Survival Tips For Riding In City Traffic

       Its been years that I work at Hospital Queen Elizabeth II, located 8 kilo meters from where I live. Every working day, I have to travel through traffic jammed just to go work and back from work.Most of the time I use car but there are sometime, I use my super bike.

         And if you are riding too, just let you know that we are likely wearing an 'invisible cloak'. Because no matter how you trying to increase your visibility to others, there are always a driver that won't see you. You can try turning on your headlight, reflective jacket, and hell even you putting some siren on you helmet, there will be always a drive that unaware driver that won't see you at all. So if you riding everyday too, I have some tips to for you about  safety riding in city traffics.

1. STAY VISIBLE
   
   
   
             To avoid being hit by a car, you have to stay visible on the road. You can increase your visibility by wearing reflector jacket, or simply wear bright colour shirt. Wearing black or dark ones can decrease you visibility on the road, especially at night. Make sure your head lamp works too.
   
            Avoiding blind spot also good idea. Some driver might not notice that you are near them. So it is good idea not to stay on this blind spot. There are many blind spot angles depending type of car. So it is the best if you not staying on those spots.
   
   

   

   (Wearing white colour can makes you stay visible, even at night)
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
2. SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE
   
         It is good idea not to following too near the car in front of you. Stop tail gating them. Who knows, they might making sudden stop and  force you to perform hard brake as well. You are lucky if you manage to stop your bike without hitting the car in front of you but most of the time, they are not so lucky. Hitting the car in front of you could bring you fatal result. So safe following distance allow you to plan your escape lanes.
   
   
   
   
   (Riding in middle to overtake them but be careful for sudden car changing lane)
   
   
   
3. PLAN YOU ESCAPE LANES
   
            Escape plans means if you are following car, maybe in safe distance. But then the car is sudden brake. Who you should do? Did you brake as well? Maybe you can stop without hitting the car in front of you, but you never know what comes from behind. Maybe you will end up as meat of sandwich if the car behind you hit you in high speed right.
   
           So here the escape plan works. First make sure you have your safe following distance. Then when the car sudden stop, all you have to do is slow down your bike, and go either right or left, where you see safe.  Just make sure you don't stop behind the car. Not having escape plans could lead you into disaster. Remember that.
   
   
      
   

   

   (First, you must have safe following distance)
   
   

   

   (When the car sudden brake, you can avoid sudden brake or sudden change lane. Slow down, and change the lane when it safe.)
4. BE UNHITABLE
   
              By 'unhitable' means avoid crash at all cost. Wearing safety gear can maximized your safety but it doest't makes you invincible. So we can stay you of crash by making other dirvers alert about you. Don't ride fast, especially in city. Don't ride on their blind spot. Stay visible. make sure, people see you and that's the key in city road.
   
   
   
   (make other driver knows that you are there too)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

         This does't guarantee you not involve in any accident on the road, but with this tips, you can avoid most crash. Because in Malaysia there are many accidents involving car and super bike. The way I see, most of the crashes are avoidable. So stay safe, stay sharp!

Superbike4U (Upgrade Edition)

    

    I believe you read my previous post about Bike4U. I you have not just click it since it is an article about you getting your first bike. But this article is about upgrading your current bike, to a super bike. Whenever I say super bike, it means a powerful bike with 250 cc to 600 cc of engine displacement. If you planning to upgrade your current bike, here's some recommendations for you.

   Before you upgrade your bike into super bike, better know why you upgrade it. Either for speed? Or is that about the looks? Or price? Touring? Or you goes just for sound. What ever your final decision is, my article here are just a guide for you.

1. SOUND
   Benelli TNT 600 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX2R
   
   
   
   
   
   (Price: RM 31,000.00)
   
   
   
         Some people are just want a good sound of super bike. So Benelli TNT 600 is the cheapest four inline super bike. only cost your RM 35,000.00 in Malaysia. This naked bike is originally from Italy but the company brought by China Firm. Benelli TNT 600 has a lot of user in Malaysia. It has good speed, reliability, and of course the best price. The cons is the spare parts is not ready stock so you might wanna wait two or three days for the parts to arrive here.
   
