Thursday 4 December 2014

PIRELLI Diablo Rosso II Tyre Media Launch - Pattaya, Thailand

 In RS Taichi Slim Fit Full Leather suit
Fly to Thailand with me this December 2014, for the launch of Pirelli's sportiest and most versatile road tyres in the Rosso generation - The Diablo Rosso II.

Proudly sponsored by Pirelli and Hodaka Motoworld, the main distributor for Pirelli tyres in Singapore.

Pattaya Beach
Pattaya sits on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 100km southeast of Bangkok where most tourists retreat in it's beach resorts and sea sports.


Apart from the beach and bikini babes watch, I was flying to Pattaya to test out the new Diablo Rosso II Tyres mainly for 250/300CC bikes held at Bira International Circuit, Thailand.

Flying by Thai Airways

Day 1: Singapore - Bangkok, Thailand - Pattaya

With barely any sleep as I couldn't contain the excitement for the trip, off I went! Along with crew from The New Paper and Motor Culture Asia, we took a 2 hour flight by Thai Airways followed by a 2 hour coach to Pattaya.

Holiday Inn Pattaya
Checked in at Holiday Inn Pattaya where we were warmly greeted by the Pirelli crew and given a media kit!

My hotel room
Room with Sea view
The hotel was so niceee. I was tired (having not enough sleep), but I'm refreshed by my delightful spacious hotel room with sea view!

Can't you tell, these all belongs to a girl? ;)
I didn't have to unpack my luggage because the minute I unzipped it, everything exploded out.

Welcome to my girly wardrobe
My RS Taichi Slim Fit Leather Suit, Arai Full Face Helmet, Falco boots, shoes, heels, dresses, make up blah blah blah. Oh did I mention? This was only a 3 day trip. Ha!

Petrol kiosk and the services provided
Since we had some spare time, we decided to rent a small motorcycle to explore the area as the rental rate was cheap at only 200 baht for 24 hours (SGD $8).


We rode around on this sunny day, sipping sodas and munching on street foods before heading back to the hotel to rest.


Day 2 : Bira International Circuit

Media Press Room
Morning started early at 8am, as we reached Bira International Circuit where the Pirelli team prepared us for the media briefing.


It was the official launch of the all new Diablo Rosso II tyres specially catered to smaller 250/300CC bikes that is widely used as a transport in Asia. 


Leopard to Biker
After the detailed introductory done by Pirelli (which I will share as you read on in the blog), everyone was excited as it's time for the tyre testing track session, to judge it's true performance.

Knee down on a street bike with street tyres
Seeing many eager-to-race faces, the Pirelli guys constantly reminded us that the bikes for testing are NOT race bikes. Haha!

Ready? Ready!
Safety first with safety gears! Suit up, boys and girls.

Flag off for the first group - Fast riders
All the camera and media crew are on standby, as the flag off for the first group of riders begins!


With my RS Taichi Slim Fit full leather suit, Falco riding boots from Hodaka Motoworld, Dainese gloves from JR Pte Ltd and Arai full face helmet, it's my turn and I'm ready to test out the new Diablo Rosso II tyres fitted nicely onto the Honda CBR250, Kawasaki ZX250/300s.


Along with me are international media friends from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand. It's just great meeting people from different parts of the world but united with one passion - Riding.


Derived from the World Superbike testing and development, the road-oriented Diablo Rosso II comprises of three-zone dual compound tyres that offers advanced performance and longer lasting wear & tear rate.



Targeted for everyday riding, safety is increased with enhanced grip by EPT (Enhanced Patch Technology) as I've observed maximum contact between the tyres and tarmac.


It rained for a short while and that's where the thread of the tyre was tested. With Functional Groove Design (FGD), it proved to drain water better which is essential especially when we enter the monsoon season and are prone to skidding.

#LikeAboss
But of course, please do not forget to put a round of applause for the lady who came in 1st place in the Women's category of today's track session (Only because I happen to be the only female biker here). Hahaha :D

Shiokkk ahhh
Other than an ice cold isotonic drink, the next best thing to have after every lap session under the scorching sun is - AIR CON.

It's just so hot under all that heat, especially in the leather suit.

Interview by BTV News
I must say I'm really impressed at the whole event that Pirelli and their team has put together, and really appreciate them for always making sure we are well taken care of even paying attention down to the slightest details.

With @Zaihan from The New Paper
Overall, I feel that with daily riding, it's vital to enhance the safety of your bike by ensuring the quality of your tyres like the Diablo Rosso II as it's versatile enough by adapting well on road to weather conditions be it wet or dry, there is maximum grip, even in the corners.


The Diablo Rosso II are a set of tyres your daily commute bike will appreciate.


Much thanks to Pirelli, Hodaka Motoworld and the rest of the media crew who made this entire experience a wonderful one.


Till then, ride safe my fellas!