Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, I went through that period of time when large capacity motorcycles were a rarity in Malaysia. Most manufacturers only spared small capacity test bikes, while importers had no bikes for review at all. I was working in another magazine in the late 90’s and we had to beg like mad to get one for review. Fat chance for the buying public to test ride one before making a purchase!
Times have certainly changed. With more and more people having the means to own one, manufacturers and importers find it increasingly meaningful to organize test ride events and roadshows.
But CA Cycle Advanced and KTM Malaysia took things to another level.
CA Cycle Advanced, situated in Kajang, is one of KTM Malaysia’s largest dealers. Both entities decided to work together to organize a buka puasa event at Genting Highlands. But even more significant was that the event was an opportunity for CA Cycle’s clients who own other brands of motorcycles to test ride KTM’s large capacity bikes on a day ride – not just around the block.
The participants rode to KTM Malaysia’s Lifestyle Showroom at Kota Damansara on their own motorcycles that were a mix of brands and models. KTM Malaysia had prepared two units of 1290 Super Adventure (previous model), and one each 1290 Super Adventure S, 1290 Super Duke R, 1290 Super Duke GT, 1050 Adventure (decked out in Tour Pack livery). There were also two units of self-owned 1290 Super Adventure. Participants chose whichever model the fancied and are then allowed to switch.
That’s a total of 1,215 bhp among the KTMs alone.
We rode out through some busy highways to reach the last Petronas station along Jalan Sungai Tua. We stopped for a quick breather and as an opportunity for the participants to switch bikes.
It was then a thrilling ride through the serpentine road to Ulu Yam. There was plenty of traffic consisting of cars and buses along the way so while some of us took it easy, it was no wonder some riders just took off. These bikes were built for these kind of roads! Even a wet road from a passing rain cloud didn’t slow them down much.
We reached Ulu Yam Bharu in no time and continued up the Bentong Kali – Genting Highlands road to Gohtong Jaya, followed by climbing the mountain to the summit. The traffic going up was a total deadlock up to the new Awana Skyway but it thankfully thinned out the further up we ascended.
We stopped at the usual Coffee Bean outlet at the Resort Hotel. We had to park our bikes in the basement, of course. For the Muslims, it was great to chill to the cool breeze, while those who weren’t enjoyed some drinks, cigarettes and shared their experiences on the bikes they just rode.
Soon, we headed back down the mountain to the Nanyang Restaurant at Gohtong Jaya for berbuka puasa. Now the roads were choked as people headed home. Our bikes just dispatched of them, including a couple of modified cars who thought they could run against 160 bhp bikes. Pfft.
As we sat down and waited for Maghrib, it seemed that none looked beat and tired, including those who fasted. They were instead smiling from ear-to-ear, filling the air with excited conversation and laughter.
We hung around for a little longer than expected after breaking fast, before riding back to Kota Damansara. Again, there were plenty of whoops of joy all around. Every one and every bike got back safely, and that was the most important.
Here’s hoping other dealers will organize such rides soon!
