Dear fellow bikers,

Since young I have always dream to own and ride a motorbike. Due to safety concerns and strong parents objection, that dream never stood a chance. Recently had the opportunity to work in Ho Chih Minh city for a year and what better way to take full advantage of being solo in a new country to have a taste of my dream. Was fortunate enough to have a local friend teach me how to ride a scooter (just acceleration and brakes) and in a matter of weeks, i am riding like a local viet! Best time of my life!

Now I am back to bolehland. I have decided to take up a full B license (cause I plan to buy a higher CC bike and also damn it, I want to ride a bike regardless of any objection I may get from family or friends! We only live once!). I have already paid a deposit to purchase the latest BMW G310R bike while in the midst of taking my B license.

I have the following concerns that perhaps sifus here can provide input or recommendations!

1) Being a white collar professional, is it recommended to wear full protective gears? Will it crumple my office attire?
2) Where can I purchase proper safety helmets, attire etc (good quality, safety is everything to me).
3) My BMW is a naked bike, is it advisable to have a topcase (anywhere i can find a detachable top case that can easily be removed?)
4) What are the practical issues faced while commuting to work in a bike (like weather, road conditions, crazy car driver) and how to address those issues
5) I am fucking scared to ride on Malaysian road, in vietnam max i can go is 40km per hour je.
6) Can my normal leather working shoes (quite expensive) be worn while riding the bike? Will the constant shifting of gears damage my shoes?
7) Any gadgets that i can add on to my bike like handphone holder, gps tracker (incase of theft), bike lock?
8) Should i style my hair before or after i reach office lol.
9) Will it score me more chicks or scared them away?

All your comments and input will be very much appreciated.

Best regards
Future biker!

1) Being a white collar professional, is it recommended to wear full protective gears? Will it crumple my office attire? - ATGATT before anything else

2) Where can I purchase proper safety helmets, attire etc (good quality, safety is everything to me).
many bike shop in FB. search them and go to their shop and test

3) My BMW is a naked bike, is it advisable to have a topcase (anywhere i can find a detachable top case that can easily be removed?)
it adds length to ur bike. if u need it, do it later when you are more familiar with yuor bike


4) What are the practical issues faced while commuting to work in a bike (like weather, road conditions, crazy car driver) and how to address those issues
rain + hot sun. owes give way even if you are right. you are in a cucumber vs durian situation. everytime oso u lose

5) I am fucking scared to ride on Malaysian road, in vietnam max i can go is 40km per hour je.
practise & practise & see item 4

6) Can my normal leather working shoes (quite expensive) be worn while riding the bike? Will the constant shifting of gears damage my shoes?
kenot. ur expensive shoes kenot protect your ankle if u fall. and 100% will be damaged when got wet in rain and change gear

7) Any gadgets that i can add on to my bike like handphone holder, gps tracker (incase of theft), bike lock?
bike lock first. the rest add later when u r more confident

8) Should i style my hair before or after i reach office lol.
after u ride, ur helmet will sure crumple your hair


9) Will it score me more chicks or scared them away?
BMW chick magnet ma

This post has been edited by lucifah: Mar 9 2018, 02:07 PM

oh, btw, proper bike boots cost upward of rm 500, so ur exp leather shoes may not seem expensive if compared to them

i highly recommend Sidi StreetBurner (RM 900+) if you have the cash



This post has been edited by lucifah: Mar 9 2018, 02:10 PM

omgash....

from scooter 40kmph, to 200kmph!!... hahha

no worries, don't be afraid to live!

1) wont crumple, but will be damn freaking hot!
2) u can purchase at superbike showrooms, or perhaps race bike shops or custom shops
3) topcase?.... yeah get a box, or side boxes, but remember that it'll decrease your slickness...
4) road, weather, crazy drivers.... lets break it down,

crazy driver, no so worry, because u have a big bike, your presence on the road is very noticeable, they can hear and feel u coming... not in a sexual way.
weather, don't care la, biker life is enjoying the journey, come rain or shine.
road, u must be careful la, since you're jumping from scooter to big bike, the entire machine will act differently u will have to adjust yourself, same as how u will adjust to a wet road, clean road, sandy road, when and not to break...

5) ummmm, no comment.
6) will wear out eventually, sooooo....
7) can put smartphone and gps holder, then leave the holder only no problem...
well i've seen many bikes leave only.
8) reach office then style la.....
9) dude, u chinese right?, u think the girl parents will let her sit with you on the bike meh?. (not being racist just pointing out the obvious)

enjoy the Ride!

1) if you value protection, yes highly recommended.
however, yes it will crumple.
what i did back then, is kept a set of dress shoes/hair styling/face wash in office, so go there i will change my dress shirt/shoes, and wash my face/style my hair.

2) PJCC hodaka motoworld, pertama complex mecinda racing, klang bikeworld (formerly bike seven) singapore regina, online STG/revzilla etc.

