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Phuket Bike Week

The recent outbreak of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 has put a dent on a lot of international events, including the Thailand MotoGP round which was set to take place in March but postponed at the end of the year. Now, news surrounding another major bike-related event is currently under threat of postponement is the Phuket Bike Week 2020. (more…)

  • Detik ‘countdown’ bagi festival Phuket Bike Week kali ke-25 telah bermula.
  • Acara tahun ini akan berlangsung dari 12 hingga 14 April di Pantai Patong, dan 19 hingga 20 April di Phuket Boat Lagoon
  • Sekitar 50,000 orang pengunjung dijangka akan menghadiri pesta tahun ini.

(more…)

  • The countdown to the 25th Phuket Bike Week begins.

  • It will be held from 12th to 14th April at Patong, and 19th to 20th April at the Phuket Boat Lagoon, this year.

  • 50,000 visitors are expected.

It’s almost April and enthusiasts know it’s almost time for the pilgrimage to the Phuket Bike Week (PBW).

The annual event is extra special this year as it celebrates its 25th anniversary and is dubbed “World Ride Together (sic).” Hence it promises to be the biggest ever than an already largest motorcycle gathering in Asia.

The organizers and tourism authority expect more than 5,000 motorcycles of all types, and 50,000 participants and visitors from more than 30 countries including Thailand. They also project that the event will draw in THB 500 million in revenue.

As per tradition, the PBW will be held in two locations on the island of Phuket on two subsequent different dates. The first chapter will be held at Loma Park, Patong Beach from 12thto 14thApril. The second will be held at the Phuket Boat Lagoon from 19thto 20thApril.

Do note that this year’s PBW coincides with the Songkran water festival, which starts from 13thApril and ends on 15thApril, thus visitors can expect an even merrier fun quotient.

Activities include motorcycle exhibitions, custom bike contest, Miss Phuket Bike Week contest, charity ride. Rock bands and performers include the legendary Thai band Carabao who shot to fame with their song “Made in Thailand;” our very own Wings and many more.

So, start planning now for your convoy to the north!

Please refer to www.phuketbikeweek.com for more information.

  • It’s the “touring month” again as riders tour around Malaysia or head into Thailand.

  • Long-distance touring needs planning.

  • Here are items to make your touring experience something more safer and more fun.

The month of April is here and it’s time for some touring, around Malaysia, but usually to Thailand. Yes, it’s time for the Phuket Bike Week and Songkran (the Thai new year).

It’s during March and this month that the winds and tides hitting the Thai west coast are still benign, as the monsoon season starts in mid-May, which brings heavy rain and higher surfs (and lots of debris) to the beaches.

Songkran

Also, as the holy month of Ramadhan is in May this year, you can expect many more Malaysian riders rushing north during this month.

But long-distance touring shouldn’t be carried out without proper planning – you can’t just hop on your bike and ride to Thailand like how you ride to Karak for nasi lemak. For one, you need the necessary documentation if you ride into Thailand, and you should bring along these items when you tour.

1. Cable Ties (Zip Ties)

The cable tie is probably the most universally useful item you should never ride without. It serves almost any purpose during emergency roadside repairs. Brake pedal dropping out? Cable tie it. Bodywork came loose because the fastener had gone down the rabbit hole? Cable tie. Number plate screws fell out? Cable tie. Snapped your shoes laces? Cable tie. Etc., etc., etc.? You got it – cable tie!

Cable ties a.k.a. zip ties

2. Duct Tape

Along with the cable tie, duct tape is indispensable. It’s especially useful as a temporary repair for tears. We’ve used it on a riding boot which mimicked a “crocodile’s mouth” (the sole split open). Sealing pants legs to prevent water getting in. As a bandage by wrapping it around a piece of cloth placed on a wound.

Duct tape

3. Bungee Cords and Cargo Nets

Always ride with at least one bungee cord under the seat and use it to tie down extra luggage.

Bungee cords and cargo nets – from bikebandit.com

4. Tool Kit

Depending on your bike’s manufacturer, what’s supplied may not be enough. There are plenty of tool “packs” offered to bikers these days. Get a set that includes wrenches and Allen keys for the majority of fasteners on your bike.

Cruz Tools – from Revzilla.com

5. Tyre Repair Kit

Never, ever tour without a tyre repair kit. Along with a mechanical breakdown, a tyre puncture destroys your hopes of a wonderful holiday in no time err… flat. Get a kit with CO2 inflation canisters.

Tyre repair kit – from ebay.com

6. First Aid Kit

Almost no rider carries one, for some reason. GIVI offers a set the size of a thick wallet, so it’s easy to carry in your backpack, tankbag or waist pouch.

GIVI first aid kit – from givi.it

7. Chain Lube

The chain needs to be lubed every 400 km or so. Most makers offer them in small cans that could fit under most bikes’ seats. A chain without proper lubrication will grind down the sprockets quickly, cause the roller links to wear, besides robbing engine power and fuel economy.

Chain lube – from WD-40.com

8. Rain Gear

April may be the hottest month in Thailand, but that doesn’t mean you won’t encounter heavy rain along the way. Trust us, it rained on us on our every trip to the Phuket Bike Week. There are many brands in the market, but the best is by GIVI. They’re expensive, no doubt, but they really work and are tough (proven during the Golden Triangle Adventure).

GIVI CRS.02 rain gear – from givi.vn

9. Luggage

If you’re riding a sport-tourer or adventure-tourer/dual-purpose bike, it’s a no-brainer to install some luggage. Needless to say, having a luggage system beats strapping on a backpack or tying stuff to the bike anytime (more space for the above items too). There are many brands in the market that offer many solutions, including panniers, tank bags and top cases of different designs and materials. GIVI has the largest selection. (We’ve ridden in South Africa and Indochina with them and boy, are they useful and strong.)

GIVI V47 and V35 – from www.nativeviking.com

10. Octane Booster

You may not need this but bring a few bottles along as insurance. Thailand does have RON 95 petrol but there have been times where riders mistakenly filled up with lower RON fuel. Using fuel with an octane number lower than the recommended grade is at least detrimental to the engine’s performance, if not cause catastrophic damage. We’ve tested X-1R’s Octane Booster during the said Indochina ride and came away impressed.

X-1R Octane Booster

Poster PBW 2016 Sponsor

Phuket Bike Week 2016 welcomes all ASEAN riders to celebrate its 22nd edition.

(more…)

Phuket Bike Week 2016 ready to host all visiting ASEAN riders in celebrating its 22nd edition.

(more…)

Bikers Kental 2 movie sequel announced with Awie and Zizan Razak reprising lead roles. (more…)

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