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    SBF
    Racing World: HARI RAYA SALE (Valid from 1st April 2022 to 30th April 2022)
     
    Racing World has exciting HARI RAYA SALE.....
     
    Valid from 1st April 2022 to 30th April 2022   VISIT US: 8 Ubi Road 2 Zervex #01-14/#01-11 Singapore 408538 Monday to Saturday (10am to 7pm) Closed on Sunday and PH   OR   SHOP ONLINE:  www.singaporeracingworld.com (Note: Trade in deal only available for walk in purchase)   Join SingaporeBikes on Telegram for the the latest news, special offers, reviews of motorcycles, and more!

     

    Visit Racing World: 8 Ubi Road 2 Zervex #01-14/#01-11 Singapore 408538
    E-Shop: https://www.singaporeracingworld.com/
    For more promotions and deals from Racing World, do visit their vendor folder on SBF located here:
    https://www.singaporebikes.com/forum/376-racing-world-s-pte-ltd/
    Visit Racing World @ 8 Ubi Road 2 Zervex #01-14/#01-11 Singapore 408538, 10am to 7pm, Closed on Sunday and PH
    Or shop online @ www.singaporeracingworld.com



     


     












     












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    SBF
    2022 BMW R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental | Top 10 Review

    The 2022 BMW R 18 B (shown above) and R 18 Transcontinental are new hard bagger touring models powered by the 1,802cc “Big Boxer.” (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    Last year, amid a global pandemic, BMW Motorrad introduced a motorcycle that is a very big deal for the company. With the introduction of the R 18, BMW entered the traditional cruiser segment, a distinctly American category that has long been dominated by Harley-Davidson.
    Just as Harley-Davidson is known for V-Twins, BMW is known for horizontally opposed Twins called “boxers.” To compete in the world of heavyweight cruisers, there’s no replacement for displacement. BMW created what it calls the “Big Boxer” that displaces 1,802cc, or 110 cubic inches – much larger than the 1,254cc boxer in most of BMW’s R-series models like the R 1250 RT.

    Left to right: R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental (Photo courtesy of BMW Motorrad)
    Soon after the standard R 18 came the R 18 Classic, which is equipped with a windshield and semi-soft saddlebags. For 2022, BMW has further expanded the lineup with two touring models, the R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental. Both are equipped with a fork-mounted fairing, a full infotainment system, hard saddlebags, and other amenities. The Transcontinental also has a top trunk with an integrated passenger backrest.

    A fleet of BMW R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental test bikes in Denver, Colorado, ready for a first ride. (Photo by the author)
     
    BMW invited Rider to ride both models at their U.S. press launch in Denver, Colorado. And after the one-day press ride, I spent four days riding an R 18 Transcontinental (TC) more than 1,500 miles through five states with my wife as a passenger and the luggage packed full of gear.

    After leaving Denver and climbing into the Rocky Mountains on I-70, we took U.S. 6 up to Loveland Pass for our first several crossings of the Continental Divide. (Photo by the author)
    We’ll have an in-depth road test review soon. Here are our top 10 highlights of the new bikes.
    1. They Rock better than they Roll

    The 1,802cc (110ci) “Big Boxer” is the largest boxer Twin that BMW has ever produced. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    BMW’s “Big Boxer” makes a claimed 91 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque at the crank. When we put the R 18 on Jett Tuning’s dyno late last year, its shaft-driven rear wheel spun the heavy drum to the tune of 80 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 109 lb-ft of torque at 2,900 rpm, which is about what you’d expect after accounting for power loss through the drivetrain.
    The R 18s have three ride modes – Rock, Roll, and Rain – that alter throttle response, idle character, engine-drag torque control, and traction control intervention. In Rock mode, the R 18s feel lumpy and shake a lot at idle, and their throttle response is direct. But in Roll and Rain mode the bikes feel dull and lifeless, like a middle-aged couple nodding off at an AC/DC concert.
    2. Who doesn’t like big jugs?

    Each 901cc cylinder juts horizontally out from the engine case, which forces the rider’s legs to remain amidships with feet on the footboards. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    Ahem. Get your mind out of the gutter. We’re talking about cylinders here. With 901cc jugs sticking out of both sides of the bike, there’s no getting around the size of those things. They are a distinctive styling element, with prominent cooling fins and chrome pushrod tubes.
    Even on really hot days – when riding across northern Arizona and southern Nevada, Carrie and I dealt with temps ranging from the high 90s to 113 degrees – the cylinders don’t put out excessive heat felt by the rider and passenger, nor do the exhaust pipes. But they do trap the rider’s legs behind the cylinders, limiting options to stretch out during long stints in the saddle.  
    BMW offers accessory chrome-plated leg rests to the rider can stretch up with legs atop the Big Boxer’s cylinders. (Photo courtesy of BMW Motorrad)
    The cylinders are too wide for highway pegs, so BMW offers accessory chrome-plated leg rests so riders can stretch their stems with calves atop the cylinders, as shown in the photo above. The leg rests weren’t available on the press ride or our ride-away. I tried resting my jean-clad legs atop the cylinders, but that lasted about half a second because those big jugs get hot to the touch.  The TC has highway bars in front of the cylinders and my legs are long enough that I was able to put my heels on them and mostly straighten out my knees.
    3. Leave the riding to us

    The radar sensors for BMW’s optional Active Cruise Control are mounted in the front fairing above the headlight. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    Thanks to the proliferation of throttle-by-wire, cruise control has become a common feature on all sorts of motorcycles, even sportbikes. It’s especially helpful on long, multi-day rides when even moderate tension in the rider’s arm while maintaining steady throttle can lead to sore wrists and achy shoulders.
    On the R 18 B and Transcontinental, BMW takes things a step further with optional Active Cruise Control (ACC). Embedded in their front fairings are radar sensors that scan the lane in front of the bike when cruise control is activated. If a vehicle is detected in front of the bike, the system will automatically reduce speed to maintain a fixed distance (both speed and distance are adjustable). Using inputs from the lean-angle sensors, ACC will also adjust speed to assist with safer cornering. ACC works really well, and it isn’t affected by vehicles in adjacent lanes. This is one of those features you don’t think you need or want until you use it.
    4. My, what a big TFT you have!

