My all time favourite!

Pros:
1. You can get a brand new Japanese built solid coloured one locally for RM1450. Try DC Bikers or HelmetPenang for deals
2. Visor change, easy to change and it has a spring like retention mechanism to pull the visor closer to the helmet to mitigate rain & wind noise.
3. Pinlock sheet for visor works like a charm
4. Rock solid build and light - weights less than 1.5kg
5. Suitable for both 3/4 and fully tucked in mode
6. So many vents! Inlet and outlet. Expect wind noise.
7. Quality of cheek and liner pads is top notch. I wash mine regularly and it held up well.
8. I crashed in one and it saved the back of my head. Not feeling dazed and confused after impact.

Cons:
1. Does not come with dual visor options out of box. U need to purchase them separately. They have many visor options for you to choose from
2. Visor options available locally is limited
3. Cheek pad replacements is also limited locally
4. Vents. Unlike Arai's which uses a button type - Shoei XR/RF1100 uses a sliding mechanism (eye brow and rear exhaust vents). I find this very troublesome when you need to shut off the vents during rain. U really need to get use to it
5. Shell size is a bit big even I wear a Medium sized helmet

My previous XR1100 which lasted me 8 months



Heartsickkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk



From the picture, it just looks like the helmet has suffered minor scratches. But when I took the liners out, the foam at the back of my head was out of shape indicating that there were sign of an impact. In summary, helmet is not use anymore.

lucifah - the pinlock sheet works well for me when its raining and I have to stop for eg at the traffic lights. I would say it is an added advantage to have it, but not mandatory.

Happened Dec 2011 after Christmas, on my way to Gohtong Jaya. Was taking an easy ride up and I evaded a car at a double corner when the driver decided to go wide. Bike went to a patch of sand at the edge of the road and my body and head came into impact to the middle divider.




I will take pics of my Dainese jacket later.

monaz - I am listing down the helmets based on the brands you can find in SG
AGV, OGK, Shoei and Arai - Lim Ah Boy (LAB) aka Regina Specialties
AGV, Nolan and Shoei - Chong Aik
Arai - Chiap Lee
HJC & Shark - Motoworld

So far, my shopping experience with the above 4 - LAB and Motoworld is still my favourite though you need to negotiate your price through. LAB has lots of good stuff for Alpinestars.

Alpinestars boutique at Setapak sells at near online retail price, hence for the name boutique. Are you sourcing from Pak Su? Coz I am interested to get a pair of Fastlane shoes.

I do not know any trusted online retailers from HK, but you can look through the buy/sell section at www.ibike.com.hk for a start. What I can share with you for Arai helmets based on my previous trip as of the following:

Graphics RX7RR5 - HKD5499
Solid RX7RR5 - HKD4999
Solid Astro IQ - HKD4699 (Cant really recall on this one)
Graphics Astro IQ - HKD5299
Solid Tour Cross 3 - HKD3999
Mirror finish visor for RX7RR5 - HKD700
Dark smoke visor for RX7RR5 - HKD360

Prices listed above is based on their retail price. You can get a 10% off if you have their member/discount card. They are the only Arai authorized dealer in HK & Macau, goes by the name of Hung Hing Co. Was surprised when my wife told me it was managed by a group of golden aged ladies. But my shopping experience with them is 2 thumbs up. Not only are the ladies (on a retrospect, I think most would call them aunties lar...) helpful, they seriously know their s-hit about what is displayed on the shelf. Oh - I forgot to mention that the 10% is also applied to on sale items. They have RX7RR5s graphics on sale for size S at HKD4999 - and with the 10% off, another HKD500 will be knocked off the price listed.

Hope this helps.

This post has been edited by phobian: May 31 2012, 12:34 AM

I agree that if you ride on a 3/4 upright position at speeds of 180 km/h above, the rider would take a massive toll of wind resistance to his body, shoulders and legs. But maybe it is just me and I got used to it and it does not bother me at all.

I stand tall at 165cm weighting 67kgs, average Asian built with bulging stomach due to excessive entertainment. Due to my average built size, I would tuck in completely in a race-like position where my helmet view port is just right in front of me. The screen I am using on my Z1000 is not even bubble-d comparing to Powerbronze or similar to sports bike type double bubble. I could go on like that without feeling stress until I run out of fuel. Again, maybe it is due to the adrenaline rush gunning the highway at 250km/h.

qqmeng - just go with the Z1000SX. You cant go wrong with that.

