Transformation of the Vespa!

Below is the sequence over the past 2 month on how the Vespa transformation is coming along!

I believe I could receive the complete job before I head for my GTR trip!

I an pretty eager as the blue has turned out pretty good!

Looking forward!
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The Poor little Vespa bcome like that!!

26th July 2010

Papa went to Ah Joo for a spot check and came up some surprising news!!

I was there on the Saturday and asked Ah Joo where is my bike and he said he kinda forgotten where he left my bike... coz he actually did a lto of work on my bike to the extend that he asked what colors i wanted on the bike. He wanted to spray the bike already!!

I was of course very excited. I walked around the shop and premises to see where is my bike and also guessed and second guessed which bike is actually mine!! I through all the staircases to see if mine was left under the stairs hidden away from sight but could find any that i thought was my Vespa. I saw one and took a pic of it but as i can confirm that is NOT mine......

After a long time i still couldn't find my bike and also because Ah Joo was busy with one bike after the other and also going for inspection for the unendless number of clients that goes to him for small repairs, sales and inspection.

I was finally pointed to a bike that i first saw it, dismissed it as someone elses....... i could not believe that the bike totally changed!!

This is my original bike look and condition when i first took over from Mr Chia.

This is the bike still in the raw!!

I love the headlights!!

View from the front

View from the back.

So what you you think?? Is there is significant change to the Vespa?? I couldn't even recognise my own bike!! I hope it the end product will even be better and the engine to run sweetly!!!

Planning for something HUGE!

This October, I wanted to plan to head to the 2010 3NCR (3 Nations Charity Ride). But my head just shot forward a couple warp zones ahead and I ended planning for a ride - UP NORTH THAILAND!

The idea is as goes roughly - to head from

Day One - Singapore to Surat Thani (that's like 1182kmn 14h30m)

Day Two - Surat Thani to Chai Nat

Day Three - Chai Nat to Chiang Rai

Day Four - From Chiang Rai to visit places like Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Saen, the Golden Triangle, Mae Sai and finally to Mae Salong.

Day Five/Six - stay one extra day or move on to Mae Hon Son.

Day Six/Seven - Mae Hon Son to stay one extra night or move to Doi Inthanon, and end up in Sukhothai.

Day Seven/Eight - Sukhothai to Hua Hin/ or another place further south.

Day Eight/Nine - Hua Hin to Hatyai

I only know I need to be back by 16th latest to help out with James wedding!

How ah?
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Day 24 - Its finally stripped!

So finally Ah Joo found the handle for me!

Spoke with Jack today, a weekend mechanic for Ah Joo. He showed me his prized Vespa and indeed, he has placed lots of hardwork with milling brake levers, pressing out 'swift' logos on the side covers! Beauty it was!

Learnt from Jack that the handlebar Ah Joo got from me was rare! If the Super handle bar with the larger meter was found, the one with a smaller meter is only found 1 in 50!

I dun know much about Vespas but I am learning!

Vespas needs to be taken care at 1500km intervals and I think I can afford that sort of time to get it looked after!

I am excited!

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New Project!

Bought this bike from Mr Chia, will let this bike live on as Mr Chia is battling his personal battles which I hope he will pull through!

Spoke with Ah Joo from Jin Cheng Motors and finally caved in to restore this bike!

Manual Vespas are no longer in production even though this is made in Indonesia. A PX150 EXCEL.

I am going to convert it to look a little more like a Sprint. It will not be the same but Ah Joo will try to get as close as possible.

Welding, patching chopping, refurbishing, repainting and reaccessorizing!

This will take at least 2 months! This is how it looks when its pushed in to Ah Joo on the 17th June 2010.
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VID 00002-20100608-1314

Nice, heart warming performance.... Look at the children smiling!

Not sure if the will work on this mobile blogger!
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New WorkHorse!

Bought this at SGD 350 and spent another MYR 531 to get it looking this great!

Only to see if it can take my abuse! Wahahahha
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Multistrada 1200

Its a pretty bike!

