Tuesday 29 May 2012

Big Bikes mean Big Parking Spots mean Big Rental

Big bikes these days are getting bigger, wider and have more presence than their predecessors. So it ain't no surprise that they are not going to fit easily into normal bike parking spaces, which are more suitable for mopeds/ kapchais. Heck, I find that my Green Hornet with the attached side and rear panniers, would fit into my normal car parking spot with just some space to spare on all sides.

Bikes this way please...

Sometimes, the other bikes try to squeeze into the bike parking lots (Green Hornet would take up 1.5 lots by itself) and these tend to scratch against the side panniers. Then it involves polishing and TLC to remove whatever light scratches, although heavier ones would still be remaining.

Where did I park my ride, hmmm?
So what is an owner to do to protect his beloved bike? For me, that means to rent a regular car park spot at my condo to park my bike from the elements of Mother Nature as well as the scratches from the smaller bikes. So, come June 2012, that means a rental of RM200 per month to take up the rental of a car park for Green Hornet (when the Black Bison is parked in office, that is).


The things bike lovers would do for their bikes...

Another touring bike's in town- Honda Goldwing 1800

Readers of this blog would know that I have a fondness for touring bikes- and the good news is that there's a new model in town, and it's the infamous Honda Goldwing 1800. The model would be launched tomorrow (31st May 2012) and here's an extract from Paultan :



The Honda Gold Wing is by no means an ordinary bike. And here’s the new one. Boon Siew Honda will be launching the 2012 Gold Wing on May 31, 2012 and will be available at all authorised Impian Honda shops.

The bike comes at an on-the-road price of RM174,900 with two colours to choose from – white and black. No, really. The official names of the colours are Pearl Fadeless White and Graphite Black.



The new Gold Wing is powered by a 1,832 cc liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. The powerplant features PGM-FI tech that promises crisp throttle response and low emissions. The engine also comes with a HECS3 oxygen-sensing catalytic converter that makes sure this bike complies with EURO 3 emission regulations.

A five-speed gearbox is partnered with the engine; the fifth is essentially an overdrive that allows for low rev cruising. The transmission cancels out the side-to-side torque effect.



Being a touring bike, the Gold Wing gets some luggage capacity. The pannier cases, fairing pockets and top box give a luggage capacity of over 150 litres. There’s also a 2.8 litre central storage compartment to store small personal items.

Like previous examples, this Gold Wing also comes with an audio system with surround sound. The system can be hooked up to an iPod, iPhone or USB stick and is compatible with MP3, WMA and AAC formats.

For riding comfort, the bike features a new weatherproof seat cover and urethane seats to comfortably cushion the posterior. The seat and foot warming system ensures that the rider and passenger enjoy a nice temperature throughout the journey.


Handling of the bike is neutral and responsive, thanks to the Pro-Arm Rear Swingarm. The low centre of gravity also improves stability and low-speed balance.

There’s some convenience engineered into the bike as well. With a push of a button, the rider can engage the slow-speed reverse gear. Cruising is also made easier with a lightweight electronic cruise-control system, which comprises of a 16-bit ECU-based, motor-actuated throttle mechanism.



There are six settings in which the windscreen can be adjusted, which makes it safer when riding through rough winds. Safety is enhanced with ABS and Combined Braking System that bites the front and rear brakes evenly.

The Complete Exhaust Guide for Kawasaki ER6N/ ER6F/ Versys

There are lots of useful materials on the Net, and one just needs lots of patience and the will to find knowledge in order to build up on one's learning curve. In this aspect, let's take a look at the exhaust guide as compiled by a nice New Zealand chap :

The Complete Exhaust Guide

The purpose of this page is to provide owners with information on exhaust systems and slip-ons, the most popular accessory purchase for the Ninja 650R (ER-6F) or ER-6N.  The prices shown are only approximate and don’t include shipping cost.  These prices should only be used as a guide.  Thanks to those owners who donated pictures and information.