    Above the R 18 B/TC’s 10.25-inch TFT are four analog gauges for fuel level, speed, rpm, and power reserve. The Multi-Controller is the black-and-white knurled wheel on the left grip. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    Most premium motorcycles are equipped with TFT (thin film transistor) instrument displays that offer nearly infinite variation for graphics, color, animation, etc. BMW has offered TFTs on some of its models for several years, but none approach the size of the TFT embedded in the fairing on the R 18 B/TC. It measures 10.25 inches on the diagonal, which is at least a couple of inches more than the largest TFT we’ve seen on other bikes. The thing is like a billboard, and its default background is a copper-colored illustration of the Big Boxer.
    Using BMW’s proprietary Multi-Controller wheel on the left grip, navigating through menus is a breeze and keeps the number of buttons to a minimum. But, unlike the Indian’s Ride Command system, the hardened, glare-resistant glass screen isn’t touch-enabled.
    5. If it’s too loud, you’re too old

    There are two 25-watt Marshall speakers in the front fairing. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    If you’ve seen amps on stages or stood next to huge stacks at a rock concert, then you’re familiar with the cursive script of the Marshall logo. In the movie “Spinal Tap,” there’s even a Marshall amp that goes to 11. BMW partnered with Marshall to create an audio system for the R 18 B and TC, and it rocks.

     

    On the R 18 B, the optional Marshall Gold Series Stage 1 adds two 90-watt subwoofers in the saddlebag lids. On the R 18 TC, the Marshall Gold Series Stage 2 adds the saddlebag subwoofers and two more 25-watt speakers in the passenger backrest. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    The standard setup has two 25-watt speakers embedded in the front fairing. The Premium Package on the R 18 B upgrades to the Marshall Gold Series Stage 1, which adds two 90-watt subwoofers in the lids of the top-loading saddlebags (eliminating half a liter of storage capacity) and brings total output up to 230 watts. The Premium-equipped R 18 TC gets the Marshall Gold Series Stage 2, which adds yet another pair of 25-watt speakers to the passenger backrest, for a total of 280 watts.
    6. Get out of my way

    The BMW R 18 Transcontinental’s fairing has a tall fixed windscreen, and adjustable wind deflectors are attached to the bottom edge. There are also larger non-adjustable wind deflectors between the fairing and cylinders. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    To complement the classic lines of the R 18, the fork-mounted fairing has a streamliner shape that tapers at the sides, providing wind protection for the rider’s hands. There’s a single round headlight that uses LEDs for low and high beams, and there’s an optional Adaptive Turning Light that swivels +/- 35 degrees to illuminate the inside of curves during cornering.
    The fairing parts the wind smoothly, though airflow over the R 18 B’s short windscreen hits the rider’s helmet while airflow over the R 18 TC’s tall windscreen goes over the rider’s head. During our multi-day ride, my wife said she enjoyed the calm pocket of air and never dealt with helmet buffeting like she has on some touring bikes.

    When we left Montrose, Colorado, at 7:30am, it was 57 degrees. By the time we climbed into the San Juan Mountains on the Million Dollar Highway, the temperature dropped as low as 40 degrees. (Photo by the author)
    Neither windscreen offers height adjustment, which is disappointing, especially on such premium machines. The top edge of the TC’s screen was right in my line of sight, which was distracting during back-and-forth cornering in the Rocky Mountains. While the tall screen provided welcome protection from cold wind when temps dropped into the 40s on Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway (U.S. Route 550), I wished I could lower it when the mercury rose into triple digits several hours later in northern Arizona.
    7. Galaxy Dust metallic would have made Prince jealous

    The BMW R 18 B in Galaxy Dust metallic / Titanium Silver 2 metallic. (Photo courtesy of BMW Motorrad)
    Offering an iridescent paint scheme that changes from purple to blue depending on how the light hits it seems a little out there for BMW. And in the studio photos, it looks garish. But in person Galaxy Dust metallic it looks undeniably cool, and the color variations are more subtle than the photos suggest. The colors are darker, the metal flake really pops in bright sunlight, and the Titanium Silver 2 metallic on the gas tank and fairing adds nice contrast.

    Unless the Galaxy Dust metallic is in direct sunlight, it looks dark and brooding rather than flashy. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    Such a unique, factory-custom paint job doesn’t come cheap. It will set you back $2,400. If it were possible to make a sequel to “Purple Rain,” an R 18 B in Galaxy Dust metallic / Titanium Silver 2 metallic with a custom his-and-hers seat and sissy bar would be Prince’s motorcycle of choice.

    During our press ride, we had lunch at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, which provided Stephen King with the inspiration to write “The Shining.” (Photo by the author)
    8. Two peas in a pod

    The BMW R 18 Transcontinental lives up to its name, with the weather protection, luggage capacity, comfort, and technology for multi-day, two-up touring. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    For long-haul touring motorcycles, rider and passenger comfort is critically important. Carrie and I rode more than 1,500 miles on the R 18 Transcontinental over four days, averaging nearly 400 miles per day. Except for the final day on I-15 through the Mojave Desert, we logged most of our miles on scenic roads full of hairpins, high-mountain passes, and steep grades.
    As mentioned above, the cylinders of the Big Boxer limited my ability to move my legs around during long stints in the saddle. But the seat and riding position were comfortable, and the footboards allowed me to move my feet around to adjust the position of my hips and knees.

