Looking back at a bad memory

Again, my bobber got vandalised after coming back from the mosque, this time paintwork was undamaged. It does not take a fool to deduce that this was the work of the same person, probably student, who did it before outside my son's secondary school and another time much earlier, at my regular mosque when both rear signal lights bent forward. Who? is a killer question and I won't even bother but a friend advised me that I need to be more careful as it looks like my bobber has been targeted by Mr. Nobody. Another 2 inches torn at the centre pf the rear end and it wouldn't be long before the rear gets torn off as happened before.

The mechanic at HungryGhost Custom Inc. said the signal lights could be salvaged so they were fitted to the rear fender with custom brackets: simple solid metal bars. They even salvaged the original wiring and that saved time in getting the appropriate connectors in the battery box. So was my license plate which the boss came over and said cut it down to size rather than waste money and have a new one fabricated.The original brake light was also salvaged, however, the side licence plate I bought already came attached with its own smart brake light...well, most do. The total job took 3 1/2hrs. It involved taking out the rear tyre, not including another 15mins to trace a loose wire. I observed and got to hand it to the mechanics: hardworking, dedicated and worked non-stop, a job which simply just couldn't be rushed. It was good there happened to be a bobber outside with similar brackets so making a copy was easy. The side licence plate was acquired earlier at their Bandar Baru Puchong branch which concentrates on accessories whereas when I met the boss there, he asked me to have the customization made at their Saujana Puchong HQ. Good job done. 

All I can say is that the rear end now looks how a true bobber should be and it has given the motorcycle a new personality ... that of a bad ass bobber.

It pays to mail-order.

Mail order from USA arrived today as they scheduled it. My earlier visor got blown away while I was riding without my knowledge. The local agent ran out of visor stock and I have to wait at least 2 months (maybe more) which I don't plan to so I mail order original Bell helmet item, not only that with free shipping total cost is RM85 whereas bought locally cost RM179. Sadly, I lost the FOC zebra stripe airbrush visor, anyway, this all black one gives a more serious personality against the former more chic personality. The lesson learnt here is never rest the helmet on the visor pointed down as it may put pressure and loosen the side press studs without knowing.

Photo session with the bobber

Brother Hussien tries out his superduper camera on me and my bobber. The results are super sharp.

 

 

 

Volchkova's

In my opinion, this is another of Volchkova's outstanding work. Well, had to take a snapshot, here, one for the album with Bobby Raptor.

Customization complete

I love moving around more with the bobber and use it daily because it offers more ease, convenience and saves time than with a car but its movement is very much intra-urban (I leave the inter-urban and outstation trips for the car as it needs to moves around too or else the battery wont be sufficiently charged). I've at last completed my customization project. Much of the money went to the airbrush job. I don't see a need to over-customize the bobber because I feel the factory did a good job on customization, in fact, many who saw the bobber thought I had totally customized the bobber and were surprised when I told them, no, it is factory standard. Although on 2 separate occasions, I insisted the handlebars be adjusted/aligned to the forks, I obviously have pulled them back to the more relaxed position so I will leave it as it is. The factory mechanic adjusted the seat lower than stock as I requested (I actually wanted it all the way down) but he said this is about as low as it gets without damaging the air filter casing. I also originally wanted the seat dark tan but am leaving it as stock because it is in harmony with the black and white colour scheme. Looks like I did slightly over 5000km in one year. No more warranty but I solved all the hiccups (mainly electrical) peculiar to my bobber during the warranty period. Presently, I am happy as it is. Although I sometimes wished this bobber was at least 500cc to give it more engine presence, however, that would mean a heavier motorcycle. When I look back at the few times I was in a hurry and had to pull the rear aside to get out of blocked parking situations, I feel its present weight is more practical. After 1 year of riding around on a hardtail, the ride is of course bumpy on rough and humpy roads. One thing for sure, a bobber is meant to be cruised. Yes, there are more glamorous motorcycles out there but it is the hardtail frame I love and I noticed it is a key factor why many eyes always ogle the bobber. It is a rare sight to see on the road and has a cleaner cut than softails. To think hardtails are more easier to manufacture as there is no moving parts yet between a Daytona, Spyder and Bobber, it is the most expensive of the three but that frame would make it the one with the least maintenance. I guess we can't ask for the best of both worlds.

 Customization:

1. Zebra stripe airbrush job
2. Headlight casing black paint + lacquer job
3. Air filter casing black paint + lacquer job
4. Chain guard lacquer job
5. Daytona handlebars
6. Chrome/hard rubber handlebar grips
7. Grounding cable
7. Tyre valve aluminium caps

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.

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.

Regal Raptor Owners Group meet

Yesterday was a good sunny evening and there were bikers zooming around the main highway. Restoran Yus Satay was where the RROM met at 5-7pm. Wisely, I checked it out first with Duffy, founder of RROM coz I was about to head to the one at the main junction of Kajang town. Location wise was very strategic for those inter-state members and food wise, but of course, Kajang satay is the speciality. We had 2 rows of tables reserved and there were new on old members. Too many names to remember but the regular joe registered well in my database. I took the opportunity to share notes and I found out the number one problem with most Regal Raptor models was electrical (which can be a pain in the #%@$ if it is intermittent) and agreed there was hardly any mechanical problems. Some were keen to upgrade their motor-chain but were taken aback when I told them my salesman-mechanic said the DiD version cost RM700 but justified those who often travel long distance...and for those who got the extra cash. There is a tendency at these TTS only to chit-chat with those next to us and not move around (all getting fat) and it was when some went out to try others ride that most got up to look and see. All are friendly but breaking the ice is not everyone's ability so when the topic of conversion is a common one, the chit-chat doesn't stop. As it gets closely to maghrib, one by one request to call it a day. Myself, was under instruction to get a generous size of satay sticks for dinner, it is not often I enter Kajang territory soI too had to take leave. It was a good meet, this one.

