Rebuilding a vintage or retro motorcycle may suck up one’s resources but it is worth the effort when it looks as good as this 1978 “Pelumba Malam” Suzuki GS1000E.
Let us rephrase that, it’s especially worth the while and money when the bike has a colourful history as this one.
This particular motorcycle was one of the two GS1000Es used in the filming of the 1989 movie, “Pelumba Malam (Night Racer).” The film starred A-list artists Mustapha Kamal, Sabree Fadzil, Sidi Oraza, Edika Yusof and Noreen Noor.
The bike made its first appearance at the opening credits, before being seen again during a racing scene in the Menora Tunnel near Jelapang, Perak. The tunnel had just been completed at the time of the film’s shooting.
Built in 1978, this Suzuki GS1000E was brought into the country via a grey importer. It had belonged to one of the actors of the aforesaid movie and was regularly raced competitively at the equally-legendary Batu Tiga Circuit, Shah Alam.
It was then sold to another owner, but thieves stole it and took it on a joyride around Kuala Lumpur. Thankfully, it was later recovered in Kampung Baru.
With forty years on its timing chain, the “Pelumba Malam” Suzuki was in a sad state when it arrived at Legend Racing Garage, Setapak. A decision was reached to strip it down completely for a thorough rebuild.
The rebuild process focused on returning the GS1000E to its original state while updating it for 2018 at the same time, rather than taking the custom or café racer path. It has now been repainted to the original red and white scheme, the same as the bike Wes Cooley campaigned in the 1979 AMA Superbike Championship in the United States.
The engine was rebuilt with Wiseco pistons that bumped its capacity to slightly above 1000cc from the original 998cc. Other new parts are the valves, engine internals and a new custom-made exhaust.
The Suzuki GS1000E “Pelumba Malam” was painstakingly restored by Legend Racing Garage throughout. The paintwork was applied by Taymen Airbrush which is next door to Legend Racing Garage; the seat was handcrafted by Has Kusyen in Subang Jaya; and powercoating and surface treatment and restoration were performed by Malaya Electro Plating.
Now fully restored, it showed why motorcycles such as this Suzuki GS1000E (collectively called the UJM – Universal Japanese Motorcycle) was so popular not only back then but still remains in the psyche of contemporary enthusiast and builders. The bike is beautiful in its simplicity and purposeful purity with nothing superfluous. Indeed, its purpose was to conquer the ultra-competitive AMA Superbike Championship.
But perhaps more importantly, this bike a tribute to how motorcycles formed an integral part of Malaysian popular culture for decades; and it’s now ready to carry that legacy for many years to come.
You may view the “Pelumba Malam” Suzuki GS1000E at the Art of Speed 2018 this weekend (28th – 19th July 2018) at the MAEPS Mardi Serdang exposition centre.
Art of Speed, Malaysia’s very own homegrown Old-Skool & Kustom Kulture event, is back with its annual treat for motor heads showcasing the local custom scene comprising of customised cars and bikes, art galleries as well as interactive activities and exciting lucky draw giveaways!
According to, Asep Ahmad Iskandar, Founder of Art of Speed Malaysia, “This year’s edition is definitely our best installation yet, with a variety and complexity of not only participating vehicles, but an expansion of activities throughout the weekend to suit all age groups.”
“This includes a Show and Shine competition in an air-conditioned 150,000 square feet hall with customs and classics in Hall A, NEAT Fest occupying Hall C curated by NoEqual, an art gallery called Moto Circus with local and international artists, expanded “LIVE’ acts for Sound Circus, as well as children and family friendly activities such as House of Vans workshop, Soapbox Show & Go!, marketplace and a youth arena featuring an indoor skate & BMX park by VANS”.
Art of Speed 2018 (AOS 2018) will be held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS), on 28 – 29 July 2018 from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. The show is expecting 40,000 visitors across both days.
Cars and bikes enthusiasts will have the chance to meet international guests from:
Special highlights for AOS 2018 will include:
With music being an instrumental segment of Art of Speed, the main stage of AOS now known as ‘Sound Circus’ will feature Fox Wanna Fly as the opening act on Saturday launching the event’s official theme song entitled “Inspirasi”. AOS 2018 goers will also be treated to popular bands Plague Of Happiness who will be the main act on Saturday and a comeback concert by Bittersweet who will close the event on Sunday with a bang!
Last but not least, there will be daily lucky draws on Saturday and Sunday respectively, where the winner will win a paid package trip for ONE (1) to visit the 27th Annual Yokohama Hotrod Custom Show 2018 & a fully custom ONE (1) unit C600R Streetcub by FNG Works. These prizes will be given away on Saturday & Sunday respectively.
Keeping up with its tradition of inspiring locals, the organisers will once again bring in ‘souped up’ vintage & custom vehicles for the show from overseas. This year, visitors will be treated to:
Another highlight vehicle will be specially flown in from USA to be featured at the House of Vans booth inside HALL A that is:
Other Art of Speed 2018 activities include:
Art of Speed 2018 will also organise its fourth Mega Club Gathering and Roda Rumble by the Retro Mania boys that will inject new excitement to all classic, retro and olskool vehicle owners.
The winner of Best of Show motorcycle and automobile categories will win package trips to the 27th Annual MOONEYES Yokohama Hotrod and Custom Show this coming December as the Guest of Honour.
7th Annual Art Of Speed Malaysia 2018 Powered by PETRONAS
Date: 28 & 29 July 2018
Venue: MAEPS, Serdang
Time: 10:00am* – 7:00pm
A tiered ticket system. Speed lane ticket can enter the halls at 10am & General Admission at 11am. This is done to manage the collector-based fans that attend the event very early.
Speedlane ticket: RM30*
General admission: RM15*
*Both tickets are valid for both days. Ticket counter will open at 9am to sell Speedlane & General Admission tickets.
For more information about this event, please visit www.artofspeedmy.com or www.facebook.com/ArtOfSpeedMY/
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