West Malaysia loop ride

Riding a motorcycle is my new passion. As with anything that anyone can be passionate about, there is usually a whole group of other people who share the same passion. I quickly found some like-minded folks and we have been riding around Singapore for the last few months. Joining me for this West Malaysia loop ride are three riding buddies: Tony, Dan and Alex. Here’s a little more about them…and me…when it comes to our riding passion. I also asked them a few short questions and will post their answers verbatim…so you get a better sense of who they are…enjoy!

Tony (aka tonychan)

I have corresponded with Tony long before I actually met him. I remember one of our first discussions was around the art of securing the driving probationary plate to the motorcycle. Being the savvy D.I.Y. man, Tony gave countless suggestions on how to go about doing it. I adapted some of his suggestions because I am a little lazy in getting the necessary parts…eventually…my rear plates got torn off…twice…before finally doing it right. We eventually met on one of the many rides I organize. Tony is also an expert in sourcing for “value-for-money” gear. It is interesting how he can find so many things at prices that I cannot even dream about.

Here are Tony’s answers to my short questions.

1. How long have you been riding?
abt 10 yrs since oct 2000

2. Why did you start riding?
my daddy is a biker since im young.all in the blood

3. What do you like most about riding?
freedom!!!

4. What do you hate most about riding?
road condition is horrible, lousy and bad drivers/rider.

5. What is your favourite bike?
suzuki v-storm dl650.

6. What bike(s) are you riding now?
honda cg125n/suzuki dr200se.

7. Why are you going for this loop ride?
enjoy my life to the fullest so that no regard when im old.bikers friendship.

8. What bike will you be bringing for this ride?
suzuki dr200se. why i ride a suzuki DR200se. its is a simple engine with good FC,good control.

9. What is the most important item you will be bringing for this ride?
too many to name.1st aid/tools/tires tube/air pump. i will bring all tools just in case anyone our bike breakdown.

Dan (aka dancingbiker)

I met Dan on one of the Singapore rides that I organize. I usually organize rides on paved roads…but Dan joined me on my first off-road ride. The first time we rode together, we went through some of the tightest trails that I’ve ever been to. One of them was so tight that we had to turn back. The vegetation was simply too dense (at that time) for us to push through on our bikes. There was also this place where we were at a dead end and the only way forward was to ride up a steep slope…of slippery clay. He fell off his bike when it stalled in mid-maneuver…we had a good time getting the bike restarted. Since then, we have explored many other parts of the island nation’s more natural settings…and it sure was fun!

Here’s how Dan answered the questions I sent him.

1. How long have you been riding?
Since 2nd of April 2009. Passed my 2B on 1st try on 25th March 2009.

2. Why did you start riding?
When I was a kid, my brother and I used to explore places with our bicycles together with our friends. Guess I haven’t grown up yet cos I still want to explore far away places on two wheels. Its more fun and more up front and personal on a bike rather than in a car.

3. What do you like most about riding?
Freedom!!! For those who have enough balls to ride a motorbike, they will find that it is man’s most exciting and thrilling toy. The sensation of riding and feeling the wind on your skin and G forces when you lean into a corner cannot be found anywhere else except in bungee jumping, the only difference is, the thrill lasts for hours instead of seconds.

4. What do you hate most about riding?
Irresponsible 4 wheel drivers especially taxis who endanger the lives of motorcyclists on the road.

5. What is your favourite bike?
I haven’t ridden any bike except the honda phantom TA200 and the Suzuki DR200se. But if I have to name a bike which I think is my dream bike to own, I think I would go for the Kawasaki Versys 650cc. Revolutionary design and a totally fun bike to ride according to the reviews.

6. What bike(s) are you riding now?
Honda Phantom TA200 and Suzuki DR200se. There aren’t that many good 2B bikes around to choose from. From an economical point of view, you can’t lose with the honda phantom TA200. Cheap to run and maintain, good resale value. The DR200se I got it cos I wanted a good off road bike to explore the trails with cos I have always had this wander lust ever since I was a kid. Its in my blood. Gotta explore. Otherwise, I feel like something is missing in my life. My life’s calling maybe? Having ridden only 2 bikes, its an easy choice to choose between the two. The DR200se wins of course. Its more of a fun bike. Only problem is that its underpowered. Can’t go above 110km/hr. Anything above 90km/hr and its a pain to ride long distances. However, it is perfectly suited to off road exploring. It is light and nimble and it is very easy to control. A joy to ride if you are not a speed demon. Great if you are the kind that love the Great Outdoors and like to take the time to explore and sample what nature has to offer.

