Trial of a heavy duty metal epoxy

 

 

An old clean crack at the neck of my left front sidelight indicator which surprisingly came about when I was washing the bobber along with the right footpeg which cracked after been whacked by a closing autogate were given a DIY job using heavy duty gray metal epoxy. This is an simple job and both DIY were smoothen out by wiping off excess epoxy with water and left to dry for 24 hours. The sidelight indicator job turned out well only after I removed the bulb socket and also glued from inside then a polish over the plastic darken the dark grey to black so it's almost hidden from sight. However, the footpeg cracked at the actual joint so it could not take any pressure even the epoxy was put there. 

Planning for a new set of tyres

 

The front rim size is 21" x 2.5" (above image) while
the rear rim size is 16" x 3.5" BK/CP (below image)

The MOMOS/Regal Raptor uniqueness in rim size is that the front rim is not the popular 20" but 21" and the  rear rim is not the popular 17" but 16". This limits the variety of choice of tyres easily accessible in Malaysia.

Word of mouth is to go for the recommended soft but 'grippy' Shinko tyres from South Korea or a for almost half the price (and probably less traction when it ages), the budget Fuckstone tyre when on  a show string budget but the only available size is for the rear rim.

Shinko tyres offer 2 versions: the classic E270 and the sporty SR777. I consulted Shinko Malaysia at Lazada and they said they sell both front and rear tyres. Prices varies between the year of manufacture which gets cheaper towards their life span of 4 years.

 

I was contemplating Shinto's black wall E270 for that classic look but Shinko Malaysia told me they are generally more expensive than the black wall SR777 I assume because the SR777 has a bigger market. They quoted the front for RM400 and rear for RM767 (I believe these particular ones were manufactured in 2019). For comparison, Shinko's rear 5.00-16 E270WW(white wall) cost RM720. I could not get a quotation for the 21.00 front tyre but for comparison Shinko's front 4.00-19 E270WW cost about RM430.

 

The above selling price does not include transport charges. I always check the price of items between Lazada and Shoppe prices and notice Shoppe has a bigger variety of motorcycle accessories compared to Lazada.

 

 After much thought, I decided to give the bobber a more traditional bobber than chopper look. This means I will choose the 130/90-16 rear tyre as it helps to hide the 2.5" gap between the rear fender and currently160/80-16 rear tyre. It should also deliver better fuel economy as there is less surface area to the ground. Lastly, it is RM300 cheaper than the 160/0-16 rear tyre.

 

Different people, different values

 

I am aware that some people for the sake of glamour or a case of too much money, other than for transportation, end up trying to find a reason to justify the purchase of  their ride. They take part in group convoy trips not really for the trip but to silently brag about their investment and butter their ego. They will never admit it but it shows in their eyes. For me, ever since I was a teenager, I realized my ownership of  a hardtail bobber was more like ownership of a piece of Art just as some people invest much money to purchase an expensive painting. Not that the ride was not enjoyable but the ride was secondary. Thus, I take pleasure keeping my bobber   clean and polish to the best of my ability. I noticed a number of bikers are not like me but then different people, different values. As long as you are sincerely happy, let it be.

JPJ stand on custom exhaust pipes

 

This is the official reply from JPJ, the Malaysian Road Authority about my query for a custom exhaust pipe since I (and a couple of friends who also own the same exhaust pipe) found the stock version to be of budget quality and prone to serious rust. I was contemplating having a custom stainless steel exhaust pipe of the same dimension as the stock (though not an exact design copy) but it appears the Selangor State Department which replied my query preferred to stick to the legal interpretation as under their Road Transport Act which clearly states custom exhaust pipes are deemed illegal.

However, they said if for reasons I had difficulty acquiring it or for other reasons, I should get the final decision on a custom exhaust pipe of my own specification from their Automotive Division at their Headquarters which does imply all their policy is not "set in stone" and there is still room for negotiation.