Personal Review : Kawasaki Z 750 (CBU) 2012

The Z 750 is ready for me to test ride

This is the 2012 Kawasaki Z750, and this is the CBU (Complete Build Up) Unit. Took it out for a spin, this Zed does have a sensitive throttle control, at the weight of around 200 kg, I can easily push the bike while on it without hurting my balls.

Pushing the bike while on it, it's so easy to do so compared to my bike

This sport naked bike surprisingly easy to ride especially in town. With the handle bar easily reach, and my body position with the bike is just nice. It does make it easier to manoeuvre in traffic. With the top speed about 250km/h, I bet the wind impact and buffeting is the only problem I have to face. It does start felt that way at the speed of 120km/h.

A new cast-aluminium engine sub-frame allows the front engine mounts to be repositioned closer to the centre of gravity, behind the cylinder head rather than in front, while a combination of rigid and rubber mounts reduces engine vibration, particularly through the handlebars. The frame is narrowed below the nose of the saddle, and the fuel tank is smaller size look and the foot-peg hangers have been moved slightly inboard to create a slimmer riding position, maybe it design for enabling shorter riders to reach the ground comfortably with both feet. 

Zul Bintangor the owner for this 2012 Z750

That my friend, is a huge Durian

A beautiful corners to play with. Especially when you owned a great bike.

The bike has new, upside-down rebound and pre-load front forks, with smooth initial action giving way to firmer damping as the forks compress; the nitrogen-charged rear shock absorber also has longer travel. The new ignition mapping improves power delivery where it's most needed in the mid-range. Calls "true street performance" with its bigger brother, the Z1000 but with a different design approach: the Z1000 kicks out serious power but the 750 is more subtle.

No doubt the Z750 look a like with the Z1000, which is came from the same factory, and the same Zed Family. The Kawasaki still give a good stylish look and the power is always there to deliver. The only problem to me is long distance ride, because I might have to carry my bags or strap the luggage on the bike if I wish to travel for days or months on the road, without the windshield I might have to endure the wind impact and the bugs.

Small and compact dashboard, which is pretty cute.

One selfie before take off

I'm riding a sport tourer, but when I'm on the Zed, I do feel lighter. It's a great bike, but unfortunately the Kawasaki pull the Z750 out from the market and introduced the new Z800 in 2015. And guess what bike that replaced Z800 in 2017?

The Kawasaki Z750, great bike indeed

Engine -                              

Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.

Capacity -

748 cc / 45.6 cu-in

Cooling System -   

Liquid cooled

Clutch -                              

Multiple wet plate manual

Transmission -                   

6 Speed

Final Drive -                        

Chain

Front Suspension -          

41mm telescopic forks

Rear Suspension -            

Bottom link, Uni-Trak, 4-way rebound adjustment, 7-way preload

Front Brakes -                   

2x 300mm discs 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes -                     

Single 200mm disc 1 piston caliper

Dry Weight -                       

207.0 kg

Fuel Capacity -                   

18.5 Litres

Credit Bike and Photos : Zul (7-five-O) Bintangor.

Journey from Miri To Mukah

Ready to go. Petronas Bintulu 0702hrs  

It was drizzling that morning, it's 0515hrs but that doesn’t stop me from riding. I will be covering 337 KM from Miri to Mukah. Estimated another 200 KM to Bintulu then about 90 KM to Balingian. I have rode from Sibu - Balingian - K.Balingian - K.Tatau - Bintulu early this year. So I have to pass the same road again to Mukah. Mukah, is a small town, where it is famous with the local Melanau Umai, and fresh fish from the sea. Mukah is about 58 KM from Balingian, so I rode up here to Mukah for the first time, the road was not that bad compared to Selangau – Sibu, which indeed 110KM/h is an ideal speed for the road.

Miri - Bintulu - Balingian - Mukah

Stop here just to stretch my body 

With Zul Bintangor at Simpang
Balingian - Mukah

Beautiful place indeed, met Zul a rider from Bintangor and he brought be to meet Tuan Nahari. We are in the same motorcycle group, so we end up having a great cup of coffee with Tuan Haji (He is a District Officer for Mukah division) in small market next to the dock, where I can see the fisherman carrying fresh fishes from their boat to the market.

