Another Motorcycle Diary

Gone over to the Dark Side...(2)

2006-07-14T11:21:00.000+08:00

Its finally done. My move to the dark side is completed. Picked it up from the previous owner yesterday, got the necessary papers done and put on a new set of rubbers.

Previous owner did up the car nicely, ACS replica body kit & 17" type 4 rims, a heart transplant, nose job & new clothes, among many others. heh heh... kinda like what Anakin aka Darth Vader had to do...

Heres a peak...

Not too bad for a 16 year old cage eh? :-)

Interview with (half) a Sith Lord...

2006-07-05T11:46:00.000+08:00

This is so bloody hilarious...

Gone over to the Dark Side...

2006-06-19T15:24:00.000+08:00

Due to a recent life changing event; and after months of soul searching and deliberation, I've decided to take a leap over to the Dark Side...

Here's a glimpse of what the Dark Side looks like...

To be continued...

Small victory...

2006-03-07T15:50:00.000+08:00

Today I had lunch at my regular food court again. Still slightly ticked off over the price hike, I ordered my regular pork noodles (creature of habit I am...). The stall guy gave me a big grin and happily told me that they have reduced the price back to normal.

Wohoo!! A small victory for the joe-public-consumer!

But somehow, I have this sinking feeling we're losing the war....

Blardee Ell'...

2006-03-01T14:21:00.000+08:00

Today, I went for lunch at my regular food court. Ordered my regular pork noodles. Noodles was served and I pass the guy a tenner and he returned me my change.. RM5.50.

"Ahh?? hei kar ah?" (What?? Price increase ar?)

"Hai lor. Chin pow ee tow too hei kar" (Yes lor. Everything here also increase price)

Bugger. My noodles used to cost me RM4.00. Now with this increase in fuel, everything is going up up up up... except salary.

Blardee ell'.... >:-(

Ok ok, I'll update...

2006-02-27T11:40:00.000+08:00

Sneaky bugger that Snark. That fella, go ask his readers to bombard my blog asking me to update. So, its been 4 months... But hey, I was busy... really. Anyway, thanks to de bugger, my readership grew by 500%!! (ya mah... from 1 fella to 6 fellas...heh heh!)

Anyway, back to my post. Ok, dunno what to post so I'll just rant. Please bear with me. If you don't like it, too bad. After all, you asked for it..

Ok, firstly, lots and lots of belated wishes. Here goes:

Belated Merry Christmas!!

Belated Happy New Year!!

Belated Happy Chinese New Year!! Gong Xi Fa Chai!!

Next: Biking

Let me rant a bit about my biking life. Its virtually non existent. Apart from commuting, haven't had time for any ride, long or short.... well except for the Heavy Metal ride. Hoping to find some time in March to do some canyon strafing.

I've also been thinking of changing my bike recently. The cruiser thing has its good points (comfy ride, flashy chrome etc. etc.), but the serious need-for-speed syndrome may be getting the better of me. Just the other day, a friend lend me his Honda CBR900 for a spin. I was grinning from ear to ear after that. Think its just a matter of time. Will find some time to blog about my bike choices, but I've narrowed it down to 2 bikes.

Blogging.

This blogging thing is hard. I don't know how some of you do it. It takes me forever to get my thoughts on (virtual) paper. And even then, I think it sucks. Ask me to write a business plan, sure, no prob. I'll give you volumes to read. Report? Done in a flash. Presentation? Easy. Proposals? Sure. Blog? Errr....... Houston, we have a problem. Crap, even this post has all the section headings like a biz paper.

So, I've kinda been toying around with the idea of making this more like a pictorial blog. We'll see how things go. Know where I can get a cheap digicam?

Finally: Project Pergola

Just before CNY, I finally manage to set up my fish pond and a small rock garden (that's another story for another day). Its in my garden right next to the patio. Unfortunately, its got no shade from the elements. So, I've been thinking of putting up a nice little pergola over it. Now, to get it done by a professional is gonna cost me over a grand. So I thought "hmm, can't be too difficult to build one. After all, its just a few pieces of wood bolted together". Thus spawned Project Pergola.

