It was a little Honda with a 100 cc engine and it wasnt in mind condition. But for the price; the equivalent of 160 GBP and that was basically straining my budget, it was as good as it could get.
Mind you there was some initial problems: 1. I do not have a license for a bike 2. I haven't driven a manual bike before 3. I have no idea what things to check on it. Risking to look like a fool, I did the only right thing that a man could do in this situation. I acted like I knew stuff and asking about parts that obviously did not exist on the bike. In my world, I believed that they believed my act so I got down the price quite well and even included a helmet, roadtax, lock and a can of diet Coke.
Mind you there was some initial problems: 1. I do not have a license for a bike 2. I haven't driven a manual bike before 3. I have no idea what things to check on it. Risking to look like a fool, I did the only right thing that a man could do in this situation. I acted like I knew stuff and asking about parts that obviously did not exist on the bike. In my world, I believed that they believed my act so I got down the price quite well and even included a helmet, roadtax, lock and a can of diet Coke.
Before any money was handed over I had to get the bike on my name, and that meant that I had to face my anxiety of waiting at the JPJ - the Malaysian department of transportation. If you have a good ol' European fetish for efficiency and workload productivity , then this place is no good for you. It took ages to get one thing through. However it is not the process it is just the pace of people working in the different instances that kills your soul. After 5 or so hours later, the bike was finally on my name and I was ready to hit the road!
I have always named my vehicles something..and this is no exception. My Volvo was named Wayne after its registration plate "WAY", so "Lil'Wayne" came as a suggestion after I showed the bike to my friends in KL - and so it shall be remembered.
I have always named my vehicles something..and this is no exception. My Volvo was named Wayne after its registration plate "WAY", so "Lil'Wayne" came as a suggestion after I showed the bike to my friends in KL - and so it shall be remembered.
There are several reasons why I chose to go with a moped through this part of the world. First, its cheap, very cheap! The fuel consumption is next to nothing, and the inconvenience of breaking down is presumably cured by any village mechanic along the road. Second, it is the symbolic significance of this mode of transportation here. The motorbike has literally kept South East Asia rolling and the concept of this easy and no-frills run-about made the bike a very attractive concept for so many.
To travel overland through these countries without sweating in tourist bus filled with people from the whitest parts of Europe and to see the typical touristy things, is nothing for me. At least with a bike I can go and wherever I want and that too is a reason why chose the bike over any other alternative.
To travel overland through these countries without sweating in tourist bus filled with people from the whitest parts of Europe and to see the typical touristy things, is nothing for me. At least with a bike I can go and wherever I want and that too is a reason why chose the bike over any other alternative.
Awesome Ahmed! Apart from the fact that I hate you for having so much fun (and that too on a MOPED!), am so excited for this trip of yours! I would so love to read it for the days to come! All the best mate! Hugs and be safe!
SvaraRadera