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

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)

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

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.

 

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.

 

Triumph Tiger Rally Pro: First Ride Impression

Triumph Malaysia finally has the demo bike for the Tiger 900. I have been waiting in anticipation to test ride this bike since their announcement release in December 2019 and the press test ride and articles in March 2020. The demo bikes was supposed to be available in March but it was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. I was over the moon when Triumph informed that they have the demo bikes available for the weekend. Made the necessary arrangement and went for the test ride.

There were four demo bikes available: Rally, Rally Pro, GT and GT Pro. I booked the Rally Pro and GT Pro demo bike. Figured if I want to test ride the bikes I might as well go for the highest spec. The first bike I test rode was the Rally Pro. There are 3 colors available for the Rally and Rally Pro: Black, White and Green. They only brought in the Green and Black color. I was hoping the Rally Pro came in red but since it is only available for the GT version, I would go for the black.