If there is one thing I'm never going to downgrade, it's nothing less than a full face. That's why the MT Streetfighter SV, Scorpion Exo 2 are out of my list as the chin part is just that, a plastic cover.

Even the Boozer with the certified protection detachable chin part is a 50/50 for me because I don't know how the 'detachable' part will react under the stresses of a crash. Would have preferred it to be a one-piece helmet.

The Scorpion Covert FX does look good though. Just the look I like. might just go check it out over the long weekend. Hahah.

I legit didn't know peaks from ADV helmets are removable.. cause the last time I tested one, my head was 'primed for lift-off' whenever I accelerated and I think it's the peak that exacerbated that feeling. But I do like that ADV helmets have a wider visor area allowing a better FOV. Will look around and test it out.

Noise isn't really an issue for me as I wear earplugs whenever I ride so not too concerned about sound insulation.

Yeaps, one of my 'requirements' for helmet as well. Haven't actually had a pinlock system installed though my helmet has the 'hooks' ready. Been through a few wet rides but the water repellant spray that I've gotten from MrDIY has been doing a decent job keeping water off the visors.

Was thinking of getting the Pinlock when I upgrade my helmet soon. Install once kind of thing.

Doesn't make sense to install it on my current helmet because the pinlock itself would probably cost more than half my current helmet price

I cannot la. Tried riding without few days without earplugs and my ears were ringing when I reached the office. A bit hard for me as my ears are very important in my line of work.

The earplugs I got doesn't isolate all sound though, it just brings everything down to more manageable levels for my ear. I still can hear car horns or if they are speeding past me.

I have sensitive ear. Used to spend hours on end per day being on headphones due to my work which started this issue.

No longer doing it but long sustained noises above certain decibels can cause me to have a slight ringing which I realized once I started riding. So I went and got a pair of earplugs that helps cut down the issue significantly. Still can hear my surroundings la so it's all good.

Funny thing is, bassy exahust notes does the exact opposite for me. It's soothing somehow. Maybe cause you're feeling the low rumble with your body instead of hearing it? I don't know..

After nearly a year of riding, today marks a memorable day for me as I've moved up to the next comfortable level for me at 600cc. The power difference is quite drastic, keeping in mind my experience with larger CC bikes were confined to the driving school and friends who let me to take their bikes out for a quick spin around the block.

Really thankful for the few otais who convinced me to go with a smaller CC bike lest I kill myself before even learning to ride. Few close calls I had on the 250cc would have been disastrous on this 600cc like poor throttle control and holding the clutch during turns during my early days of riding. (Single Cylinder bike with their massive engine braking )

Few key differences I've noticed
- The throttle on this bike is so much more sensitive than the 250cc that I was daily-ing previously but the power on tap makes my commute much more exhilarating and smooth. Just have to smoothen out my wrist because my bike sounds like I'm rev-bombing each time I'm launching off as it's quite rev-happy.
- The 4-cylinders really made a difference in the smoothness and vibration but the heat between the legs were, let's just say... toasty. (Lucky I've decided not to have more kids or I bet this would have somehow affected my lineage.
- 4-cylinders are REV HAPPY..seriously..
- Highway cruising was so much more fun as the bike doesn't sound like it's stressed much. 100km/h at 4.5k revs in 6th gear.
- The 220kg weight was no issue when moving and even when going slow + lane splitting, it's really quite manageable. Must be the intensive training I had due to daily riding the 250cc.

As I mentioned many times before, it's been a journey and I can still scarcely believe I went from not knowing how to ride to upgrading my bike today. I foresee it's a continuous journey with many more things to learn during my rides to come. All said, my quality of life has returned and I'm a lot less tired these days with time to spend with family instead of getting stuck few hours on the roads. I get to enjoy my morning coffee and send my kids to school without getting caught in the morning crawl and I'm there when my kids come out of their daycare in the evenings. Riding is everything I thought it would be and more..

