Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) will be organising a road safety campaign on 25 January 2018 at the Sungai Besi toll plaza (Southbound).
The Kawasaki Road Safety Campaign 2018 or ‘Kempen Keselamatan Jalan Raya Kawasaki 2018’ will run from 9am to 6pm.
The road safety campaign is open for all motorcyclists riding all bike types and brands.
Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) will be organising their first road safety campaign for 2018 this coming 25 January 2018. Dubbed the ‘Kempen Keselamatan Jalan Raya Kawasaki 2018’, this will be their first CSR (corporate social responsibility) program of the year to promote road safety for fellow bikers. (more…)
KMOG and KTM Malaysia put together an adventure weekend with world enduro pro and champion Chris Birch.
Day One consisted of an intensive off-road riding clinic coached by Chris Birch ad Chris Whitehouse.
The participants went away with some great wisdom and experience.
Stepping up their charter to bring the best to their members and customers, KTM Malaysia Owners’ Group (KMOG) and KTM Malaysia organized an off-road clinic and weekend adventure ride featuring the world’s enduro pro rider and coach extraordinaire, Chris Birch.
That’s one of the best thing about having a world champion as your brand’s factory rider. However, Chris Birch is of a different ilk which only a small number champions who could teach and impart his experience of many years effectively to plebeians like you and me. Besides that, Chris is still competing actively, ensuring that the experiences she shares aren’t from 1972.
The KMOG/KTM Malaysia Adventure Weekend with Chris Birch event drew at total of 20 participants. KTM Malaysia introduced Chris Birch and his assistant, Chris Whitehouse at Lifestyle Showroom in Kota Damansara to a rousing welcome. Many of the participants couldn’t help themselves but requesting for selfies and autographs with the “rock star.”
The Chris superduo introduced themselves and KTM Malaysia’s Nor Iman took over to brief the participants on the itinerary of the three-day program. We then mounted our bikes and rode to KTM Malaysia’s off-road and MX course in Sungai Buaya, Rawang.
Day One consisted of a riding clinic coached by Chris (Birch) and assisted by Chris (Whitehouse).
The first lesson taught by Chris was on setting up the bike for offroading. The bike’s controls such as the handlebar, hand levers and foot levers were adjusted to offer better accessibility while riding.
Chris also shared his experience about using the correct tyre pressures for offroad duty. He then adjourned the students to perform the necessary adjustments, but instead of standing by and lording over them, Chris and Whitehouse actually got their hands dirty to assist.
However, before the participants were allowed on track to ride, they were called back to the tent for a briefing about body position, particularly on how to stabilize the lower body by clamping the feet, legs knees and thighs to the bike, while allowing the upper body to ride loose. Standing up the footpegs is the hallmark of off-road riding, so additionally, we were also taught on the correct technique of standing up and how to position the body for optimal weight distribution. Weight distribution affects the bike’s chassis balance hence traction and control.
Chris then showed how it’s done by riding on the 1290 Super Adventure S out on the course. He broke the participants easy by having them trail him around the course, before setting them loose while he and Whitehouse instruct from the sidelines. We were called in a for critique a result from what both instructors saw and sent back out again to practice. (The clinic operated this way throughout the day.)
The weather had gotten really hot at that point and the clinic stopped for lunch.
Instruction continued afterwards, moving on the techniques of turning the bike. Getting a bike around a corner in the dirt is different from doing on tarmac. Whereas road-centric riders lean their bodies into a corner, off-roading calls for sitting up on the highside and pushing the bike down into the corner. It’s done so to place the rider’s weight onto the tyres for more traction. Apart from that, it’s much easier to control a slide. By the way, the sharper turns are taken sitting down, while the rider could choose to either sit down or remain standing for the gradual stuff.
But more importantly, Chris stressed on the need to look ahead to where we intended to go, instead of just in front of the bike. Target fixation – whereby the rider keeps staring at an obstruction or dangerous situation – will ironically cause him to hit that very object he wanted to avoid. “Look where you want to go,” is something which every motorcyclist must practice.