Index
·         Kawasaki (stock)
·         Akrapovic
·         Antibes Engineering
·         Arata
·         Arrow
·         Barracuda Exhaust
·         Bos Performance
·         Bruce Fabrication
·         Cobra
·         Devil
·         Exo7
·         FF by Fresco
·         FMF Racing
·         G&G Motorcycle Silencers
·         Giannelli
·         GPR
·         Hindle
·         Hot Performance / HP Corse
·         Hurric
·         Ixil
·         Jardine Performance Products
·         Laser Deeptone
·         Leo Vince
·         Marving Exhaust System
·         Micron
·         Mivv
·         MTC Exhaust
·         Muzzys
·         Nikko Racing
·         Pheonix Performance
·         Raask Motor AB
·         Remus Racing
·         Scorpion
·         Sebring Sportauspuff
·         Shark
·         Superpole Exhausts
·         Telco
·         Thunder Competition
·         Two Brothers Racing
·         Yoshimura

Kawasaki (Stock Exhaust System)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Stock

Oval

Stainless Steel

N/A


Akrapovic Exhaust System (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

SP Series

Oval

Titanium

US$ 380.00


Antibes Engineering (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Underseat

Oval

Titanium

 


Arata Exhaust Systems (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

US$ 600.00

Full System FTR

 

 

US$ 1000.00


Arrow Special Parts (website is here or here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Aluminum

US$ 280.00

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

US$ 380.00

Slip-on

Oval

Carbon Fibre

US$ 380.00

Race Headers

 

 

US$ 280.00


Barracuda Exhaust (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Aluminum

US$ 360.00

Slip-on

Oval

Carbon Fibre

US$ 450.00

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

US$ 520.00

Slip-on

Round

Aluminum

US$ 310.00

Slip-on

Round

Carbon Fibre

US$ 390.00

Slip-on

Round

Titanium

US$ 480.00


Bos Performance Exhaust Systems (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Stainless Steel

£ 300.00


Bruce Fabrication (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

EFT Series Slip-on

Rectangular

Aluminum

US$ 390.00


Cobra (website is here or here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Cobra Slip-on

Round

Aluminum

US$ 300.00

Cobra Slip-on

Round

Carbon Fibre

US$ 390.00

Cobra Slip-on

Round

Titanium

US$ 480.00

Cobra Slip-on

Oval

Aluminum

US$ 360.00

Cobra Slip-on

Oval

Carbon Fibre

US$ 450.00

Cobra Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

US$ 520.00

Eagle Slip-on

Round

Aluminum

 


Devil (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Magnum

Round

Stainless Steel

£ 240.00

Magnum

Round

Carbon Fibre

 

Magnum

Round

Titanium

 


Exo7 (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Magnum

Round

Stainless Steel

556.00 €

Magnum

Round

Carbon Fibre

556.00 €


FF by Fresco (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

 

Oval

Titanium

290.00 €

 

Oval

Stainless Steel

230.00 €

 

Oval

Carbon Fibre

250.00 €


FMF Racing (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Powercore GP

Round

Titanium

US$ 450.00


G&G Motorcycle Silencers (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Lowline Slash-cut

Oval

Stainless Steel

£ 235.00

Lowline Slash-cut

Oval

Titanium

£ 260.00


Giannelli Silencers (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Stainless Steel

US$ 530.00

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

US$ 610.00

Slip-on

Oval

Carbon Fibre

 

Slip-on

Oval

Aluminum

US$ 460.00


GPR (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Aluminum

260.00 €

Slip-on

Oval

Carbon Fibre

360.00 €

GPE Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

400.00 €

Thunderline

 

Stainless

330.00 €

Thunderline

 

Titanium

350.00 €


Hindle (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Megaphone

Titanium

US$ 280.00

Slip-on

Megaphone

Aluminum

US$ 210.00

Slip-on

Megaphone

Carbon Fibre

US$ 390.00

Slip-on

Round

Titanium

US$ 280.00

Slip-on

Round

Aluminum

US$ 210.00

Slip-on

Round

Carbon Fibre

US$ 390.00

Headers and Mid-pipe

 

