Sepang Winter Test 2-this is what MotoGP riders do when they couldn’t continue testing

When the circuit was drenched in heavy rain and the riders were unable to continue their test… they update their twitter,  upload photos-way earlier before those photos appear on official websites and make fun of each other- which is funny you can’t stop laughing.

These are some riders I follow:

Cal Crutchlow @calcrutchlow, Casey Stoner @Official_CS27, Colin Edwards @texastornado5, Jorge Lorenzo @lorenzo99, Ben Spies @BenSpies11, Nicky  Hayden @NickyHayden69, Valentino Rossi @ValeYellow46

Kuala Lumpur MotoExpo 2012

Yesterday was a ‘bike day’ for me as all I did was bike-related. It started with Sunday ride to Awana Genting Highland via Ulu Yam route, this time alone as I had to reach home by 12 noon to watch the 2^nd race of Philip Island World Superbike race-(I decided to miss the 1^st race and opted to went out for a ride). The 2^nd race was beyond great!  

The highlight of the day was the KL MotoExpo held at PWTC. Actually yesterday was the last day of the show. Different people have different opinions regarding this expo but those feelings are subjective. Some say a bit disappointed while the others were just excited. To me it was a good effort to popularize motorcycling lifestyle among Malaysian.

Here are some pictures taken yesterday.

Thank God for Twitter and Facebook that we now can get closer to our idol's life :)

Valentino Rossi shows off the rod and pins from his leg

On any Sunday...

my other half 

Cameron Highlands ride

Bukit Tinggi

Filling up @ Cameron Highlands

We're the Redriders

Naza, best friend since Yamaha TZM days

Stop for picture at Kuala Klawang

Headless...

Putrajaya 2011

SuperbikeMalaysia Gathering, Putrajaya 2011

Kuala Klawang ride 2011

Awana riders-back in 2005

HJC RPHA 10 Ben Spies Replica Helmet-my review

For me Ben Spies riding style is fun to watch, the way he hang off the bike, the 'elbowz' approach - the guy himself looks cool on and off the bike. That is the reason why i opted to buy his replica helmet recently, the HJC RPHA-10...another reason is most of my friend choose Rossi helmet  that may led to confusion during bikers meeting..haha..

Prior to buying this helmet, i bought my other half a HJC CS R1 as part of good husband's strategy..i will do review of that one later :)  

First impression..

This helmet is amazingly lightweight! it weighs 1200gm and if i'm not mistaken it is the lightest  in the market. Holding this HJC next to my trusted OGK FF5 makes huge different. It is well-styled -designed by Aldo Drudi, who designed Mr. Rossi's helmet and the word 'Drudi Performance' at each side of the helmet add more exclusive look. The helmet comes with dark visor, anti-fog insert, helmet bag and owners manual. 

Riding impression..

The helmet fits my head perfectly. It gives wide peripheral vision which i rate at par with my old OGK FF5. The lightness of the helmet is very noticeable when riding as it gives less stress to your neck. The visor has an easy-to-use release mechanism which is quite similar to Shoei helmet although changing from  pre-fitted clear visor to a dark one requires a fair amount of push to release the lock. The visor itself is designed to (catch) lock it in the down position which i found quite awkward to use with gloves on at first.  

 Ventilation is superb, as i can almost feel the air circulated on top my head and the wind noise is acceptable. 

What’s not so hot... 

The finish is quite poor. I seriously think this helmet need another layer (or three) of clear lacquer to keep the graphic intact because i already found a few stone-chip on it after a ride to Cameron Highlands.

To sum it up...

Beside poor finish, i have no complaint against this helmet. If you are looking for a good quality helmet at a good price, this is the one for you. The lightness, build quality and added value of Ben Spies 'coolness' is a major selling point for HJC that wins my heart.  At  a fair price of RM1200, most of my biker friend rate this helmet higher than Shoei X-12 (priced RM2000 plus) and to me that sum it up.. :) 

Ben Spies wannabe in action :)