Next on the card was how to balance the rider’s weight on the outer footpeg when when standing up to negotiate slow turns and control the bike.
Chris stressed that the rear brake should be used in off-road riding, rather than using the front only. The rear brake is used to stabilize the bike, while the front is used to slow it down.
Progressing to the next stage, we were instructed on how to clear obstructions such as an extra slippery (read: muddy) section or logs. The technique is to look as far forwards as possible, then power before the offending section, and rolling off to let the bike’s momentum carry it through. Chris first demonstrated on one particularly deep mud patch before moving over to the tyre ramp.
Participants powered up the leading face then rolled off their throttle just as they’re about to ride over.
With this lesion covered, we moved over to the hill climb. There’s a steep hill at the near end of the Sungai Buaya course. Chris presented four different body positioning techniques that one could use for different situations. However, before letting the participants to ride up, he demonstrated on what one should do if the bike stalled on the way up. It was an eye-opener for everyone from the newbies all the way up to the experts.
The hill climb was the final lesson of the day. There were a few get offs but the paramedics stayed under the tent marvelling at the type of riding everyone did and the bikes.
In conclusion, all the four aspects of good riding habits were taught i.e. body positioning and control, throttle control, brake control, and vision.
We bedded down for the night at the beautiful Ratu Rening Residency resort. Everyone was upbeat, despite having ridden in first hot weather then under heavy rain. Riding with and learning from a multiple champion has a tendency to do that.
GIVI Malaysia has opened up yet another GIVI Point located in Johor Bahru near Jalan Tampoi.
This is the third GIVI Point to be launched after Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Those who purchase a box from GIVI Point Johor Bahru from now until 19 February 2018 will receive a complimentary third brake light unit.
Renowned Italian motorcycle accessory manufacturer GIVI has officially launched their third GIVI Point located in Johor Bahru near Jalan Tampoi. This is the third GIVI Point in the country after Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The launch was officiated by GIVI’s International Operational Director Joseph Perucca together with GIVI Asia’s managing director On Hai Swee. (more…)
Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) is now offering the 2018 Kawasaki Z900 ABS Special Edition in a brand new Candy Persimmon Red.
The latest red colour scheme is further elevated with Metallic Spark Black highlights to give it a more aggressive appearance.
Priced at RM50,959 (basic price with GST), the 2018 Kawasaki Z900 ABS produces 123hp and 98.6Nm of torque.
Good news to all you Kawasaki fans and enthusiasts out there. Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) has announced that they are now offering the 2018 Kawasaki Z900 ABS in a brand new special edition colour, Candy Persimmon Red! (more…)
A lot of new riders today are quickly upgrading from kapcai to sports bike or naked bike.
Ranging anywhere between 200cc to 500cc, these entry-level motorcycles are getting a lot of demand and manufacturers are taking notice.
Sports bikes and naked bikes like the KTM RC390 and 390 Duke have become the ultimate riding choices even for veteran riders.
In this day and age, technology and advancements in the world of motorcycling have made more and more high performance motorcycles readily available for just about everyone and anyone. From small capacity Japanese cubs to European superbikes, one can and definitely will find the perfect bike for any occasion. (more…)
Riding with a pillion is great way to share the wonderful world of motorcycling.
Done right, your passenger will love motorcycles and riding.
It’s best to brief your passenger if he/she is a newbie.
Riding with a pillion is inescapable, especially if you commute by motorcycle. Whether it’s your other half or office buddy, it helps to understand a few tips about carrying a pillion.
Done right, they will enjoy the experience. Done wrong, they’d most likely to think of motorcycles as torture racks, or you’ll see the prospect of your romantic goal disappear. Or worse, touch wood, end up in a heap on the ground.
It helps to ask your passenger if he/she had ever ridden on bike. You could then brief him/her on what needs to be done or need not do. Convince them that you’ll take it easy and keep your word.