Not long after that I was been invited to attend a local wedding ceremony at Melanau village not far from the town.

The only small aircraft that can land in Mukah Airport 

Took a selfie at the small Ship Dock next to the Mukah wet market 

Cassie the bike would love to have a photo next to Mr "Soon Hai Fung" registration number "QSB 1812 K"

I’m honoured to be invited to this humble couple wedding, looking at kids playing around, having fun singing, taking photos with my bike, the only reason I say yes is because of the food. I was starving from Miri, so it’s great also that this couple join us for lunch too.

Tuan Nahari on his Versys, and Zul Bintangor on Z750

With this two sweet lovely Couple and the S1000rr BMW bike.

With among all the guest, they join us for lunch, Congratulation Mr.Mus and partner, and thank you for the invitation. 

As we said goodbye and congratulation to the couple, Tuan Nahari brought me and Zul to Oya square, Oya is located about 26KM from Mukah itself, he showed me the “Pasar Sabtu Oya” is a wet market where local people sell and buy fresh vegetables and any wet item. 

Mukah - Oya took about 20 minutes ride and only 26 KM from Mukah

Zul took a selfie with me and Tuan Nahari at Oya Square

Neeh, won't fit in my box anyway

Journey from Bintulu to Miri

Miri, located near the border of Brunei, on the island of Borneo. About more than 200 KM from Bintulu, it took me 2 hours to ride here in this beautiful modernized city. I was here to attend Miri Bike Week 2018, and not only that I was there to meet friends too. I checked in to a small, comfy and safe hotel in town. Great place to stay and its really safe to park the bike there.

Samalaju - Niah Highway

Niah pit-stop for lunch

Along the way from Bintulu to Miri, I’ve must first ride to Samalaju covering at least 75 KM from Bintulu and another 61 KM to Niah. I stopped for refreshment at Niah, the food was bloody expensive! And the portion was unsatisfied. It was a hot day indeed when I was here in Niah, it was around 34°C. I had no choice but stop to have lunch here, I think Niah pit-stop could be better with cleaner toilet, but looks like no complaint but me. After lunch I proceed my journey for another 28 KM passing Bekenu. 49 KM from Bekenu itself, I’ve reach in this modernized city of borneo, that is here, Miri   

Safely reach at 101 Hotel. I recommend this place, comfy, clean room with reasonable price and they have security.
(101 Hotel Miri, Lot 1608, Hokkien Road, 98000 Miri, Sarawak)

The roads in Miri is quite tough for me, as I’m not used to ride in this town. Heavy Traffic, unconsidered drivers and I got lost on my way to Permy Mall. But nothing and no one safe me other that Waze Apps and google maps.

With this Bruneian humble, rock and legendary biker. Uncle G'me Dok Dok

With Organizer of Miri Bike Week Mr.President Amgee (KMJM MC)
and group photos with the ladies bikers Kuching

Mr Augustine is one of the sponsor for  Miri Bike Week. Great to see him again.

With this talented man, Paint Brush, customs and many more, this guy from Sinoby Garage Brunei can make it happen.
Mr Sinoby Katak

I'm really proud to be with all of them. This is the great people to be with, talented, knowledgeable and strong biker.
SOG Brunei, I'm close with them since 2014. "Vespa Owners" this people ride their machine around Borneo.
And we still complaint event though we ride huge, fancy and expensive bikes.

Met Gloria and Cikgu Nadzirul here at Miri Bike Week

With Dedeq the Clown in Miri Bike Week. If I'm not mistaken last year was Batman on a
Honda EX5

With Laura a sweet lady from Ladies Biker Kuching Club. Would love to ride with her someday.

I brought Gloria to have dinner date with me, and it was a great night with her. 

They said "Put the jackets in ken's bike is a good idea" Yeah right. next time I'm Charging RM5.00 per Item

Going here is a must for us before heading back to Bintulu. The Nasi Lemak is the best.

