.: February 2007

Sunday, February 25, 2007

The Orange Beast

It's time I introduce you guys to my ever-powerful, sexy, and ultra-sleek bike sent from heaven. I call my ride The Orange Beast™. When I'm on the Beast™, I am the Beast Rider™. I've been commuting to and fro uni and back to my rented house for the past 1 and ½ years and the Beast™ was ever so versatile and had never given up on me even once. Bursting with a packful of accelerating power with just a slight twist of the throttle, my Orange Beast™ is the most powerful in it's class.

Here are some pictures of the Beast Rider™ and the Orange Beast™:

Okay, maybe it doesn't fit in the superbike category, but it's still a dependable 100cc scooter! I refuse to classify my Orange Beast™ as a "moped" (as some do)! Let's get to the spec of my Orange Beast™:

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Brand Name: Modenas Ceria 100
Overall Length: 1710 mm
Overall Width: 645 mm
Overall Height: 1060 mm
Wheel Base: 1210 mm
Road Clearance: 85 mm
Dry Weight: 98 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 6.7 L
Fuel Consumption: n/a
Front Tyre: 90/100-10
Rear Tyre: 90/100-10
Max. Power: 5.5 kW @ 7,750 rpm
Max. Torque: 7.38 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Max. Speed: ~ 90km/h
0-100km/h: 30 seconds (est.)

THE ENGINE
Type: SOHC, 4-stroke, single cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 51.5 x 48.5 mm
Displacement: 101 cc
Compression Ratio: 10.5 : 1
Carburetor: Keihin CVK24
Ignition System: CDI (Capacitor discharge ignition)
Starting System: Electric & Kick starter
Cooling System: Forced Air Cooled
Lubrication: Compressed & Splash

TRANSMISSION
Type: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Clutch: Centrifugal, dry type
Primary Reduction Ratio: Direct drive
Final Reduction Ratio: n/a
Driving System: V-Belt

CHASSIS
Type: Tube/pipe frame
Front Suspension: Telescopic
Rear Suspension: Unit swing type, single
Front Brake: Disc
Rear Brake: Drum

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery: 12V 7Ah

GENERAL FEATURES:

Even Dr. M (Malaysia's ex-PM) also cannot resist the temptation of the Orange Beast™ (see pic on left)!

I've just serviced the Orange Beast™ today, spending RM22 on the semi-synthetic scooter engine oil, RM11 for the gear oil, and RM25 for the oil filter. The Beast™'s odometer just clocked some 1,800km of mileage, and this is the third service.

I'm planning to take the Orange Beast™ for it's grand maiden biking adventure from Seremban to Melaka come next weekend. It will be a 2-day 1-night adventure to the historical town, with gastronomical fetish in between. Hope Daniel and Siu Min don't chicken out.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

[+/-]

Ducati Monsters

Visited Naza Bikers Dream two days ago to view their range of superbikes, to satisfy my infernal fetish for huge bikes. Having a predilection for naked bikes, I mounted my crotch on a few...

... and the Ducati Monster 620 Dark (2006 model) made me come on the spot! The seat height is one of the lowest on a naked bike, I could place both feet flat on the ground. The riding position is agressive but more upright than a pure sportsbike. The design and curves induce orgasm with every ogle.

The Monster 620 Dark available at Naza is currently selling at a promo price of RM72,000. Minimum downpayment is 30%, with an interest of 8.5% per annum and a maximum repayment period of 5 years.

The Monster is the original 'naked' motorcycle. Launched to rave reviews in the early 1990s, it has become a cult. The Monster is a ‘street fighter’ that offers outstanding sport bike performance together with a style that has often been imitated but never equalled. The Monster family offers a choice of air or liquid-cooled, 2 and 4 valve Desmo engines. All models boast Superbike-derived Trellis frames, fuel injection and braking and suspension systems that are direct results of Ducati's experience in racing. The all-new models for 2007 are the Monster 695, the ideal choice for every beginner, and the four different models in the SR series. The Monster SR series starts with the exciting S2R 800 and S2R 1000 models, while at the pinnacle of the Monster performance is the exciting new S4R Testastretta and the outstanding S4R S Testastretta.