Did some basic research on the net for designs and settled with a simple pergola structure. Snark suggested some lattice, which I'm still considering. Looks nice, but I've got a nagging feeling its gonna be a bitch to make. Now, I've gotta go source some wood. Anyone know where I can get some cheap? Also, I need a circular saw. Anyone? Snark has agreed to help me build the thing, right Snark? Hopefully, we'll get it up by April... More updates to come.

Ok, that's it for the comeback post. Hopefully it won't be another 4 months before another.

Wishes...

2005-10-25T09:30:00.000+08:00

I have been quite busy these past few months with projects after projects. My only contact with the blogsphere is limited to spending a couple of minutes a day browsing through my fav. blogs. My first port of call is always this blog by a good brother of mine.

So, got into the office this morning, check my mails, mentally list down stuff I need to get done today and quickly scan through the blogs before I start work. And guess what I found?

Snark turned a year older today!

So, mate, if you read this, have a happy and blessed birthday and may God bless you and your family abundantly!!

p.s. err... when is the beer and barbie session ler?

If Fuel Price Continues to Rise...

2005-09-21T13:45:00.000+08:00

Lots have been said about rising oil prices and efforts by the govt to reduce the impact. Nevertheless, I hope i don't have to resort to this...

Brothers...

2005-07-27T17:55:00.000+08:00

Popped by The Snark's blog today and saw this...

Cheh wah... summore same category with Mack Zul...

Hey Snark, thanks. If you're reading this, sorry I couldn't make it that day. Tried calling your mobile but it was off. Catch up with you soon and ride safe mate!

Horny...

2005-07-27T17:30:00.000+08:00

Had a "horny" incident this morning...

Was on my way to work this morning. Thoought its going to be just another normal day. But no... today was extra normal.

Straight 4 lane road, me on the left lane and mongrel driving an altis on the right. Mongrel was about 10 metres in front of me, and traffic was pretty clear. Road led to an underpass with turn off on the left. Mongrel started to slowed down as we approach the underpass/turn off. Instinctively, I slowed down expecting the altis to cut left to get on the turn off road. Mongrel started to move into my lane (without using the turn signal - normal lah...), then suddenly swerves back into his lane.

Hmmm... ok, mongrel must have mistaken the turn off. So, I started accelerating again.

Then, the light bulb in mongrel's pea brain must have lit and went "duh... it is my turn off lah... duh..." and proceeded to swerve across my lane into the turn off. At that point in time, I was right behind his car, still accelerating.

*Oh shit*

Release throttle, squeeze front brakes, tap rear brake, depressed horn... all at the same time.

My left thumb was on the horn for quite a while. Quite a long while...

Stupid mongrel. Should be shot to prevent him from reproducing more mongrel drivers like him...

Kick down...

2005-07-12T12:45:00.000+08:00

An incident this morning...

I was at a petrol station this morning filling up my bike. As I was finishing up and getting ready to pull out, I saw something that caught my attention.

There was another bike pulling out on my right. Blue Modenas Jaguh. Something was amiss. I could see that his kickstand was still down!

Now, most bikes these days have a safety switch at the kickstand. Heck, even the GPZ that I'm currently babysitting, which is 21 yrs old, has a safety switch. What this switch does is, it prevents the bike from starting with its gear engage. If you tried to ride with the kickstand down, the engine will cut off. This is a good thing, coz, if you ride off with the kick stand down, and turn left:

1. if you're lucky, you'll just create heaps of sparks, wobble a bit, but still remain upright.

2. if you're not, the stand will hit the ground, lift your rear tyre and throw you off the bike.

So, not wanting to see a fellow biker kiss the tarmac (plus, crashing in rush hour traffic increases your risk of getting run over after falling off), I quickly pulled out of the petrol station and gave chase.

As soon as I caught up with the blue Jaguh, I started honking my horn and pointing at his bike. The guy gave me a puzzled look. I kept pointing at his bike and my bike's kickstand hoping he understands. But, still a puzzled look. This went on for a few seconds until the road we were on split. He was on the left and I was on the right and we parted ways.

He still had that puzzled look when I pulled away. I hope he did not have to turn left anytime soon...

Birthday song...

2005-07-11T00:17:00.000+08:00

Was out at my porch washing my bike last friday evening. Neighbourhood was quiet except for this family a few houses down.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you....."

