Motorcycling Impression from the Far East
Tuesday, September 18th, 2007 at 1:38 pm by rhino
A riding buddy of mine (WallyCycle) moved to Singapore about a year ago. Southeast Asia is a world away from Utah. Recently, I received a correspondence in which de desribed some of his impression of motorcycling in that part of the world. What follows is excerpts from that email.
********************************************************************** ********************** Since getting my bike here, have been venturing into Malaysia for day trips, not just to the track. Found a map supplier, so now have detailed maps of all states. Also trying out my new riding gear. It rains here a lot. Generally just passing showers. And it’s not cold when it rains. My normal riding suit is a Dainese textile, but it is well suited to this area as it has many mesh ports both in the jacket and in the pants, in strategic locations that actually allow airfolw and is very light weight. I find it very comfortable. You get what you pay for sometimes. Plus underneath, I always wear a shirt made of coolmax type material. So when I do perspire, it never feels clammy and dries quickly. My boots are waterproof Alpinestars, but breathable as well and they really work. They never feel “hot”. My helmet is my standard Arai RX7 (Nakano Shuriken). I use a leather glove with a short gauntlet, which further enhances air flow up my arms.Of course, I also bought a rainsuit. I bought a RS Taichi. I paid $110 for it!!. Now I know you think I am nuts, but here is the story on it. It is ultra thin, breathable, comfortable and folds up into such a tiny roll. I had occasion to test it last week while we were riding along the coast in Johor state. Not just a passing shower, but 3 hours of rain. The suit works and I did not feel clammy and uncomfortable inside like some rainsuits tend to make you feel. Despite the temperature remaining in the upper 80’s while raining. Again, you get what you pay for. The light, leather waterproof gloves kept my hands dry.
I’m planning 5 days deep into Malaysia, up into the hill regions. There are 3 areas where the altitude is at 4000 feet. I am already planning to find a hotel where I can base and then do day trips.
For luggage, I bought an Ortlieb bag here, identical to the ones you have seen me use. Waterproof naturally. The mods I have done to my bike (’06 Suzuki GSXR 1000) are: MRA double bubble, Heli bars, Frame sliders and the one that I like the best, I installed a Scorpio 2-way alarm with perimeter sensor. I love it!! I wish I would have installed one on all my previous bikes. Huge peace of mind, especially in these foreign countries and since I am riding alone most of the time, no one to watch my bike when I take a leak, eat at a restaurant etc… I no longer have to always park where I can see it. Can now stop to walk from the bike to see sights and not worry that my stuff will be tampered with. The perimeter sensor I installed so that when someone were to get near my tank bag, it starts chirping, the closer they get, the frequency of chirping increases and if they don’t leave, it goes into full alarm. The alarm, weather set off by the perimeter, shock or tilt sensor will page my small receiver/controller that is the size of a matchbox.
Tires: the Bridgestones OE BT014 are ok. But am up for a change soon. What do you know about the Michelin Pilot Power/Pilot Power 2CT? I could go with the old standby of Pirelli Diablo, but would like to try something new? The tire changer you got is something I had contemplated when at home, as I was always buying/changing tires and you are right, at 40-50 dollars in labor every time it got expensive. Let me know how you like it for when I come home. Here in Singapore, all tire prices include riding the bike in. No discount for bringing in only the wheels. Just got a quote for a set of Diablos, $300 US, ride the bike in, tax, fees, mount/balance. Not too bad.
Just got my schedule for October. Had requested 19-22 for Sepang MotoGP. Just approved. So now making plans to ride up to see the race. Hotels are NOT like at Laguna. A 5 star hotel 10 miles from the track goes for about $100 night. Tickets for the weekend including main grandstand and pit access is $37. Bike parking $0.70.
Have now done many laps on both the Blade (CBR1000RR) and the Gixxer at the Johor circuit. My impressions are pretty simple. I get around the track the same on both. It’s the “experience” that’s different. The Blade gives me a feeling of extreme precision, control, almost effortless. Very nice. The Gixxer leaves me with the impression that it’s a bit more raw, more visceral. Neither for me is better than the other. Equal fun on both. Just a different experience.*********************************************************** *****************************
My buddy also mentioned that unlike deer here in the good ole USA, the most moto-threatening wildlife in his new domicile is monkeys!
Rhino
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Cool stuff. I will probably not be able to do international track days! Interesting perspective about the two bikes n the track. I’m not sure which I would favor. I guess if you’re trying to beat the clock, you go with the Honda. If you want the thrill factor, go with the Suzi.
Heh - you gonna sign Walter up here? I think the signing bonus is up to $0.50!