Yes, to ride a bike, one does require purchasing special attire. Goggles, leather jackets, jeans, leather gloves and knee length leather boots. This may cost quite a large sum of money, no doubt.

But reflecting about this object, in more detail, we discover that riding motorcycles especially in this country, Malaysia, bike riders do receive special privileges as compared to other motorists. As to whether or not these privileges are accorded to other bike riders in other Asian nations or not, or for that matter in other countries elsewhere in the world, is uncertain.

Let us now talk about some of the many perks and privileges Malaysian motorcyclists enjoy.

1. Low fuel consumption

For only RM3 – RM5, a bike can travel anything from 50-80 km distance. For an average wage earner, this is quite cheap actually. Compare this to a motorist who drives, you will surely see what is being implied.

2. Not necessary to pay toll

Today, toll booths exist practically everywhere. Paying toll fees can be quite a headache. But the motorcycle riders are exempted from paying tolls. They pay no tolls at all.

This represents one of the few ways the government is trying to alleviate the problems faced by the less fortunate members of our society. You see, the motorcycle is deemed a poor man’s means of transport.

3. Road tax

For your information, bikers have to pay only a low nominal sum for road tax. They pay only RM2 road tax per year. It’s actually as good as free, so to say.

But unfortunately, they have to fork out quite a sum to pay for insurance though. A first party motorcycle insurance policy can cost up to a RM200-RM300 year. Well, there is a limit as to what the government can do.

4. Driving licenses

Prior to this article are being written, motorcycle riders who possessed a class B2 license (250 c.c.), pay RM20 a year for driving license. With effect, 1 September 2009, riders of this mode of transport need only pay RM2.

The economic slowdown has without doubt affected the livelihood of the people. The poorer and lower strata seem to be affected quite badly.

So, the authorities have decided to help ease the suffering of the people, by announcing this recent decision. It augurs well for the lower income group of our society.

5. Cost of getting a driving license reduced (Class B2 -250 c.c.)

From approximately RM280-300, the Road Transport Department has issued a directive to all driving institute all across the country to lower the cost of getting a motorcycle license to the sum above. Whether the amount is enough to cover cost of operations is still uncertain. Whether the driving schools and institutes will abide by the decision made is another.

How to ensure the above price structure is followed or not, that it’s yet another bone of contention. But the new price appears to be good and ought to be applauded. The authorities caring attitude is magnanimous.

6. Bridge tolls

In some places, like the Penang Bridge, in the northern state of Pulau Pinang, tolls are collected from the motorists using this facility. Initially, motorcyclists need to pay toll too. But today, this has been waned to help ease the difficulties faced by the people who used motorcycles especially.

7. Parking is free

Cars pay RM0.50 per hour parking fees in most towns and cities all over the country. But for motorcycles, this amenity is provided free of charge. After all, motorcycles do not require too much space to park.

What further privileges and perks will the government introduce in the near future, it’s left to be seen. Therefore, when we say there are many advantages motorcyclists enjoy over those driving cars, it was not just saying, but actually a fact.

Each time a motorcycle rider decides to take off or ride off, if you wish, you are recommended to inspect your vehicle.

What do you ideally have to do? As a good and cautious rider, you should check a few important aspects of your motorcycle.

1) Vehicle controls.

Amongst the controls should include the motorcycle’s handbrakes and foot brakes.

Make sure that they function perfectly.

Secondly, its throttle should ideally also function well. Its application should be well oiled and easily applied. In short, it should be easily applied and released as well.

Thirdly, see to it that brake cables and handbrakes too, if necessary be applied with WD40 oil to facilitate easy application.

Fourthly, tyres are important items of a motorcycle too. Optimum tyre pressure and tyre treads are of extremely important, especially for the safety of riders.

2) Headlamps.

Headlamps and tail lamps should function well at all times. They should also be cleaned all the time.

Ensure that signals or indicators work well. Make certain also that brake lights function too. Horns are another item hat should not fail also.

3) Motorcycle chain.

Motorcycle chains are also essential items of a motorcycle. It in fact should be oiled regularly. It should ideally not be too tight nor too loose.

Seek the assistance of a good motorcycle mechanic should you lack the expertise to determine what is good for you.

4) Handle bar mirrors.

In most countries, including Malaysia, it’s an offense not having this important item in a motorcycle. Do adjust your handle bar mirrors prior to your moving off on a journey. Kindly remember it’s dangerous to adjust handle bar mirrors while you are on the move.

5) Engine oil and petrol.

Prior to using your motorcycle, check your engine oil level of your machine. Lack of this oil would cause great damage to your machine.

Likewise, your petrol level in your motorcycle should also be inspected to prevent any unforeseen breakdowns.

Do not ride your motorcycle when the tank is at its reserve level. You can only ride it to the nearest petrol pump station only.