Closing things off, I'll see you guys on the road! Keep the rubber side down and shiny side up!

Obligatory bike pics

A lot of factor la, but the main thing being cost. It's quite cheap and comes with 4 cylinders. And the maintenance + parts are also very affordable and plenty around. Reliability is also something I looked into.

Yea, I commute via Federal every day. It's just my first few days so I'm still getting used to the power and handling characteristics. But taking it slow and safe, I'm sure it'll be ok. Just gotta know my limits and not push myself to 'test the throttle' which I've been tempted to but never tried.

Correct! Spare parts are cheap and aplenty. So No Worries about the motor going to sadai waiting for parts. It's my main mode of transportation now so must keep it as reliable as possible.

Hahah, I know which bike you're talking about. And no, this is not that bike. It's built by the same person though. Just with some other added 'customisation' for me such as double seat, rear hugger, crash bars and double exhaust.

Very acutely aware this bike has no ABS, so I've been keeping below 120km/h but with average cruising speed of 100km/h.

Wanted to ask the experienced otais here, I feel like I'm struggling when I go fast (aka 110km/h and above). I find myself tensing up and the wind buffeting also doesn't help as I feel myself getting 'thrown back' the faster I go. Any pointers on how to deal with this on a naked bike? Seating postures, nerves, or just plain greenhorn rider on my part?

This post has been edited by JPlaSMaY666: Sep 10 2025, 05:42 PM

I mostly commute on Federal Highway and turn out to PJ from there.

So far, my commute has been ok la. The bike lane isn't so bad with the bigger bike for me as the suspension feels more secure and planted on the uneven surfaces. Can't use the full power of the bike but it's there when I need it. Besides, I'm not riding a superbike la. I'm riding a 600cc Naked bike saja..hahah. Can't 'posture udang' already. Age catching up

This post has been edited by JPlaSMaY666: Sep 12 2025, 05:50 PM

I see.. I've been keeping to the left lane trying to get used to the wind. Haven't dared push the throttle yet but at 120km/h. I think the tension mostly comes from my lack of confidence as a new rider. I guess I have to go on more rides to acclimatize myself.

Ah, I don't dare overtake heavy vehicles unless I have a good healthy margin. Even driving my pickup truck also I can feel the 'turbulence' from these heavy vehicles sometimes. No joke.

I do tend to grip the handlebars tighter the faster I go. Bad habit, I know.. hahah. Been trying to grip the tank with my core and knees but somehow I don't feel secure enough especially when going fast. Definitely a 'skill + experience' issue. Or maybe installing rubber tank pads might help? Hmm

180+kmh on this bike? I remember when 40kmh seems fast to me just about a year ago. Let's aim for being comfortable at 120kmh first la since that's like the 'cruising standard' hadlaju kebangsaan

[quote=jaycee1,Sep 11 2025, 07:45 PM]
Wind is just something to get used to. In fact as I will explain later, it actually helps on some bikes to reduce fatigue.

I can ride all day sitting bolt upright at 130 on cruise control with no hands (not that I suggest you do). I'm also on a fast naked.

I've taken newer riders to Thailand and they are all spent by the end of the day. Exhausted and sore all over only after 500km. Big portion of it is being too stiff , not sitting correctly and overwhelmed by wind and stimulus. They just stress themselves out. It's not the bike, because we all ride the same exact model.

Learning to be relaxed on the bike takes time. Being loose is important for emergency evasive manoeuvres. Being physically relaxed gives you more mental alertness to spot dangers since you are not overwhelmed.

As for wind, leaning slightly forward and using the wind to support your upper body helps take the load off your arms..something your core and legs are supposed to do anyway. Work with what you are facing, not against it.

If you are in the PJ area, feel free to shoot me a PM for a meetup and I can give you some pointers. Tuition fees is a cup of teh tarik.