Right, let’s ride.
Gear up
We’re sure you’re always geared up when riding. However, do ask your would be pillion in advance if they have any proper riding gear and bring your spare jacket, helmet and gloves if they don’t. Their safety is your responsibility as soon as he/she climbs on.
Getting on
If your pillion is a newbie, take a few minutes to demonstrate how to get on. No, you don’t have to completely climb on, but a few physical pointers will be enough.
Let he/she know to climb on from the left side (away from the traffic), then stand straight up before swinging the right leg over the seat. He/she should then settle down onto the seat as gently as possible, otherwise the abrupt slam-down may cause you to lose balance.
Picture from amcn.com.au
This is especially important if you ride a tall adventure- or sport-touring bike, as they could be top heavy from a full tank of liquid gold, in addition to panniers and top case laden down with durian. Do remember to brief your pillion about the panniers. You should also remember to compensate for some rocking around at the rear while the pillion finds a sure footing.
Do remember to let your passenger know to alight the bike only when you say so.
Picture from pinterest.com
Hold on
Request that your pillion hold on at all times, rather than allowing them to place their hands on their thighs. Your passenger may find it more comfortable to hold on to the grab bar, if he/she doesn’t want physical contact. That’s fine.
Picture by motorcyclenews.com
However, if your passenger doesn’t mind it, request that he/she hangs on to your waist or tug on your pants’ belt loops. The best way to ride is for the pillion to place his/her palms on the fuel tank. That way, both your masses become one for more stability instead of being displaced. He/she will feel more secure too, without the sensation of being thrown off the bike.
Picture by totalmotorcycle.com
We found a great solution while browsing through Hodaka Motoworld. This Komine Tandem Riding Belt AK-322 attaches to the rider’s waist, while the pillion holds onto the handles. For just RM 180 before 6% GST, it’s a worthy investment.
Let them know to tap you on the shoulder should they need help or to pull over. If he/she holds on to your neck, it means that you’re riding too fast.
Keep both feet up
Do let your pillion know that he/she should keep both feet up unless it’s time to get off. He/she may mistakenly think it’s their job to help keep the bike up at traffic lights and cause a loss of balance.
By the way, you know that you can’t carry a passenger if your bike doesn’t have passenger footpegs right…?
Corners! Charge!
Wait! No, hang on. It may be exciting for the rider, but corners are usually scary stuff for the passenger, experienced or otherwise. Suck it up and take it easy, you still have the opportunity to ride from BHP Gombak to Karak in less than 12 parsecs next time.
Brief your passenger from early on to stay relaxed, especially in the waist and torso, and lean with the bike. He/she doesn’t have to assist by leaning in more, and definitely not by leaning the other way.
However, that also depends on your riding to a greater degree. Take it easy with your corner entry and mid-corner speeds to allow him/her to stay relaxed.
Don’t fidget
Your passenger should be relaxed but not as so relaxed to start squiggling around at the back to take selfies while filtering through the weekend traffic jam at Bentong. Or when riding offroad. Or applying makeup.
Picture from pinterest.com
Adjust your bike
Increase the rear tyre pressure and shock preload to compensate for the extra weight. Too low a tyre pressure will cause the rear to wobble. Too little preload will cause the rear to squat, taking weight off the front.
Also, you should adjust the headlamp should it shoot into space.
Change of performance
Keep in mind that the pillion’s extra weight will also cause a difference in performance, when attempting an overtake and the extra distance required to brake. Additionally, turning and avoiding hazards would also be more sluggish.
Be sensible and smooth
There’s no point in trying to show off your skills to your pillion. Unless of course, you’ve just met an adrenaline junkie.
EEEEEK!!!!
Don’t blast off or chop the throttle abruptly. Fight the temptation to charge through a corner after being inspired by Marquez. Take it easy and the ride will be a breeze.
Let them feel that riding is actually exhilarating and that you’re a cool guy, if you’re trying to woo the opposite sex.