    Carrie was happy as a clam on the backseat of the R 18 TC. She was all smiles after our first full day on the bike, riding from Denver, Colorado, to Montrose and summiting Loveland Pass (11,990 ft), Hoosier Pass (11,539 ft), and Monarch Pass (11,312 ft), and visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. (Photo by the author)
    Carrie’s first-ever ride on a motorcycle was on a Honda Gold Wing back in 2009, and she’s measured every passenger seat and backrest since against that experience. With a low rider seat height of 29.1 inches on the TC and a passenger seat just a few inches higher, Carrie, who has short legs, found it easy to climb on and off the bike, aided in part by the passenger footboards. And once aboard, she found the seat to be all-day, day-after-day comfortable and the wrap-around backrest to be reassuring.

    We crossed the Continental Divide on the Transcontinental three times in one day. (Photo by the author)

    After riding over Colorado’s Monarch Pass on U.S. 50, we visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. (Photo by the author)
    9. A place for my stuff

    The top-loading, central-locking saddlebags on the R 18 B/TC hold 27 liters in each side. The trunk on the R 18 TC holds 48 liters. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    As George Carlin once said, “That’s all you need in life, a little place for your stuff.”
    The top-loading saddlebags on the R 18 B and TC offer 27 liters of storage each, or 26.5 liters with the Marshall subwoofers installed in the lids. Styling-wise, the bags look great. Function-wise, they are fairly narrow, which presents some challenges with packing (BMW offers accessory drop-in liner bags that should make the process easier). But they open and close easily, with pop-up levers and central locks. The top trunk on the TC holds 48 liters (47 liters with optional audio), and it is spacious and easy to open/close/latch even when filled to the brim.

    Atop the fuel tank is a water-resistant, fan-cooled compartment with a USB port for a smartphone. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    In the top of the 6.3-gallon fuel tank is a waterproof compartment for a smartphone. There’s a USB socket for charging and connecting the phone to the bike (navigation is provided via the free BMW Connected app). And since smartphones get hot, the compartment is ventilated with an electric fan. But the smartphone compartment does not lock, so riders must remember to take their phones with them when they park their bike. How else would you check Instagram?
    10. Heavy is as heavy does

    Before an options or accessories are added, the 2022 BMW R 18 Transcontinental has a claimed curb weight of 941 pounds. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    Heavyweight cruisers come by that description honestly. The 2021 Indian Roadmaster Limited we tested weighed 895 pounds. The 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited we tested weighed 922 pounds. The 2022 BMW R 18 B weighs 877 pounds and the R 18 Transcontinental weighs 941 pounds, and that’s before you add the Premium Package and other options/accessories. Part of that major poundage comes from the Big Boxer and its 6-speed gearbox, which weighs 244 pounds – about 35 pounds more than a Honda Grom.

    Though it’s a heavy bike, the BMW R 18 Transcontinental handles well and it has 35 degrees of cornering clearance on both sides. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    Greg’s Gear:
    Helmet: HJC RPHA 90S
    Jacket: Vanson Stormer
    Gloves: Highway 21 Trigger
    Pants: Fly Racing Resistance Jeans
    Boots: Sidi Gavia Gore-Tex
    BMW beefed up the R 18 frame to accommodate the added weight of the fairing, saddlebags, and trunk. Total permitted weight is 1,389 pounds, which translates to a load capacity of 512 pounds on the R 18 B and 448 pounds on the R 18 Transcontinental. Compared to the standard R 18, the B and TC also have a shorter wheelbase (66.7 inches, down from 68.1) and sharper rake (27.3 degrees, down from 32.7 degrees) but more trail (7.2 inches, up from 5.9). Even though the B and TC are heavier, they handle better.

    Optional reverse assist is available on the R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental. Moving the lever on the left side of the bike above the shifter engages reverse, and it is controlled using the starter button. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
    Like most touring bikes, you mostly notice the weight when you lift it off the sidestand or move it around a parking lot or garage. Fortunately, our test bike has the optional reverse gear installed, which helped when moving the bike around on an incline. Out on the road, the heavy bikes trundle along just fine. And when the road gets windy, they handle well within the limits of other heavyweight touring cruisers.
    We’ll post our full review soon, so stay tuned!

    2022 BMW R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental in Galaxy Dust metallic / Titanium Silver 2 metallic (Photo courtesy of BMW Motorrad)
    2022 BMW R 18 B / R 18 Transcontinental Specs
    Website: bmwmotorcycles.com.sg
    Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled, longitudinal opposed flat Twin, OHV w/ 4 valves per cyl.
    Displacement: 1,802cc (110ci)
    Bore x Stroke: 107.1 x 100.0mm
    Horsepower: 91 hp @ 4,750 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
    Torque: 116 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
    Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated single-plate dry slipper clutch
    Final Drive: Shaft
    Wheelbase: 66.7 in.
    Rake/Trail: 27.3 degrees/7.2 in.
    Seat Height: 28.3 in. / 29.1 in.
    Wet Weight: 877 lbs. / 941 lbs. (base models)
    Fuel Capacity: 6.3 gals.
    Fuel Consumption: 42.5 mpg (R 18 Transcontinental, as tested)
    Estimated Range: 268 miles (R 18 Transcontinental, as tested)
    Author: Greg Drevenstedt Article Credits: ridermagazine
    SBF
    Racing World: NEW DESIGN 2022 EVO RS9 HELMET (PSB Approved)
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    Join SingaporeBikes on Telegram for the the latest news, special offers, reviews of motorcycles, and more!