Me thinks the stimulus part might be true. Riding with and without earplugs, I feel myself feeling more vulnerable and 'sensitive' to speed when I'm without ear protection. And my helmet isn't exactly the most 'aerodynamic helmet' also la. It's an AXXIS Draken S. All the important safety features without the premium creature comforts. Hahah

I might just take you up on that 'bike lessons' as I work around PJ myself. And I'll do you one better, Teh Tarik + Makan but let me gain more 'time on the saddle' first la or your 'bike lessons' might be wasted on a newbie.

Went on a short ride with a friend and this chap was swinging his Z1000 around like it's nothing. It's like the wind doesn't affect him at all.. really shows the difference in skills and experience. I've racked up roughly 9,000km on the road and I still feel like I've just learn to ride seeing people like that.

Hahah, my wife did ask me about scooter. That's before I even heard of the term 'maxi scooter' or bigger CC scooters.

But I would still choose the bike because there's nothing like playing with the clutch and gears. It's a pain the ass, but once get used to it, it makes the commute more 'engaging' for me la.

Also agreed on the bike sounding right and feeling right at speed. My bike sounds like farts but once I twist the accelerator, the sound shifts which is something I really love. And the higher revs changes the tone of the exhaust for me as well. I just hope it's quite enough when going through road black that abang JPJ won't saman

On a separate note, so far all my roadblock experiences have been meh. The police always wave me through without letting me bring out my 'license'.. it's like, so much effort to take the test and license and you won't even look at it?

Not exactly a new experience. Just that I've ridden my Leoncino at 110 - 120km/h before but never really got used to the feeling of going fast. Besides, on a 250cc, those speeds are already at the 'upper limit' of what the machine can do and the light weight + vibration does contribute to the insecurity i feel going at those speeds.

This post has been edited by JPlaSMaY666: Sep 14 2025, 09:43 AM

Haven't really had the chance to ride the bike next to a lorry yet because I haven't had the balls to do so without a healthy amount of space. Rather be safe than sorry la..

Definitely more planted. I think I managed to creep up to 145km but that is as far as my 'balls' could take me. An improvement over the fear creeping up each time I hit 120km previously. Slowly but surely as I get used to the bike's handling.

I was initially worried the weight might be an issue but once the bike starts moving, I don't really feel it. Even during slow traffic, I've not had significant issues navigating around cars. The only real issue I had was heat which can be an issue even through my pants.

First thing I checked was the levers to make it line up with how I ride my bike which is ever so slightly downwards. Next I'll be looking towards adjusting/changing the stock foot pegs as it feels a little awkward for me. Would like to have it slightly lower to accommodate my longer legs.

Since getting more seat time, I've been a lot more relaxed around the handlebars. Gripping tank with the knees is still something I had to consciously tell myself but since the addition of tank grips, it just feels more natural doing so. Unconsciously though, I still find myself slowly gripping the bars tighter the faster I go.

And I've been keeping up with my slow speed maneuvers + figure 8 practice to get use to handling the bike at slower speeds. Clutch control is everything when riding the traffic everyday. I'm glad the motorcycle clutch wasn't as hard to learn but this could probably be me coming from manual transmission vehicles all my life.

Was nerve-wrecking the first 2 days of riding as I was still getting used to the bike but it was all good after that. Acclimatized a lot faster than I thought. I do appreciate the power on tap to overtake and get myself out of situations and cruising above 110 doesn't sound like I'm killing the engine

It's been slightly over a month with the upgrade, and I'm comfortable enough like I was on my 250 previously. Of course, loads to learn but then again, nothing more seat time wouldn't help with. I do ride every chance I get. Coming up to about 1 year since I started the thread and I've logged roughly 11,000km of seat time since starting out.

Beautiful beautiful bike @shyan90. Congratulations on the new ride! May it provide you many many smiles for miles in they years to come.

I don't think I would dare to hop on a sport bike and ride 'tunduk udang' wei. Much respect to the people who daily them to work. Hahah