Machine Price at SGD 47900 but with the discounts.... SGD 47600 on the road!

Its pretty cool but I'll still prefer my GSA!
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Nanuk is alone again! Nami is in LA with Fern.

Poor boy! He is already missing Nami and Fern! Hope they have a good time at LA!

Baby, I had a wonderful trip with u to Phuket!
Love you!
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12hours more to STD

Boots are ready n set!
Fern's is set with Kiwi shine, according to Jon, the boots had degraded a bit due to minimum usage. I hope it's still in perfect condition for rain.



Nami n Nanuk shall stay home this time :(



Bye nuk nuk n nami.

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Testing this App out!

So I am still awake from the sleep tuning session !

At least Liverpool won 4-1 against Benfica! Kuyt, Lucas, Torres' Double!


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In order to adjust for my Night Ride!

We are now heading to Cathay CineLeisure so I can watch a midnight movie! Steve Carrell's "Date Night", supposed to be a comedy! Might as well laugh our heads off! Fingers crossed the show is good!

Urgh! Update: the movie's fully booked and to think a weekday night and so many ppl watching a midnite movie?

Ended up at Jalan Kayu having beehoon goreng and roti john!

This is to adjust my body for the night ride! After that we'll come home for Liverpool v Benfica where Liverpool are 2-1 down from the first leg.

Go Reds! You'll Never Walk Alone!
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Packing the Challenge!!!

Heading up with my wife for the first time in this 3 Nations Ride!

Sent the bike in to Performance Motors for a Pre Ride Safety Check and the good thing is that this is FREE!!!

I raised an issue about my bike and they took some photos and wrote into Germany to see what can/should be done.

Bike's good and ready to go......

Last night was crazy as we took time to pack and packing for two was indeed an experience that requires a sane mind.

How to put everything we need for 9days into 1 Tankbag, 2 Side Panniers and a Top Box where you try not to overload everything and make sure the panniers are equally balanced?

So we packed, unpack, squeeze, pack.... unpacked and finally got everything into 2 bags!! Tool kits and misc. stuff can just sit at the bottom of the panniers!

Clothes, Medicine, Chargers, Toiletries, toolkit, tow rope, bike cover, locks, paperwork

Got our riding gears out and fitting all the armour properly.

Went to bed, feeling that i have somemore things i need to bring, forgot to bring, how to bring??

My First 3 Nations Ride with Fern~~~!!

This is the initial objective, to attend this bike week and have some fun!

Phuket Bike Week 2010

Then i also realised that Songkran will also be held concurrently with this event and therefore DOUBLE THE FUN!!!

Riding up for this trip will include 4 bikes! Palmer, Roberto, Fadly +1.

This is an idea of the itinerary for the next few days

2010 Phuket Bike Week & Songkran Festival

Date : 10th - 16th Apr 2010
Meetup Timing : 0200hrs (Move off) 0230hrs
Travelling Speed : 140 - 160KM/H (M'sia) 120 - 140 KM/H (Thai)
Distance : 1,700 KM (M'sia) 1,300 KM (Thai)
Organiser : PaLmEr (KC) (S'pore) +65 9788 5000 (M'sia) +60 12 709 3430

GENERAL INFORMATION

- Please ensure you have minimum 6 months validity on your passport.
- Vehicle registration card (Photocopy). Certified true copy would be preferred.
- If you are NOT the owner of the vehicle, you MUST obtain an authorisation letter by vehicle owner CLEARLY stating that you are riding into Thailand with his/her vehicle. His/her signature is required.

SAFETY

Minimum Attire : Riding jacket, Jeans, riding gloves, boots/shoes.
Bike Requirements : Bike must be in good condition, especially tyres & brakes.
NO SLIPPERS AND SANDALS FOR THE LONG HAUL RIDES!
OFFENDERS WILL BE U-TURNed with no refund!

