Product Review: Flare Isolate Pro Titanium

I have been using the 3M ear plugs for sometime now and while looking for a better earplugs I came across the Flare Isolate. Did a bit more research about it and most of the users are happy with the product. I decided to bite the bullet and asked if anyone else in the group was interested in doing bulk purchase to save on shipping but only one other was interested. After some discussion regarding the final price including shipping I ended up ordering a Isolate Pro Titanium for myself and the Isolate Mini for him.

After waiting for about 8 weeks for delivery, the earplugs finally arrived. It is packaged in a nice resealable plastic bag.

New bike reveal

After test riding the KTM 1190 Adventure a few weeks ago, I decided to try applying a loan for it. About a month later, I got a call from the shop and was informed that the loan was approved for the bike. I headed down to the shop the next day to sign the transfer of ownership and paid the downpayment.

Since everything is done online due to the pandemic after about 2 hours the bike ownership is transferred to me and the next day I went to collect her. Below is a video on the first day I took her home.

  

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

KTM 1050/1190 Adventure: First Ride Impression

Since both the 1050 and 1190 Adventure share the same basic chassis design with different functions, horsepower and torque I will combine both the review into one. All functions mentioned here will be referring to the 1050 Adventure unless specified.

Price wise the 1050 is cheaper as it is a CKD and locally assembled. The 1050 was to introduce as a more affordable bike to riders who are interested to wet their feet into the adventure bike world without breaking their bank account. The 1050 comes with a cast rims whereas the 1190 comes with spoke wheels which means the 1050 is more road oriented than the 1190.

1050 Adventure

1190 Adventure

Ride Report #14: Kg Agong

After last week's container art run ride there were more riders who was interested to join this week's ride. The route for this ride is to go to Kampung Agong for some sight seeing and head over to the Aspen Vision City before heading back to the island via the second bridge for lunch.

The group met at the usual rendezvous point in the island before taking off to the breakfast stop at the mainland.

The plan to the breakfast spot is the same as last week. We are to pull over and regroup at the lay-by after the bridge which thankfully everyone was accounted for. Once everyone was accounted for we proceeded to the same shop for breakfast.

Ride Report #13: Container art run

The group organised a ride to visit the container art which was placed around the state of Penang as part of the attraction to the state. This was organised by The Penang International Container Art Festival (PICAF) and the containers were place in 5 different locations. There are 2 in the mainland and 3 on the island. There are stories behind each art which can be read here.

The plan was to tackle the ones on the mainland first before heading back to the island and incorporate a round island ride as well. The Penang riders were gathered at the usual Caltex petrol stop before heading off to the next stop which is a lay-by after the bridge for a regroup before heading off to the breakfast stop.

Route discussion before kick stand up

 

Aprilia RS 660: First Ride Impression

Recently Sheng Fatt organised a Aprilia demo day for their new RS 600 and Tuono 1100. Since this was one of the most awaited bike to test ride we had to make an appointment in advance to get our names in the waiting list. I did not put my name in for a test ride as I have a fear of riding sport bike due to their ridiculously fast acceleration power.

The demo day was scheduled over the weekend starting on Friday and ending on Sunday. As expected there was a huge waiting list and the weekends are booked. I accompanied a riding buddy of mine as he was interested in getting a Tuono 1100 as his next bike. We managed to get an appointment on Friday at about 1100hrs. Upon arriving at the shop, there was a huge crowd and both bikes are there ready and waiting.

There is a purchased RS 660 bike on display

Tuono 1100 (front) and RS 660 demo unit (back)

CFMoto 250 SR: First Ride Impression

A colleague of mine recently traded in his current motorcycle for a CFMoto 250. His original plan was to get the Patagonian Eagle 250 cruiser but because the bike requires a long lead time, he opted for this instead.

 

BMW G 310R: First Ride Impression

During the Second ride to nowhere - within Penang, we went to the BMW showroom to test ride some of their bikes. Since I have tested the R nineT the week before, I opted for a smaller cc bike: G 310R. This bike uses the same engine as the G 310GS with the exception of the design. The GS looks more like an adventure bike and the R looks more like its big brother the F 900R.

The smallest CC bike ever produced by BMW

The design of the dash reminds me of the F 900R which is a very simple LCD display. Not too much information to confuse new riders since this is their targeted market. There is gear indicator, time, odometer, tachometer and fuel gauge.

BMW R nineT: First Ride Impression

One of the group member while on the break of riding suggested he wanted to test ride the R nine T and we made Auto Bavaria our next stop. On the way over we stopped by at a coconut shop and he had to go due to some prior arrangements. Since there was another member who wanted to test the S1000RR, I decided to take the R nineT out for a spin.

We reached Auto Bavaria and took over a coffee table with our helmets before heading up to the Motorrad section to find Gary to register for our ride.

Helmets galore: LS2 Valiant, HJC IS-Max II and Icon Airflite

Ride Report #12: First Ride of the Year

Disclaimer: Not all photos posted here are mine. I was given the permission from the owner to use their photos for the purpose of the blog

After the Christmas ride, the group started planning for a ride for the New Year. Since the group did not manage to ride up Jerai the last time they were there they decided to ride up Jerai as the first ride of the year. There was a total of 7 riders who joined the ride and one of them came all the way up from Ipoh.

Group photo before heading out to Jerai

As usual the riders from the island met at Caltex before meeting up the second group at Shell Sg Dua. Once all the riders have gathered at Shell, I gave a short ride briefing before the group headed off. I took point because the rest did not have GPS on them and Alex took the role of sweeper. We headed off north until we reached the Gurun exit (Exit 173). We regrouped after the toll and when I saw Alex coming in from the toll, I continued to lead the group to Jerai. This time instead of turning right to Pedu, we turned left and headed to Jerai.