3) your call

4) everyone and everything is out to end your life.
apply more common sense and make sure you assess every risk thoroughly.
some examples also include, but not limited to: don't swerve around traffic, do not make sudden movement like braking and turning.

5) speed not a factor, however it does require more awareness/skills as you go faster and no doubt risk increase the faster you go.

6) leather only cover abrasion.
armor/padding and angle torsion protection? your foot skin/surface can be un harmed, but a twisted foot is no good agree?

7) your call

8) as per 1) after, helmet is almost always going to ruin it

9) for me scored mine. for most/others, scare away. more likely if you're Chinese.
I am Chinese though, if that matter.

Alpinestar Supertech R from Regina clearance 200+ SGD

cheaper

when is the expected delivery date of 310r?

take your time to get the correct gears n familiarise urself with the bike.

no hurry to ride to work, unless u donhv other means of transport...

Thanks for your input pal! Appreciate it.

Means you actually you have 5 sets of shirts at the office? I think keeping dress shoes in the office is practical, can change from the safety boots. Thinking about how to keep the shirts (Will prolly prepare 1 set incase of rain, but doubt will be able to have a set of 5 and come here to change. Maybe i get a top case... fold the shirts, reach office baru change.).

The moment i get my P license, i will collect from the dealership. Prolly 2 months away! can't wait, damn excited.

no, only 1 shirt, in the backpack.
1 shoe in locker/cubicle/desk

top case also can, but i dont like putting cases on my bike.

he goes to office

not go to track

i wear custom low cut boots that is made with no reflectors or brandings so it blends to my officewear

My answers:
1. Back when I was riding my 250, I wear office attire. My Alpinestars is just a bit off snug. So, my baju won't get too crumpled. Maybe you can get a jacket which is not too snug. Loose a bit. Maybe like a touring jacket? I wear riding shoes ALL the time (TCX X-Ville for office attire). With slacks or khakis.

2. This one have to look at your budget. Go to well reputable shops so you won't be cheated of fake items.

3. Up to you. If you want gaya, top or side case on a naked bike is a no-no.

4. You have to be really aware of your surrounding, 360 degrees, and learn how to ANTICIPATE. And please signal to let other vehicles know where you want to go. Experience and learning from other people is the way to address it. Go watch Youtube more. Learn how to emergency brake. On weather, bring along a pair of raincoat. You'll never know when it'll rain. Oh, make sure you're at a safe area to wear your raincoat.

5. Go slow. Ride within your limits. Doesn't matter if a kapcai overtakes you rudely. RIDE WITHIN YOUR LIMITS.

6. No. And leather shoes outsole tend to be slippery. If you silap letak kaki, prepare for a jatuh bodoh.

7. Up to you. You can put GPS tracker, but if my motorcycle was stolen, I wouldn't want it back (who knows what has been ripped out from it). I just want the money so I can pay off the debt and buy a new one. Get a good disc lock like Xena (and always remember you have a disc lock before riding off, if not, prepare for jatuh bodoh). Oh, switch your brake calipers nuts for security ones.

8. Before (but don't style too much, just to keep the hair in place so that it wouldn't be a pain in the arse when you're styling at after) and after.

9. Chicks don't know about motorcycle much (they only know Ducati and Harley). But for a beemer, you 'might' score some. I say might because it's a single cyl. Motorboat sound. But if you're on an S1000R, different story.

When I used to ride, I wear Supertech R until reach office and change my dress shoes lol

Let me ask you honestly. Are you more worry about your safety or crumple shirt?

I suggest you visit Revzilla's Youtube channel, and search their Top Gear Guides:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLQZTXj_AnL7fDC8sLrTGMw

If you're tight on budget, you can visit Bikempire96 which is located near Kuchai Lama. They have inexpensive gears there. If you want to go premium, there's Dainese in Subang and Takong Racing in Taman Midah that brings Alpinestars. Autobac (previously Bike Seven) in Klang also brings in Alpinestars, they also have Shoei Helmets. I would suggest HJC Helmets though, they're cheaper than Shoei but provide the same level of protection, NKS Motorsports brings in HJC helmets.

I went from not knowing how to ride a bicycle to getting a B-full license end of last year. Was also eyeing the BMW 310R but got a KTM Duke 390 instead, for an extra 1.9k i get a bike that's quite alot more powerful and comes with way more features. I highly suggest you look at other bikes around that price range before getting the BMW. The problem about the 310R is only BMW Motorrad will carry spare parts, so its difficult to fix or service the bike at dealers.

Heh, I told to anyone who has yet to buy a big bike is don't buy them, giving no reason at the same time. If they insist then go ahead and buy you'll see.

Unless the rider is like 150cm height, I wouldn't class the BMW 310R as a big bike. It's actually quite small.

Hmm, yep you're right not a big bike. Though not many of us can afford that 29k ish toy with that Bavarian stamp on it hence it's still big to many eyes at least cosmetically.

BTW to OP, wear a race suit to work. I mean seriously, go for overkill. Office suit, assuming you have personal locker and a changing room, bring them during weekends with a car and that means you need to have at least two sets for easy rotation. Loose jacket is annoying really.