This article has attempted to advise you a few things, albeit important about motorcycles. It is hoped that they will go a long way in making your motorcycle riding more enjoyable and trouble free.

Keep riding and enjoy yourselves!

Riding a motorcycle, without doubt is dangerous.

However, motorcycle riding can be made safer, provided a few important rules and regulations are followed.

It is recommended that those who intend to ride motorcycles, first and foremost should make it a point to use the correct gear or apparels which as extremely important for motorcycle riding.

Using the above would ensure the safety of riders whilst they are on the road. What essentially should priority be given to when one wishes to ride a motorcycle? It is none other than the safety helmets.

Safety helmets, first of all, should be Sirim approved helmets. Regarding helmets, riders should bear in mind that very recently, the authorities have banned the half-helmet version in Malaysia.

Nevertheless, the above helmet is very popular in the United States. It is reputed that half helmets are used mostly by lady motorcycle riders and traffic cops.

With regards to the wearing of motorcycle helmets, what important aspects should be given due consideration? Amongst the due considerations which should be accorded to it are:

i) Ensure that you wear helmets properly. Furthermore, it should also be comfortable. And obviously, helmets used should ideally be of a good standard. As stated earlier on, making sure it is Sirim approved one would be of great help.

ii) Some people may not be aware, but motorcycle helmets should ideally be brightly coloured. Why should helmets be of such nature, you may ask?

Brightly coloured helmets like yellow and white, have been found to be safer. It can be seen distinctly in the dark or gloomy weather.

iii) Another thing a rider should ensure is that a helmet should be laced with reflective bands.

iv) Safety helmets have a certain lifespan. Do make it a point to change your helmet if necessary.

v) When riding motorcycles, the use of visor or goggles or riding spectacles are of utmost importance. The above protect predominantly the eyes and face of a rider. Riders need to be protected from stones, insects and strong wind.

vi) Besides one’s face and eyes, other parts of the rider’s body also need protection as well. Leather jackets and jeans play an important part too.

vii) To protect a rider’s ankles and knees, motorcycle riders are advised to wear knee high leather boots.

Up to the point this article has only concentrated upon attire or motorcycle apparels.

Are these the only items or equipment that ensure the safety of a motorcycle rider? Certainly they are not!

To ride a motor safely, there are obviously other factors such as motorcycle maintenance.

Compared to a car, those who ride motorcycles can be said to be lucky. To maintain a motorcycle is much cheaper compared to a car.

Nevertheless, it does cost some money and time. Even though , a few articles have been written specially on the maintenance of motorcycle, I feel writing yet another article on this subject would be a good idea.

The following is 10 easy tips to help a motorcyclist with his machine maintenance.

1) Service the machine periodically.

To service a motorcycle at the petrol station would cost only a few ringgit. Dust, dirt and rust will all be rid of. Eventually, your motorcycle will be in a spick and span condition.

2) Check your foot brakes and hand brakes.

The above 2 brakes are essential items of the machine. Ensure that they perform well. Adjust the foot brakes and hand brake mechanism from time to time.

3) Checking of the throttle cable.

The throttle can get jammed. Spray some W.D. 40 oil on them. Throttle cable has to be smooth, easily manipulated and easily applied. Periodically, the entire cable has to be dismantled and oiled.

4) The inspection of tyres.

There are 2 things regarding tyres that have to be inspected. Pressure and its threads. Check them over periodically and your safety will then be ensured.

A word of advice though. A good and safe tyre should possess a 50% thread pattern.

5) The chains.

Chains can become elongated or sometimes they can be too tight. Adjust them from time to time. A good mechanic should be able to assist you. Tightening them can be rather easy. Learn how to do it yourself.

6) The lights.

Clean your headlamps and rear lights. Ensure that they are not covered with dust and grime. They should also function well.

Signals are important. Ensure that they perform well. Brake lights should also be checked. The horn is yet another important item. Make sure it is working properly.

7) The handle bar mirrors.

Some say the right handle bar mirror is required by law. While the left handle bar mirror is optional. My advice is you have them on both sides.

Adjust the mirrors properly before you ride off. Try to avoid adjusting the handle bar mirrors while riding. This can be dangerous!

8) Check engine oil and petrol.

Unlike previously, where meters did not exist, present day motorcycles have lubrication oil meter and petrol gauges on them. Check that they are up to the required levels.

A shortage of any one of the above will cause much inconvenience to the rider. Avoid using the machine until the reserve level. Unless you are riding to the petrol station.

A lack of engine oil will cause mechanical problems which will bring you lots of problems.

9) The air filter.

Many motorcyclists are unaware that motorcycles, like cars, have air filters too. This has to be changed periodically. It does not cost much. But it can cause a lot of problems to the rider.

10) The petrol filter.

