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.

Ride Report #11: Christmas Ride

Disclaimer: Not all photos posted in this post are taken by me. I have the permission from the owner to use their photos for the blog 

 

Since Christmas fell on a Friday and we had a long weekend the group planned a ride to Pedu lake on Sunday. Since this was uncharted territory for all of us we had a lead, sweeper and pointers. There were a total 17 bikes joined this trip which is the biggest group we had so far.

Complete route for the trip - Courtesy of Afizi

There are 2 meeting points for the planned out. First is the usual Caltex at E-gate. There are a total of 9 riders who are meeting up here before taking off to the next stop for a regroup and ride briefing before starting the trip. After some introductions between riders, we left for the second checkpoint.

 

Introduction between riders before leaving the island

BMW F 900R: First Ride Impression

After testing the R1250 GS I asked if they have the 310 GS available for test ride as well but sadly that was not the case. The salesman suggested to test the F 900R as it is the same engine as the 850 and since I was already there, I figured why not.

 

He handed me the key, brief me about the functions available on the bike and sent me on my little merry way. There are not a lot of functions on this bike as it only has 2 riding modes: Rain and Road. In order to get more modes, one would require to get the package.

 

The first thing i noticed when I got on the bike was the position of the foot pegs. They are higher and positioned more to the back which makes the riding position aggressive. Pulling out of the showroom the bike feels so small and it reminds me of riding my Demak, does not feel like one is riding a 895cc bike. The bike is front heavy and it needs some aggressive persuasion to get the bike to go where you want it to. It is not as agile as the R1250GS or the Triumph Tigers. I went wide going into the first corner and was lucky that there was no other cars on the road.

 

Ride Report #10: A visit to Segari Turtle Conservation Center

Since I had a long week off made a last minute decision to visit the Segari Turtle Conservation Center. Passed the sanctuary a few years back during the first visit to Sitiawan but because of tight schedule it was kept in the 'places to visit' list.

Overall journey

Left the island quite late as there were some chores to be completed. Halfway thought the ride, we had to do a unplanned pit stop at the Buki Merah R&R as the headscarf was being uncooperative with the helmet. Other than that the ride on the highway was a boring expressway ride until the Changkat Jering turnoff.

Bukit Merah rest stop

From here the scenery changed to the old trunk roads riding pass small towns and palm oil estate. It was a lovely ride with a nice cloudy weather. As we were approaching the sanctuary, there was a major road work and the detour made the ride a bit more interesting with a mixture of off road riding.

Ride Report #9: Recce to Baling

Since this is officially the first ride after the CMCO, the group decided to head towards our usual haunting ground, Grik, to let off some pent-up CMCO energy. There was a total of 9 riders who joined the ride and 2 of them are new riders and new to the route as well. As usual I am the sweeper in case the new riders does not know our usual petrol stop. Since I am running late I told the rest to proceed ahead to the Seberang meet-up point and will meet them there.

Waiting for the rest of the group to arrive

Since we were there early and the sun is starting to come out the temperature started rising. For being late, I treated both Barney and Alex a cold 100+ drink. There was one rider who will join us at a later time told us to carry on ahead without him and he will meet us at the BHPetrol. When all the riders met up at the second stop, we proceeded to the third stop to pick up another 2 members.

Ride Report #8: Third ride to nowhere - within Penang

With the CMCO still in place, the group decided to do a third installment of the ride to nowhere within the island. We have the usual suspect: Barney, Mookie, Nik and myself. Meet-up was at the same place but since they will be heading to the dam again, I opted to meet them 1/2 way.

The Vulcan waiting for the arrival of the rest of the group

It was not a long wait at the rendezvous point before the rest of the group showed up. Headed up to the dam and was surprised to see that the dam was de-voided of life unlike last week where there was quite a number of cyclist.

Ride Report #7: Second ride to nowhere - within Penang

Having completed the first ride to nowhere last week, we planned for another and we had more members joining. This time round we have Barney, Mookie, William, Nik, myself and someone new to the group, Aidil.

Same meeting point and we were discussing about 'jatuh bodoh', loosely translated as silly falling. It is when the rider looses control of the bike while it is stationary and is tipped over. While sharing stories on when and how each of us experienced this at one time or another, William arrived and he almost 'jatuh bodoh' while coming to a halt. Another incident was when we were preparing to leave Aidil almost 'jatuh bodoh' while getting on his bike and from that point onwards, we agreed to ban this topic for the rest of the ride.

Waiting for the arrival of William

The ride plan was the same as last week. Meet at Caltex and head up to Teluk Bahang dam. It was an uneventful ride there and was surprised to see that there were so many cyclist at the dam.

Our bikes were the only motorised vehicle at the dam

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