I will try to answer from my experience as a biker, you can take them for what they are.


I wouldn't have recommended a BMW 310 to begin with, its not the best value for money in my opinion. Again I am very wary of any thing made in India, the build quality is shoddy at best and QC is non existent, regardless of brand. Any how since you already made the payment for it, so your fate is sealed for that one.


YES, hear me scream there lol. Protective gear is a must for any rider. Protective gear includes and not limited to: Quality Helmet, Jackets with protective armor (ideally C3O), Gloved ideally leather, rider pants, again with padding and Kevlar lining and riding shoes.
It might seems cumbersome in the beginning but believe me these things very well save your life if the time comes. So ideally speaking you must carry your office clothes separately, I used to change into my office attire after reaching office.


There are a lot of options for that. To name few Holeshot (Shah Alam), Motogear Malaysia & Dainese Store. Please ensure that you buy helmet from a renowned brand with safety ratings (DOT, ECE or SNELL). They are mentioned at the back of the helmets. Mind you good helmets do tend to get pricier, but when the time comes these things really save you head both literally and figuratively. DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON A HELMET. I personally own HJC, Shark and Bell helmets but there are several options. If you take care of your helmet it can last you up to 5 years. Never ever buy 2nd hand helmets. Remember this and ask the seller how old the helmet is. At times shop sell older helmets at a discounted price, if its older then a year I would stay away from it.

For riding jackets, you will be spoiled for choices. I do own several leather fabric mix ones but I rarely wear them thanks to Malaysian weather. My day to day wearer is a Fabric Meshed one by Tucano Urbano (available at Holeshot). Its a bit on the steeper side cost wise but it is one of the best jackets for Malaysian weather. It allows ample wind flow and protection. I was involved in an accident wearing this jacket and this one protected me very well.
Try staying away from very sporty looking or leather ones, they will be very difficult to wear in Malaysian weather.
Also check for the armor quality, if its stiff plastic, it wont be that good or comfortable. My advise would be to visit several shops and try on several designs and models before you make the decision.

For shoes, I can not suggest anything better then TCX Urban series. Not only the shoes are trendy urban style but comfortable and provide enough protection to you. I really hate those ugly half cut racing boots. They are an eye sore and not very comfortable to wear. TCX urban series is water proof and super stylish. You can get them at Motogear Malaysia for a reasonable price.




I am not a fan of top case and non of my bikes had them. They are ugly and affects the performance, but if you wish to not carry everything in your bag they can be a great addon for extra storage space.



Most common one: People playing with their phones while driving. This is by far the most common hazard you will encounter while riding, you must look for signs of distracted drivers. You have to train your mind to always be on the look out for signs of distracted drivers, even then there is no guarantee. Increase your visibility which ever way possible, a loud exhaust will go a long way for you in Malaysia.

Another frequent hazard will come from lorries and trucks or any heavy load bearing vehicle. Most of them are driven by exhausted drivers, are not well maintained. As a rule of thumb I never ever ride right next to any of these, always create distance between you and these vehicles. Few other things, I try to see if the side I am trying to over take have side mirror and I can see the driver. One important thing is to quickly glance at the tires of the side facing you, a lot of times their tire tubes could explode. The shock wave is powerful enough not to cause physical damage to you but also throw you off your bike.
This habit did save me on more then one occasion.

Other then that, in Malaysia rain is the most common weather condition you will encounter, you can buy separate rain coats and pants. As a biker you will be as good as a weatherman on knowing when its about to rain lol.

You will be spending sometime under bridges, believe me on that one.




And you should be. In Malaysia speed limit is how fast you can go. Of course it depends on the type of road your riding at, if its a high way and your in the center lane you cant exactly go at 50, similarly if youre in the city you cant go 100 while lane splitting. Use your common sense.



No, the shifter paddle will destroy your office shoes. Its better you wear proper riding shoes. Try staying away from suede leather riding shoes, they dont fare well.



GPS tracker service will cost you monthly or yearly subscription.

In most cases it wont deter the thieve or provide much help with recovery of bike. You have to make security features visible to the thieve, why! because if the thieve can see them out on display he will know it will take more time to steal it hence higher chances of being caught.

Invest in a good disc lock, a one that is noisy as hell along with a good motorcycle anti-theft chain. These are special chains that are not easy to break. However you can also use simple good quality pad locks, just pass em through the vents on the break discs. But still invest in a good disc lock with alarm.

GPS/ mobile phone mounting kits are pretty useful.


Dont even bother with that, youre most likely gonna look like an orangutan if you try putting any gel before you reach office.


A chick that does not like bikes, aint worth the time to be with. My wife rides with me so go figure lol.


One last advise, always know your limitations. Even skilled riders can make mistakes, dont over estimate your skills and competence. You will encounter a lot of dick heads wanting to race you, resist the temptation.

This post has been edited by a-y: Mar 17 2018, 01:31 AM