Like cars, some motorcycles have this important item too. Like air filters, their cost is rather low. Ask your mechanic to change them for you and your vehicle will surely run better and smoother.

These are 10 things that are important to the rider of a motorcycle. Have them inspected when and as convenient to you. This would ensure you a trouble free ride wherever you wish to go.

17) One important item of the motorcycle itself which should not be forgotten to be mentioned is the Exhaust Pipe System or The Silencer. This item has to be inspected from time to time.

The interior part of the exhaust pipe can deteriorate thus emitting excessive smoke and loud exhaust sound. Be it be known that the law reiterates that any vehicle which emits a more than 90 decibel sound into the atmosphere has committed an offense. This is known as “sound pollution“.

If you are unaware, the Ministry of Health will act on those responsible for the factories causing both “air” as well as “sound pollution”.

18) Another item in the motorcycle which needs our attention is the “gear changing mechanism” which is situated on the right foot itself. Its function is to facilitate the changing of gears. This item can very well become loose and cause gear changing difficulties. Have this part checked from time to time to prevent potential breakdown.

19) The throttle mechanism which is meant to accelerate a motor forward has a cable which can sometimes get jammed. Oil the mechanism with ideally W.D. 40 to prevent it from getting stucked or jammed.

If this mechanism is jammed, the possibility of not being able to control your motor is extremely high. Accidents can happen.

20) The engine oil of your motorcycle’s engine also requires periodic check-up from time to time. Ensure that the engine do not lack engine oil as this might cause the engine to be jammed up and eventually require your engine to be “overhauled”.

21) Some motorcycles have an item called the fuel filter. The fuel filter function is to filter out the impurities which are contained in our fuel / petrol. Have the filter changed often, which will then result in our motorcycles running smoothly.

There might be some minor items which has escaped my attention and apologies should therefore be rendered.

Finally, in highlighting the items which has to kept in view in order to “maintain the tip-top condition of a motorcycle”, it should be borne in mind that the blog’s intention is not to expect a rider or the owner of a motorcycle to do the repairs of the important items himself, but to be aware and thus bring his vehicle to the nearest motor shop for proper attention.

Hopefully highlighting the 20 or so important items of the motorcycle will eventually help to keep your machine in tip-top condition always. Keep riding!

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In the first and second part of this article on “How to look after one’s motorcycle to keep in tip-top condition”, we stopped at the item entitled the “The Headlights“. In reality, the headlights should go hand in hand with the next item which is:
11) The rear or hind lights of the motorcycle – The “hind” or “rear” lights of the motorcycle is equally as important as the frontal lights. Due attention should be placed also upon this important item as well.

Rear lights light up the rear of the motor. Without it, riding a motorcycle becomes “dangerous”. People or motorist cannot spot you.

Rear lights also “light” up when you apply your brakes. Then and only then can motorists behind you realise you’re slowing down. If the brakes lights fail to “light up”, they might knock into you. So brake lights mechanism should be continually inspected to ensure that they are in good working condition.

Again, your “safety” may very well depend on it. Anyway, please remember “brake” lights not functioning is an Offense!

12) Horn – The horn is intended to “warn” people. It’s meant to prevent accidents. Without it, riding motorcycles would be extremely dangerous. Unfortunately in motorcycles especially, horns do get spoilt rather easily. So riders should take steps to see it works perfectly. So kindly do your duty in ensuring the horn of your motorcycle function well.

13) Signals or indicators as some people know them as are important items of a motorcycle. There are the left and right signals. A condenser controls these two items. Bulbs in the signal unit can “burn out”. Replace them periodically.

14) Then there is the locking mechanism underneath the handle bars. Your motorcycle’s safety depends on it. Ensure the “lock” mechanism is not spoilt. Test it out from time to time. Do repair it instantly, if necessary. It can prevent “theft”.

15) Many are not aware than chain covers on a motorcycle is not only an important item of a motorcycle but that it is a compulsory item of a motorcycle too. Therefore, anyone who purposely removes the chain cover of his motorcycle is infact committing an Offense.

Let me explain why. In times of accidents, when one falls and goes “sprawling” onto the ground, it is possible your legs might get “entangled” in the chains of the motorcycle itself. Can you imagine what a gory accident it’s going to be?

Except for motors which “originally” has no chain covers like “Scrambler” models. When they first come out of the factory, any one willfully removing his motorcycle “chain cover” is in fact committing a serous offense.

16) The front absorber of a motorcycle should also be checked by an owner from time to time. It’s capacity to act as a good shock absorber, the handle bar “struts” on the left and right of the wheel has to be maintained well also.

While we mention the frontal absorber, let’s also mention the rear absorber too. Modern bikes nowadays use the “hydraulic” types. Do check out all four absorbers of your bikes.

