Two shops, two states

A few days back I was invited to attend the Kawasaki Soft Launch at Sheng Fatt. Since it will be held on a Saturday, me and my friend registered our names and waited for the day to arrive. On the day, we had quite a hectic morning before arriving at the event. We arrived, signed in and was asked wait and look around the showroom until it was time to go up to the workshop area for the presentation.

Apart from Alpinestars and Shoei helmet displays, there was a Shoei personal comfort fit booth and a Ducati Panigale V4 in the middle of the showroom. Being a curious lad, I had to try the bike and as with the other Ducati bikes I did not like the  position of the foot pegs. All the Ducati models foot pegs are too high up which makes my legs feels cramped and too tucked in. The only model I did not try yet was the Multi/Hyperstrada. There was a second hand Hyperstrada available but I chickened out backed out from trying it when I was near the bike. It was more to too afraid to drop the bike when I am getting on and off them.

Panigale V4

While waiting for the presentation, I persuaded mt friend to try on some Shoei helmets. After trying on some helmets she was feeling pressure at her ears so she went to the Shoei booth to find out her helmet size. Found out her correct size and tried the helmet again and it was a better fit. They have a RM 300 discount voucher which can be used on the spot but sadly they do not have the color scheme she has her eyes on.

Shoei Neotec II Splicer TC-2. Image taken from Shoei website

 

After trying the helmet, we went up to the workshop area for the brief presentation on what and how they check each Kawasaki bikes that comes in for servicing. They educated us on how to check if the tyre was balding and how to know when it needs to be replaced. They also have a demo on what tools they use and the required torque on specific areas on the bike. After the presentation we had a short tour around the workshop.

 
Kawasaki presentation

While we were looking at the helmets, the staff started taking out tables and chairs which means lunch time was near. I enquired if any of the Shoei personnel are free to take my helmet size but sadly they were serving other customers so we had our lunch while waiting.

 

Tables and chairs prepared for the lunch crowd

 

Remember the motorcycle pants which I got from MegaBike Taiping a few weeks earlier? There was a tear at the bottom and the side of the pants and I contacted Lai Seng to inform him about it. He instantly replied and asked me to personally send the pants back to him and he will see how to remedy the situation. This means another road trip to Taiping and a visit to the second motorcycle shop in another state.

       

Tear on the pants after less than a month of usage

Since the Shoei booth was packed we decided to head to MegaBike Taiping after lunch. Reached about 3pm and showed him the pants. He informed that he will be sending the pants back to Komine to have them look at the stitching and see what the outcome is. 

Since we saw that they have the Shoei Neotec II Splicer TC-2 in stock in their Facebook page, we were curious how it would look like in real life as the colors in the photos can be deceiving. Saw the TC-2 on display and Lai Seng asked what is the size that we were looking for as certain sizes are only available for certain colors. What luck as the TC-2 helmet is the size we were looking for.

Trying on the Shoei Neotec II TC-2 helmet

 

It was nice of Lai Seng to allow her to try on the helmet for about 30 minutes to determine if the helmet is the correct size and fitment. So far there are no complains about pressure points on her forehead except the cheek area which is normal for full face. With the 30 minute testing done and all the functions working, we decided to get the helmet but we would be picking it up next week as we had to wait for the next financial month. We were happy to pay a deposit to book the helmet.

Since the price could not be further discounted, he decided to throw in some free gifts instead:

 

Ipone helmet care kit, Motorex Chain Lube and chain cleaning brush

     

Front and back of the Ipone helmet care kit

I spotted a Proformance rear paddock stand and enquired about the price. He gave me an additional discount on paddock stand but we will be picking it up next week when we make another trip to pick up the helmet. He informed that he will install all the necessary items to the helmet next week and once again go through with us all the functions and the do's and don't's for the helmet.

I too got a pre-Father's Day gift:

Komine GK-191 motorcycle gloves

 

I know I just got a new gloves a few months ago but according to Lai Seng the gloves I bought was a size too big. He also educated me on the proper way to wearing a motorcycle gloves and what to look out for when getting new gloves in future. Now I have 3 pair of gloves and I felt like Goldilocks. The first pair was a size too small, the second was a size too big and the third pair is just right.

So far every single time we pay a visit to MegaBike we would end up buying stuff but I feel the next trip there will be the final important items we need in regards to personal safety on the bike. The other items in the wishlist can wait.

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