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There are tons of YouTube videos one could watch to unwind and decompress at the end of the day, perhaps while having dinner. You could watch one of those nature documentaries, travel vlogs featuring beautiful beaches, or perhaps a cooking show. But there's something strangely therapeutic about watching restoration videos. And the channel I find myself drawn to is Fumicho Restoration, a channel full of videos of old motorcycles being repaired and essentially reborn. I'm not even familiar with most of the models featured, but it's the process that's addictive. From what I've seen, the owner is quite a mechanic, for there aren't any manuals lying around. But he has no problem disassembling an entire motorcycle and putting it back together without any guidance. And when I say disassemble, that includes engines, starter motors, and shockingly, carburettors. Carburettors are notoriously tricky, and one should not even think about taking it apart unless you're as skilled as this dude, who looks like he could do these things while half-asleep. What makes the videos so engrossing is witnessing him figuring out why a motorcycle won't start. It could be a faulty starter, worn spark plugs, a flat battery, or low cylinder compression. It's like watching a detective catch a criminal. Watching stuff get taken apart is oddly relaxing. I've watched him unscrew, unbolt, and unstick things. He's even repaired dented fuel tanks and resprayed them, complete with original graphics. Given his talent, I was amused to find a video of him cleaning and restoring his work boots. The man could probably have a side hustle as a cobbler. All these videos are mesmerising, to say the least. Plus, the background music is usually a mix of blues, country and jazz, adding to the laid-back feel. Interestingly, this YouTuber doesn't have videos of himself riding his restored bikes. After all, viewers are curious to see them in action. But, with my editorial cap on, it dawned on me that while having those videos would be nice, they also wouldn't fit the channel's theme. After watching Fumicho's videos, it was no surprise that YouTube then fed me videos from Autumn Car Playing. What was surprising, however, was that despite the channel's name, the videos are all about motorcycle restoration. Of course, even if the content is similar, the flavours still differ. The biggest difference is that on the latter channel, the vlogger narrates her videos. And since she speaks in Chinese, I rely less on the English subtitles (I still need them, though). The content on both channels is equally interesting, for I get to learn more about two-wheelers and how they work. It's also impressive to see folks who are so mechanically inclined that they're able to take machines apart, find out what's ailing them, fix the issues, and put everything back together. And make the machines look better than when they were new! Will I get tired of watching videos like these? Perhaps, in the short term, I might go back to watching documentaries about the Cold War. But in the meantime, when I want to unwind, channels like these will continue to be my first stop. – Jeremy