 

US$ 350.00


Hot Performance / HP Corse (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

SPS Corse

Elliptical

Titanium

£ 280.00

SPS Corse

Elliptical

Stainless Steel

£ 240.00

GP-5 Reverso Corse

Forward Facing

Titanium

 


Hurric (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on RAC1

Elliptical

Aluminum

230.00 €


Ixil Silencers (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Competition

Dual Oval

Stainless Steel

US$ 400.00


Jardine Performane Products (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

GP1 Slip-on

Round

Stainless Steel/Aluminum

US$ 230.00


Laser Deeptone Exhaust Systems (exhaust system) is here.

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

X-Treme System

Dual Round

Stainless Steel

580.00 €


Leo Vince (website is here or here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

SBK Evo II Slip-on

Oval

Aluminum

US$ 310.00

SBK Evo II Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

US$ 410.00

SBK Evo II Full System

Oval

Aluminum

US$ 690.00

SBK Evo II Full System

Oval

Titanium

US$ 790.00

GP Style Evo II Slip-on

Oval

Stainless Steel

US$ 440.00


Marving Exhaust System (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Round

Aluminum

US$ 600.00

Slip-on

Round

Carbon Fibre

US$ 600.00


Micron (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Race Slip-on

Oval

Aluminum

US$ 390.00

Race Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

US$ 450.00

Serpent System

Oval

Aluminum

US$ 670.00

Serpent System

Oval

Titanium

US$ 800.00


Mivv Exhaust Systems (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

£ 185.00

Slip-on

X-cone

Stainless Steel

£ 140.00

Slip-on

Oval

Carbon Fibre

£ 185.00


MTC Exhausts (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

£ 205.00

Slip-on

Oval

Stainless Steel

£ 150.00


Muzzys (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Megaphone

Stainless Steel

US$ 330.00

Exhaust System

Megaphone

Stainless Steel

US$ 470.00


Nikko Racing (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Aluminum

375.00 €

Slip-on

Oval

Carbon Fibre

 

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

475.00 €


Pheonix Performance (no website, info is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Pipe/Can

Round

Black

US$ 280.00

Pipe/Can

Round

Polished Saturn

US$ 300.00

Pipe/Can

Round

Black Flames

US$ 330.00


Raask Motor AB (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on with short and long pipes

Oval

Stainless Steel

AUS$ 700.00


Remus Racing (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Revolution Slip-on

Round

Titanium

380.00 €

Revolution Slip-on

Round

Aluminum

300.00 €

Revolution Slip-on

Round

Stainless

320.00 €


Scorpion (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Stainless Steel

US$ 270.00


Sebring Sportauspuff (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Round

Titanium

470.00 €

Slip-on

Round

Aluminum

360.00 €


Shark (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Round

Carbon Fibre

400.00 €

Slip-on

Round

Titanium

400.00 €

Slip-on

Round

Aluminum

300.00 €


Superpole Exhausts (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Aluminum

310.00 €

Slip-on

Oval

Stainless Steel

340.00 €

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium/Carbon/Mesh

400.00 €

Moto GP Slip-on

Oval

Carbon

450.00 €

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

480.00 €


Telco (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Elliptical

Titanium

360.00 €


Thunder Competition (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Storm

Megaphone

Stainless Steel

290.00 €

Twin

Dual Round

Stainless Steel

470.00 €


Two Brothers Racing (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

M2 Slip-on (VALE)

Oval

Aluminum

US$ 400.00

M2 Slip-on (VALE)

Oval

Carbon Fibre

US$ 500.00

M2 Slip-on (VALE)

Oval

Titanium

US$ 500.00


Yoshimura (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

1440275

Square

Stainless Steel

US$ 429.00

1440272

Square

Carbon Fibre

US$ 549.00