Motorcycles and Touring in Asia

Hello, Nie Hao, Selamat Datang, Hey and G'Day!

So how did I end up here? Another pompous git telling, or attempting, anyone who will listen how to do it, fixing the problems one font at a time?

Nah!

I'm a rider, I love bikes, motorcycles to be clear, though I sometimes get around on a treadly, a pushy or bicycle once in a while. Have to keep the spare tire off the belt line somehow. Anyway the thing is I've been into motorised two wheels for several decades. Yeah ,alright I'm not a spring chicken, having been through a few experiences I've learned a few things, waiting for parts, waiting for that phone call, being unable to find that one thing I need to get back on the road.

That road.....riding it, straddling a good bike and heading for that next corner, the next town, one more line on a map thats been experienced. I ride thousands of kilometers each year, tarmac or dirt, sunny days that seem perfect and crappy, freezing, sleazy dirt roads that are slush and so cold my toes hug the engine to keep the circulation going. Europe, North and South America, Africa, Australia and now Asia. Good days, days that are so frustrating after the 20th wrong track and some so glorious I scream in my helmet from the joy of it. I can not imagine a time when I will give up being on two wheels. Riding all sorts of machinery, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, even a few Chinese things.

I'm in the lucky position that I have the opportunity to ride bikes in places that many others dream about. The armchair riders, who have regular jobs, wife, 2.5 kids, the dog and or cat, the SUV and the mortgage to tend. I work for myself, sometimes taking short term contracts in places like China, or Malaysia, or wherever I feel like being. Wherever I am, after getting sorted with a roof over my head, meeting coworkers, arranging schedules and timetables, the search for a suitable set of wheels is next. There are new roads to ride, and I don't live for work. That's it, I work because I want to see what's over that hill, what's around that next corner, how is the road to.....wherever....I just have to go.

Right

So why this blog, which I have to say is something new for me and I'm working it all out as I go. Finding a good ride and replacing bits when you are riding in places where few can afford the cost of a front tire or a chain and sprocket set is often like stacking peas with a pitchfork. I've found places that can make a brake lever for a GSXR1100. From a lump of alloy... 'can you shape the end to suit my hand, not stock?'
'Yes, can!'
'When will it be ready?'
'Come back in morning!'
It's 1am....no way....but yeah, at 9am its ready, and its perfect and its cheaper than that motorcycle supermarket back home. Ok so his name goes in 'THE BOOK'

Shit, tire's rooted and I should replace that tacho and where the hell am I going to find one for a BMW R1200, in China. Where almost everyone rides 125cc universal peoples bikes that are made in a million small factories and are all priced less than the bottle of scotch I bought duty free at the airport?

What.... do I want white face Tacho or another custom colour, or a complete bike?.....maybe a 996 Duke engine which is sitting in his shop? Right he goes in 'THE BOOK'

So this is the online version of 'THE BOOK', the collection of all those people and places who love bikes. Those small shops and contacts I have made who can find a gear drive cover for a desmo, who know that a 150cc scooter is not the same as a 1000cc four, even if they are both called Katana.

Here you will find those bits and pieces, the parts and spares for your ride. Or a complete ride. Looking for a touring bike to see Asia, want a replacement engine for your track day gixxer. Maqybe you want to fit USD forks to your Zephyr or Bandit. Then here is a a way to find it, without being ripped off.

Really, who wants to pay MR750 for a plastic front mudguard for a Yamaha, which is worth $45? Or Rmb1,200 for a set of front forks, when all you want is two 42mm Inner Fork Tubes, worth $65!


Lets start this ride