1) A safety briefing will be conducted before commencing the ride. Trip leader will inform all riders on route.
2) In the event that you break contact with the group, remain at a safe location with a prominent landmark (Petrol station) and SMS your location to +65 9788 5000.
3) Avoid stopping at the side of North South Highway in M'sia unnecessarily.
4) DO NOT exit the North South Highway without informing anyone beforehand
5) Keep a lookout on your belongings especially at stops, especially Helmets, bike keys, valuables and tank bags.
6) Maximum Safety limit for riding: 200KM or 2 hours continuous riding, whichever comes first.

RIDING METHODS

Malaysia - Free & Easy movement will be practiced on the North South Highway with sweeper.
Thailand - Convoy movement will be practiced on Thai roads (Trunk roads / rural highways) with sweeper

1) Kindly keep left unless overtaking or as led by ride leader. The ride leader will monitor traffic at back with his mirrors and act accordingly. DO NOT hog the right lane if there are vehicles attempting to overtake. Switch to left lane safely and let vehicle overtake. Always give way to faster moving vehicles!
2) DO NOT tailgate each other. Ride in a staggered formation.
3) Always look out for others in your group for symptoms like fatigue or bike problems.

PLEASE RIDE SAFELY!

ITINERARY

Note: All timings are in SINGAPORE TIME (GMT +8) All distances are estimates and are subject to road conditions.

10th April 2010 (Sat)
0200hrs Meet @ Gelang Patah ESSO (Northbound)
All to top up Full Tank.
0230hrs Depart for PAGOH (1hr 15min, 155 KM)
0345hrs PAGOH R&R (Shell)
All to top up Full Tank.
0400hrs Move off for SUNGEI BESI (1hr 20min, 165 KM)
0520hrs SUNGEI BESI (After toll) (Petronas). Breakfast @ 24hr Macdonalds. Full tank after Breakfast.
0600hrs Depart for TAPAH (1hr 30min, 160 KM)
*** WARNING! *** Winding twisty highway after Rawang to Slim River!
0730hrs Arrive TAPAH R&R (Shell)
All to top up Full Tank.
0745hrs Depart for SEMANGGOL (1hr 30min, 140 KM)
*** WARNING! *** Area After IPOH has twisty highway! ACCIDENT AREA!
0915hrs Arrive SEMANGGOL R&R (Esso)
All to top up Full Tank.
0945hrs Depart for GURUN (1hr 15min, 125 KM)
1100hrs Arrive GURUN R&R (Caltex)
All to top up Full Tank.
All to purchase Thai Vehicle Insurance.
1130hrs Depart for BUKIT KAYU HITAM (0hr 50min, 80 KM)
*** WARNING! *** Beware of CROSS WINDS!
1220hrs Arrive BUKIT KAYU HITAM (Caltex) Around 9KM Marker.
All to top up your last drops of Malaysian Petrol.
Depart immediately after pumping for border.
1230hrs Arrive @ Thailand Border.
*** IMPORTANT! *** All are to clear customs for Rider/Pillion AND Vehicle!
1315hrs Proceed to Hat Yai Town (1hr 0min, 70KM)
1430hrs Arrive @ Novotel Hat Yai.
Proceed to Check in.
Free & Easy.
1845hrs Meet @ Lobby for Steamboat dinner.
1900hrs Traditional charcoal Steamboat dinner buffet.
2200hrs Free & Easy or Happy Hour

ITINERARY
Note: All timings are in SINGAPORE TIME (GMT +8) All distances are estimates and are subject to road conditions.

11th April 2010 (Sun)