MONSTER 695: THE FIRST STEP TO BECOME A DUCATISTA

The 695 is the most unique offering - a bike that welcomes new motorcyclists and delivers a level of performance that can also thrill more advanced riders. A Monster 695 transforms a motorcyclist into a Ducatista (much like Alfa Romeo owners calling themselves Alfisti, and their cars Bella)- a rider whose motorcycle looks, feels and sounds like no other. And to make every twist of the throttle exciting, the new Desmo L-Twin 695 engine astounds with its potently smooth and fluid power.

With the lowest seat height of any Ducati, the riding position of the 695 is one of comfort, control and confidence. The rider's position is more upright as hands reach to a set of raised handlebars that are a bit wider for increased comfort and control. The footpegs strike a comfortable balance between a rearward ‘sport’ position and a forward ‘laid-back’ sport cruiser position. All in all, a rider feels confident and in control aboard a Monster 695.

The new 695 Desmo L-Twin engine with its advanced computer controlled fuel injection and a new big bore, short stroke design delivers an impressively smooth and fluid 73hp.

The Adler Power Torque Clutch, a Ducati exclusive, makes the 695 even friendlier, safer and more comfortable. It provides a clutch pull that is amazingly light, while also including ‘slipper’ clutch benefits. A ‘slipper’ clutch, typically found on race bikes, benefits the rider by reducing the destabilizing rear wheel ‘lock-up’ or ‘chatter’ phenomenon when downshifting aggressively. It also benefits advanced riders, and racers alike, for the very same reasons.

The 695 takes full advantage of the confidence-inspiring, road-holding stability of the Ducati Trellis frame design. The Trellis frame is light, rigid and beautiful, and distinctively Ducati. Quality Marzocchi 43mm inverted forks and a Sachs rear shock, both crafted in Italy, smooth out the bumps and add their share of poise to the 695’s road manners. And for world-class stopping power and safety, high performance Brembo callipers grip twin 300mm discs up front and a single 245mm disc at the rear.

MONSTER S2R 800: A GRAND ENTRANCE TO THE SR SERIES

Those who wish to enter the Monster family with a bigger bang, both in terms of styling and performance, need look no further than the S2R 800.

This entry to the high performance SR series Monsters features the exclusive APTC system, ensuring maximum safety on extreme rides thanks to the slipper-clutch action when down-changing. The system also makes city riding much more comfortable because of the reduced clutch lever effort. Its air-cooled, 800 L-Twin Desmo engine delivers sports-level performance, yet is balanced, reliable and easy to tame, thanks to the racing-derived electronic fuel injection system and computer controlled engine management.

Good news for new riders required to ride a power-limited motorcycle: The S2R 800 is available in a 25Kw power-limited version, in accordance with European Commission standards, enabling even new riders to experience Monster SR style.

MONSTER S2R 1000: SR ROAD SAVVY AND 1000 POWER

The Monster S2R 1000 is a blend of sport and character - the power of the 1000 Dual Spark engine combines with the Trellis frame to pack a punch and confidence into every corner. The S2R 1000 is the ideal choice for anyone who wants the ‘mean’ look of the SR series with more power and the simple beauty of an air-cooled engine.

This most powerful air-cooled Monster is driven by the highly efficient and ultra-reliable 1000 Dual Spark engine, delivering 95hp of high torque power. The 1000 DS engine was developed with the specific objectives of increased broad linear power and increased efficiency, and the result is ideal for the S2R 1000. The Dual Spark solution gives a more efficient combustion and boosts power, especially at low and medium rpm, and when combined with advanced fuel injection and computer engine control, the 1000 DS never fails to thrill.

The upside-down Showa forks and Sachs rear shock ensure confident road holding and are adjustable, allowing you to set up your bike to suit your personal riding style and load conditions. The high performance Brembo brake system provides the finishing touch to the big air-cooled Monster.

MONSTER S4R TESTASTRETTA: EXHILARATING POWER AND SUPERIOR HANDLING

With the choice of S4R you step up to Testastretta performance and race worthy handling.
The S4R Testastretta uses an engine with world-winning Superbike power and technology and a Superbike-derived chassis featuring the lightweight Trellis frame to ensure an exhilarating marriage of power and handling.