Depends on your spending power - there is no right or wrong to buy 2nd hand or a spanking new bike. Many has chose the path to purchase a used bike so we would not feel heartache when the bike is thrashed in the process of learning to ride.

Just got the news for folks whom would like to own the 2012 ER6N & 6F at 3.78% interest rate

You can also refer to the advertisement here

I also come to understand that this interest rate is only applicable for folks whom are age of 30 years old and above - full B license is required.

Too bad that the model I am looking at does not qualify for the 3.78%, otherwise I would change my ride to tarpau alkt's Z1000.

In my dreams!

You wait - till I get THIS!

qqmeng - I believe the judgements you are making is based on what you hear and what you read. My thoughts process as of the following:

1. If you have not ridden a bike before, how would you know how would a bike handle and its performance suits you? Even till today, I just only know how to whack a bike wide open throttle. I am still very newbie in this hence kena tarpau by likes of alkt and similar with lower cc bikes.
2. Be it a twin, inline 4, or 3 cylinder - does the type of engine make the best out of you or do you just want a brag factor of having a good bike?
3. 165cm people like us - I could climb and handle a touring Versys used all the way from KL to London with ease in our stupid traffic. I have the same fear as you at first, it jaded off after I learnt how to get use to it. And how I wish I was born taller and stronger...
4. If you have the spending power, just go with what you are comfortable with. Just do not forget to buffer some for riding gear, be it functional or just for stylo mylo - always remember to dress for the crash!

Ya I will, just to brag that I can tarpau you at straights at 300km/h. Then u will be showing me your sidewinding butt twisting skills when we head to twisties rite?

Dont care RC8, Vmax, Ghost Rider Turbo Busa - I just want to tarpau mahjong alkt only..

New Z1000 getting ready to be shipped to Sarawak. Wonder who is the lucky owner..

You think its going to be shipped with plastic wraps?

The only authorised distributor for Arai goes by the name of Hung Hing Co.

They have lots of Arais for you to choose from so long as it is a Asia/Japan specs. I picked up a RX7RR5 which is on sale for HKD4990. I had another 10% on top of the sale price as a friend had their discount card. For other apparels, they stock very limited Alpinestars stuff. I could only see some pouches, a handful of jackets and gloves. But if you are into karting, they have quite a number of selection from OMP.

For apparels, I would recommend Moto Mart. Though I did not drop by due to time constraint - but was told that they have a super large collection of apparels. Listed price is the same with online prices as I was told.

Hope this helps.

Suzuki is not known by many. But bike enthusiast and loyalist do know what SUZUKI is all about.

Me? I am just a noobie and only know how to steer, brake and punch the throttle.

One of my riding mates almost bought a fully loaded K9 when he opted for an upgrade to sportsbike. It was a tough choice for him comparing the fully loaded K9 vs 2012 ZX-10R. Finally, he went with the ZX-10R despite what he like so much about the K9 he had for a week. I on the other hand heard and seen so much that day in and out, I was day dreaming and talking about the all new L2. Dead set to get my hands on one of this mean machine and felt like..



But due to unforeseen circumstances, this L2 will have to come another day

This post has been edited by phobian: Jun 14 2012, 03:15 PM

Bought 2 Forma boots from this guys, Kishu and family. Nice people to deal with.

Sold of the Diablo to replace with a high cut boot. Still having the Boulevard for daily/town rides and still taking the beating after a year of use. Velcros and zippers are still in very good condition. Thumbs up for a good product at competitive price point.

Rough estimate about RM80-95k depending on what accessories is thrown in.

Just a word of advise and caution for you folks.

Do you carry a laptop? If yes, I strongly suggest you folks to change to a hardshell backpack. I learnt my lesson already and even with whatever padded soft padded backpacks/tankbags/saddlebags - your laptop has a 50/50 chance of survival if you fall or tumble/roll at low speeds. Kick here is not about the laptop getting damage or recoverable - but the data.

---

Added on July 14, 2012, 3:46 pmI wouldnt concur to this. I rode with 1000cc & 750 nakeds on a lock stock and barrel ER6, without screen and all. No problem keeping up with them on the highway as many would cruise at 180. On trunk and twisties, no problem keeping up as well.

Even if they blast it out at speeds excessing at 200 or more, when its time for a fuel refill - I would be there before they finish their refuel.

My advise is, just enjoy your ride with whatever bike you have. I am always contented so long as I get to ride, even on my puny 110 KSR!

This post has been edited by phobian: Jul 14 2012, 03:46 PM