Jack Watkins is the person responsible for the Watkins M001 custom bike.
The Gdańsk University of Technology lecturer with a PhD in mechanical design took four years just to design the front end.
Powering this technological marvel is a BMW R 1150 RT engine from 2002.
What happens when a fella with a PhD in mechanical design who works for a Polish industrial firm and also a lecturer/researcher at the Gdańsk University of Technology decided to build a custom bike? The end result is the Watkins M001 and an endless supply of dropped jaws on the floor. (more…)
Round 2 of the Malaysia Speed Festival 2018 (MSF) is set to roll this weekend on 7 and 8 April 2018.
Over 60 bikes have registered for the track day sessions as well as the first round of the MSF Super400 and MSF Super1000 races.
Other events include MSF Drift Gonzo, MSF Cars Racing, and also MSF Car Track Day.
Over 60 motorcycles will be going head to head against each other this weekend (7 and 8 April 2018) at the Malaysia Speed Festival 2018 or otherwise known as MSF. One of the biggest national motorsports events will be held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and where motorcycle racers will battle it out in the MSF Super400 and MSF Super1000. (more…)
Henry Crew has set off on a journey to become the youngest person set to ride around the world for charity.
The 22-year-old British rider will be doing so on a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled under 232 days.
He will also hopefully raise £35,000 (RM190,656) by the end of his journey for the Movember Foundation.
Image source: MCN
Henry Crew has begun his epic journey to ride around the world and setting the new Guinness World Record as the youngest person ever to do so. The 22-year-old British rider will attempt to cover over 56,000km through 35 countries on six different continents of planet Earth. (more…)
HJC Helmets has introduced the 2018 HJC RPHA 90 modular helmet.
The RPHA 90 has been designed with the highest levels of protection, comfort, and functionality in mind.
The US market has priced the next-level modular flip-up helmet at $459.99 (RM1,778)
With more and more riders getting into the world of sport touring motorcycles, the demand for a helmet that can perform in all riding conditions is also on a rise. HJC Helmets took notice of this and introduced their brand new 2018 HJC RPHA 90 modular helmet to fit into this particular segment. (more…)
Misano officials have just approved for the Nicky Hayden memorial garden to be planted in Rimini, Italy.
Located where the incident happened just last year, the garden will be named “Giardino Nicky Hayden”.
The garden will only be a few minutes away from the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli and will be launched on 22 May 2018.
It has been almost a year since the tragic passing of MotoGP Legend, Nicky Hayden who was unfortunately involved in a road traffic accident last May while riding his bicycle in Rimini, Italy. This year, the Misano officials have approved for a Nicky Hayden memorial garden to be planted in commemoration of the American rider who passed away at 35 years of age. (more…)
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.
