Small capacity motorbikes are gaining popularity all over the world. In this blog, I will write on this new trend and making Malaysia as a point of reference.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Kenda Tires
Their sizes ranges from from 130/90-15 for light cruisers, 110/70-17 for small sport motorbikes, 90/80-17 for moped/kapcai and the 12inch series for scooters. These tires are from Taiwan and they are labeled 'Made in Taiwan'.
From the prices that were displayed, they were very reasonable. I am very sure some of you may want to have a look at these tires. From my experience using it on my 150cc scooter, they are not bad in all conditions. Not bad at all. Pretty lasting too.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
600km On Small Motorbike
I rode 600km last weekend. On my 150cc scooter!
I am more convincing with the scooter now. There were no major problem during the ride. The only thing that worried me was the coolant temperature which was a little bit higher than normal.
After the ride, there were no sign of stress or damage to the engine. It is still running smoothly and effectively.
To you out there! Do not hesitate, start the engine and ride.
Top, photo of the motorbikes in the ride at Lumut town
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Naza Bikers Dream
I do not mean to promote this company but their involvement are very significant in the motorbikes industry in Malaysia. Of course they seems to be more interested in the bigger class, but their scooters and mopeds are improving in distribution and quality.
They have a full range of motorbikes from 110cc to 650cc in all category (sportbike, cruiser, scooter and moped@kapcai). Have they really done well in the market? Well, I wouldn't say so, but with a lower price and improving quality, I think they will, soon.
Being a new player in the challenging market, they seems to be having a lot of problem with their early models but with a little luck, a little attitude and willingness to learn, they can go far.
Their latest collection are Cruise 650, Blade 650, Blade 650R, Blade 250, Blade 250R, Cruise 250, Prisma 110/125, Blitz 150 and Symphony 125.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
How Often?
How often do you ride?
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Tires: The Rubber That Can Save Your Life
I think the most important criteria for tires here are their price. The second most important criteria are their ability to withstand long and torturous riding. The third most important criteria are their ability to perform in the rain.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
How Durable Are These Small Wonders
Anyone can assemble small motorbikes here. Make it nice looking and sell it at really good price. You can sell many of them. But wait; can you sustain a sale volume over long period?
Monday, November 20, 2006
The Taiwanese scooters
The war is ON!
Bikers vs riders
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Why Do I Ride
Many people said that I am not being reasonable to myself. Staying so far away from my office and going to office on a “dangerous” vehicle.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Riding Distance
Do you know how far are these motorbikes being ridden everyday?
- fast food delivery services
- dispatch riders
- small built traders
- spare part suppliers
- and many more
To me, it may be long and hard, but I love every minute of it, I enjoy every miles of it. I hope you do to.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Type Of Engines
What type of engine being used for these small motorbikes?
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Popular Maker
When it comes to motorbikes, Japanese maker concurs most of the market. Why? It seems like they manage to produce motorbikes that are reliable and can be used for a long time with minimum maintenance.
Honda is very popular but minimum choice. Their machines are very durable even though not very good in design.
Yamaha is almost as good but have a better design and very good resale value.
Suzuki has got followers even though is suffering from a second hand value.
Why small motorbikes?
Why we are using small motorbikes? Well, I think the reasons are quite obvious.
- Cheaper initial cost – as a developing nation, our monthly income are very much lower compare to countries like America, Briton and the European countries.
- Cheaper maintenance cost – small motorbikes requires small parts. Smaller part often cost less. Small motorbikes also produce less power, thus do not require super high quality parts, which is a lot cheaper.
- Lower fuel consumption – the ever increasing price of fuel have really affected the lower income people. Small motorbikes seems like the best option to travel.
- Smaller physical size – so, we require less power to keep us moving.
Small Motorbikes
So, what sorts of motorbikes do we have here? Most of them are small capacity motorbikes. It ranges from 100cc to 650cc. But the most popular are 100cc, 110cc, 125cc and 150cc.
A few years back, the road was dominated by a moped category (here we call it 'kapcai'). Recently the trend changed. We have a new bread which started to take over the road. It is the scooters. These scooters come in various made and model. They are in the 125cc and 150cc.
Welcome To My Blog!
People use them for commuting from home to office and vice versa. Other use them to transport goods and some, use them purely for pleasure.
Me, well, I am using motorbikes for a little bits of all those reasons. But, the most important, I always love being with a motorbikes.
I hope you will enjoy my blog. I will write all sorts of issues, adventures, local trend and other related to motorbikes. Do communicate with me.