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  • Day Two of the KMOG/KTM Malaysia Weekend Adventure with Chris Birch saw us going for an offroad ride.

  • The objective was to consolidate the lessons from yesterday’s clinic into real-world riding situations.

  • The participants soon learned how good were the lessons and that their KTMs could withstand great abuse without even one breaking down.

Although am not proud of it, I’ve done well so far in this KMOG/KTM Malaysia Weekend Adventure with Chris Birch event. I wasn’t as fast as the fast guys, to be honest, but I wasn’t that slow either. I’ve always had a phobia for deep mud, but Chris’ advice to keep looking forward, while leaving body, core muscles and arms loose paid dividends. The bike wiggled around underneath but it went where I placed it. The KTM 1050 Adventure proved that it could hack it in offroad conditions.

 We’ve now arrived at a deep laterite mud (what we commonly call “red mud”) section. It was 500 m long, wide and flanked on both sides by young oil palm plants that were about metre high. I saw the marshals up ahead signaling to our trailing group to stop and wait. Having tackled deep mud all day, I had good feelings, so I dubbed it a friendly name as the “Mud Spa.” 

The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure went first. Just 3 metres up and its front wheel deflected fully to the left, dumping the rider into the dirt like a sack of potatoes. He got back on to his feet while the marshals lifted the bike onto its wheels. He got on and tried again but was promptly back in for another “treatment.”

Before I could move, a KTM 690 Adventure hopped ahead. Chris Birch was now beside us at the “start line” and he called out “Full gas. Keep it pinned.” 

The KTM 690 rider did just that, but his forward momentum disappeared almost instantly when the front wheel was swallowed by the ochre monster. Still, he kept it pinned. The spinning rear wheel pirouetted around to the left in slow motion, pointing the bike perfectly facing up a steep hillside. He stopped, put more weight on the left side of the bike and gassed it. Now the rear slid around to the right, pointing him directly into the wide plantation area on what had earlier been his left. However, he kept trying while the rear slid right, left, right, left up the trail. He made it through without dropping it.

It was my turn now. Seeing how a bike with offroad tyres could do it boosted my confidence. Chris Birch advised, “Aim for that rut, once the front tyre gets in there, just follow it and keep the throttle open.” I nodded and headed out.

The front went full right lock in just 2 metres later and the rear tyre went sideways. Instead of keeping the throttle on and slipping the clutch slightly, I chickened out closed the throttle. The bike almost toppled over but I somehow kept it up. I straightened the front wheel and tried again.

But I had misjudged it and the front tyre went past it and into deeper mud. It snapped to full left lock in the blink of an eye and my stupid survival instinct intervened to chop the throttle. I went down faster than a KO’d boxer, and the bike trapped my left foot underneath it. Thank goodness Iman from KTM Malaysia had advised me to wear motocross boots instead of adventure-touring ones, otherwise my left foot would’ve been crushed to a pulp.

Following the intensive offroad clinic coached by Chris Birch and Chris Whitehouse the previous day, the KMOG/KTM Malaysia Adventure Weekend with Chris Birch headed into the offroad trails surrounding Bukit Beruntung and Serendah, for er… adventure. It was a much-welcomed follow-up as we could practice what we learned. (Click on the link below for the Day One report.)

KMOG and KTM Malaysia Adventure Weekend with Chris Birch (Day One)

The morning started with us leaving the Ratu Rening Residency for Bukit Beruntung to rendezvous with the marshals. They were all riding KTM’s off-roaders including the KTM 250 EX/C-F, 350 EX/C-F, 450 EX/C-F enduro bikes, while Gabit Saleh rode the KTM 1290 Adventure T as he had to ferry the official photographer/videographer.

Iman presented the briefing, saying that we had an 80-km ride ahead of use, almost all of it off-road. The offroad regulars smiled while we neophytes stopped. For me it was a mix of excitement and trepidation. You see, I popped my off-road cherry riding a Benelli Trek 1190, during the GIVI Let’s Get Dirty Adventure Ride in 2014, coached by Rob Armstrong. Not only was it heavy, it had large panniers and a top case on. If that’s not bad enough, it had half-worn Pirelli Angel ST sport-touring tyres! But I somehow survived that day without a single fall, so the KTM 1050 Adventure equipped with Metzeler Karoo 3 fully offroad tyres ought to do way better!

Despite the previous night’s heavy rain, the trail started easy, with light and loose sandy surface with the occasional patches of water and mud through an oil palm plantation.

The fast guys flew, sometimes splashing water on us poor slow guys while making their way to the front. It was good fun. Keeping vision as far up ahead the trail as possible and standing up the way Chris had thought, the bike just flowed. We were a having a braaping-good time.