Looking at the boys leaving Miri heading down to Sibu

I made friend at Beach Republic Miri

Bintulu again

Personal Review : Honda Goldwing (GL1800) 2011

Yellow is not really my colour, but this yellow Goldwing is! The Honda Goldwing, is one of the first luxurious cruiser ever build. With six-cylinder, 1800 cc the engine is quiet and has a low centre of gravity, at the weight of 360kg I can't really feel it, when I cruised and seat on the GL1800. I personally love huge, bulky and comfortable motorcycle, especially when I know I’m going for a long ride.

This GL1800 is equipped with good comfort for long distances ride, GPS, audio system, cruise mode, and etc. With audio information provided through the speakers and headset cables, plus a rider "comfort package" comprising saddle heating, heated grips, and adjustable engine-air vents ahead of the driver's foot pegs. A revised fairing gave better protection to my legs, with vents channeling warm engine air onto my feet.

The trunk, fairing pockets and saddlebags gave a storage capacity of 150 litres, that’s huge! The most fun thing is, it come with a reverse gear system, how I love not to put so much effort for parking. With that huge windshield and ventilation, I don't have to worry so much with the wind impact or getting too cold or too hot. Cornering with this monster bike, it’s not easy. I’ve put my skills to the test when I ride this GL18, it’s not a sport tourer, it’s not a DP bike and obviously it’s not a racer. 

It took a while for me to get used to it, eventually I did, there’s a trick and skills that I used especially making a sharp U-Turn. With the right speed and gear, cornering with this monster is fun. To me the only thing I have to deal with is the 25 litre gas which is quite expensive to ride with, and only gave you the warning low fuel sign at 4 litre, but its checks out. And what a surprise when I realized that this Honda Gold Wing only have top gear of 5.  

Model:  GL1800

Engine Type:  1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder

Bore and Stroke: 74mm x 71mm

Valve Train:  SOHC; two valves per cylinder

Induction:  PGM-FI

Ignition:  Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping

Transmission:  Five-speed including Overdrive, plus electric Reverse

Final drive:  Shaft

Suspension

Front: 45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system; 5.5 inches travel

Rear: Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring preload adjustment with two memory presets; 4.1 inches travel

Brakes

Front: Dual full-floating 296mm discs with LBS three-piston calipers; optional ABS

Rear: Single ventilated 316mm disc with LBS three-piston caliper; optional ABS

Tires

Front: 130/70R-18

Rear: 180/60R-16

Wheelbase:  66.5 inches

Rake (Caster Angle):  29.15o

Trail: 109mm (4.3 inches)

Fuel Capacity:  25 litre

Bintulu Town

10^th April 2018, it’s a first day after 10 years leaving this city. Everything has change, from roads to infrastructure and development. There’s only one thing doesn’t change here, that is the heat. OMG the heat is different from Kuching honestly. 32°c feels like 38°c here, the heat just blew to your face was not fun at all. But all of those changed, when I start to see family and friends once again. And I don't forget to go to few legendary restaurant shop, 10 years and still the taste is the same. 

The legendary deep fried Chicken Feet

Kueh Chap at Success Corner still the best

Still this is the famous "Mee goreng Basah"

Not long after that, I was been invited to attend a biking sport game in town that is the gymkhana. It was my first time as well, so I just give it a try. It does really challenge me a lot from balancing, cornering, shifting, counter-handling and decision making. Watch video below as we practice during the event.

Together with Bintulu Plan B Garage founder Mr Amie and old friend Skipper Iskandar, and Nanang.

Meet Jared, my new neighbour and his a biker aswell

I was invited to attend a Pre-Gawai Dinner State level at Dinner World here in Bintulu, it was my first big dinner after so long leaving Bintulu. It’s an honour to attend this dinner, This Gawai Dayak will be celebrated every year on the first day of June. That night I’ve seen every ethnic attended this pre-Gawai dinner, not only the Ibans and the Bidayuh was there, I’ve seen Orang Ulu, Chinese, Kedayan, Kejaman, Dusun and many more, our Malay friends also attended this dinner. It was great to see and enjoyed every traditional music and dance performed by students from selected schools. 

The Orang Ulu dance and music by using the traditional instrument called "Sape"  

The Bidayuh traditional dance 

With my Chinese and Iban Cousin, it's great to see them again

All is great and fun, it’s time to pack my bag and move to different places for another adventure. But this time I'll be returning back home. My journey continue.