Have you ever found yourself obsessing over a fad or an object that you grow tired of after a few months, or even just after a few weeks? You feel as if you're entering one passing phase after another. When one ends, you feel tired and empty at the same time, yet you can't help but seek the next thing to occupy your mind. Is this a product of our connection/addiction to social media, in our endless bid to find the next entertaining or educational reel? Is it all just an attempt to find the next dopamine hit we constantly crave? (Disclaimer: I am not a psychiatrist.) About three years ago, a colleague of mine told me about how he, along with a few other guys in the office, went through this phase where they all got into the same hobbies at the same time. One such hobby was folding bicycles. Once one of them tried it, the rest of the group decided they should also buy foldies, so they could go on group rides after work. It's all about team bonding, after all. Photo: Dimon Blr, Unsplash However, if you don't make this part of your lifestyle, the novelty soon wears off. By this point, one of them had purchased more than two foldies, which are currently residing in his bomb shelter. Dissatisfied with the weight and performance of the folding bikes, my colleagues then acquired road bikes so they could clock faster average speeds. Cycling, however, takes up time. Time to gear up, time to ride, and time to put the bicycles on racks so you can ride in new places. So, another hobby was needed. Enter in-line skating. Why bother transporting bicycles when you can literally strap wheels onto your feet? Easier, right? Right. Photo: Naomi Tamar, Unsplash Next, someone suggested that apart from outdoor activities, they should also have a relaxing activity they can do at home. Hence, the obsession with aquariums. Water, filters, PH testing, air pumps, tank decorations, fish and fish food... they got into it all. Maintaining an aquarium is complicated (duh) and unless you learn how to maintain this ecosystem, the inevitable will happen. The poor fish slowly died out as the passion for the hobby fizzled. Mea culpa I'm just as guilty of getting into things and tiring of them quickly. When I bought my first full-frame DSLR, I was obsessed with a 50mm f1.4 lens, thinking it was all the kit I needed. It was – for a while. But I have my limitations, and soon found myself wanting a longer focal length for better 'compression'. Also, it's not always possible to get close to a speaker at an event. Or so I told myself. The 50mm lens fell out of favour once my 24-70mm lens arrived. Sure, call me lazy for preferring the 'softer' zoom in place of a 'crisper' prime. My 50mm entered a state of semi-retirement. The writer's passion for photography still continues to this day. Photo: Chuttersnap, Unsplash Next, I became obsessed with Nikon's 135mm f2.0. Purpose-built for portraits, creamy bokeh is its calling card. I had to have one. After fawning over it (while saving the moolah needed), I took the plunge. To justify its cost, I also used it to shoot cars. It didn't matter if my teammates said it was inconvenient because of how far away I'd have to walk to get a car in frame. I loved using this solidly built lens and its metal body. But reality hit home. It was not very practical unless I'm shooting portraits, which is... once in a blue moon. The 24-70mm lens was still the most used because of its convenience, so like the 50mm, my dream 135mm lens sits idly at home. Since then, I have learnt to obsess 'sensibly', which means looking intently, but not buying. This saves money, but not necessarily time. For instance, I was once obsessed with acquiring a scooter, for no other reason except I hadn't really tried one. "Bro you should get one! Just twist and go, it's super-easy to ride in traffic! You won't regret it!" "Buy, buy, buy!" Hearing stuff like this made me want one even more. So, to the irritation of my better half, I spent weeks trawling online ads, often even while she was trying to tell me something important. I considered everything from a Honda PCX150 to a Suzuki Burgman to a Sym GTS. My scooter phase ended when the missus told me that my scooter would only sit in the carpark gathering dust. Since I only get to ride my bike twice a week, getting second two-wheeler would have been foolhardy indeed. The writer is unlikely to own a scooter, as he still enjoys the engagement a motorcycle requires. Photo: Pedro Pereira, Unsplash Another thing I stopped myself from buying is a gaming laptop. My last one is over 10 years old and no longer works. With a library of games on Steam and my work laptop not having the hardware to run them, a $4,000 gaming machine must be the solution. Fortunately, I had the sense to pause before spending so much money. After spending the entire day at work (in front of a computer), I realised the last thing I wanted to do on weeknights was sit in front of another computer. That means I'd only use a gaming laptop on weekends, presuming there were no plans to meet with friends. It also dawned on me that a gaming laptop would contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. So, I should be spending money on a gym membership instead. And a nicer bicycle that could lead to improved fitness. Right? Right? Oh crap, it's happening again. – Jeremy

Cars are becoming more and more homogenised. No, I'm not saying that cars are becoming identical, but as more and more cars become electrified and more EVs come to market, they will tend to feel the same. You see, consumers want cars that are quiet, spacious and convenient, and manufacturers are giving us just that. Some of us (not everyone looks at the list of standard safety features, sadly) want safer cars, too, so carmakers are bundling in more safety and driver assistance functions. So, most modern cars today are easy to drive and have numerous amenities that cater to drivers and passengers. But if you love driving, you would have surely noticed that driving a modern car doesn't deliver the same engagement that driving say, an older manual car does. Congestion, the enemy Can you drive a manual sports car today? Yes, enthusiasts do. But not me, because it's not rewarding to drive a manual car when my daily commute to and from the office happens during peak hours. The mere thought of repeatedly shifting from first to second and second to first, with some second to third thrown in from time to time, twice a day, is abhorrent. It is a chore. One might ask, "Well, why not go for late-night drives then?" After 8-10 hours at work, which also involves a fair amount of driving (test cars), I need to rest. A fatigued driver is a dangerous one. The writer gearing up for his first ride on his first bike Swopping four wheels for two So, how can a keen driver still feel engaged? Interestingly, one alternative is to ride a motorcycle. If you've never ridden a motorcycle before, imagine this. In a car, with an automatic transmission, you can pretty much just look out for traffic and steer. Only your right foot needs to work, and you're insulated and physically protected. On a motorcycle, you'll need all your wits and your senses (including whatever sixth sense or premonitions you can muster) to keep yourself safe. Looking out for other traffic is just beginning, because you need to even predict 'car and driver language' based on how a vehicle is being driven. And we haven't even gotten to operating a bike with a manual gearbox. An ignition that needs an actual key, analogue gauges, and yes, a 10,000rpm redline For the uninitiated, the clutch is a lever on the left handlebar and the shifter is a peg below your left foot. The accelerator is on right handlebar, which you twist towards you to accelerate. In front of it is the lever for the front brake and below your foot is the pedal for the rear brake. Your entire body is involved in riding a bike, and this is especially true when going around corners. And if sightlines in a car are important, they are everything when it comes to riding - where you look is where the bike will go. On a bike, looking the wrong way could end with you becoming a part of the scenery or taking an unwanted dip in a longkang. That's more than enough to keep me alert. Risky, but that's life in general If you're a biker, you'd undoubtedly have heard all the questions about risk and danger, especially given how vulnerable one is on two wheels. Is driving safer? In a sense, yes. But how much safer, actually? To me, riding a motorcycle is as risky as riding my bicycle on the road. So is crossing the road. Even walking on the pavement is dangerous, especially if there are cyclists are intent on zipping by you. I could as easily trip while walking as I could bump my knee on a table leg (it just happened again today). If I were to analyse every action I intended to take and anticipate its danger potential, I'd literally be stuck at home, which by the way is where most accidents occur. If you think most cars are becoming staid and uninteresting, I recommend taking a bike lesson (or two). Even if you're a die-hard manual sports car enthusiast, you may end up finding the experience to be an eye-opening, and perhaps addictive one.