Offroad riders have long told me about the many beautiful sights when riding off the highways and trunk roads. It was certainly so as we rode past small lakes, fish cultivation ponds, lifestock and water buffalos.

Soon, we arrived at the first challenge. It was a small downhill trail which led downhill to the right and back to the left to cross a small stream and back up the other side onto another trail. Everyone made it through safely, although there were a few small spills.

We rode on as the sun was fully up by this point, however, we were lucky that overhead branches shaded us pretty much of the way.

Further on, we crossed a rickety wooden bridge, a metal bridge and rode adjacent to a river and lake. We noticed a few locals fishing.

The trail started to get muddier as we went on. Sand gave way to reddish brown mud and it got progressively deeper and softer, until we reached the super challenging section in the aforementioned above.

We finally made it through after the hardworking marshals including Gabit and a number of more experienced riders like Charles Loo (Seng) of CA Cycle and multiple Rimba Raid winner Bee Wong, assisted in riding out the few bikes where the riders had found it just too daunting.

Compared to the earlier parts, this area was wide open and the sun started to bake us. We continued onto a much narrower trail passing a beautiful large lake. The surface was now hard packed so the speeds picked up. A few participants took this opportunity to also remain seated to rest their tired bodies, especially the thighs and backs.

While the forward group stopped for a break, Chris performed powerslides and powerslide U-turns on his 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure Sto everyone’s amazement. He made it look so effortless.

The convoy turned back into a narrow trial, once more under the shade of oil palm trees, and we soon encountered uphill and downhill sections. Although appearing reddish brown, we were glad that the surface was more hard-packed instead of being muddy. Parts of the trail was covered with crushed granite, too. Again, the going was made bearable by Chris’ instruction to keep looking to where we wanted to go, instead of just a couple of metres in front of the bike. Doing so avoids surprises, thereby increasing confidence and ultimately resulting in smoother riding. Besides that, we covered the clutch with two fingers and the front brake with one. Heading downwards, all I needed to do was to allow the bike’s engine braking to control my descent. If it started to go too fast, a little dab of clutch and front brake kept the speed in check. The rear brake was used to stabilize the bike, or to lock and drag the rear wheel down the steep slippery slope to bleed off some speed.

But as we headed up a steep hill, the bike immediately ahead of me slowed suddenly. I steered to the right to avoid him and the rear wheel dropped off the side of the trail. The soles of my boots were still covered in mud and the shock of the drop cause my right foot to slip off the footpeg, leaving me hanging over the right side of the bike like a MotoGP rider who’s about to DNF spectacularly. “The look ahead, give gas” advice kicked in and I did just that up the slope. I managed to pull myself up when I reached the top. There was however, a sharp pain in the right leg just above the top of the boot.

It hurt like heck but I just kept going. (It turned into a huge bruise when we got back. Badge of initiation, I called it.)

The trail connected to a tar road, where we parked at the sides for a short break. Most participants were hungry and thirsty at this point. A few faces were so red they looked like they had just left the sauna. One of the marshals had ridden ahead to look for a place for refreshments and called back that he had found one. He jumped back on and rushed to a small community sundry shop and food stall.

We parked our bikes in a hurry and almost raided the shop like a horde of Vikings. We proceeded to clear out the fridge! We had covered half the distance thus far. We had only stopped for a too-short 15 minutes before hitting the road again.

We arrived at an area which seemed to have been logged in the past and was told to ride on an uphill footpath. It looked benign from afar, being covered in thick foliage, however the ground was soft mud. The progress was slow-going as many had to either spin their rear wheels vigorously or risk tipping over, while being grabbed by the plant branches and leaves on either side. Chris Birch demonstrated that he could just blast his way up by using his higher momentum. The hot sun bashing down on us started to take its toll as more and more guys started making uncharacteristic mistakes.

It was the last challenge of the day, thankfully. The group stopped for a few moments when they arrived at a tar road. As with throughout the day, both Chris’s found themselves surrounded by participants who wanted to learn more as soon as the engines ticked off. But both guys never minded sharing their skills, thoughts and some hilarious stories of their adventures.

We adjourned back to the track at Sungai Buaya for lunch. After short speeches from Chris Birch, Chris Whitehouse and Iman, the participants demanded that Chris perform one last riding demonstration. Chris isn’t one to show off, that’s for sure, but the crowd started chanting, “Chris! Chris! Chris!”

How could he say no. He suited up, grabbed the 450 EX/C-F ISDE Six-Days and went off to pull steep hillclimbs, powerslides and unbelievable climbs over a large boulder!

With that over, he headed back to the resort for dinner. Everyone was so pumped from the day’s experience. With adrenaline suppressing whatever discomfort, as they jested with each other, sharing their experiences.