     

    Visit Racing World: 8 Ubi Road 2 Zervex #01-14/#01-11 Singapore 408538
    E-Shop: https://www.singaporeracingworld.com/
    For more promotions and deals from Racing World, do visit their vendor folder on SBF located here:
    https://www.singaporebikes.com/forum/376-racing-world-s-pte-ltd/
    Visit Racing World @ 8 Ubi Road 2 Zervex #01-14/#01-11 Singapore 408538, 10am to 7pm, Closed on Sunday and PH
    Or shop online @ www.singaporeracingworld.com
     
     







     
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    SBF
    If you're anything but a solo rider, one commonly overlooked aspect improving the 'quality' of riding or touring with your friends, aside from the motorcycle and riding gear, is having a Bluetooth communication system. The 'comms' as it is more commonly known as in Singapore, is something that not many riders think about but once you have had it once, you'll wonder how you've ever lived without one.
    Amongst its many features, it allows you to operate your phone hands-free, make and receive calls, listening to music via Spotify or other mediums, even tune in to the local radio stations, and also speak with your fellow riding kakis. Sure, if you're just riding around the city on a night ride it might be cheaper to shout through your helmets, but that's not very feasible when riding on the highway or touring up North to Malaysia and Thailand, and that is where the beauty of an integrated communication system comes in.

    Cardo is distributed exclusively in Singapore by Chong Aik International Pte Ltd

    45 Desker Road, Singapore 209576
    Phone: (+65) 6294 2532/1
    Open on: Mon-Fri: 09:00am-06:00pm / Sat: 09:00am-05:00pm
    For the year 2022, leading comms manufacturer Cardo Systems launched a fully revised range of entry and mid-tier products to better position themselves in the market and these are now available here in Singapore via the exclusive distributor - Chong Aik International Pte Ltd. Cardo has always controlled the premium end of the market via their Cardo Packtalk Bold range, which is universally acknowledge within Motorcycle reviewers as edging above their counterpart to be the #1 choice if money is no object.
    ICYMI - Check out @Motorgrapher's review of the Cardo Packtalk BOLD here:
    For the other ranges however, at the lower end of the market, you have generic no brand comms system from China which you can get from AliExpress for under $100, or you have to head towards the higher end of the market where a single Packtalk Bold will cost you in the region of $300+. With Cardo's new 2022 line up however, there is no a product for you, whatever your budget might be and also depending on your usage requirements.

    Today, we will look at the:
    1) Cardo Spirit Single Unit - RRP Priced at S$120 - https://www.chongaik.com.sg/home/2579-cardo-intercom-system-spirit-single.html
    2) Cardo Freecom 4X Duo Pack - Sound by JBL - RRP Priced at S$576 ($288 each) - https://www.chongaik.com.sg/home/2512-cardo-intercom-system-freecom-4x-duo-sound-by-jbl.html
    Special deals are linked at the end of the article, keep reading on to find out more!
    The Cardo Spirit is the replacement for the Freecom 1+ and the Cardo Freecom 4X is the replacement of the Cardo Freecom 4+.
    Difference between the original Freecom 1+ and 4+, versus the new 2022 Cardo Spirit and Freecom 4X courtesy of Chong Aik:

     
    Unboxing
    Both the Freecom 4X and the Spirit comes in distinctive Cardo packaging that you'll be used to by now. What i like about premium brands such as Cardo is that they provide everything you need to install the communication system into your helmet, and even comes with EXTRA stickers, velcros, and cables to make your life that much easier. Both the 4X and Spirit are charged via the latest USB-C standard which means if you have an Android phone, they all use the same cable!

    The Spirit allows for pairing of up to 2 comms system and the 4X allows for up to 4. Depending on your usage and size of your riding group, you might want to splurge a little bit more for the 4X as this gives you the buffer should your riding group grows. Another positive point about Cardo units are that they are fully water/dust/snow-PROOF. Unlike other brands in the market, they often market themselves as just water-resistant, which is not the same as being water-proof.

    Installation We've got to admit, when we were using comms system in the past, we always got the shop to do the installation for us as to the new rider, this might seem a little daunting. However, since Chong Aik kindly provided us with these review units, we thought we might take on the challenge to do the installation ourselves to better understand the product and the process. In the famous words of Jeremy Clarkson, "How hard can it be?".

    We were pleasantly surprised. The entire process from opening the box to completing the installation took no longer than 20 minutes. In fact, the longest part of the process was waiting for the unit to charge fully via the supplied USB-C cable. The Freecom 4X came out of the box with a charge of about 40%, and within half an hour it was fully charged.
    Most modern helmets comes with the cut out of bluetooth comms speakers so installation was a fairly straightforward affair. In order, we completion the installation via the following process.
    Install JBL speakers via supplied velcro -> Install mic at mouth area of helmet -> Run wiring via the main unit to connect the speakers and mic -> Re-install padding of the helmet
    And that was it! All in all a very simple process and definitely a great sense of accomplishment once all is said and done. Once you understand the basics of how everything connects up, it is a matter of plugging in the items. As the plugs are proprietary, there is no worry of plugging something in the wrong way. Being OCD obsessed, we spent a further 20 mins tidying up all the wires and making sure that it was as clean an install as possible.

    Once all was said and done, we turned on the unit and used the Cardo Connect app to make sure everything was working and VOILA! That crisp, clear, and loud sound through the JBL speakers were music to our ears. Oh and did we mention that the units come with automatic volume adjustment to adjust the volume base on external noises? What a smart feature!

     
    First Use & Software The only thing left to do after installation is complete, as with most tech products in 2022, is to pair the unit with your phone. You have to download the Cardo Connect app:
    iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cardo-connect/id1333553210
    Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cardo.smartset&hl=en_SG&gl=US
    And pair your Bluetooth comms system through the app. The first thing the app will ask you to do is to update to the latest firmware, and this is something that Cardo has made extremely seamless and not what you will get from other brands or China OEM style systems. Updating to the latest firmware gives you all the latest improvements and bug fixes that Cardo has rolled out and keeps your Cardo unit in tip-top condition.

