A trip to Taiping

Taiping Prison entrance

Recently took a trip down to the historic town of Taiping with a friend. Taiping is located about 100km from my little island. The original plan was to try to leave early (0700 hrs) so that we could take the Vulcan but ended up leaving the island about 1100 hrs.

Before we left the house we got a call from the optometrist that our new specs are ready for collection and since they are along the way, we figured we might as well drop by to collect the specs before leaving. It was a good thing that we took the car instead because it was raining cats and dogs even before we left the island and parts along the highway.

Always wanted to visit MegaBike Taiping since I found out about them but was only free on Sundays and public holidays and so happens that that those are the days they are closed. Here are a few reasons why we made the trip:

1. They are open on that particular Sunday (19 May 2019)
2. We needed a short break
3. Looking for a new jacket 
4. Looking for motorcycle pants
5. They are having sales for Komine and Taichi apparels

One of the reasons we made the trip over

They have moved to a new location and since we were unfamiliar with the location, we used Waze which took us through small lanes and back roads. Reminds me of my previous GPS unit which likes back lanes too. Maybe they are somehow related. Reached the shop and saw so many bikes and a big Givi bus parked in front of the shop.

 

Finally arrived at our destination: MegaBike Taiping

 

At the entrance, it did not seem like there were a lot of people until we walked in. There was also a Shoei helmet fitting, parts replacement and servicing which is the most crowded and happening area in the shop.

 

Shoei helmet fitting and parts replacement section

 

First section we took a look at was the new 2019 Komine jacket and pants. There is a HR Parka jacket on display which I had my eyes on but after flipping through the ones on display there was no size bigger than L. Asked the salesperson if they have a bigger size in stock and she took out a 2XL size but I could not zip it up. Such a shame.

The next section of the shop are gloves. Did not know that my friend was looking for a new pair of gloves. All she mentioned was maybe getting a new helmet if any was suitable. She tried on a few different pairs of Komine gloves but kept going back to one. While we were discussing how the gloves should feel the salesperson approached us. She took a look at the my friend's hand and said that her glove size is either a S or M and the XL gloves she had on was too big for her. After trying out both sizes, she finally settled with size S.

Crowd in the shop. To the left are all
the riding apparels and the right are
 Givi boxes. 

After getting the gloves sorted out, we headed over to the helmet section. She tried on a few helmets but none was suitable so that was a bust. We went back to the pants section to see if there are any pants my size (I have a fat large waist). I spotted a riding jeans and and was looking at the size and the shop owner, Lai Seng (LS), came up to us and told us that the jeans doesn't provide much protection and that they do not have large size for the jeans.

He recommended me a Komine riding pants which is 5XL and directed me to a dry toilet changing room. The pants fitted nicely but I was worried about the armor. It sits a bit lower on my knee while standing and I reconfirmed with LS if it was correct. He reconfirmed it was correct because when you sit on the bike your pants tend to ride up and the armor will be in the correct area. My friend too got a pants which fitted her nicely.

When we went over to do the payment we spotted the U Clear Amp Bluetooth communication set and asked if there were a special price for 2 units. Overall we spent more than expected for this trip and all the items were at a discounted price. At least with this one trip I manage to tick off all the riding gear in my wishlist since 2015.

Overall the the LS and his staffs at MegaBike are very friendly and ready to give any advice or assistance. They also have a very competitive pricing. I would recommend stopping by the shop if you happen to be in Taiping.

So what did we end up getting?

My new riding jacket: RS Taichi RSJ310 Drymaster Alpha

2 sets of U Clear Amp200 Bluetooth communication set. For easier communication

Komine GK-220 Protect M-Gloves

My motorcycle pants: Komine PK-700 Protect Riding M-Pnt Birancia

Her riding pants: Komine PK-707 Full Armored M-Pnt Ragusa

 

Remember to ride safe, be vigilant and keep the rubber side down