Ride Report #6: First ride to nowhere - within Penang

Since CMCO started on the 9th November 2020 and after two weeks of not riding, we were itching to get on our bikes and just ride around the island. Those who are joining met at the usual Caltex petrol and as usual those who arrived early chit chatted while waiting for the rest to arrive.

There were a total of 5 bikes joining the 1/2 island trip and when all arrived we departed to our first destination which is the Teluk Bahang dam. There was quite a lot of traffic on the way to the dam but we were able to lane split thus saving us some time.

The group waiting for the light on the way to the dam

BMW R 1250GS: First Ride Impression

After test riding both the Rally Pro and GT Pro, makes sense that the next bike on the list to test is the R1250GS. One of the member in the group mentioned that he was lucky to have bought the GS before the release of the Tiger 900 else he would be in a dilemma on which to get.

Called BMW Penang to enquire if they have the test ride unit for R1250GS and F850GS. The test unit for the F850GS was not available because it was in the service center for maintenance but both the GS and GSA are available.

Headed to BMW and at the entrance to the Motorrad section, they have the Boxer engine on display.

Ride Report #5: Pre-CMCO ride

Since CMCO (Conditional Movement Control Order) has been reintroduced for a month (9th November until 6th December) except for 3 states in Malaysia, this ride is considered as the last ride for November. Hopefully the number of Covid cases will decrease by then and we are back to RMCO (Recovery Movement Control Order) where interstate travel is open.

The plan was to ride to the waterfall near Jeli. Riders from the island are to meet at the usual Caltex petrol station and head off to meet the rest of the group at the Petronas Seberang Prai and Petronas Kulim respectively.

Group photo at Petronas Seberang Prai

Group photo at Petronas Kulim

Ride Repo #4: Exploring snippets of Perak

The group organised another ride and this time it is to Perak. I have always wanted to visit other states on the bike so I jumped at the chance to join the ride. The itinerary was to depart at Caltex Egate at 0730 hrs and meet the other riders in the mainland at Shell Juru.

 

Plan of the ride of the day

 

At Shell Juru after those who require refueling and tyre pressure check, the group had a pre-ride briefing from the organiser, William before departing to Canning Garden, Ipoh for breakfast.

A pre-ride briefing before taking off

Tiger GT Pro: First Ride Impression

After riding the Rally Pro, the next bike I tested was the GT Pro. The GT Pro has a lower seat height compared to the Rally Pro. For vertically challenged riders, there is also the low seat height option available like in the previous XrX version. The GT Pro has 18" rim compared to Rally Pro which is 21".

 

Another plus side of the GT Pro is that it has electronic suspension and there are four types of settings: Rider, Rider with passenger, Rider with baggage and Rider with passenger with baggage. The settings was set at rider with passenger as I was riding 2 up.