    The app gives you all the functions of the unit (which you can control through voice command as well) but what i did was to use the app to setup the unit as i wanted to use it before setting off on a ride. The phone + app combo is still easier to navigate rather than remembering the voice commands or button combinations on the actual unit itself.
    From the main screen, you can see option for "Radio", "Phone", "Intercom", or "Music", which gives you a very simplistic idea of what you can use the communication systems for. The battery indicator is also very useful to let you know how much battery life you have left. Cardo has a quick-charge feature built into its new products and they claim up to a talk time of 2 hours with just 20 mins of charge!

    Should you wish to dabble more into the settings, the "Audio Profile / General Settings" page is also very intuitive and easy to navigate and you can be up and running in as short as 5 minutes after your first setup. The unit will remember your settings so you do not have to go through the process everything you go for a ride. Set it just once and forget!

     
    Verdict
    Over here at SingaporeBikes.com, we are a strong believer in buy it right and buy it once. Cardo has been represented by Chong Aik exclusively for many years and Chong Aik has shown to stand behind their products. In fact, they are the ONLY comms distributor in Singapore to offer up to 3 years warranty for the Packtalk BOLD Black edition and 2 years warranty for everything else.
    For those of you who do not ride in HUGE riding groups and require up to 2 miles of range, the Freecom 4X sits in very nicely at just $200+ per unit. Comes with all features you could ever ask for and like to like, there is no better comms system on the market. The Freecom 4X comes with an impressive 1.2 miles range which no other comms system in the same price range and feature comes close.

    The Spirit and Spirit HD is also a very nice edition, with its retail price at just over $100, i'd go as far as to say that there's no reason to go for a China brandless OEM comms system now as they are usually priced at around $80. Just for a little bit more money, you get the assurance of Cardo's support and update, 2 years warranty, complete water-proof for worry free riding in the rain, and the build quality of Cardo cannot be disputed. Again, buy it RIGHT, and buy it ONCE. There have been way too many horror stories of brandless comm systems failing within the first few months and incurring more cost!
    SPECIAL DEALS & PROMO!
    Follow Chong Aik International Pte Ltd on their Facebook Page for the latest promo on Cardo products!
    For purchase of SELECTED* Trax helmets, get 25% OFF the Cardo Spirit Single or Duo pack:

     
    As Cardo’s SOLE AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR in Singapore, Chong Aik provide:
    ✅ 3-Year Warranty (For Packtalk Black)
    ✅ 2-Year Warranty
    ✅ 1-to-1 exchange (For parts deemed faulty not due to wear and tear)
    *With proof of purchase: Invoice
    Try the CARDO Spirit and CARDO Freecom 4X (Sound by JBL) with Chong Aik, the SOLE AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR at:
    Helmets & Apparels Showroom
    📍 45 Desker Road, Singapore 209576
    ☎️ +65 6294 2532/1
    🕘 9am-6pm | Mon-Fri
    🕘 9am-5pm | Sat
    Powerstar Motor P/L
    📍 151 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208869
    ☎️ +65 6392 5803
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    Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special | First Ride Review
      Whether picking your way along a technical off-road trail or wearing down your chicken strips on a twisty paved road, the Pan America 1250 is well-balanced and highly capable. (Photos by Kevin Wing & Brian J. Nelson)
    When you step up to the plate, when you’re facing fierce competitors and all eyes are on you, sometimes you have to swing for the fences. That’s what Harley-Davidson — a 118-year-old American motorcycle manufacturer known primarily for cruisers and baggers — has done with its new Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special adventure tourers.
    Harley is a new player in the adventure touring segment, which has grown in breadth and depth over the past several decades. BMW recently introduced a 40th anniversary edition of its highly popular — and very capable — R 1250 GS. And there are big-league adventure bikes made by Ducati, Honda, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha, many of which are best-selling models with years of development and evolution under their belts.

    Styling has tie-ins to the Fat Bob and Road Glide; side-laced wheels are optional.
    During more than a decade of largely stagnant motorcycle sales since the Great Recession, large-displacement adventure and dual-sport models have been a rare source of growth. Harley wants a cut of that action. As it demonstrated with the release of the LiveWire electric motorcycle, Harley wants to expand its customer base. Two ways it can do that are to sell new models to its existing customers, and sell new models to new customers. Some existing customers own a variety of motorcycles, like Rider contributor Bruce Gillies, who owns a Road Glide Ultra, a Triumph Tiger 800XC and a KTM 690 Enduro R. Bruce is retired from the U.S. Navy and buys American-made products whenever he can. He’s also a highly skilled rider who demands a lot from his motorcycles. He’d consider buying a Pan America, but only if it meets his high expectations.
    Harley designed and built an exciting, capable and innovative adventure bike in its first attempt. Given the high profile of the Pan America and the eagerness of naysayers to pounce on any weakness, Harley knew it couldn’t release an odd-duck motorcycle. It learned that lesson with the Buell Ulysses. Belt drive is out, chain drive is in, not only because a chain is light, durable in off-road situations and can be repaired in the field, but also because that’s what many adventure riders demand. A V-twin engine stays true to the brand, but it has to be liquid-cooled and offer the power and sophistication necessary to compete in this segment. The new Revolution Max 1250 V-twin makes a claimed 150 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque, and ride modes change output and throttle response at the touch of a button.

