Ridgid spot lights

Finally decided to install proper spot / running lights for the bike. I have been scouting around for a robust, waterproof, shockproof led lights which come with mounting kit and switch and finally narrowed down my options to :

1. Givi spot lights (non led) but comes as a complete kit with mounts and switch.
2. SWMotech led spot light
3. Cree led light kit
4. Ridgid led light kit

Decided to go with the Ridgid led due to tough built quality of the spot leds plus the ease of installation with their easy wiring harness.  The next best option would be swmotech but due to the price in malaysia and the fact that swmotech only comes with single led vs the ridgid 2 led which provides more light output and throw distance. 

Sena SMH10-11

Finally got my the SENA SMH10-11 dual universal fitment kit. Had it installed on the Caberg Duke helemts and installation per helmet took no more than 20 mins, following the instruction sheet provided. The SENA set comes paired from the factory, and you will just have to switch it on to get it working. 

On the road, the SENA works pretty well with rider to rider or rider to pillion communications with pretty good noise reduction. I have the communication between bike to bike communications and it works pretty well up to 500 - 800 meters. As for the battery, have tested it for about 600km after a single charge, and it still has more juice to go a bit further (strictly bike to bike communications only) 

So far I am pretty happy with it, just need to explore other functions like GPS pairing, etc. 2 thumbs up! 

Bike blanket

After spending a few hours cleaning up the bike it's time to keep it under wraps till the next ride. The issue is finding the right bike cover for this purpose.  Unlike in other parts of the world where such bike covers are available during winter or other times back here only normal smaller bike covers are available which does not cover your entire bike.

When I say cover the entire bike I do mean right down to the tyre's.  Most of the cover locally made here will cover up to your headlight if you having and adventure bike or up to the mudguard if you have a chopper or cruiser.

In the hunt to to properly cover the bike I have spend a small fortune over the years trying out bike covers of all sizes and color event had to opt for car cover once to do the job. Needless to say they all dont last or just to cumbersome to remove and store.

Finally found a pretty good cover which is imported being sold here specifically made for adventure touring bikes which covers the full lenght and height.
The R&G cover is a bit pricey compared to the rest but I think its a good investment. 

Calliper screws

Changed the front disc calliper screws from the standard screws to a not common screw set to avoid the disc callipers being stolen or removed. Sadly its a common issue here if you happen to park your bike in certain areas. To avoid all this l decided to get em changed to be on the safe side.

The new screw set comes with its own custom locking head to be able you to urscrew or tighten it.

Grip Puppies

Been looking for a way to reduce the handlebar vibrations and read about this puppies over at the versys 1000 forum.  Figured will just try em to see if there are any difference.

So ordered them online and it came in about 2 weeks. Got them installed today. Installation was pretty straightforward as written at the back of the packaging.  I used some water ansld dish washing liquid to slide the grip puppies into place. Took no more then 5 mins each side mainly because I had the handguards to remove first. Overall pretty simple.

Took the bike out for a spin later and those puppies are really nice to squeeze.  As for vibrations definitely feel less vibration rattling up ya arm.

My Versys 1000 Bike Pic's

Hepco Junior Flash - Side Case

Finally received the Junior Flash - Side Case and mounting rack for Versys 1000 after waiting for about 2 months for the shipment to arrive at the local dealer. Installation took no more than 20 minutes with the installation guide provided. The mounting racks fits perfectly, and does not require any modifications, etc. 

The flash come with removable side panel which can be painted or sticker wrapped to your color or design required. Planning to get mine to match the burnt orange color, or maybe some nice stickers would also do. 

For Sale - Dainese Air Frame Tex

Anyone interested in original brand new / unused Dainese Air Frame Tex Jacket? I have got one unit for sale in size 54 (L) in black / red color combination shown in the pic below. The Air Frame jacket is a mesh riding jacket, with removable rain coat inner layer perfect for summer riding / or asian weather riding actually. More details of this jacket can be found on the Dainese Website link here 

Please send me a message if you are interested. 

Handlebar riser

Installed the Sw-motech 25mm handlebar riser for versys 1000 today and boy did it make a difference. 

Despite it being 25mm I immediately felt the difference in handlebar and riding position. Now for me at least its feels more natural sitting straight rather then slouching forward a bit previously which puts strains on my arms.

Here are some pic from before and after.

Side Case for Versys 1000

Been scouting around for a good practical solution to carry extra luggage during longer bike trips. Besides having a rear bike mount with a 36liter case, the next option would have to be side mount cases installed. There are a few variety of side cases in the market, and the 2 brands / makes which constantly stand out over this side of the world is either GIVI or Hepco. 

Givi comes with a few variants of the side cases, mainly the ever popular V35 case and the Trekker series case. Hepco Becker in the other hand has also a variety of side case, mainly the Junior Flash and the Explorer series. 

I was looking for something less hardcore in sense mainly designed for pure off-road and adventure riding,  but more for leisure and holiday case, and I have narrowed it down to Givi Trekker 33l and the Hepco Junior Flash series. The Givi V35 in my opinion doesn't have a very strong feel to it, and there has been cases where the case just dismounts upon impact. 

Final verdict to be posted in the next couple of day :) 

Givi V35 liter case

Givi Trekker 33 liter case

Hepco Becker Junior Flash - 30 liter

Road Trip (Koh Samui - Thailand)

Date : 21 - 28 April 2013
Travel Route : Kuala Lumpur - Hat Yai - Koh Samui - Hat Yai - Penang - Kuala Lumpur
Total Distance : 2010 km
No of Bikes : 4 


We started our journey at 5am from Kuala Lumpur and rode along the east west highway heading towards the border. After immigration and custom declarations with the relevant vehicle document entry permits, we made our way to Hat Yai for the night. 

 Hat Yai - Night Market 

 Left Hat Yai the next morning, headed for Don Sak where the ferry terminals are located to Koh Samui island. The journey there took a slight unexpected turn, when one of the bikes had problem starting and had to be transported back to Hat Yai to be repaired. 

 Bike being towed back to Hat Yai for repairs

 Dim Sum @ Hat Yai

 Ferry from Don Sak to Koh Samui 

The ferry crossing from Don Sak to Koh Samui, take about 1.5 hrs and the fare is THB250.00 one way for 1 bike and 1 rider. The ferries are big and comfortable with ample or parking space for bikes and cars. Note: Go early and be in front of the line. 

We stayed 2 nights in Koh Samui, did the island tour and visited a few places of interest, before catching the ferry back to Hat Yai. 

 The famous  dicky rock @ koh samui 

Mummified monk temple 

 Jetty @ Koh Samui

 Look out point 

 Lamai beach area

From Hat Yai, we made our way back to Penang - Malaysia and after 2 nights in Penang, it was back home to Kuala Lumpur. Overall it was a great trip, good weather with good friends. Next trip is in pipeline.

Rubberised shifter

Got a rubberised gear shifter from thailand last week and installed them today. They fit nicely on the gear lever and gives you a softer feel when shifting into gears.