   
   
   (Price: RM 8,00.00 to RM 15,000.00)
   
   
   
   
        The Kawasaki ZX2R also four cylinders bike. But the difference is this bike has smaller CC of engine displacement. If you cannot afford to purchase Benelli TNT 600, this bike is cheaper. But bare in mind, there are no longer new stock for Kawasaki ZX2R. All you have to do is buy it second hand. This bike is born around 1990's so they might be a bit problem on th bike when you brought it. Have expert with you if you looking for this bike.
   
   
2. TOURING
   Kawasaki ER6F/N, CBR 500R, Harley Davidson Street 500
   
        Enjoying touring in long distance? If you love to enjoy the view while riding. or travelling with style, then you can go to Kawasaki ER6F and Honda CBR 500R for full fairing super bike, the Kawasaki ER6N for naked bike or if you have extra money you can purchase a Harley Davidson Street 500.
   
        If you upgrade your bike for touring and travelling, and you like to ride fast while travelling, go for ER6F and CBR 500R. These bikes has good riding position. Very comfortable for long distant ride. CBR 500R is cheaper than ER6F
      
        But if you thinking about relaxing ride. enjoying the view, you can have yourself a ER6N. This naked bike gives you more pleasure of relaxing ride. But if you want to travel slow with style, go for Street 500 of Harley Davidson. The big sound attract a lot of attentions toward your bike. Plus the bike appealing gains a lot of coolness while you riding it, either long ride or riding in town.
   
   
   
   (ER6F and CBR 500R are good bike for touring in fast speed)
   
   
   (ER6N gives you relaxing ride thile touring)
   
   
   
   (Harley Davidson Street Bike gives you style and coolness in riding)
   
   
3. SPEED
   Kawasaki ZX6R, Yamaha YZF-R6,
   
          Not to mention, most riders upgrading their bike fo speed. Yup. A super bike with 600 cc is fast enough to pleasure you. So if you looking a super bike, the best bike I can recommend to you are Yamaha YZF R6 Kawasaki ZX6R
   
         Yamaha R6 is a superbike with racing spec. I means you can push this bike without worrying about it too much. Just make sure you have the skills to handle this 600 cc beast on the street.
   
         Or you can go for Kawasaki ZX6R. This also a racing spec super bike. There are two versions for this bike. The Kawasaki ZX-6R and Kawasaki ZX6R 636. Both them claimed can have top speed 250 kmh and above. Remember, this speed could kill you.
   
         Know your limit. There are also another bike like Suzuki GSR, and Honda CBR 600RR. But since Kawasaki ZX6R and Yamaha R6 is rival in motor sport world, so these are the suitable bike for you to upgrade if you looking for speed.
   
   
   
   (Kawasaki ZX6-R, RM 76,000.00 OTR)
   
   
   
   (Kawasaki ZX6R, RM 71,000.00 OTR)
   
   
   
   (Yamaha YZF R6, RM 75,000.00 OTR)
   
4. CITY RIDE DAILY USE
   KTM RC390/DUKE 390 and Z250
   
         City Ride means daily use. you are using your super bike to your office, everyday. Super bike are not recommended for daily use since bigger engine cannot ride slowly. Heavy traffic jammed can cause you super bike heat or worst, jammed engine.
   
        But no worry, some bikes are designed for city use. KTM one of it. If you love full fairing, go for RC390. Not just can be ridden slowly but it also has racing spec. So you can either ride it everyday in traffic jammed, or ride fast in highway. Or you can have fun with naked bike, the KTM Duke 390. THe single cylinder with large size cause louder sound around the city. But its okey. It looks cool anyway. And more important it is safe for city ride.
   
        If KTM is to expensive to you, go for Kawasaki Z250. Not just cheaper but also nice looking bike. This naked bike is two cylinders bike. Its produce smooth engine sound, and good for city ride. You can see most Malaysian riders are using this for daily use bike. If you are beginner, this bike can be put in your list.
   