    Commanding cockpit has an adjustable windscreen and hand guards. Touchscreen display is bright and easy to use. Harley also knew it needed a hook — a killer app, if you will. And that’s Adaptive Ride Height (ARH), a $1,000 factory-installed option on the Pan America 1250 Special that automatically lowers ride height, and therefore the pilot’s seat, by 1 to 2 inches as the bike comes to a stop. The Special’s semi-active suspension automatically adjusts preload to 30% sag regardless of load, which is what accounts for the range of height adjustment. The system works seamlessly and virtually undetectably, and makes a huge difference in effective seat height. ARH is a real game-changer because seat height is one of the biggest obstacles for some riders to overcome when considering an adventure bike. Furthermore, it brings seat height within reach of more riders without compromising suspension travel or cornering clearance. (Click here to read our technical deep dive into the Pan America 1250’s Revolution Max engine and ARH.)
    After years of development and benchmarking, not to mention teasing at shows and speculation by the media, the first public test of the Pan America was at its press launch. I have to hand it to the folks who planned the event — this was no bunny slope test ride. Hosted at RawHyde Adventures’ Zakar training facility a couple hours north of Los Angeles, we spent two full days flogging Pan America 1250 Specials on- and off-road in the Sierra Nevada mountains and Mojave Desert. We rode nearly 400 miles on highways, twisting mountain roads and off-road trails that included gravel, sand, rocks, tricky climbs and descents — even a few jumps.
     
    Top-shelf semi-active Showa suspension made for a plush landing. Damping rates can be set to Sport, Balanced, Comfort, Off-Road Soft and Off-Road Firm. Greg’s Gear
    Helmet: Fly Racing Odyssey Adventure Modular
    Jacket: Fly Racing Terra Trek
    Gloves: Fly Racing Coolpro Force
    Pants: Fly Racing Terra Trek
    Boots: Fly Racing FR5
    As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. After tip-toeing down the sand-and-gravel access road from Zakar to the pavement and falling into formation on Route 58 with the dozen riders in our group, I began taking mental notes. As with many full-sized adventure bikes, the Pan America was comfortable and accommodating, with plenty of legroom, an upright seating position and a relaxed reach to a wide handlebar. Before the ride began, Harley’s tech staff helped us adjust the dual-height stock seat (33.4/34.4 inches), install either the accessory low or high seat (which reduce or increase the dual heights by 1 inch, respectively) or install accessory 2-inch handlebar risers.
    The whole business of seat heights becomes a little fuzzy because we were on Pan America 1250 Specials with ARH installed. At a stop, the unladen height of the stock seat in the low position is 32.7 inches rather than 33.4 inches without ARH. In its specs Harley also provides laden seat height with a 180-pound rider, which is 31.1 inches on the Special without ARH and 30.4 inches with ARH. Install the $249.95 Reach Solo Seat on an ARH-equipped Special and laden seat height can be as low as 29.4 inches. In other words, Harley went to great lengths to make sure seat height is not a barrier to owning a Pan America, though getting exactly what you want may require an investment.
    Thanks to its powerful Revolution Max 1250 V-twin and excellent chassis, the Pan America is one of the sportiest motorcycles ever to come out of Milwaukee. After humming along the freeway for a half hour with the cruise control on and the on-the-fly adjustable windscreen parting the air smoothly, we turned onto Caliente-Bodfish Road, one of the gnarliest paved roads in the Sierra foothills, and began to wick it up. The Pan America offers eight ride modes — Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road, Off-Road Plus and three custom modes — which adjust power output, throttle response, engine braking, traction control, ABS and suspension damping. The Revolution Max 1250 is ripper, with a sportbike-like sound, feel and responsiveness, and, thanks to variable valve timing, it delivers generous low-end torque as well as a screaming top end.
    As has become increasingly common, rather than bolting the engine to the frame, the engine serves as the main structural element of the chassis. Attached directly to the engine are a front frame that incorporates the steering head, a forged aluminum mid frame that’s the attachment point for the cast aluminum swingarm and a tubular-steel trellis subframe. Overall the chassis is stiff and robust, contributing to the Pan America 1250 Special’s neutral, stable handling. And Harley used tried-and-trusted component suppliers, with a steering damper made by Öhlins, radial-mount monoblock 4-piston front calipers made by Brembo and suspension made by Showa — a 47mm USD Balance Free Fork and a Balanced Free Rear Cushion-lite shock, both with 7.5 inches of travel. Everything performed to a high level in a wide range of conditions.

    The 
Pan America 1250 Special is available in four color options: Deadwood Green (shown here), Baja Orange/Stone Washed White Pearl, Gauntlet Gray Metallic, and Vivid Black. Standard on the Pan America are cast aluminum wheels (19-inch front, 17-inch rear) shod with specially designed Michelin Scorcher Adventure 90/10 tires, which offered good grip and handling on pavement and during light off-roading. Bikes we tested were equipped with the optional side-laced tubeless wheels (which cost $500 and weigh 14 pounds more than the cast wheels). On the second day, our bikes were fitted with accessory Michelin Anakee Wild 50/50 tires ($449.90), which give up some confidence and grip on pavement but are excellent off-road tires, even at the higher street temperatures we were running. Harley’s RDRS Safety Enhancements package includes IMU-enabled “cornering enhanced” linked ABS and traction control, with settings determined by ride mode (the cornering function and rear ABS are disabled in certain off-road modes). Drag-Torque Slip Control, which is like traction control for the engine to manage rear-wheel traction during aggressive riding, as well as cruise control and hill hold control are also part of the package.
    Reactions to the Pan America’s styling have been mixed. Lacking the prominent beak or high front fender that is popular on many ADV bikes, it stands apart from the crowd, with a headlight design influenced by the Fat Bob and front bodywork inspired by the Road Glide’s sharknose fairing. Above the Daymaker Signature LED headlight, which uses 30 LED elements behind a diffuser lens, the Special has a Daymaker Adaptive LED headlight that illuminates a series of three lights as lean angle reaches 8, 15 and 23 degrees.