A line formed leading for Chris Birch’s autographs on pictures, T-shirts and helmets with him and Chris Whitehouse.

It has to be said that  those who spotted us riding large-sizes covered in mud stared in disbelief, but the owners themselves were no less impressed to discover that their large KTM adventure bikes could withstand the rough and tough stuff, without breaking down into a million pieces.

Through the many spills, no one was hurt and that was a testament to offroading being vastly more enjoyable and fun without the need for huge speeds. Besides that, being able to overcome obstacles and get away unscathed definitely hoisted confidence and moods to a new high. If you’re a rider who craves gratification, go offroading today. It’ll work its way into developing your riding skills for the road, too, we promise you.

In the meanwhile, however, everyone one of us has become Chris Birch’s greatest fans, thanks to KMOG and KTM Malaysia.

Tune in tomorrow for our exclusive interview with Chris Birch!

Click on the link below for Day One of the KMOG/KTM Malaysia Weekend Adventure Ride with Chris Birch.

KMOG and KTM Malaysia Adventure Weekend with Chris Birch (Day One)

  • 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.

Watch this space as we go trail riding tomorrow!

PICTURE GALLERY

  • Kebanyakan penunggang baru hari ini dengan mudahnya dapat bertukar dari motosikal kapcai ke motosikal lumba atau naked.
  • Dalam jangkauan di antara 200cc hingga 500cc, motosikal tahap permulaan ini semakin meningkat permintaannya dan para pengeluar telah menyedari akan hal ini.
  • Motosikal lumba dan naked seperti KTM RC390 dan 390 Duke telah menjadi tunggangan pilihan utama, malah bagi penunggang veteran sekali pun.

(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…)

 

  • Berita terkini melaporkan bahawa pencuri kini mulai mensasarkan brek ByBre.
  • ByBre, singkatan untuk ” By Brembo”, adalah sebuah jenama yang telah dibangunkan oleh pengeluar brek terkenal itu khusus untuk motosikal berkapasiti kecil dan sederhana.
  • Motosikal-motosikal seperti Modenas Pulsar RS200, Modenas Pulsar NS200, KTM 250 Duke, KTM 390 Duke dan bermacam-macam lagi model yang lain telah menggunakan brek ByBre.

(more…)

Recent news has shown that thieves are now beginning to steal ByBre brakes.

ByBre is short for ‘By Brembo’ is a brand developed by the major brake manufacturer specifically for small to medium displacement motorcycles.

Bikes like the Modenas Pulsar RS200, Modenas Pulsar NS200, KTM 250 Duke, KTM 390 Duke and many more all use ByBre brakes.

Being a motorcycle owner has its ups and downs. Apart from owning some very lovely machines that make heads turn in excitement, we also have to constantly worry about the physical wellbeing of our beloved motorcycles. This is especially true when it comes to bike thefts. (more…)

  • Penunggang aksi lagak ngeri rasmi KTM, Rok Bagoros, telah memperagakan motosikal aksi lagak ngeri yang terkini, KTM 250 Duke 2018.
  • Dilengkapi dengan ke semua kelengkapan terkini untuk aksi lagak ngeri, motosikal itu tidak syak lagi adalah salah sebuah motosikal 250 Duke yang paling cantik pernah kami lihat.
  • Dengan kelengkapan aksi lagak ngeri ‘signature’ Rok Bagoros hinggalah ke aturcara Brembo berkembar belakang empat omboh, motosikal aksi lagak ngeri 2018 itu sedia untuk melakukan aksi-aksi yang lebih hebat lagi.

(more…)

KTM’s official stunt rider Rok Bagoros has showcased his latest 2018 KTM 250 Duke stunt bike.

Covered with all of the latest parts for stunting, this baby is arguably one of the best looking 250 Duke we’ve seen yet.

From the Rok Bagoros signature stunt parts to its rear twin four-piston Brembo setup, the 2018 stunt bike is ready to stunt like never before.

One of the most popular stunt riders in the present world today has to be Rok Bagoros. The 28 year old from Slovenia has been chosen by KTM themselves as their official stunt rider and he has been pulling out all the stops with his crazy stunts and wild personality. (more…)

 

  • Lebih banyak gambar intipan KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2018 telah tersebar di atas talian baru-baru ini.
  • Model bagi tahun 2018 tampak seperti akan mendapat pelbagai kemaskini pada bahagian hadapannya terutamanya dengan lampu hadapan, reraup, dan penghadang angin yang baru.
  • Motosikal Super Duke GT 2018 ini dijangkakan akan dilancarkan pada penghujung tahun 2018 bagi mengemaskini motosikal berkenaan untuk setara dengan rangkaian KTM 1290 Super.

