Compare and Constrast

2 iron horses at the mosque: a HONDA Shadow VLX 600 and MOMOS Bobber 350. Both fundamentally are cousins because their engines came from the same Marque although Honda gave Regal Raptor the rights to upgrade and construct the modified engine. In overall dimension, the MOMOS Bobber is noticeably slightly bigger and longer but in engine size and quality, the HONDA Shadow is clearly outstanding and a reference in the 600-650cc category. In size, the MOMOS Bobber is larger to the HONDA Shadow as what the HD Sportster is larger to the MOMOS Bobber. Because of the MOMOS Bobber seat spring's construction, it looks like the HONDA Shadow's seat is lower by an inch. MOMOS Bobber front shocks are slightly more raked than the HONDA Shadow. The MOMOS idles louder but the HONDA can show it has more growl when it wants to. As the MOMOS Bobber is slightly longer, that elongated look makes it more beautiful just like the MOMOS Spyder overshadows it's Daytona and Bobber brother from the point of beauty whereas the HONDA Shadow's strength is evident by its bigger engine size which oozes power. Of course, MOMOS Bobber's clear hardtail frame gives it that Rough Rider look where a rider in tattered jeans feels at home whereas the HONDA Shadow's softail frame gives it a slightly more gentleman's look. For practicality, the HONDA Shadow wins hands down but for that timeless classic appeal and the perfect partner to grow old with, I salute the MOMOS Bobber.

No more free-play!

Since the third party handlebar grips were fitted, I noticed there was excessive free play but thought this was expected when third party grips were fitted, even the fitter did not say nor do anything about it. But when I checked with my salesman, he said excessive free play can be corrected by adjusting the cable screws. Since I did not know where that was, today I watched my regular mechanic pull the rubber sleeves below the throttle exposing the cable nut. He concentrated on the front nut later did some adjustments to the rear nut. After testing the throttle and satisfied, he then covered the nut back with the rubber sleeves. Simple but if I was not shown how, I'm sure I will be left puzzled where and which nut is it.

THEE reference photo

This is THE reference photo (courtesy of Welly, Klang website) of the MOMOS Bobber that I would look up everyday before I ended up buying it. When I surfed the internet and make comparisons, I found this particular bobber is very well balanced, has a beautifully shaped frame (not as short like a Honda Shadow 600) and nicely raked front shocks (not as poorly raked as a MOMOS springer-Bobber). Although admittedly, the peanut tank has limited capacity, I really love the shape of that tank. However, I did not buy it there as I am not familiar of that part of Klang, secondly, there are other alternatives closer to where I stay. As you can see, I opt for the first generation handlebars just like in the photo which is now standard on a Daytona, although, the current second generation handlebar has a larger circumference and I prefer the former version which is now on my bobber. I was also eyeing and ogling the gorgeous fishtail pipes which are the longer (current) second generation exhaust pipes. My only disappointment is the single horn has a squeaky note. Maybe I'll add another in future.

Vandalized portion being touched-up.

Although the vandalized injury only concerned the rear portion of the bobber, my bobber has been a satisfying hobby of mine and the realization of a teenage dream. I just couldn't stand the sight of the vandalized part so eventually asked my airbrush painter to do a touch-up. Yesterday, I received this photo from him and today, the end (black) portion of the rear mud guard is currently getting some final touches because the painter said the vandalism was quite deep and required additional touch-up. When I saw this photo, I was already pleased.