Hi all, it definitely has been a while since I blogged heart-to-hearts on this space. I hope to spend a little more time sharing my thoughts related to motorcycling, and perhaps other things that take up space in my brain.
Category: Motorcycle
Review: Cardo Packtalk Edge
Prior to my first ride with SG NC7, I never considered getting a communications set since I usually ride alone. When I do ride in groups, we managed fine with just hand signs. I took the plunge to getting the duo (one for another helmet)… and here’s what I felt.
SGNC7 WEW Ride — November 2023
Over the past Saturday, some 20-odd riders from the SGNC7 group went up to Malaysia over a day/evening trip which we call West-East-West ride (WEW ride). Four of the riders had pillions with them (yay!) so I had some female company!
What to Check when Buying a Used Motorcycle
What should you look out for when buying a used motorcycle? The last thing on your mind would be forking out an additional sum to repair!
Desaru International Bike Week 2023
Recently, I went up to Desaru for a day trip to visit the Desaru International Bike Week. I went on a short day trip alone, just to see what’s there. My friends couldn’t make it, so I made the trip alone.
Class 2 Stories — I joined Singapore NC7 Riders!
A rite of passage for all motorcyclists, I daresay, is to join a motorcycle club. My first motorcycle club is with the NTU Riders Club, and then the Singapore Female Riders Club. I joined SGNC7 a few months after switching my ride to NC750X, since there is a huge wealth of knowledge that I need to learn when it comes to Class 2 bikes…
Best Class 2B Bikes for P-Plate Riders — 2023
Finally passed your class 2B and got your p-plate? Congratulations! Welcome to the thrilling world of riding. There are a lot of things to learn — it is just the beginning. First things first, what bike are you looking at? In this post, let kakak share with you and help you a bit ok? (more…)
Class 2 Stories — NC750X Accessories & Maintenance
Ever since I traded in my CB150R for NC750XA (2021), I wanted to do more maintenance work and install accessories on the NC750X myself. It took me a lot of courage, research and time to figure out what needs to be done.
Art of Speed Malaysia 2023
If there is one word that I would use to describe the biker culture in Malaysia, it would be diverse. With a climate that is suitable for riding all year round, I’m not surprised that the Malaysian bike culture has evolved to what it is today.
Recently, I went on a solo ride to visit the Art of Speed Malaysia 2023 at Maeps, Serdang. Left Singapore around 11.30am after finishing work, and reached Serdang around 3.30pm. The weather was really hot, save from some short showers along the way. For 336km, I managed to only stop for petrol at Pagoh and Seremban R&R (Northbound).
When I reached Maeps, volunteers and staff were truly on the ball to direct traffic. It was really orderly, considering how much motorcycles and other vehicles were on site! There were lots of Harley Davidson, Triumph, Royal Enfield, Mutts… I daresay there wasn’t any NC750X riders ahaha. Understandably so – as this festival was to celebrate the Custom Culture/Kustom Kulture from local and international creators!
Held across 2 days and in 4 halls (A, B, C and D), the custom culture portrayed during this event not only covers the motorcycle culture but also handicrafts like leatherwork, paintwork, outdoor adventures (like camping). There was not much conventional motorcycle gear, however.
I got myself the limited edition Touch n Go card (the black one!) for MYR25. I don’t really use Touch n Go since tolls are free for motorcycles across Malaysia, and the card doesn’t work in Singapore. It’s a lovely souvenir to keep, the artwork is great!
I also got myself a pair of leather riding gloves from Riders Garage & Co., a leather wallet from Stellamella Leather Crafts and handmade soap (which are currently in my toilet, used as air freshener) from Soap Dad! Honestly, the goods are really high quality. I might… get customised soap as wedding favours if I were to get married (heh).
There was also the Soundcircus, which I unfortunately did not stay for on both days. Riding up north proved to be much more tiring than expected. I should have taken a day extra to recuperate and stay for the music, since I paid for the Soundcircus entry. Hopefully, I can make the trip down to Art of Speed 2024!
NC750X – A Year In and some
It has been a while since I last updated this space. A lot has definitely change since the last post, especially when it comes to my biker life. My current ride is the NC750XA (2021). I had the upgrade since May 2022, so it has been a year and 3 months with this reliable bike.
New Ride – NC750XA (2021)
I’ve also joined a motorcycle enthusiast club for NC7 riders. It has been rather interesting and quite outside my comfort zone. So far, I have yet to meet another female NC7 rider. I look forward to the upcoming day ride to Malacca (Malaysia) with 34 other NC7 riders in mid-August. I’m still quite shy to speak up in the group. Just happy to tag along and learn more about bikes from other like-minded riders.
Solo Riding Trip (just one for now)
Recently, I went up to Kuala Lumpur alone on the NC750X to visit the Art of Speed 2023 at Maeps, Serdang. Road conditions were quite alright on the North-South highway. I did have some difficulty lane-splitting as I approached the city due to the big body of the NC750X. Most of the bikes on the road were kupchais/kupkias, which were slender and easier to mould to the traffic. Clearly I have some work to do to improve my lane-splitting abilities.
TikTok
Social media-wise, I’ve started a TikTok account to share my rides as well as the experiences of maintaining my bike. Feel free to view all the random shortform content here.
Safety Gears
As for safety gear, I’ve been more conscientious to wear more gear so as to dress for the slide. I bought most of my gear from Motorworld, since it is relatively the cheapest and value for money. It definitely is quite expensive since I am purchasing for 2 (my mother and I). I am still on the lookout for a good modular helmet.
Here’s what I am wearing now:
Jacket – Komine JK 128 Protect Full Mesh Motorcycle Riding Jacket
Gloves – Klim Vanguard GTX Short Glove Stealth Black
Helmet – HJC RPHA-90S Carbon Modular Motorcycle Helmet
I have yet to find riding pants and riding shoes. Currently I just wear normal work pants (not advisable as it is thin) and Dr Marts shoes. One thing’s for sure, safety gear isn’t cheap. And… I do get mistaken for being a guy until I open up my modular helmet. Hahaha.