   
   
   (Both these KTM cost you around RM30k ++)
   
   
   
   (Kawasaki Z25, with opening price just Rm 19,000.00 , and the girl is not included. HAHA!)
5. PRICE
   Naza Blade 650R
   
        Yes, this is the cheapest super bike can be found. With price only RM 26,000.00 OTW, you can own a Naza Blade 650R. This bike is using V-Twin engine system. Has good sound for two cylinders actually. Previous models has a lot of complains but the newer ones has improved quality. So if you want a super bike with small amount of money, you can go for the Naza Blade 650R
   

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

    even cheap bike can look cool. If you want,you can convert your Blade into Ducati, like the image below is actually a Naza Blade 250R)
   
   

   
   
6. OFF ROAD
   Kawasaki Versys,
   
         Although you can see many Versys used for street bike, but its originally a for a outdoor touring.With price almost RM40,000.00 this bike is worth for both long distance ride, fast ride and out door. The newer version has ABS and new design of head lamp.
   
        But if you want to go extreme out door, choose the Kawasaki KLX. its designed for it. KLX 650 are not available in Malaysian Market, but you can have KLX 250. This motard are sure powerful in off road condition.
   
   

    (Street or Off Road, both won't give problem to Kawasaki Versys)

    

   
   

   
   

   

   
   (The latest version of Kawasaki Versys, with ABS)
   
   
   

    FOr extreme off road, have yourself a Kawasaki KLX)

   
   

   
   

   

   
   
   
       So you have bike on your list? Having a super bike is so much fun. But it takes so much knowledge to taking care of these kind of bike. If you planning to use this bike for long term, get a new bike. Less problem. But if you just want to use super bike just as a learner bike, get a reckon or second hand super bike.
   
      But if you are planning to change it later to bigger bike, 700 cc above?  Wait for my next post about Hyperbike4U. Thanks for reading my blog. Have a nice day~
   

   
   

   
   

REVIEW CBR 500 VS ER6F : For Both Beginner And Expert Bikers

    hi there. Time for blogging again. But now my review is I am going to give a comparison for Er6F from Kawasaki and the CBR 500R from Honda. Both Kawasaki and Honda is well known brands for super bike. Besides, these both compete each other in every class of motorcycle. Today, we are comparing the Honda CBR 500R 2013, and the Kawasaki ER6F 2012.

(Kawasaki ER6F, or known as Ninja 650 in some countries)

(And the Honda 500R)

So lets go for quick specification comparison:

1. Engine Displacement
     CBR 500R: 471 cc
     Er6F          : 649 cc
2. Seat High:
     CBR 500R: 785 mm
     Er6F          : 805 mm
3. Wheelbase:
     CBR 500R: 1410 mm
     Er6F          : 1410 mm
4. Lenght:
     CBR 500R: 2075 mm
     Er6F          : 2110 mm
5. Width:
     CBR 500R: 740 mm
     Er6F          : 770 mm
6. Price (In Malaysia):
     CBR 500R: RM 31,000.00 OTR
     Er6F          : RM 37,000.00 OTR

    That's  the major  difference between Kawasaki Er6F and Honda CBR 500R. For similarities, both engine system allmost identical. Both four stroke, liquid cooled and 6 speed transmissions. 

(Er6F can be both sport bike and touring bike)

Overall Review:

1. Honda CBR 500R is lighter than Kawasaki Er6F. ( 193 kg vs 209 kg)
2. Er6F has larger engine. (649 cc vs 471 cc)
3. Er6F has larger compression ratio. (10.80:1 vs 10.70:1)
4. Er6F is more powerful. (71 horsepower vs 46 horsepower)
5. CBR 500R is more fuel saver, for both city ride or highway long ride. (71 mile per gallon vs 44 mile per gallon)
6. Er6F is good for both touring and sport bike. but the cons is the braking system. And most complain is the broken valve. be careful not to push your bike.
7. CBR 500R has very comfortable riding position. but the cons is the speed. Its good if you like relaxing bike.
8. If you like to ride fast, pick Kawasaki Er6F.
9. If you want to enjoy view while riding, go for CBR 500R.

