For decades, the Malaysian underbone (kapcai) market has been a two-horse race. Honda and Yamaha have dominated the streets, leaving consumers with a predictable choice in the 110cc to 120cc segment between the Wave and the Lagenda. Enter AFAZ, Malaysia’s second national motorcycle brand, which has officially thrown its hat into the ring with the launch of the AFAZ Kencana Sport 115. Priced at an aggressive RM5,799, this motorcycle is not just a new model; it represents the dawn of a new competitor in the Southeast Asian auto industry. Having analyzed the spec sheets and initial ride impressions filtering out of Malaysia, the Kencana Sport 115 presents a unique value proposition: Japanese engineering wrapped in a national identity, aimed squarely at the budget-conscious commuter and the first-time buyer. But is it enough to sway loyalists away from the established giants? Here is our detailed review. The Philosophy: A National Project with Japanese DNA Before looking at nuts and bolts, it is vital to understand what the Kencana Sport represents. AFAZ is a collaboration between local AFY Mobility Industries and Japanese giant Suzuki. This is crucial because it means the bike isn’t a risky, untested prototype. At its core, the Kencana Sport is heavily based on the legendary Suzuki Smash Fi. The Smash is known across Asia for being a cockroach of a motorcycle—nearly impossible to kill, cheap to fix, and brutally efficient. By using the Smash as a base, AFAZ sidesteps the usual “first generation blues” of engine reliability. You are essentially getting a proven Suzuki powertrain but with a local body kit and upgraded features. Performance: The Commuter’s Sweet Spot The heart of the Kencana Sport 115 is a 113cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-stroke engine . It utilizes Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), which is the industry standard for good cold starts and fuel efficiency. Unlike many entry-level kapcais that are air-cooled, AFAZ has equipped this bike with an oil-cooled system (SOCS) . This is a significant advantage for Malaysian weather; oil cooling helps maintain engine temperature during traffic jams or long distance rides better than pure air cooling, theoretically prolonging engine life. Power Figures: The engine produces approximately 9.1 hp at 7,500 rpm and 9 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm . Ride Feel: With a curb weight of just 100kg, this bike feels light and flicks easily through traffic . The power delivery is typical of a 115cc commuter—it won’t win drag races against a Yamaha 135LC, but it provides enough grunt to get away from traffic lights and maintain highway cruising speeds. The 4-speed gearbox is a nod to its economic roots, prioritizing fuel savings over top speed. The “Sport” Factor: Lighting and Suspension Where the Kencana Sport diverges from its Suzuki donor bike is in the styling and cycle parts. AFAZ knows that young riders want to look cool without paying a premium for aftermarket parts. Lighting: The headline feature is the Full LED lighting system . At the RM5,799 price point, this is almost unheard of. Competitors in this bracket usually offer halogen bulbs that look yellow and dated. The Kencana Sport features a sharp LED headlight with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and a distinct LED taillight shaped like an “A” (for AFAZ) . This gives the bike a premium, sporty aesthetic usually reserved for 150cc bikes. Suspension: AFAZ has partnered with Kayaba (KYB) for the rear suspension . The dual rear shock absorbers are a massive upgrade over the wobbly units found on most budget bikes. KYB is a reputable Japanese brand, and the bike handles bumps and potholes with surprising maturity for a lightweight kapcai. The front uses standard telescopic forks, which are adequate for city riding. But “adequate” is the wrong term to describe the bike’s handling. Because as soon as you tip it over into a corner, the bike holds the line like a (very) well-sorted big bike. No other kapchai handles like this, we kid you not. We thought we were imagining things in the beginning but we soon learned that other media riders also came to the same conclusion. We spoke of this to AFAZ during an event with the company’s top brass present and it turned out that the CEO (who races regularly) was the one who sorted out the suspension. Practicality: The Daily Driver For the target market—students, food delivery riders, and office workers—practicality is king. The Kencana Sport scores high marks here, albeit with a few caveats. Fuel Efficiency: Claimed consumption sits at an impressive 62.5 km/liter . Matched with a 4.2-liter fuel tank, riders are looking at a theoretical range of over 260 kilometers before needing to visit the pump. For a Grab driver, this translates directly to higher profits. Storage: There is a small storage compartment under the seat. It is not large enough for a full-face helmet, but it is perfectly sized for a raincoat, disc lock, or tool kit . This is a thoughtful touch often missing on sporty commuters. Seat Height: At 760mm, the seat is accessible to riders of all heights, making it a fantastic choice for new learners . The Caveats: Where It Shows Its Price While the Kencana Sport offers a lot, it is not perfect. To hit the RM5,799 price, AFAZ had to make compromises. Braking: The bike features a single 220mm disc brake up front, but the rear is an old-school drum brake. This setup works fine in dry conditions especially with the Nissin front brake caliper, but without ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), the rider needs to be skilled in braking in wet weather. Comfort: The seat can be described as “firm”, although not hard like torture rack. The suspension handles the road well, absorbing bumps with such aplomb that we thought we had a rear tyre with too low pressure. So, the bike can be ridden on highways and bumpy roads. Instrumentation: The dash is analog. In an era where even budget cars have digital screens, the Kencana Sport keeps it old-school with a needle speedometer. It is functional and easy to read, and gets the job done at a glance. Verdict: Should You Buy It? The AFAZ Kencana Sport 115 is a surprisingly compelling entry into a competitive market. It is a David vs. Goliath story, and for once, David has brought a decent slingshot. Who is it for? First-time buyers who want a brand-new bike with a warranty (likely 1-year or 20,000km) but have a tight budget. Delivery riders who want Suzuki reliability but don’t want to look like they are riding their dad’s old bike. The fuel efficiency and oil-cooler are huge pros here. Practical modifiers who appreciate that the base bike comes with LED lights and KYB shocks, saving them money on upgrades. Who should look elsewhere? Performance junkies will find they need more than 9.1hp or perhaps adequate for commuting. Daily commuters will love its simplicity, economy, and practicality. Cornering junkies will be surprised by its handling. The Kencana Sport is not trying to reinvent the wheel. It is taking a reliable Japanese wheel (Suzuki) and putting a stylish, modern Malaysian tire on it. It offers incredible value for money with its LED lighting and branded suspension. While the rear drum brake and analog dash remind you of the budget price point, the overall package of RM5,799 for a 113cc EFI bike with oil cooling is hard to ignore.