0730hrs Meet @ Lobby, breakfast. OTOT
0830hrs Check out.
0845hrs Gather opposite LEE GARDEN PLAZA, prepare to move off.
0900hrs Move off to top up petrol
0910hrs Arrive Hat Yai petrol station (0hr 10min, 1.5KM)
All to top up FULL TANK & check tyre pressures.
0930hrs Depart for TRANG (1hr 30min, 160KM)
*** WARNING! *** Beware of vehicles emerging from Centre median!
1030hrs Arrive @ TRANG
All to pump FULL TANK
1050hrs Depart for KRABI (1hr 40min, 170KM)
1230hrs Arrive @ KRABI
All to top up FULL TANK
1245hrs Depart for PHUKET CAUSEWAY (1hr 15min 100KM)
*** WARNING! *** Bumpy road! Especially around corners!
1400hrs Arrive @ PHUKET CAUSEWAY
PHUKET CAUSEWAY (Photo taking session)
PHUKET GATEWAY (Phuket Bike Week Welcome Area)
1430hrs Depart for PHUKET, PATONG BEACH. (0hr 45min, 50km)
1515hrs Arrive @ Patong Beach Lodge, Patong Beach Phuket.
Proceed to Check in.
Free & Easy
1900hrs Meet up @ Lobby for dinner & Phuket Bike Week.
2200hrs Happy Hour or Free & Easy
12th April 2010 (Mon)
0900hrs Meet @ Lobby, Breakfast included.
Free & Easy
Shopping / Water sports / Sun tan
1300hrs Meet @ Lobby for Water War!
1900hrs Dinner
2100hrs Free & Easy

ITINERARY
Note: All timings are in SINGAPORE TIME (GMT +8) All distances are estimates and are subject to road conditions.

13th April 2010 (Tue)

0900hrs Meet @ Lobby, Breakfast included.
0930hrs SONGKRAN! Water war!
1900hrs Dinner
2100hrs Free & Easy
14th April 2010 (Wed)

0900hrs Meet @ Lobby, Breakfast included.
1000hrs Proceed for ride around Phuket Island.
Wat Chalong, Phuket Abalone Farm, Gypsy Village, Promthep Cape
1400hrs Lunch
1500hrs Return to Hotel. Free & Easy
1900hrs Dinner, Free & Easy

15th April 2010 (Thu)

0800hrs Meet @ Hotel Lobby, Breakfast
0845hrs Check Out, prepare to move off to Hat Yai.
0900hrs Depart for KRABI (2hr 0min, 150 KM)
All to top up FULL TANK.
*** WARNING! *** Bumpy road! Especially around corners!
1100hrs Arrive @ KRABI. Sightseeing & Lunch.
All to top up FULL TANK.
1300hrs Depart for TRANG (1hr 40min, 170 KM)
1440hrs Arrive @ Trang.
All to top up FULL TANK.
1500hrs Depart for Hat Yai (1hr 30min, 160 KM)
*** WARNING! *** Beware of vehicles emerging from Centre median!
1630hrs Arrive @ Hat Yai Novotel.
Proceed to Check in.
1900hrs Dinner
2000hrs Night Market
2200hrs Free & Easy or Happy Hour

16th April 2010 (Fri)

0900hrs Meet @ Hotel Lobby for breakfast
1000hrs Bon Voyage (for those returning to SG on 16th Apr 2010)
1030hrs Return to Kuala Lumpur
1400hrs Check out, prepare to move off to Singapore.
Top up fuel if necessary. (1hr 0min, 70KM)
1530hrs Arrive @ SADAO border.
*** IMPORTANT! *** All are to clear customs for Rider/Pillion AND Vehicle!
1600hrs Move to Bukit Kayu Hitam (Petronas) (5KM Marker)
All to top up FULL TANK.
*** WARNING! *** Beware of CROSS WINDS!
1615hrs Depart for SEMANGGOL (185KM, 1hr 45min)
1800hrs Arrive @ SEMANGGOL R&R (Esso)
All to top up FULL TANK.
*** WARNING! *** Area after Sungei Perak has twisty highway! ACCIDENT AREA!
1815hrs Depart for TAPAH (1hr 15min, 140KM)
1930hrs Arrive @ TAPAH R&R (Shell)
Dinner @ R&R
*** WARNING! *** Winding twisty highway after Slim River to Rawang!
2015hrs Depart for Sungei Buloh (1hr 15min, 135KM)
2130hrs Arrive @ Sungei Buloh (Esso)
All to top up FULL TANK.

ITINERARY
Note: All timings are in SINGAPORE TIME (GMT +8) All distances are estimates and are subject to road conditions.

17th April 2010 (Sat)
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