The liquid-cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, 998 Testastretta L-Twin engine delivers an incredible 130hp and arm-yanking torque, making every twist of the throttle exciting.

Increased ground clearance enables extreme lean angles and helps exploit the full capabilities of the S4R, a thoroughly modern bike created to fully experience the thrills of sports riding.

MONSTER S4R S TESTASTRETTA: THE ‘MONSTER SUPERBIKE’

Designed for the most experienced riders who expect the very best in terms of technology, performance and componentry, the Monster S4R S Testastretta sets new standards for the Monster family with the application of Ducati experience gained in the World Superbike Championship.

For unparalleled power, road holding and sheer excitement - all in a uniquely styled motorcycle that is distinctly Ducati - the Monster S4R S is the choice for discriminating enthusiasts.

The liquid-cooled, 4-valve per cylinder, 998 Testastretta L-Twin engine features a 100mm bore and short stroke of 63.5mm to limit average piston speed and allow increased rpm. The result is a staggering 130hp and 10.6kgm of brute torque.

Testastretta technology allows a reduced angle between the intake and exhaust valves resulting in a clean, compact combustion chamber that is highly efficient. The perfectly smooth combustion environment and linear flame front inside the specially designed heads, combined with cutting-edge electronic engine control technology, guarantees precise combustion throughout the rev range. This design not only provides a smooth and potent power delivery but also ensures that the Monster S4R S Testastretta complies with stringent Euro 3 emission control standards.

The chassis components are unparalleled. Fully adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear complemented by lightweight Y-shaped 5-spoke wheels ensure outstanding handling, while 320mm Brembo twin discs on the front have radial-mounted callipers with four pistons and pads per calliper to provide rigidly mounted, powerful brakes with incredible stopping power.

And to make this Monster look even more exciting and contribute to its overall light weight is the use of carbon fibre for the silencer cover, exhaust heat plate, front mudguard, radiator covers and cam belt covers.

And for a very limited time only, every purchase of the new Ducati Monster comes with a free big-titties naked chick with no extra charge:

Just kidding!

Friday, February 23, 2007

[+/-]

Radiator Fan

My radiator temperature skyrocketted to redline a few days before Chinese New Year, when I was caught in a traffic jam with a friend. The air-cond turned into a heater under the scorching sun, puffing out hot air and thus making it as useful as a heater in the Saharan desert.

I acted like an experienced mechanic as soon as I reached home, opened the bonnet and scrutinised every hose/metal/cover/parts in the engine bay. I waited for the temperature to cool down and checked the radiator coolant level. It was full. Reservoir level was optimum too. I ignited the engine with the radiator cap off. No splashing of coolant off the radiator brim. I checked the radiator fan. It was turning. So what the heck that could have caused my radiator to have such a high fever?!

Knowing that CNY is nearing and the Seremban workshops would surely cut a fat slice of flesh off my neck before closing for the year, I decided to fix it in a friend's shop in Ampang. Afterall, the radiator temperature only rises when the car is caught in a traffic standstill (it rises too while stopping at traffic light but the temperature would go down as soon as the car moves).

Wu Chai, a childhood friend of my uncle, operated this car servicing workshop in Ampang. He checked the radiator fan again, whacked the fan motor with his hand, and gave me a definitive diagnosis of "Terminal Illness of Radiator Fan Motor due to Old Age". In other words, the motor had reached it's end-of-service lifespan and needed to be replaced. He reached to his final diagnosis based on the signs and symptoms of motor old-age, such as inconsistent turning speed, sometimes not turning at all, and rising temperatures at standstill relieved by car movement.

He replaced the disordered motor with a new original item in less than 30 minutes and charged me RM150.00 for it. He said imitation motors priced at about RM60 to RM70 wouldn't last long. Afterall, my original motor only died after more than 3 years. So there it went, the last car repair before the Year of Boar arrive. Wanted to repair my car's dented arse, but the workshop I wanted to go closed two days early for CNY.