I took my Sertao out for a ride this #SunMorningRide. It was unplanned for me, as I gatecrashed an off-roading excursion organised by the guys ARS Off Road. But it sure was a fun, fun day!
Thank you guys for having me!
Brake Caliper Servicing on my BMW G650GS Sertao
Immediately after a recent ride through the dirt trails of Ulu Choh, the G650GS started developing a horrible squeal in the front wheel area. This happens even while riding – and is especially notable at lower speeds. My initial fear was that the wheel hub bearing had gone bad. I have been taking the Sertao on some treacherous off-roading trips of late.
Like a resilient little pig that just refuse to die, the squeal was present when spinning the wheel while the bike is on the main stand. If it was the wheel bearings, that would have been not too good news – I’ve never done a bearing replacement before and probably don’t have the correct tools for extraction and, more importantly, proper re-insertion. But out of curiosity, I removed the brake calipers just to assess the damage – spun the wheel, and…. the squeal was gone!
Now that I have ascertained that it was the brakes, but not the bearings that caused the squeal, it was time for some brake caliper servicing!
Continue reading “Brake Caliper Servicing on my BMW G650GS Sertao”Sunday Morning Ride to Baryani Yong Peng
It’s Sunday Morning Ride again! This Sunday, we head to Yong Peng for some nasi briyani!
4D4N Group Ride to Krabi
We rode up to Krabi! It’s always nice to go on road trips with friends.
As I’ve been pretty tied up with work lately – sorry, no writeup, only pics.
BMW R1200GS LC Clutch Switch Failure
At 67,000km, my BMW R1200GS clutch switch failed. Symptoms include 1) not being able to start the bike while in gear and 2) not being able to switch riding modes while the bike is in motion.
You see, for either of the above 2 to work, the ECU must know that the clutch lever is FULLY pulled in. The R1200GS that comes with cruise control and/or shift assist pro use a set of dual microswitch instead of the typical single microswitch. The first part of the switch senses that the clutch lever is being slightly pulled in, and the second part senses if the clutch lever is fully pulled in.
Osram Night Breaker Unlimited Review
I was searching for a replacement lightbulb for the G650GS. Now that I’ve been spoilt by the superb LED headlamps of my R1200GS, the stock bulb that came with the bike was a little too dim for my liking. And so I went on to do some research for some replacement lightbulb.
The G650GS use a single H4 55/60W bulb for both dipped and high beams. I wanted something brighter, and I wanted something street legal. And so I immediately dismissed all the high-powered “off-road only” bulbs. And since the road regulations in Singapore are pretty strict with headlamp modifications, I dismissed the HID and LED conversion units too.
I have previously used a set of Ring Automotive’s Xenon Ultima in one of my car which I have since sold. Ring Automotive promises a whopping 120% more light. I recalled that while it was appreciably brighter than the stock headlamp bulb, the longevity of the bulb wasn’t great. It blew way faster than I expected it to.
Continue reading “Osram Night Breaker Unlimited Review”SMR – Riding the UCDP “Novice” Trail
We couldn’t get enough of dirt riding fun in Ulu Choh, and so we planned to head back there again. This weekend, we decided to attempt some of the trails instead.
I found a GPX trail in Wikiloc called “UCDP Novice Route”. Novice, right? Should be easy peasy… right? We were so wrong!
Arriving at Ulu Choh Dirt Park, we were a quirky bunch of riders that somehow look misplaced in a dirt park. Yes, the G650GS and the Yamaha XTZ with knobbies are somewhat at home here. Then there are the heavy adventure bikes – the R1200GSA and the Tiger 800 XCX. The Diversion with its street tires was obviously not the most appropriate machine here. And then there’s the cutesie bunch – the small, ultra-lightweight class – a 36year-old Vespa, a probably about as old Honda C90, and the midget Honda Grom, all gathered for some off-road trail fun. But what all these bikes have in common, is a rider with an adventure spirit and a can-do attitude.
Sunday Morning Ride – Dim Sum at Kluang
This Sunday morning, we rode to Kluang for dim sum! And we had 2 new SMR Riders – Colin on his KTM 1290, and Aaron on his MT10. Welcome!
Sunday Morning Ride to Pontian
Breakfast ride to Pontian wanton mee this Sunday morning followed by a short section of gravel to explore the sea-facing kampungs of Pontian. Always great to spend ride with with fellow ride buddies!
#SunMorningRide #SMR
Ulu Choh Dirt Park #2 Sunday Ride
We loved the dirt so much that we’re back in Ulu Choh! This time, we head there in the morning – while it’s still cool. Last week’s visit in the peak of the noon’s heat was a bad idea. I was overheated, dehydrated and throughly exhausted. And this time round, we went as a bunch of learning noobs and had some really silly fun!
