included the 450NK (naked bike) and the CLC450 (cruiser), priced at RM25,888 each. Compared to the KTM Duke 250 (Similar Price Range) at RM22,500 and the Duke 390 (Similar Power) at RM35,800, these prices are quite competitive.
The Final Hall
The last hall featured bigger and local brands like Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, KTM, Modenas, Kymco, and Aveta. Notably absent was Yamaha, likely due to their focus on smaller displacement kapcai and scooters. Honda Boon Siew Malaysia debuted four new bikes: the ADV350, NX500, Transalp 750, and Hornet 750. KTM made a splash with their new Duke models: 250, 390, 990, and 1390. Suzuki showcased their GSX-8R, 800RE, and GSX S1000GX.
The NX500
The NX500, priced at RM37,099, is a dual-sport bike that competes directly with the CFMoto 450MT and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. This model is more road-oriented compared to its competitors, boasting several updates that enhance its appeal. It features a sleek design update, a modern 5-inch TFT dash for improved display and control, and minor engine and suspension tuning that refine its performance. Despite its attractive features, the NX500 is the last on my list for dual-sport bikes, and I’m not leaning towards it.
Wrapping Up the Day
After thoroughly exploring the motorcycle exhibitions, I made a quick pass through the main hall where the cars were displayed. There was a noticeable shift towards Chinese brands and a significant number of EV offerings. BMW Motorrad also debuted the R1300GS and F900GS, displayed right next to their cars instead of divided into the motorcycle hall.
At Tesla Malaysia's display, the massive CyberTruck stood out, though it seemed a bit too wide for our local parking spaces and roads. It's still uncertain whether Tesla will offer it in Malaysia. Interestingly, @bitrocker2020 discovered a toy-scale model of the CyberTruck at the merchandise corner.
By the time I left the event, it was already 4 PM. The day's yield included a bunch of photographs, the thrill of touching many bikes, and the excitement of buying a new Insta360 X4, which I plan to unbox in my next post.
Hey HIVE community!
Aaron✌🏻 here, proud member of Team Malaysia, straight from the heart of the magical Borneo Island. Now, I'm calling the vibrant concrete skyscraper cityscape of Kuala Lumpur home.
Hope you enjoyed reading on my little adventure as much as I enjoyed experiencing it! If you liked my writing, feel free to give it an upvote or reblog it with your community. Got any questions or want to know more? Just drop them in the comments below - I’d love to hear from you! Thanks so much for stopping by, and I truly appreciate all your support.
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