    Trona Pinnacles, which served as a backdrop in “Star Trek V” and “Planet of the Apes” among other films, was an ideal off-road test site. Michelin Anakee Wild tires added grip. Harley offers a standard version of the Pan America 1250 that starts at $17,319, but many buyers will probably opt for the Pan America 1250 Special we tested. Starting at $19,999, the Special adds semi-active suspension with automatic preload adjustment (and the availability of ARH as a factory option), the adaptive headlight, the steering damper, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a centerstand, an aluminum skid plate, engine protection bars, hand guards, heated grips and a dual-height rear brake pedal.
    In one shot, Harley-Davidson not only built its first adventure bike, it also built its first sportbike and sport-touring bike. We hammered the Pan Americas for two days, and they never gave up or reacted in an unexpected way or felt out of their depth. Whatever the metric — power, performance, handling, durability, technology, weight, price — the Pan America 1250 Special can compete head-to-head with well-established players in the ADV segment. Is it the best overall, or in any particular category? Well, that remains to be seen — two days and 400 miles, none of which were ridden back-to-back with competitors in the class, is not enough to draw firm conclusions. But this is one rookie that shows great promise.

    Adventure touring, sport touring, on-road, off-road, tall or short rider, solo or with a passenger, with options, luggage and accessories or bone stock — whatever you’re into, the Pan America can be spec’d to satisfy your needs. 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special Specs
    Website: harley-davidson.com
    Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 60-degree V-twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
    Displacement: 1,252cc
    Bore x Stroke: 105 x 72mm
    Horsepower: 150 @ 9,000 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
    Torque: 94 lb-ft @ 6,750 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
    Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated assist-and-slipper wet clutch
    Final Drive: Chain
    Wheelbase: 62.2 in.
    Rake/Trail: 25 degrees/4.3 in.
    Seat Height: 32.7/33.7 in. (unladen w/ ARH)
    Wet Weight: 559 lbs. (claimed, stock)
    Fuel Capacity: 5.6 gals.
    Article Credits: ridermagazine.com
    SBF
    The Land Transport Authority (LTA) imposes measures on motorcycle COEs to 'encourage prudent bidding'
     
     
    The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will raise the bid deposit for motorcycle Certificates of Entitlement (COE) from S$200 to S$800 in an attempt to “encourage prudent bidding behavior”.
    Starting from the second COE bidding exercise in March – which will take place from Mar 21 to 23 – the bid deposit for category D will increase from S$200 to S$800.
    At the same time, the validity of the Temporary COE will also be shortened from six months to three months. Temporary COEs which have not been used to register a motorcycle within three months will be forfeited and returned to the bidding pool in the next COE quarter.

    On the shortened validity period of the Temporary COEs, LTA said that those which have not been used to register a motorcycle within three months will be forfeited and returned to the bidding pool in the next COE quarter.
    “This will allow unutilised Temporary COEs to be returned to the market more quickly,” the authority said.
     
    It, however, stressed that the motorcycle temporary COEs that have already been obtained before the second COE bidding exercise this month will not be affected.
    “These changes do not apply to other COE categories,” LTA added.
     
    Motorcycle COEs reached an all-time high of S$11,400 at the end of the latest bidding exercise last Wednesday.
    At the same time, COE prices rose across all categories that day. This is the fourth consecutive COE bidding since Jan 19 that premiums have risen across all categories of vehicles.
     
    Article Credits:  todayonline, channelnewsasia
    SBF
    High Motorcycle COE Prices | What Can You Do About It?
    What Can You Do About Soaring Motorcycle COE Prices?
    Reading time: 3 mins
    The Certificate of Entitlement (COE) was introduced in Singapore in 1990, to curb road usage and limit vehicle ownership across the country in the midst of a booming population. Being a small island with limited land space, it’s an obvious solution to avoid congestion and maintain a safe road network. However, the rising costs of COEs, especially for motorcycles this year has severely affected motorbike dealerships and budding riders.
    In this article, we discuss how the COE works, why the current costs for motorcycle COE is going up and what you can do as a biker about the soaring motorcycle COE costs. 
    How does the COE work?
    Basically, the COE system entitles vehicle owners to drive on Singapore roads for up to 10 years. A controlled number of COEs are released twice a month via the Vehicle Quota System (VQS), and the cost largely depends on market demand. 
    Car and motorcycle owners can purchase a COE for their vehicle, once it’s released, by submitting their bid online. The COE prices are then determined by bidders in an open market, causing it to fluctuate as seen in the past few years. 
    Why is Motorcycle COE rising in cost?
    Motorcycle COE has been on a steady rise since the beginning of this year, recording about $8700 in May to a whopping $9689 during the first week of Sept. However, there has been a slight decrease in the last bid (22 Sep 2021) of about $600.
    This hefty COE cost has certainly dampened many riders from purchasing a new bike. Compared to the cost of purchasing a motorcycle, the new COE prices are simply unjustifiable. For example, a Yamaha T150 Sniper with a machine price of about $5000, would cost more than S$13,000 with the current COE price. If you’re familiar with motorcycles, you would know that this is an unreasonably high cost for a lightweight bike. Not forgetting that this does not include road tax and motorcycle insurance. 
    If you’re wondering why the COE prices have skyrocketed recently, then first you must understand the law of Supply and Demand. To put it simply, an item will tend to increase in price when the supply of it decreases, as it becomes a rare item to purchase. On the other end of the scale, the price of the good could also increase when the demand for that good increases.
    On that note, the rise in cost has left some parties perplexed, in view of the high supply of certificates that were made available mid this year. So why exactly has the cost gone up so high?
    One reason could be due to a drop in the COE quota over the past few months because of reckless overbidding. Seeing that the penalty for unused COEs is as low as $200, some bidders may resort to submitting multiple applications with little qualms about being forfeited. 
    However, there may also be genuine demand for motorcycle COEs due to the growing demand of food delivery services. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, which don’t allow dine-in at restaurants, food delivery services like GrabFood and Foodpanda in Singapore have seen a spike in riders, which has inevitably affected the bidding of COE. 
    There have been many speculations, but the fact remains that the cost of owning a motorcycle is ridiculously high as a result of exorbitant COE costs. 
    What Can You Do as a Biker?
    So, the ultimate question you’re probably contemplating is, what can you do about this? Whether you’ve decided to invest in a motorcycle for work or you’re thinking of getting a bike for the love of riding, we understand that this has probably put the brakes on your hopes of buying a new motorcycle.
    One way to dodge the high COE prices is to opt for a cheaper second hand motorbike sold at dealerships. Some dealers may have also bought the COEs at a lower price and while it may be sold at a premium, there’s a better chance of avoiding the recent premiums that are higher.
    Besides that, there are petitions being put forward, such as the ‘Appeal to Review and Increase Cat D (Motorcycle) COE Forfeit Penalty,’. You could also try writing in to the LTA or speak with your MP at Meet the People Sessions to voice out your concerns.
    Bottomline
    Although we know the COE system helps regulate the number of motorcycles on the road, it’s hard to ignore the reality that many rely on their motorcycles to make a living, as in the case of food delivery riders. It’s also an obvious fact that commuting by motorcycle rather than car can actually ease overall traffic congestion. 
    Yes, we all want safer roads with smooth traffic, but there’s no harm in voicing your concerns, especially if it directly impacts your lifestyle and livelihood.
     