(more…)

More spy shots of the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has made their way online just recently.

The 2018 model seems to carry a lot of updates to the front end especially new headlights, fairings and windscreen.

Expect the 2018 Super Duke GT to be launched in late 2018 to bring it up to date with the rest of the KTM 1290 Super series.

The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has been in the market for a couple of years now and while the rest of the 1290 family has gone through some very much needed modern updates, the Super Duke GT remains uncertain as of bringing it over into 2018. (more…)

 

  • Motosikal KTM 1290 Adventure S telah mendapat sambutan yang hebat sejak pelancarannya.
  • Sebagai sebuah promosi akhir tahun yang istimewa, KTM Malaysia menawarkan ‘Travel Pack’ sebagai pakej percuma.
  • Promosi ini boleh didapati di pengedar KTM Malaysia yang disahkan.

(more…)

  • The KTM 1290 Adventure S was launched to a great following.

  • As a special year-end promotion, KTM Malaysia offers the Travel Pack as a complimentary package.

  • The promotion is available via authorized KTM Malaysia dealers.

The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S was launched in Malaysia just a few months back and has already enjoyed a huge following among adventure-touring enthusiasts.

KTM already has a winner when the Austrian and largest European manufacturer launched the 1290 Super Adventure (later renamed as “Model T”) in 2015. It was promptly named the “Best Adventure Touring Motorcycle” by many reputable motorcycle publications around the world.

The 1290 Super Adventure T was both a mechanical and technological marvel, and became THE high-performance adventure-tourer, bar none. It was also the basis for the 2017 1290 Super Adventure S and 1290 Super Adventure R. The 1301cc, DOHC, 8-valve, 75-degree, LC8 engine (based on the insane 1290 Super Duke R) punches out a whopping 160 bhp and 140 NM of torque. But that’s just part of the story because the engine is already producing 108 Nm at 2500 RPM. That’s why the bike pulled like the clichéd freight train.

The bike features technological advancements such as MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control), MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control), ABS, LED Cornering Lights, and WP’s Semi-Active Suspension.

The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S utilises the same, albeit uprated features. But more telling, it had been totally redesigned to reflect a new KTM identity, starting with the headlight.

 

The headlight is now split into two sides with a cooling “channel” in between to address concerns of the LEDs getting too hot. The consequence of this redesign produced a headlight design unlike any other motorcycle in the market, and for KTM themselves, as well.

Other features were uprated, including the engine and electronics for more refinement and even more reliability. New for the 1290 Adventure S is the 6-inch TFT display, which the owner may install the My Ride option which includes hands-free audio playback via Bluetooth.

The latest TFT meter panel for the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

All these electronics make the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S sensitive, right?

Not so. We saw how reliable they were firsthand during the recent KMOG Borneo Ride 2017. Not a single bike broke down despite being trashed in arduous riding conditions including earthquake-damaged roads, no road, mud, gravel, sand, rain or shine. They just kept going and comfortable for the riders and passengers to boot!

As 2018 looms, KTM Malaysia is offering the 1290 Super Adventure S with a special promotion.

For a limited time only, KTM Malaysia is throwing in the Travel Pack option, worth RM 5,424 – FREE! With the purchase of a new 1290 Super Adventure S.

The Travel Pack includes the aforementioned My Ride, Quickshifter+, Hill Hold Control (HHC) and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR).

My Ride allows the rider to connect his mobile phone to bike via Bluetooth, allowing for music streaming and making/receiving calls hands free.

 

Quickshifter+ is an evolution of the run-of-the-mill quickshifter. It allows for smoother and positive clutch-less gear changes not only for upshifts but for downshifts as well. A novel feature of KTM’s Quickshifter+ is the absence of an “activator” on the shift connector shaft.

As any veteran rider can tell you, taking off on an incline is never easy, requiring the rider hold on to the front brake and slip the clutch like mad! Hill Hold Control (HHC) holds the bike on a slope during idle, even if the transmission is neutral. This is a very useful feature especially on a tall bike, laden down with luggage and passenger.

Motor Slip Regulation works in tandem with the other traction control features for a safer ride. While the MTC and slipper work to relief the rear wheel from hopping, MSR limits back-torque to the rear wheel by increasing the engine’s speed. A useful feature in low-grip situations. (It’s akin to riding MX, where the rider needs to keep the engine spinning at higher RPM for more consistent traction compared to fully shutting off – no doubt learned from KTM’s heavy involvement and success in offroad competition.)

The Travel Pack features bring additional safety and entertainment to an already great bike, so hurry to your nearest authorized KTM dealer today!

For more information please visit KTM Malaysia’s official Facebook page.

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