Photography

I grew up with photography as a hobby because it was a household hobby among the boys. As time passed by, photography became an expensive hobby and  I downgraded from SLr to a sub-professional camera. Over time, the quality of the handphone's camera improved tremendously as it became imensely popular and one could do away with the bulkiness of the optical camera and its accessory. Furthermore, I realized as for me, the largest image I was ever going to need for my hobby was the size of my 19" desktop monito. Here, a high end smartphone was could deliver that in exceptionally good quality. Desktop editing and even handphone app editing advanced so much that I have long said goodbye to SLRs.

Assessing exhaust finish options

I sandpapered the stainless pipe with No.600 sandpaper to see the effect of a brush chrome exhaust pipe. For one, it's slippery smooth to touch and there won't be any fingerprints to see. There is less maintenance with this option. However, I am monitoring to see how long the pipe can maintain its brush chrome brilliance without polish. I need to get an second opinion later from the exhaust fabricator whether the quality of the stainless steel pipe used makes a difference, failing which, I may opt for a black mandrel pipe or fully stainless steel; a tussle between cost and least maintenance.

All about Raptors

I initially thought a Raptor was a specific bird specie but when I did a Google search, I found out from this interesting site that

"The word raptor is derived from the Latin word "rapere," which means to seize. Raptors are birds of prey that feed on live captured prey or on carrion. Typically, birds of prey have to kill things to make a living! Raptors may be diurnal, meaning they feed during the daytime, or nocturnal, meaning they feed at nighttime. Raptors have three characteristics setting them apart from all other birds:

• Strong grasping feet with sharp talons used to seize prey
• A hook-beak used to kill and rip apart prey
• Predators with a diet that consists entirely of meat

Raptors are predatory animals and are often on top of the food chain in most places where they live. Thus, raptors are bellwethers of ecosystem health. If through close study we see that raptors in the wild are threatened, then we must conclude that other animals in that ecosystem are also at risk. For this reason, the study of raptors in the wild and in captivity is like a window into the lives of all living things in our environment."

One learns something new everyday.

Shinko Tyres

The classic cruiser tyre is what I am looking to replace my aging stock tyres as it has that everlasting classic look I seek for my bobber. Apparently, for my stock front and rear rim size of 80/90 and 160/80, the best value for money tyres are the "Shinko" brand, made in South Korea. From the table above, it shows the tyre size I should seek is 5.00-16 (speed symbol:S) for both front and rear rims. From past experience and practical reasons, I prefer the black and not the white wall version. They are also slightly cheaper than normal tyres as they are not designed for high speed which I do not mind, after all, I never exceed 120kph and my usual fastest speed is 110kph. They sell for RM625/unit mail-order (not including transportation cost) and RM623/unit off-the-shelf sold in the adjacent town where I live.

Technical Specification of the Malaysian Regal Raptor Bobber (DD350E-2)

VEHICLE	ITEM	PARAMETER
Vehicle	Dimension	2400x830x1150(LXBXH) mm
	Wheelbase	1680mm
	Kerb Weight	170kg
	Max. Speed	140kph
	Front Tyre & Pressure	80/90 - 225kpa
	Rear Tyre & Pressure	160/80 - 225kpa
	Fuel Tank	8 lit
	Reserve Tank	2.7 lit
Electrical	Ignition	CDI Electrical Ignition
	Headlight	12V35W/35W
	Turn Signal Light (F&R)	12V10W
	Tail/ Brakelight	12V21/5W
	License Plate Light	12V10W
	Spark Plug	A6RTC
	Accumulator	12V9A.h
	Fuse	15A
	Horn	12V105dB
Engine	Model	DD262MN
	Type	2 Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Water Cooled, twin carburettor
	Displacement	320 lit
	Min. Fuel-Consuming Ratio	354
	Compression Ratio	10.2:1
	Min. Idle Speed	1,500+/-100
	Spark Plug Gap	0.6-0.7mm
	Fuel Type	RON 93
	Engine Oil Type	SAE10W-40 API SG
	Rated Power	17kw (8,000s/m)
	Transmission	Normally Joggled 5 Gears
	Primary Drive Ratio	3.631
	1st Drive Ratio	2.846
	2nd Drive Ratio	1.777
	3rd Drive Ratio	1.333
	4th Drive Ratio	1.083
	5th Drive Ratio	0.913
	Terminal	2.429
	Fan Initial Temp.	85 Celcius
Cooling	Reflector Initial Temp.	125 Celcius
	Coolant	1.6 lit
	Coolant Type	3500 Anti-Freeze Anti-Rust

History of the Iron Zebra

I first saw a hardtail frame bobber at 17. Years passed, commitments took over, image stayed. After I pensioned, I surfed the internet for a Vespa but when the Regal Raptor Bobber 350 popped up, I said I must have it. The special edition with fishtail exhaust pipes was bought the next day using a Golden Pension benefit. Malaysian versions use twin carburettors which I prefer over the EFI version because it is easier to service and am told by mechanics sounds better. The factory hardtail frame earned 1st prize for EURO 3 Certificate on Homologation so we can conclude it has a structurally strong frame. It only has a humble 350cc engine so I chose a colour concept where parts within the triangular frame remain black giving the impression the engine block is much bigger. Agreed, it is no Harley Davidson (HD) but this is basically what I always wanted ... a factory hardtail. Even HD, Indians nor Triumph not produce hardtail bobbers. Longer than a HD FXDC Dyna Super Glide by 1.4’’ and seat height lower than a HD Sportster by 1.6”, it has a hardtail dimension definitely beautiful to look at. Timeless and will still look good 20 years from now.

CUSTOMIZATION:
~ Factory mid-ape handlebars replaced stock handlebars .
~ Longer brake and clutch cables replaced shorter stock cables.
~ Zebra stripes designed by me, air brushed by expert.
~ Third party handlebar grips replaced worn softer handlebar grips.
~ Better 1.0mm ignition cables replaced 0.7mm ignition cables.
~ Grounding cable from (-) terminal and engine block improved headlight brightness.
~ Aluminium internal throttle replaced worn stock internal throttle.
~ Air-horn replaced unreliable electrical horn.
~ Custom brackets relocated sidelight indicators.
~ Custom license plate holder-cum-brake light replaced vandalized rear section.
~ Cracked rear section dismantled after 2 vandalism.
~ Chrome header covers replaced black version to add contrast.

REVIEW
~ It is long so doesn’t like corners and U-turns so handle it like a long trailer.
~ Hard shocks from the rear from can be felt all the way to the handlebars.
~ RON 95 in full tank goes 100 km before reserve petrol takes over.

~ I plan to change the stock 36T rear sprocket to 32T.
~ A friend who did that said it can travel 150km before reserve petrol takes over.
~ Minimalist design means need to reset the km. counter to zero after petrol is filled.
~ Budget components compromise reliability.
~ Stock tyres not so effective.
~ Bobbers are best for easy-riding, not so nice to ride after 100kph.

CONCLUSION
~ Poor quality wiring is key complaint, a complete rewiring project is recommended.
~ Budget drive chain quickly slacks. A heavy-duty version transfers power responsively
~ Electric horn cannot handle Malaysian thunderstorm. A air-horn is much better.
~ Soft internal throttle wears easily.
~ 0.7mm stock spark plug cable not responsive, needs at least 1.0mm version.
~ Classic hardtail frame looks different and attracts interest.
~ The zebra stripe paint work definitely grabs attention and primary school boys love it.
~ This zebra stripe bobber is unique.
~ Some people love to take photos beside it. Others hate and vandalize it.