    Article Credits: DIRECTASIA
     
     
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    SBF
    Rising petrol prices: Competition watchdog keeping close eye on anti-competitive behaviour
    Fuel nozzles are seen at a petrol station. (Photo: iStock/kckate16)
    Singapore’s competition authority will investigate and take firm enforcement action if it finds evidence of anti-competitive behaviour such as a coordinated increase in petrol prices. This comes as global oil and domestic pump prices spike as a result of Russia-Ukraine tension, said Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng on Thursday (Mar 10).
    Responding to a question from Member of Parliament Lim Wee Kiak (PAP-Sembawang) on what the Government is doing to prevent profiteering, Dr Tan said while pump prices are set by the market, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) keeps a close watch to ensure an open and competitive market.
    Since the start of the year, Dr Tan said local retailers have been adjusting their pump prices periodically, as global oil prices and domestic pump prices rise due to tension between Russia and Ukraine.
    He noted that soon after the war broke out, three retailers raised pump prices further on Feb 24 to Feb 25, while the remaining two retailers did not adjust prices.
    “Overall, the increase in petrol and diesel prices reflect the rise in the price of crude oil over the past months,” he said.
    Dr Tan said the Government will continue to monitor price movements in the retail petrol industry, adding that well-informed consumers are also a key deterrent against unreasonable pricing.
    Consumers can compare retail pump prices as well as various discounts and rebates across retailers using Fuel Kaki, a retail petrol price comparison website developed by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE).
    Workers' Party (WP) chief and Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh asked if the Government would consider putting together a support package for private hire and taxi drivers to alleviate their costs, given the steep rise in petrol and diesel prices.
    In response, Dr Tan said the Government is watching the situation very closely, and will not hesitate to roll out more support. 
    However, at this particular point in time, he said the current slew of measures including support packages "appear" to have some impact in supporting these drivers.
    Article Credits: CNA
    SBF
    March 2022 COE Results 1st Bidding: Drastic Increases In Premiums -> Cat D at $11,400
     
    In the 1st COE bidding exercise for March 2022, Cat A closed at $68,501, Cat B at $94,889, Cat C at $48,889, Cat D at $11,400 and Cat E at $98,890.
    Cat A (Cars up to 1600CC & 97KW) received 962 bids and saw a $5,501 increase from the previous exercise. It closed at $68,501.
    Cat B (Cars above 1600CC or 97KW) saw 860 bids and increased by $1,299. It closed at $94,889.
    Cat C (Goods Vehicle & Bus) received 199 bids and increased by $2,388. It closed at $48,889.
    Cat D (Motorcycles) had 602 bids in total and saw an increase of $811. It closed today at $11,400.
    Lastly, Cat E (Open Category) received 318 bids and saw an increase of $5,788. It closed at $98,890.
     
    This is the fourth consecutive COE bidding since Jan 19 that premiums have risen across all categories of vehicles.
     
    Here’s a summary of the 1st bidding exercise for March 2022:
    Category Current COE Previous COE Difference PQP A – Car up to 1600CC & 97KW $68,501 $60,761
      + $5,501 $59,179 (Mar) B – Car above 1600CC or 97KW $94,889 $86,102   + $1,299 $83,464 (Mar) C – Goods Vehicle & Bus $48,889 $44,001 + $2,388 $44,118 (Mar) D – Motorcycle $11,400 $10,010 + $811 $9,882 (Mar) E – Open $98,890 $87,000 + $5,788 -  
    Article Credits Motorist
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    SBF
    📢📢 Foodpanda - New Panda Rider Signup Promotion 📢📢
    @FoodPanda have announced incentive program for new signups. 
    Do you have the passion to go the extra mile for our customers? Sign up to be a panda rider today to earn up to $1,400 as part of your new joiner incentives!

    LocalConcept_VT-mix_CU00_DC-Rider_V-NA_INF-PAUPAU_PR00_DI00_U05_U05_VC-NA_1200x1200_L-EN_220225_B-FP.mp4
    For more information: https://pandariders.sg/uncategorized/new-joiner-incentive
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