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6) The chain, which pulls the motor along can become elongated or “kendur”. It needs to be tightened from time to time. A too long elongated drive chain of a motorcycle is Dangerous. Have the chain shorten. You have also to “oil” the chain. Thus proper servicing of the motorcycle chain is of utmost importance. Your safety depends on it.

7) Modern motorcycles have 12 Volt battery system. Like car batteries, they need service. Fill up the batteries with “battery” water or “distilled” water. You can also use “rain” water. Battery water is available from “spare parts” shop, if you don’t know.

8) Motors have handle bar mirror on both the right and the left. “Right” side handle bar mirrors are “compulsory”. The left side is optional. You can get fined for not having the right handle bar mirror.

9) Like cars, your motorcycle also has 2 tyres (the front and the rear tyres) to be taken care of. Like cars, it also has Balancing, Alignment and Pressure problems to be dealt with. Learn up how to deal with these problems. Learn from friends and colleagues how to deal with them.

Tyre “threads” determine your safety. Remember, a tyre should have a 60% tyre thread to be considered as a good, safe tyre!

10) The headlights of the motorcycle also requires maintenance. There are “bulbs” for both the low beam and the high beam.

Periodically these bulbs can “fuse” or “burn” out. They have to be changed from time to time. Ensure these important items of your motor is in good working condition. Your safety is in “their” hands, so to say.

As this article is getting longer and longer each and every minute, and there are still many more items left. I contemplate not to proceed any longer, but to stop here and to continue writing about “How to look after one’s motorcycle to keep it in tip-top condition” some other time.

Do keep in touch with this blog as the continuation of this important topic will be done in a later article in this blog.

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Many people opt to use the motorcycle compared to cars nowadays due to its low fuel consumption, handy to operate, no parking problem, no problem with facing traffic jams and of course maintenance is much lower than cars.

But in reality, when you continue to read this article, you’ll be surprised, maintaining the motorcycle in good tip-top condition isn’t as simple and cheap as you think. Well, you are welcome to make your own conclusion after you have completed reading this article.

At first, it was not my intention to do a write-up on motorcycles. But after weighing the amount of articles my blog has concentrated on “cars”, I feel slightly uneasy some readers might think I am biased towards them, especially those who ride the 2 wheelers.

So then here goes.
1) Road Tax and Insurance Problem – There is no problem regarding this issue. Road tax is free. Pay only for the Insurance. Whether its 1st Party insurance or 3rd Party All Riders’ Insurance. I beg being unable to furnish you details. If you are using a runner’s service or the Post Office, you obviously, have to pay a small sum of fee.

2) Wear ideal clothes for motorcycle riding – Unlike cars, for motorcycles, ideally one is expected to wear jackets and gears for protection purposes. Wear leather gloves, high leather boots (up to knees ideally) and “goggles” for protection against dust, sand and insects. And no slippers, please.

3) Then there is the question of Safety Helmets – Here I mean Approved “Sirim“ safety helmets. Ideally, use the best available in the market. If you have ever heard of “Bell“, that would be good. Hope the sound of the helmet doesn’t ring any bells in your head.

With the latest decision by the Transport Minister, Y.B. Ong Tee Keat regarding the banning of the “half coconut” looking so called “helmet” recently, you had better “chuck” the stupid looking thing into the nearest river.

For those who do not know the cost of a “Bell” helmet is, it is anything between RM500 to RM1000. Can you even imagine you and your girlfriend wearing this brand of helmets?

Another thing regarding helmets. The “shell”, after lapse of time, can become brittle, thus becomes unable to protect your “shell” (head) instead. So periodic inspection and purchasing of new helmets is necessary.

The “straps” of the helmet also undergo “wear and tear”. Therefore, they have to be changed.

A final word of advice. Choose bring coloured helmets like white, yellow and anything “bright”. Safer, so say the “experts”.

4) Checking of both the front and rear brakes – This is utmost importance. The “front” brakes and its cable can sometimes be jammed. It becomes difficult to “pull” or “apply” so to say. Do spray some “W.D. 40″ on it. Don’t be lazy! It might save you some day from some nasty accident.

The foot brake has also to be adjusted periodically. Ensure the “free play“ of the rear brake mechanism has no more than 1 – 1 1/2 inch of free play. Too much free play is “dangerous”.

If you yourself is capable of adjusting the rear brakes, well and good. If not, its time to visit “Wah Motor”. Hope you understand what my message is.

Some newer motorcycles nowadays have “hydraulic” brake system. You not only have to check the hydraulic fluid level in the plastic reservoir on the right hand side handle bar of your motorcycle but you also have to check the condition of the “disc brake” in the front wheel and also the condition of the “drum brakes” in the rear wheel as well.

5) Even small bikes, like bigger C.C. bikes nowadays have clutch cables to change gears. Cables means the possibility of getting jammed up. Make sure periodic “oiling” (use W.D. 40) to the cables is thus maintained.

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