What happened? A massive crash took place in Seletar Expressway (SLE) on 6 July 2023 after a Toyota lorry lost control and skidded, causing a chain collision involving 5 other motorcyclists and a car. As we can see in the footage, the motorcyclists were left with no time to react. One motorcyclist leapt off his bike to avoid the crash, while others were unable to avoid it and caused a pile up. The first motorcyclist was also put between the lorry and a Honda, though the extent of the damage to the Honda is unknown. In the aftermath of the incident, it is shown that shrapnel was left littered across the road, while some of the riders involved were lying on the ground, injured. Fortunately, other riders were present to help them out and ensure their well being. The injured riders were conscious and sent to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. It is not known what happened to cause the lorry to lose control, or the condition of the lorry driver. Online chatter Many blamed the lorry for the incident, some giving their own experiences of how heavy vehicles are in the wrong lanes. A couple of people however, blamed the bikes for lane splitting. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

All the interesting things happen over the weekend. Like this, for example. What happened? On 21 May, 2023, Hougang residents were greeted with an unusual sight. Motorcyclists. No, I’m not saying motorcyclists are unusual, but how many of them there were certainly was. Not to mention how they are all pushing their bikes alongside them instead of using them. Traffic police were there as well, seemingly keeping a watchful eye over the motorcyclists. We have no information or context on why they’re all rounded up like this so… someone misbehaved? Online chatter One netizen noted how it looked like a “walk of shame”, as if the motorcyclists were from primary school. A few also joked that a funeral was happening. Others just questioned what happened to cause the round-up. ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

According to the latest Facebook Post on Harley-Davidson Singapore, 13th September 2022 will be Komoco's last day as its dealer. No other information was provided in its statement. Will Wearnes be taking over as the new dealer? Dear Valued Customers, Komoco Motorcycles Pte Ltd would like to inform that 13th September 2022 will be our last day as dealer of Harley-Davidson in Singapore. Having represented Harley-Davidson in Singapore since 1993, it has been a pleasure to have you as our customers & we are grateful for your support towards Komoco Motorcycles Pte Ltd. We look forward to your continued support & experience with Komoco Group’s continued representation of Hyundai, Jeep, Maserati & Ferrari automotive brands in Singapore. Sincerely, Team Komoco Motorcycles

Yesterday morning on the busy Seletar Expressway, a lone motorcyclist (and those around him) got the biggest shock of his life when he drove over a wooden block on the road. Due to the impact with the object, he then lost control of his bike, swerving like 'siao' until he was tossed onto the floor, with a hard landing. Ouch! As shown in the video, readers can see the obstacle was not that visible from far away. The video can be seen here The poor motorcyclist must have not seen it too, or he would have avoided it from the start. Aiyo, look at how the motorcycle and the rider were thrown onto the hard and painful road! It was shared that the lorry behind him then slowed down, stopping to render assistance to the fallen rider. Heng! There are still some good Samaritans in the world. Online reactions to the unfortunate incident were mixed, ranging from nasty: To chiding: As well as some kinder comments that expressed concern towards the motorcyclist: This well-meaning commentator managed to sneak a pun in: Steady la. Us Sinkie drivers may be a hot-tempered bunch, but we can still show empathy where it is due. We hope the motorcyclist is well and heals quickly from his injuries. Stay safe on the roads everyone! ========= Be the first to get the latest road/ COE news and get first dibs on exclusive promos and giveaways in our Telegram SGCM Community. Join us today!

