Art of Speed - Kuala Lumpur

The problem about riding a small scooter when going on a road trip is that it is difficult to find someone who is able to ride at your pace. All of my peers upgrade to a bigger bikes soon they have gotten their Class 2 licence. It seems like I am the only oddball who still clings to her little scooter 3 years after getting her Class 2 licence.

The only time the licence was put to use was when I test rode the BMW F800R at PML. Just imagine a petite 1.56m frame on an oversized bike, the handle bars just slightly below the shoulder and the feet always on ballerina pointe once bike is stationary. Road users stopping at the traffic light better keep a distance away from her lest the biker ballerina topples onto them.

There was an upcoming custom bike show in Kuala Lumpur - an excuse for another road trip. All of the friends I know who were attending, were on their big cc bikes and riding at a speed that would likely seize my piston.

Cannot find anybody to go with, is not a good reason not to go.


I was planning to ride alone to meet Wei Jie in Ayer Keroh and we would navigate around KL with the aid of his GPS phone application. A few days before the trip, he told me that Jonathan, the renown Wheelie King wanted to go on his Yamaha 250cc Tricker and probably we could travel together. Great!

Next morning 6.45am, I met Jonathan there at Gelang Patah Esso station, asked about his tank distance capacity and planned for our next petrol stop at Machap. Without any haste, we filled up our petrol and left.

Petrol stops at Machap and then Pagoh, I was on the brink of emptying my tank at Pagoh which did not happen in my previous trips. Could it be the speed or my clutch plates or what else? All the possible reasons for increased fuel consumption started playing though my head.

We wasted no time for breaks, it was just pump, pay and go. We rode past the exit for Malacca at 2 hour 30 minutes time point, a far cry from the 4 hours in my first ride to Malacca.

We arrived at Ayer Keroh to wait for Wei Jie and have our brunch. I contacted Wei Jie who was still far away, so we decided to eat first. The reason why for stopping at Ayer Keroh was the A&W! Chilled root beer float, crispy curly fries and aromatic waffles! It brought back all the memories of indulging in these food back in the 90's before A&W went extinct in Singapore.

Ayer Keroh R&R, playing the waiting game.

After settling our stomachs, Wei Jie was still far away. We arranged to meet at Seremban, the last R&R before entering Kuala Lumpur. Wei Jie was playing the catching up game while Jonathan and I were playing the waiting game at Seremban. Soon after we heard a thunderous rumbling discord from afar,  a convoy of Harleys came throttling into the petrol station. It was the War Pigs and there I met a few familiar faces and exchanged some conversation before they head their way.

A young chap approached Jonathan and struck a conversation in Malay and bits of English. Upon knowing where we are from, he proclaimed that he works as a cleaner in Singapore. He was trying to be friendly, but who knows what motive he had.

He was very interested in the Tricker, asking lots of questions, like the usual Mat Rep question of, "What is the top speed?" Jonathan responded out of politeness but refrained from continuing the conversation. The chap went on to brag that his RXK can go up to a ridiculously high speed, 200km/h if I recall correctly.

He pointed to the Tricker and then to himself, as if to ask if he can try the bike. Jonathan profusely shook his head and waved his hand. It took some time before he got the vibe that we did not want to continue the conversation any further. Eventually, he left us alone.

With the number of bike theft cases in Malaysia, it was best that we be on the vigilant side. Who know after he test rode the bike, he will fled to somewhere with it.

Finally, Wei Jie caught up with us at Seremban, we proceeded to meet another friend at the toll to KL. At 1pm, 6 hours after setting off from Gelang Patah, we arrived in KL. The roads in KL are like labyrinth. I reckoned without Wei Jie's GPS, we would not be able to arrive at our hotel or even find the Art of Speed event.

Art of Speed exhibited a myriad of customised two-wheelers and four-wheelers from all over Malaysia and one bike from Singapore that I recognised. Many of the vehicles were aesthetic treat to the eyes, exuding impressive artistry but sometimes they deviate from practicality. It was really nice to see some old and antique vehicles which are very very rare sights in Singapore. Thanks to 10 years COE system.

Not the most comfortable seat.

The Vespas and Lambrettas

Bicycles were not excluded. Beautiful tyre thread.

Her name is Miss Treated. An orgasmic sight to custom bike fanatics.

Steady hand required, no rooms for error. 

Can you believe this was painted freehand?

We know Piaggio manufacture the Vespa (Wasp in Italian). Do you know they also produce the Ape (Bee)?

Vespa handlebar for steering.

Volkswagen Beetle

Nice pokey ass.

Hot rod?

Still looking pristine.

Miniatures 4-wheelers are not forgotten.

Behold the intricate details of these miniature models.

The day's event was ended with a night convoy escorted by the traffic police. Even at 9.30pm, the roads were still bustling with vehicles. We spent a good time of the convoy stuck in the traffic jam. Rider got off their bikes to cool themselves from overheating engine, to mingles and camwhore. It would have been longer if the traffic police did not clear the road for us. 

Uncle on a trike in the convoy.

Time for some socialising and cam whoring.