7. Why are you going for this loop ride?
I wanna ride as far away as I can to see how far I can take it. To challenge myself to accomplish what very few other people in Singapore is able to do. I plan to do a Northern Thailand ride after this Malaysia loop ride and after that, Vietnam and perhaps even China. Dare I say round the world? Hmmmm that is still only a dream at this point. Basically, I want to have the max fun while I can. When I am finally old and retired, I will have many interesting stories and pictures to show my grand kids about how their grandpa once toured this country and that country on a motorbike. Wonderful memories that will last forever. A life worth living. As someone once said : “Life is like a book and those who don’t travel, read only the first page”. You only have one life to live and there is no replay button once its over. Make it count.

8. What bike will you be bringing for this ride?
I will be riding the DR200se. I am bringing the DR200 for this trip cos the other two blokes are also riding off road bikes so I would be out of place if I ride my phantom right? Naw, seriously, the DR200 is lighter and easier to control so as long as we are not travelling at high speeds for long periods, the DR200 would be a more comfortable ride for me. Besides, we can hit the trails when we come across it. Its supposed to be an adventure so its best to go with a bike that is prepared for anything.

9. What is the most important item you will be bringing for this ride?
Hmmm my armor protection I suppose. Better safe than sorry. Also my first aid kit just in case.

Alex (aka Intrepid)

I met Alex on one of my Singapore rides. I remember the day(night actually) I met him…we went for a very long ride which ended with supper along Clementi Road…the stretch right outside the National University of Singapore (NUS). We were at the roti prata shop and everyone was ordering food. Everyone except Alex. I remember asking him why he wasn’t having any food after such a long ride. His response was classic…he said that he was matured and that his metabolic rate does not allow him the luxury of supper. I suppose I should be as disciplined as Alex is when it comes to maintaining my physical fitness!

Here is how Alex responded to my questions.

1. How long have you been riding?
I started riding again since November 2008. I rode a Kawasaki GTO and a Suzuki TS125 from Year 1981 to 1983.

2. Why did you start riding?
It is a passion a.k.a. a craze.

3. What do you like most about riding?
The freedom one gets especially when one cruises down a long and winding road.

4. What do you hate most about riding?
The humidity inside the helmet (hope someone invent air-conditioned helmet soon).

5. What is your favourite bike?
My favourite bike is Hardley Davidson V-ROD.

6. What bike(s) are you riding now?
Currently, I am riding a Honda Phantom and Honda Steed 400.

7. Why are you going for this loop ride?
For the freedom and the companionship.

8. What bike will you be bringing for this ride?
Honda Steed 400.

9. What is the most important item you will be bringing for this ride?
The Zeal in riding.

Simon (aka scubasimon)

I suppose there really isn’t much to say about me here that you cannot glean from the rest of my blog. So I’ll spare you the details…hahaha!

So let me just cut to the chase and answer those questions…hehehe…

1. How long have you been riding?
I have been riding on the roads since 27 July 2009. That was the day I collected my bike. The first time I was on a bike was 23 April 2009. Getting onto that Honda CG125 at the driving centre was an epiphany for me…and I was hooked!

2. Why did you start riding?
I have a lot of trouble answering this question. The attraction of much lower cost for transportation was definitely a draw. The other was the idea of being able to drive another kind of vehicle. You see, I have always been fascinated with vehicles: cars, boats, planes…and now…bikes!

3. What do you like most about riding?
I like how physical riding is…the throbbing of the engine, the surge of power as I twist the throttle, the sound of the exhaust and the wind in my face. It is primal and I feel so at one with the experience that all clutter is cleared away. I love the purity of it all…I also like all the gear! Hahaha!

4. What do you hate most about riding?
I really dislike inconsiderate road users. People who cut in and out of traffic recklessly, people who insist on tailgating, people who behave like they have something to prove to everyone out there. While this is true even when I drive, riding just brings it out more because the level of danger is heightened…and of course…rain can be quite a downer too!

5. What is your favourite bike?
This is a tough one for me. I have spent countless hours researching bikes that I am not yet qualified to ride! I suppose my favourite bike at the moment is the KTM 990 Adventure. I like the aggressive orange colour, the rugged outlook, the powerful engine and the light weight. It would be the perfect bike to go on a long adventure ride on!

6. What bike(s) are you riding now?
I am currently riding Marley – my trusty Yamaha TW200. This bike caught my eye a long time ago with its rugged good looks and big FAT rear wheel. I just love how beefy it looks. I feel like I can take Marley anywhere and he will bring me home safe and sound.

7. Why are you going for this loop ride?
I have always wanted to go for a long adventure ride. In fact, my aim is to ride all the way to Mongolia. I have also wanted to experience the roads of my home country, to go on a big loop and see the entire country. This ride is the perfect opportunity for me to fulfill that dream.

8. What bike will you be bringing for this ride?
I will be riding Marley on this trip. Other than the fact that I don’t have another bike to choose from, I think Marley is such a capable and rugged bike. He is the perfect bike for a nice, slow, long ride around the country.

9. What is the most important item you will be bringing for this ride?
The most important item for me is definitely my camera. I am looking forward to capturing the beauty that I will see on the ride and sharing it with everyone I know. I can’t wait to get started!