Bobber gets vandalized

My bobber got vandalized! The day before yesterday, I went to my son's secondary school at 8:00am and properly parked next to the main entrance behind bollards, not blocking neither pedestrian nor vehicle movement. The guard's house was also a stone's throw away. It was a short visit and I left at 8:30 am. Just before riding off, I noticed what looked like dirt on the rear fender but upon inspection, realized it was vandalized. The bracket of the rear light was also broken in two which is not an easy thing to do because it is tough. Even the rear number plate was broken. I suspect they were the work of some sick student(s). If you look at the way it was vandalized, it was meant to intimidate and provoke anger yet I don't know anyone there, even my son didn't know I came. Yesterday, I tried to fix it with steel epoxy but broken at the fulcrum, it simply gave way. Today, I visited an motorcycle accessory shop and tried out a few samples but they were too big and extended over the rear fender. Others were a little too small, not to my liking. Being third party product, I also need to have a custom bracket, they are not plug-n-play type so that's extra cost not including the overall labour charge. Rear light alone (no bracket nor cabling) range from RM130-330. Upon checking with my salesman, he said the original item cost RM320 but inclusive of bracket and cabling. As such, I decided to go for the original replacement plus the fact no modification nor custom bracket was needed and my salesman absorbed labour charge. The reality is life still goes on and for my own safety, I got the rear light and number plate replaced but don't have spare money to touch-up the vandalized parts. At first, I admit it is natural to be hurt but looking back (as a Muslim), all things beyond our control are divine intervention therefore are never bad so I leave it all to Allah. He knows best.

Power switch TKO!

Just back with the bobber from CMC factory, Puncak Alam. The power switch of the bobber located in the battery compartment according to mechanic Kevin is an old one that came with the motorcycle. All recent motorcycles were replaced with better units by the factory. There is however a conflicting statement where the mechanic said the power switch was changed on all motorcycles since early 2015 but my JPJ grant states my bobber was assembled in 2015 and I only bought the bobber on 2/4/2015. Whatever it is, my bobber is now installed with the new power switch. As you can see, one of the contact rusted so badly and over time as rust build-up increased, it eventually became useless. My fuel filter was checked to be clean and carbs re-serviced to be doubly sure. However, the mechanic said if the problem still persist and is electrical in nature plus intermittent, then it is very difficult to trace the source of the problem. He said a case where the engine died and electrical circuit was left open is easier to trace... hopefully mine is not the case and ends with this repair. If it happens one more time, I think I can ride along Jalan Batu Arang with my eyes closed

Back to the factory for a second time

Again, the same engine problem comes about! Last Saturday night, I rode to nearby shops 40 houses away but 30 houses away, the bobber died. This time, I had to paddle push the bobber back. Just before they pushed the bobber in the van, I started the engine and less than 5 secs. engine died. This, I know the mechanic prefers coz it is easier to pinpoint the source of the problem. We shall see later what this unique problem is. Whatever it is, I said from the start, this FB site is intended to share the good, bad and ugly of my personal experience with my bobber where other people may be better or worse off than me, after all, no 2 vehicles be it car or motorcycle, of the same make and model are the identical in nature, simply because they were assembled by people of difference temperament, pressure, technical expertise and experience.

Update:
01/02/16 - Bobber goes to factory
02/02/16 - No news from factory
03/02/16 - Repaired problem(don't what it is). Still test-run to see no other issues.

Bobber's first road breakdown

For a vehicle, be it motorcycle, car, etc., etc. to die while driving/riding is unusual. It puts the driver in danger and he has to put up with inconvenience. On Monday 11/1/2016, I cruised from PJ to Subang Jaya where just before the Sunway tunnel, the bobber lost power from 80kph to 40kph then came to a halt underneath the Sunway Monorail track. I immediately called my salesman who complained to the sales representative at CMC Puncak Alam who directed their pick-up van man to get the bobber. To be safe, I pushed the bobber to Sunway Police station adjacent to Sunway Pyramid. I was to wait for 3 hours for the pick-up van because it was on another assignment so not keen on waiting, after 10 mins, pushed the starter button. Suddenly, the bobber came alive and sounded normal. I took off but less than 200metres, the bobber lost power. However, it did not die so I slowly putt and reached home. That night, the pick-up van took the bobber to the factory FOC as the bobber is still under warranty. On Tuesday, Puncak Alam mechanics replaced the radiator themostatic valve but the problem remained. On Wednesday, they tested it, travelled quite a distant, said it sounded OK but kept it to further test it because they suspected the problem was intermittent. On Thursday, they found one of the spark plugs got loose. On Friday, they further tested the bike to confirm there was no other problem. Today, I took the bobber back and talked with Mr. Weng, sales dept. to get a clearer picture what was/were the actual problem. He said:

1. The carburettor was blocked so required servicing;
2. One of the spark plug was not properly secured so was properly tighten; and
3. The radiator themostat wire snapped so was properly rewired.

Conclusion: I can only advise new owners during their first 1,000km to instruct their mechanic to open, inspect the condition of the spark plugs and ensure they are clean and properly secured. You may never know...

From Malaysia with love.

If you're wondering where it was taken, here's a tip:

The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.