From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Online...ory_805936.html Concerns about fast-food delivery staff and their motorcycles Published on Jun 2, 2012 I AM concerned by the reckless riding of fast-food delivery staff, especially when they zip along Housing Board void decks to save time or make the delivery deadline. Last Saturday, I saw a Pizza Hut delivery rider doing just that at Marine Parade. I called the Pizza Hut hotline to complain and the reply I received from the manager was that the fast-food chain would look into the matter and counsel the rider. When I asked for the motorcycle licence number, he replied that he did not have it and explained the difficulties in identifying the rider. To his credit, he identified the rider after several calls, but it would not have been possible had I not persisted. When fast-food companies receive complaints, do they actually discipline the riders and to what extent? Over the weekend, I noticed two riders apparently making a delivery for McDonald's on motorcycles carrying Johor licence plates. At least one rider (see photo) was on a motorbike with only a provisional Malaysian licence. Is this legal? Are foreign vehicles allowed to be used for business purposes? How is insurance managed in the event of an accident? The authorities should review policies and regulate fast-food delivery service by motorcycling staff. Fast-food companies should also do the right thing by conducting safety reminders daily to motorcycle delivery staff, handle complaints seriously and be prepared to discipline staff, including terminating the services of such staff and reporting recalcitrant riders to the police. These companies should also review remuneration for these riders to give them an incentive to ride safely while not affecting their income. Until there is an improvement, I shall not be ordering home delivery; not when there is a chance that someone's safety could be at stake. Adrian Lee

Singapore - There were reasons to cheer for those looking to buy a 1,600cc car or a motorcycle, as the Certificates of Entitlement (COE) supply for the August to January period was released yesterday. The monthly quota of COEs in these categories will be increased for the six-month period: There will be 1,096 COEs each month in the small car category, or 76 more per month compared with the previous six-month period. For motorcycles, there will be 775 COEs each month, or 124 more COEs each month. However, buyers of larger cars, goods vehicles and buses are likely to face stiffer competition over the next six months, due to a fall in the COE supply. There will be 706 COEs for cars larger than 1,600cc, 141 fewer than the previous allocated quota. The goods vehicle and buses category will see 68 fewer COEs over the next six months. Overall, COE supply for the next six months remained relatively stable with 3,721 COEs available each month. The COE quota comprises three components: Provision for 1.5 per cent vehicle growth based on the vehicle population as at end December last year; replacement COEs for vehicles deregistered between January and June this year, and adjustment for over-projections of vehicle de-registrations between 2008 and 2009. Motor dealers Today spoke to said they do not expect COE prices to cool off anytime soon. Mr Ron Lim, general manager for Nissan agent Tan Chong Motor, noted that the 7-per-cent increase in the smaller car category is "marginal" compared with the "drastic" 16-per-cent fall seen in the larger car category. "We expect the continental car dealers to enter the smaller cars category and add pressure to the bidding," Mr Lim said. For the larger cars, Singapore Vehicle Traders' Association's honorary secretary Raymond Tang noted that the demand for luxury continental brands is still strong and expects premiums to breach the S$70,000 mark in next week's bidding. "COE prices will keep going up as there aren't enough COEs to go around," Mr Tang said. The next COE quota announcement - for the COE bidding period from February to July next year - will be made in January. The Land Transport Authority said the 1.5 per cent vehicle growth rate, which is valid for three years from 2009 to this year, is under review. It will announce the growth rate from next year once the review is completed. source http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC11...rs,-motorcycles

I know this thread title sounds funny and grabs your attention! These days it is popular for motorcycles to have a pair of big saddle bags or boxes on the sides on top of the traditional box at the back. Honestly, it looks like a pair of LPC That is more common among the motorcyclists riding cruisers. I used to ride kups last time and I never notice that trend. It's new trend. I thought that enhances motorcyclist's safety if they were to fall and the side boxes can prevent the legs from being pinned by the bike. But on the other hand, I am having shivers when they lane split beside me. It looks as if they might just scratch our vehicles due to the protruding side bags...

http://ride.asiaone.com/news/general/story...on-lay-junction

Are motorcycles allowed on lane 1 on the expressways? Said in the event of any accident, can the motorcycle claim insurance?

Hey peeps I encountered an incident a couple of nights ago that I wish to relate to you guys. I was at a major T-junction in Yishun and I wanted to turn right so I waited for the oncoming traffic to be clear. When it was clear and I checked that there were no pedestrians who were crossing the road that I was entering into as well as the walking green man had changed to a standing red man, I turned into the road but alas there were two cyclists who were crossing the road! Hence I tapped my horn and they stopped. I went into the road unscathed but as I was going past them, one of them actually showed his middle finger to me! I was taken aback. My question here is if they are crossing the road like that as a vehicle be it a car/bus/lorry/motorbike then I suppose I'm at fault. But they are bicycles who should be treated as pedestrians isn't it? So is it my fault that I didn't give way since they are oncoming? Please advise and thanks!