(Girls prefer CBR 500R)

        That's all bout my comparison for these both kawasaki Er6F and Honda CBR 500R. I hope I helped you if you planning to purchase any of these two bikes. In Malaysia, we see more Er6F than Honda CBR 500R. So I guess Er6F has more ready stock spare parts. Okey. I see you next ride.

Girls with super bike, as always.

Image Source: Google Image

   

REVIEW KTM RC 200 : City Performance

   Welcome to April! Happy GST everyone. Too bad its wasn't April's Fool right? Its okey. The good part is the price of new motorcycle decreased. So you can have more choices to do if you planning getting a new bike. Talking about new bike, I will give you a review about KTM RC200. So those who planned to purchasing this bike soon.

(The Official Poster For KTM RC200)

     That is one hell have great bike. Before your purchasing this bike, I will give you a quick info about the specifications first. This KTM RC 200 is a single cylinder engine, four stroke engine system and liquid cooled. with engine displacement of 200 cc, KTM RC 200 produces at least 25 horse power. A quite fast to me for 200 cc bike. By using electric starter ststem, this bike come with 6 speed of transmission. And one more, with dry weight of just 135.g kg, the full tank fuel for KTM RC 200 is just 10 litters.

      Alright, you know the spec, now we go for review. The owner for this bike is Hasrul. He works at MARA and I met him when I purchase his Grayfost helmet last year. He is the first KTM RC 200 owner that I met. So I test his bike for few minutes and here is my review result.

PRO

1. Good Bike for City Use
      This is the bike if you planning to purchasing a bike for daily use. Either you gonna us it to go work, or planning yourself to stuck at traffic jammed. 
2. Great Value For Money
       By the time its launched, the price is just RM 16,888.00. (Source: www.mudah.my) So this is the best price for full fairing bike.
3. Fuel Save
      Competed with RON 95 & RON 97, a full tank can have you to travel at least 400 km. So a full tank can holds for a week if you using this for daily use. 
4. Reliability
       KTM known for the quality. This bike is built in 2 days on the factory and can stand 10 years depends on how you maintain its.
5. Good For Beginner Bike
      A small bike and easy to ride with it. Either fast ride or you can enjoy riding slowly, enjoying the breeze while you travelling.
6. Super Light and Small Size Bike.
       KTM RC 200 is just a small bike compared to Kawasaki Ninja or Yamaha R25. But this small bike makes you easier to control especially on heavy traffic jammed.
7. Racing Spec For Daily Use.
        Not just for daily use, but this bike is complete with racing spec. In other words, either you can ride slowly, or you can go fast in highway. Just remember to be care full while riding fast.

CONS

1. Harder To DIY Maintenance
         One of the example is the battery's position. Located under the tank makes you gonna need extra hands to help you replacing battery.
2. Spare Parts Not Ready Stock
        KTM is not like Kawasaki and Yamaha. If you having problem of some parts, the you gonna need to wait for days to got the spare parts.
3. Too Small
        Too small for big guy. Even it suits for average heights of Malaysians riders, but if you are tall guy, this is not the bike for you.
4. Bad Loud Sound.
        This is only has single cylinder but the cylinder size is way too big. So you can hear a loud engine sound but not as good as V-Twin or 2 cylinders bike.

 

     So, how was my quick review? I hope I helped you giving some info and ideas before purchasing any bike. But for conclusion, this bike is real awesome, and if you are the beginner biker, this is the best learner bike. So that is all for today. Big thanks to Hassrul for allowing me reviewing his bike. Thanks to you for supporting my blog. Have a nice day people. 

     What? oh, the girl with bike? okey fine.. here you go..

Note: Great bike attracts great girls. Bare that in mind. Haha!