Ah... how nice. A birthday party. A middle aged couple with young children lived there. They must be celebrating one of their kid's birthday. Nothing unusual about it until the mother started singing..

Happy birthday to you
You were born in the zoo
with the monkeys and donkeys
Happy birthday to you!!

Again, nothing really unusual. When I was young(er), whenever a classmate/friend had birthday party, we usually sing this version to tease the birthday boy/girl and everybody would have a good laugh (lame I know, but we were kids then mah...)

But the thought of a mother singing that she gave birth to her child in a zoo left me dumbfounded.

And from the way she was laughing after that, I don't think she got it...

Watch your butt...

2005-07-05T10:00:00.000+08:00

If you're gonna smoke while you drive, a word of advise - don't throw the butt out the car.

However, if you still insist on throwing your butt out the car, please make sure there is no motorcycle beside or behind you.

Coz, if your butt hit me or my bike, my boots will hit your side mirror.

Thank you.

Table manners...

2005-07-04T17:25:00.000+08:00

Witnessed a very interesting incident over the weekend.

Had dinner at Friday's in One Utama on Sunday. I like Friday's. Like the casual atmosphere, good fajitas and friendly waiting staff. Great place for a hearty meal (not so good for the heart!!) and to chill out. Also a nice place to bring you family for a meal and they are currently having a free kids meal promotion for kids under 12yrs.

So there I was, seated at the non smoking section. It was a busy night. Place was full, and the other tables we're mainly filled with families having a nice Sunday dinner out. If you want a quiet place to eat and chat, this is not it. Most tables had young children (probably due to the promotion), so its a little noisier than usual.

However, there was this particular bunch of kids running around the restaurant, having a good time. I mean, they were REALLY having a good time. Running up and down the ENTIRE non smoking section, knocking into the waiting staff, kicking chairs and tables along the way, laughing loudly, screeching and screaming in excitement. These kids were WILD. It got to a point where other patrons were getting pretty annoyed. I was getting annoyed.

Usually, when kids start getting wild, the parents will do something about it. I mean, if I were to do what this kids did when I was at their age, I'd probably get a good smacking right on the spot. The parents at the other tables seem the have their kids well controlled and well behaved. So, there we all were, waiting for the parent to do something.

Nada, ziltch, nothing happened.

I looked around the restaurant looking to spot the parents, and found them seated on the other side of the section. Looked like they were having a big family gathering. The grand parents were there with 2 adult couples. Upper class type, from the way there were dressed. The table seems to be having a good time themselves. The maid was there as well, but she wasn't much help.

By this time, the kids just brought their already high noise level up one notch. They started popping the balloons that they had. They thought is was funny. Nobody else did.

Still... nothing from the parents.

One table, a family with 3 teenage kids, got pretty annoyed and I don't blame them. The balloon popping fest was just next to their table. The man complained to the maid and asks her to herd the kids elsewhere. You can see that he is very annoyed, but still politely got his request across to the maid.

However, the poor maid couldn't do a thing. You can tell that the rugrats are spoilt and probably bullies the poor maid around the house. So, the man complained to one of the waiters. The waiter apologised and offered to relocate them to another table.

By this time, rugrats' mom got wind of the complaint. Typically, you would expect the parents, at this stage, to go "Oh shit. Kids are misbehaving. Better get them in line". But no, mom got into a bitchy fit. With here upper class air, she barked,

"Go home lar... if they don't like it here, go home lar... its a public restaurant"

Followed by a remark to her tablemates,

"What's THEIR problem?!?!?"

Doesn't it makes you wanna stand up, walk over and b*tch slap the woman? So I did.

Ok, I didn't lar... didn't wanna make a scene and spend some jail time. But, her remark kinda left a bad taste in my mouth. And, she kinda purposely and pompously raised her voice when making the remarks so that it can be heard by the table that complained (and by the whole section of the restaurant too!). Some people have a wrong concept on what one can do in a public restaurant, or a public place. Being a public place doesn't mean you or your kids can do whatever they want.

But, being a public place, apparently you can:

1. show what a shitty parent you are
2. show that money doesn't buy you good manners and attitude

Don't even get me started on where the father was in all this. Suffice to say, he was more interested in his meal than his kids.

