Review: GBRacing Engine Cover Set

When was the last time you crashed? Not too recently I hope. The worst thing about crashing is not the crash, but actually the aftermath. Physical injuries aside, the best scenario would be one where you are still able to ride your motorcycle home or to the workshop. The worst scenario? Well, one where your motorcycle starts leaking fluids.

Like this R6.

To prevent this from happening to you, take a look at the few engine case protections out there in the market. I got myself a set of GBRacing engine covers. Why GBRacing? The reason is ridiculously simple. Because the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (better known as the FIM) approves them. The FIM governs many motorcycle racing events such as MotoGP and the SBK. Enough said.

Well actually, I have more to say. If you're a track go-er, please, for the love of whatever higher being you pray to, install engine covers! If you crash on the track, and your engine fluids leaks onto the tarmac, trust me, nobody is going to want to be your friend.

A full set of engine covers from GBRacing costs only about SGD$320, and they come included with the bolts you would require. Installation is simple. Remove the required stock bolts from your engine case, install the GBRacing cover over it, and screw it tight with the supplied bolts.

Protection doesn't only have to be functional. It can be beautiful too.

On the stator case (left side of bike).

On the clutch case (right side of bike).

On the timing case (right side of bike).

Full set of GBRacing engine covers on the right side of the bike.

Stop procrastinating and get yourself some engine case protection. You never know when is your next date with the tarmac. Spare a thought for other road or track users behind you, and prevent more accidents. Install engine case protection!

Oh and by the way, does anyone have a clue what this monstrous looking thing is?

I know the answer, but take a guess. The clue, it's a popular touring motorcycle.

Enjoy your weekend and ride safe.

Review: HealTech GIpro X-type Gear Position Indicator

I personally feel that the Yamaha R6 needs an update soon. It is about time they included an anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, and a gear position indicator into the R6 package. Fortunately, there are some aftermarket components out there that we can install to improve the R6.

The HealTech GIpro X-type Gear Position Indicator is probably one of the most popular gear position indicators out there. Mainly because of its simple installation steps; no splicing of wires, just an easy plug and play device.

The connector on the GIpro attaches to your bike's speed sensor. And that is usually found underneath the rider's seat. The GIpro may be easy to install, but there is a catch. If you want to do a clean and neat job, you would need to hide the cable under your fuel tank, and lay it up to your dash where you would place the GIpro display unit.

This is how much the HKL mechanic had to remove.

If you notice the cable running down the outside of the bike, that's the GIpro cable. Just one cable, from connector to the display unit.

I'm a total dimwit when it comes to motorcycle electronics, so I leave it to the experts for installation. If you are feeling brave, you can try following the instructions included.

Installation took about 30 minutes, and programming the GIpro took another 15 minutes. And viola, aftermarket gear position indicator installed.

Do note that because the gear position indicator relies on your speed sensor to tell which gear you are in, it would just display a "-" when your motorcycle is stationary. Through my personal experience, I find that it determines the gear you are in pretty fast, almost instantly.

Here's a video of the GIpro X-type in action.

The price? Well, it's not exactly cheap at SGD$250. But trust me, it's worth it to know that you won't be finding the elusive 7th gear again.

Bonus: I saw this magnificent looking full carbon fiber bodied BMW S1000RR.

Ride safe.

Riders for Life #1

We have just published the first video in the "Riders for Life" series!

Catch the video on YouTube.

Ride safe!

Algae is Slippery

Just last week, a couple of us went to Johor Circuit to have a little fun. I was the designated photographer, no thanks to my recent fracture. The weather was actually pretty good, but there is a notorious patch at the exit of turn one which was always wet when we went there.

Little did we know, or little did Edwin know in this case, that the wet patch actually has algae growing within. Algae is slippery. Rubber tyres and algae don't mix. Unfortunately, it took Edwin a minor lowside to find out. He escaped unhurt except for a sprain on his left ring finger and left ankle. His Suzuki GSX-R750 wasn't so lucky as you can see from the photos below.

The broken off tail panel.

The poor Leo Vince slip-on.

The scratched side fairing.

The frame slider that took most of the damage.

The broken off clip-on balancer, torn throttle grip, and scratched brake lever.

The broken side mirror.

The torn tank bra, which didn't protect the tank panel underneath from scratches.

And finally, the offending algae which caused the front end tuck.

Track riding is fun, only if your pockets can handle it. There is no where else safer than the track to learn about your own riding limits, and the limits of your bike. But be prepared to have some spare cash, when accidents like this happen. Crashing is part and parcel of the learning process. Just suck it up, heal your injuries, fix your bike, and get back on the saddle.

I took a truckload of photos during during the track session. Here are some of them.

Go to our Facebook Page for the full album.

Enjoy your Sunday. Ride safe.

Review: ASV F3 Levers

Last week, I wanted to get some new levers for my R6, and I have been eyeing the ASV line of levers. There are many other brands out there but it seems to me that the ASV F3 series seems to give the best bang for the buck. They do have a higher end series called the C/5, but it seems to me that they are just made slightly stronger than F3s, and have a longer warranty of 5 years.

So why the ASV F3s? Because of 3 simple reasons.

1. They have infinite adjustability.
2. They are made of forged aluminium, which means that they are very strong.
3. They are marketed as unbreakable levers, which also come with a 3-year warranty.

Let me sneak in a 4th reason; they look great haha. And to show you my point; here are some photos.

The brake lever.

The clutch lever.

The levers came in these sleek looking packaging.

Along with these set of bike manufacturer-specific custom adapters.

Installation is extremely easy, as shown by this video.

Let me re-emphasize my point on infinite adjustability. Notice the red knob in the photos. By turning it towards you, you bring the lever closer to you and vice versa. Technically, you can turn the knob either way infinitely, therefore you can adjust the lever to the perfect distance for your individual riding style.

The way the levers prevent themselves from breaking during a crash is their ability to bend forward. It is pretty hard to illustrate them with just words, so take a look at this video instead.

The ASV F3 levers cost me SGD$240, and I love them. So, before you go buy new levers for your bike, do check ASV levers out.

Ride safe.