Damn I'm getting pissed over the new craze of motorcycles fixing duno what whistle on their bikes that irrtates hell out of me. Esp when I'm at home trying to watch TV or trying to get some sleep. What gadget is this anyway???? Maybe as the saying goes.. "if you cant beat them, join them"... I'll fit a dozen of this whistle to my car and blast the entire neighbourhood.

Some info on the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show from Honda. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Honda Announces Automobiles and Motorcycles to Be Shown at Tokyo Motor Show October 14, 2003-- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the lineup of vehicles to be displayed at the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.-sponsored 37th Tokyo Motor Show which runs from Saturday October 25th to Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. The essence of Honda's global brand and the spirit of challenge it is founded upon is expressed in the slogan 'The Power of Dreams'. The theme chosen for the passenger car display at this Tokyo Motor Show, 'Free Thinking; Liberating Technology', introduces the bright and exciting world of people and cars that Honda aims to create. The theme of the motorcycle display, 'Dream Wings' expresses Honda's desire to take the relationship between people and motorcycles to another level. In this corner some ideas, which were born of this continuous challenge, are on display. In addition to production concept vehicles, the Honda display will showcase the company's environmental and safety technologies. Passenger Car Display: 19 Vehicles, 16 Models At the passenger car display, Honda will present some of the latest results of the company's free and innovative thinking and its determination to empower the individual. An all-new Odyssey will be introduced, as well as a broad range of imaginative concept vehicles. In addition, a variety of innovative powerplants that combine superior driving pleasure with advanced environmental technology, and a selection of new Honda safety technologies will be presented. New Odyssey/ASM Stage The spacious and comfortable new Odyssey redefines the minivan. An innovative low-floor platform provides a low center of gravity for improved handling and a low roofline. Sharing the stage with the new Odyssey will be the concept vehicle ASM, an 8-seat minivan offering both advanced technology and luxury. Concept Vehicle Stage Honda will present its ideas for the future in a lineup of intriguing concept vehicles: the HSC which offers the driving pleasure of a sports car in a package that anyone can handle; the IMAS, a lightweight aerodynamic hybrid sports car; and KIWAMI, which matches Honda's clean-running fuel cell technology with the Japanese aesthetic of beauty in a premium next-generation sedan. Advanced Technology Stage The display will feature the FCX, the world's first fuel cell vehicle to be brought to market, along with a wide range of cutaway models of engines that combine driving performance and advanced environmental technology. In addition, some of the latest developments in Honda's pre-crash safety and other safety technologies will be featured. Motor Sports Stage Honda's Formula One and IndyCar racers will be displayed, along with a racing version of the Fit (a concept vehicle). Further, Honda's ongoing work in the area of Welfare Vehicles will be represented by displays of the passenger lift seat-equipped Odyssey Almas and Life Almas as well as the Monpal 4-wheel electric wheelchair, which can be driven with an easy-to-operate lever. Motorcycle Display: 51 Vehicles, 40 Models At the motorcycle display, Honda will present on four stages the idea of 'Dream Wings', Honda's desire to share the pleasure of motorcycle riding with more and more individuals. Honda is pursuing dreams and overcoming challenges to provide advanced technology for all. Main Stage Conveying a strong and compelling presence on the main stage will be the concept model Griffon, which combines the sportiness of a motorcycle with the convenience of a scooter; the soon-to-be-released CBR1000RR and CB750; and the overseas exhibition model Valkyrie Rune. The Center Stage will feature the PS250, a concept model which represents the 5th model to be developed by the N Project and its team of young engineers at the Asaka R&D Center. The Honda Racing Stage will feature the MotoGP championship machine RC211V, Honda's new downhill racing RN01 mountain bike, and a range of other vehicles representative of Honda's spirit of challenge and advanced technology. The Ecology/Safety/Security Stage will focus on Honda's safety, environmental and security technologies. Honda's participation in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport-led Advanced Safety Vehicle (ASV) program will be presented, including the Honda Riding Simulator, developed on the basis of the ASV, which enables one to experience motorcycle riding in a variety of simulated conditions. As an example of Honda's environmental technology, the Dio Z4 FI, which is to be released in the near future, highlights Honda's newly developed PGM-FI (programmed fuel injection) system for 4-stroke 50cc engines. The security display will feature Honda's Smart Key and other systems, which combine convenience with advanced anti-theft protection.