Also, if I do recall my law classes from uni, a restaurant is actually deemed a private establishment (any lawyers out there that want to clarify?). If the restaurant manager had any balls, he would have gone up to the offending parent, and would politely asked them to keep their kids in control as they are disturbing his other patrons.

He didn't, and I found out why. Apparently, the restaurant manager is friends with the other couple on the table. At least the other couple had the decency to apologise to the manager for the trouble when he came over to their table.

After a while, the party left and I enjoyed the rest of my dinner in peace.

The "problem" is YOU, lady.... for being an irresponsible parent and a stupid inconsiderate human being.

I am pissed off...

2005-06-30T17:35:00.000+08:00

Asrin Mohsin passed away yesterday.

It seams that news like this gets flashed in our dailies more and more these days. Senseless murder, rape, robberies etc. I always read such news with a tinge of sadness and fear as to how unsafe our country is turning into. But this particular incident strikes a raw nerve and pissed me off...

You see, Asrin's death was a result of being brutally beaten by a "motorcycle gang" comprising on youths. The term "motorcycle gangs" have always had a outlaw ring to it. The image of burly rowdy tatooed men in leathers riding Harleys come to mind. Members of the Hells Angels MC in the USA has been linked with drugs and crime by the FBI and the media (incl. many movies) has portrayed bikers in a bad light.

Here, the "motorcycle gang" are usually a bunch of youth on small cc motorbikes or mopeds, typically modified mopeds or 125 - 150cc bikes emmiting clouds of smoke and noise. Go to Bangsar, Damansara Utama or Dataran Merdeka on weekend nights (or early morning) and you can almost always see them hanging around. I've seen them riding reckessly in packs, terrorising other motorist (esp. if they see young ladies driving alone), racing illegally and pulling stupid stunts on public roads.

Increasingly, a number of these motorcycle gangs have been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Remember the incident where a petrol station owner was brutally beaten to death by a motorcycle gang? I cannot forget the watching the news clip of a illegal racer knocking down a cop in a roadblock. Also, numerous reports about illegal racing, illegal stunts, crimes commited by these motorcycle gangs etc. etc.

There was also one incident that happened to a biking buddy. She (yes, a she) was riding at night in KL with her sister who was visiting from Japan (they're both expats) and was asking for directions to KLCC. Unfortunately, she asked a group of youth on motorcycles, about 10 of them, who so "kindly" agreed to lead them there. Instead of KLCC, they were led to the dark roads in Bukit Tunku and were beaten and robbed. Thank God they were not raped or murdered.

Imagine, 10 guys beating up 2 girls. Really pisses me off just thinking about it again...

And now, this had to happen. Will Asrin be just another headline? just another victim? a number to a statistic? This goes beyond seeking justice and punishing the lower-than-scums that did this to Asrin. Heck, if I had it my way, I'd punish them to death in the same manner that they murdered Asrin. But, the bigger issue here is the state of our society today that produces such youths. Where are their sense of right and wrong? responsibility? accountability? morals? value of human life? Where were their parents in their up bringing?

Too many questions, too little answers.

And I am sooo pissed off...

Need for speed...

2005-06-29T19:34:00.000+08:00

The speedometer from a riding buddie's latest toy. 340kmh!!!

If you are wondering what the bike looks like...

A Suzuki GSX1300R "Hayabusa". Talk about power between your legs...

"I feel the need, the need for speed..."

GPZ update 1...

2005-06-29T18:45:00.000+08:00

Rode the GPZ to work yesterday. First problem, no luggage space, so I had to use my backpack and stuff my laptop, document etc into it. Damn heavy lar. Second problem, engine heat. Hot baby!! DAMN hot!! The heat from the engine is blowing right at my legs. At low speed, it not very comfy. Had to keep it above 90kmh to get some decent cooling from the wind -not an easy feat in KL traffic, mind you.

But, those we're my only complaints.

The ride to work was... fast, and overtaking was a breeze. On the highway, other vehicle seem to be on snail mode. The GPZ is also narrower than my regular ride, so lane splitting was much easier. Great for mornings when you oversleep! I too a longer route home so I can get a good go with the bike on the NKVE. Suffice to say, I got home with a silly grin on my face. Not bad for a 20yr old bike.

