Malaysian Ducati Owner to Sue Over Alleged Unauthorised Use of Panigale V4S

Overseas owner claims caretaker used bike for social media promotions and leisure trips without permission.

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A Malaysian motorcycle owner living overseas is pursuing legal action after alleging that his newly purchased RM133,000 Ducati Panigale V4S was used without authorisation by the person entrusted to care for it.

The owner, identified as Wee Yang, purchased the Ducati V4S (registration number F5504) on 19 June through a cash transaction. As he was abroad, he arranged for a local contact to store the motorcycle, manage its annual RM5,000 insurance and assist with minor installations until his return in July.

However, according to Yang’s Facebook posts, the caretaker allegedly began using the motorcycle for personal and business-related activities without permission. He claimed the bike appeared in promotional content and riding videos posted on Instagram, Threads, and Xiaohongshu and was ridden on a 200 km trip to Desaru, Johor. Yang also alleged that a homemade number plate was fitted to the bike and its mileage increased by 180 km during this period.

Wee arranged for the bike to be towed to another location after discovering the alleged misuse, noting it was returned dusty and covered in insects. He offered the caretaker two settlement options: either buy back the bike at the full RM133,000 purchase price and refund the insurance, or issue a public apology, compensate for additional mileage, and cover the cost of new licence plates.

Although an apology was received late on 24 June, Yang has decided to proceed with legal action. He revealed plans to sue both a motorcycle-related business allegedly involved and an individual identified as “Evon Evon,” alleged caretaker’s girlfriend, who was featured in riding videos.

Yang’s lawyer reportedly advised that the second individual could be sued as an accomplice, though Yang acknowledged that the case’s outcome would depend on the court’s decision. He also indicated that an out-of-court settlement remained a possibility.

This case highlights growing concerns over unauthorised use of customer vehicles by workshops and caretakers. Under Section 403 of the Penal Code, businesses can be held liable for criminal breach of trust. Vehicle owners are advised to implement safeguards such as signed authorisation forms, mileage logs, and agreements limiting test drives or other use before handing over their vehicles.