Riding position takes a bit getting use to as it is totally different from my cruiser. But after a while, you kinda get used to it.

Couple of scary moment though. Brakes aren't as good as I like them to be, so, there were a few minor "oh shit!" moments.

Will keep you guys updated on my saddle time on the GPZ. So far, so good...

Top Gun...

2005-06-28T12:00:00.000+08:00

Remember the scene in Top Gun where Tom Criuse was riding a bike alongside a fighter jet?

Well... I got hold of the same bike last night!

(Note: Picture above is sample to give you readers an idea of how the bike looked like)

Its a Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja. The unit I got is a 1984 model and red (of course!) in color. It belongs to another riding buddie of mine who is going overseas on business for a month. He asked me if I would look after it - a request I could not refuse!

The GPZ900R is a pretty darn fast bike (even by today's standards). Runs on a 908cc liquid cool 16 valve engine that churns out over 110bhp. Easily pulled a 180kmh on the highway on the way home last night after picking up the bike. Could have gone faster, but I ran out of road *wicked grin*

Something tells me I'm gonna enjoy July...

Spotted...

2005-06-28T11:00:00.000+08:00

Hah hah hah!! Finally I have been spotted. It was only a matter of time...

Yup, bro, I've decided to try something new and started this blog. So, be gentle, be kind, your advice is always appreciated.

The Snark (also known by another name and another name - private joke between the snark and I) and I have been friends for a few years now. Brought together by our common passion for motorcycles. Have ridden with him many times and have learn many things on bikes and life from the man.

Proud and humbled that he considers me a brother.

Mini me??

2005-06-24T11:00:00.000+08:00

This guy is so funny...

He's got this quiz on his site that compares your personality with other Malaysian bloggers. Since I'm a newbie in the blogging world, thought I'd check to see who I can emulate and perhaps get a glimps of what my blog may turn out to be.

So, ladies and gentlemen... *drum roll*....

...

...

...

...

Congratulations bikerwannabe, you are...

minishorts of minishorts.net

You are outgoing, direct, smart, pretty, and a definite go-getter. You are frank, a little too frank perhaps that sometimes you get on people's nerves and make them very upset. If people attack you, you hit back with triple the force without blinking because you are the kind of person who knows exactly what you are talking about or else you wouldn't talk about it. Your quick-thinking is what makes you special. You are an elitist.

Which Malaysian Blogger Are You?

Eek! This can't be right. Let me change some answers and try again...

...

...

...

...

Congratulations bikerwannabe, you are...

minishorts of minishorts.net

Which Malaysian Blogger Are You?

Whoa?!?!? Again?!?!? Ok, 3rd time lucky...

...

...

...

...

Congratulations bikerwannabe, you are...

minishorts of minishorts.net

Which Malaysian Blogger Are You?

WHAT THE?!?!? Ok, the quiz MUST be flawed. Outgoing? We'll, kinda... direct? hmmm.. sometimes... Pretty!?!?!? ME? Pretty? *slap on the forehead*

C'mon Kenny, I'm no where close to be like minishort....

Until i saw this post. Freaky.

Hey, at least I didn't do it 12 times...

Hacking away...

2005-06-23T14:29:00.000+08:00

yup... but not the computer kind.

Sometime last week, I got hit by the flu bug. Usually, I'll shake it off in a day or two. Just pump myself full of fluids and a couple of doses of vit-C usually takes care of it.

Now, a week later, my nose is still running like the Niagara Falls, my whole body aches and I'm hacking my guts out... Either the bloody flu bug's gotten stronger or my body ain't what it used to be (in reality, probably a combination of both). God knows why I took this crap for a whole week, but lots of things happening at work that required my attention. Looking back, I was probably not very productive anyway...

Think I'll head home early today and pay a visit to the doctors...

Hope I can ride straight though...

Slacker...

2005-06-21T13:45:00.000+08:00

Gosh...

Its been more than a week sinced I blogged...

and considering my blog is only about 2 weeks old, geez, that doesn't really say much about the bogger, me.

The term "slacker" comes to mind... (I could think of a few more, but lets try to keep this PG13 ya?) But in all fairness, work has been rather heavy for the past week. But, hopefully I should have more time later this week to continue my blog.

... hmmm......

(I'm now pondering the need for an "apology for not blogging" note to my readers, considering I probably do NOT have any readers!! hah hah hah!!!... *sigh*... so sad...)

Nevertheless, to anyone out there, sorry for not blogging for a while. I'll be back...

T.G.I.F. and T.G.M.W....

2005-06-10T18:15:00.000+08:00

Yippie!!! The weekend is finally here...

Unfortunately, I've got to study 3 proposals over the weekend...

and loads of laundry to do...

and house cleaning...

and half completed D.I.Y. home projects...

*sigh*...

There goes my weekend. It was fun while it lasted...

Rubber side....up!

2005-06-09T17:41:00.000+08:00

Went to change my bike's rear tyre over the weekend and got a couple of rude shocks...

First, my rear tyre was down right to the thread. Just a few of weeks back, I had at least a couple of mm of rubber on it, which would have lasted me a couple more months. I guess it must have been the recent interstate ride I did - a 1,000km plus spirited ride thru the mountains.

Anyway, it was due for a change anyway, but what I was unprepared for was....

Prices of tyres have gone up!! The tyre change cost me close to RM450 and thats for one tyre (to put things in prespective, I've also recently change my car tyres, all four of em, and it cost me less than RM400). Used to cost me less than RM350...

I need a raise...

Rain rain go away...

2005-06-09T17:15:00.000+08:00

Crap...

It just started raining here in KL. And of all the days I choose to park my bike outside...

Guess I'll be spending some time tonight washing it...

Normal...

2005-06-09T09:45:00.000+08:00

Another normal ride to work.

What is "normal"?

For me, its a 30km road trip to the office consisting of 70% highways and freeways, and 30% city roads, usually encountering one, a combination of, or all of the following cagers*:

Tailgaters
Signal lights / rear view mirror challenged cagers
Cagers using their mobile / shaver / applying make-up / having breakfast / reading papers (no kidding!!)
Drifters (not the racer boy variety, but cagers who drift in and out of their lane for no reason other than poor control of their cages)
Lane splitters (Now this requires some explanation. Lane splitting is a term used when motorcyclists negotiate thru traffic by going in between lanes. Some cagers think they can do that....)

I'm sure there are more types, but I guess the above are the general bunch of joes I meet on the road each day... not counting other bikers and pedestrians....

Sure makes life interesting every day.....

* Cager is a term used by bikers for anyone operating a cage (i.e. any enclosed vehicle with 4 or more wheels)

It's a wrap...

2005-06-08T18:45:00.000+08:00

What a day....

2 meetings, 3 conference calls, built half a model, worked thru lunch..... and starting this blog :-)

Can't wait to get on the bike and ride home.....

My ride...

2005-06-08T17:25:00.000+08:00

I guess a logical thing to post next would be....

My motorcycle.

Its a metric cruiser, red (red bikes go faster...so they say...), lots of chrome and loud... not the "really-piss-off-your-neighbours" loud, but just enough to get you noticed in traffic.

Owned the baby for almost 6 years now... and absolutely love every single minute of it :-) Over the years, it has taken me round the country and out of the country; and has been given a customised job (for the uninitiated, its kinda like plastic surgery for bikes).

Recently got it properly fitted for long distance touring... luggage box and windshield. Makes the bike look kinda dweeby, but, hey..... it beats having a heavy backpack strapped to you while hanging on desperately to the bike as you are being hit by 140kmh winds and slowly loosing visibility from the increasing amount of bug's gut spread all over your helmet visor.

Isn't biking fun? ... ;-)

Maybe I'll post a pic of my bike one day.....

My first mile....

2005-06-08T15:45:00.000+08:00

Whoa.... my first attempt into the world of blogging.... and what happens?

*Blank*

Writers block (...or is it blogger's block?)

I guess a short intro is in order... me... your average Joe.. absolutely loves motorcycles.. and rides one on a daily basis.

Just thought I'd share my daily adventures( and challenges, frustration, etc..) on two wheels.

Hope you chaps out there enjoy this blog and would love to hear your comments, advice and tip for this newbie blogger...

Cheers and ride safe!