Test Ride Special - Ducati HyperStrada

Ducati Hyperstrada
A new extension of the Ducati Hypermotard's (my current ride) concept that widens the horizon of riding with resolute ergonomics and touring features.

Special thanks and support to Ducati Singapore, I'm here to test ride the beautiful pearl white Ducati Hyperstrada in preparation for my upcoming weekend ride up Sungai Lembing, East Malaysia.

Briefing on the bike from the friendly knowledgeable Ducati staff, Jason

As part of their dedicated team of service, I've got good lookin' Jason, who patiently explained the details and characteristics of the Hyperstrada with each different riding modes available to choose from (Sports, Touring, Urban).

Ok, press this..and this..and this.

I'm not exactly very tall for a lady (boohoo! :( neither am I short ok), therefore I do face some challenges in the limitation of bikes I can choose from for touring as I would want to be 100% comfortable on the bike.

For example, I may like a GS1200R with great settings but I may not choose to ride it as it's too tall and heavy weight for my handling. 

My excited squashed face in my AGV Valentino Rossi helmet

I was glad the Hyperstrada's seat height was very perfect for me (not too high and not too low), with both legs being able to touch the ground without having to strain my not-so-flexible ligaments lol (unlike being on a KTM200EXC).

Not just that, the upright sitting position was similarly comfortable (just like my Hypermotard) and the handlebar positioning allowed easy manoeuvring.

My purple parrot tail

Did just a few rounds and the Hyperstrada felt pretty smooth, less torquey as compared to my Hypermotard with a much gradual pick up.

Let's see how it fares as I take the beauty up this weekend, covering slightly over 1,000KM.
Stay tuned for the full reviews! ;)



Ducati Singapore
Address: 9 Kaki Bukit Road 1 #01-01, Eunos Technolink, Singapore
Tel: 6631 8166
Opening Hours: 9:00am - 6:30pm

Ducati Dainese Wave G1 Back Protector - Sexy Back!

We all know how terrible a back injury can be, therefore protecting it is crucial.

Much thanks to Ducati Singapore, I'm taking my Ducati jacket to a higher level of road safety with the - 
Dainese Wave G1 Back Protector.

The watertight sturdy spine guard has its most important inner core comprised with Nidaplast extruded polypropylene designed to have an elevated resistance towards abrasion and impact, providing we riders with outstanding Anti-Shock properties which is pivotal when breaking a fall. 

Now, this is extremely necessary to have because what are the chances of your back coming in contact with the ground when you fall? High. 

The anatomy of the spinal cord itself is referred to where the Central Nervous System is and it consists of millions of nerve fibres which connects directly to the limbs, trunk and organs of the body, and the brain. 

What happens when you allow your back to absorb all the shock and impact of the fall?

By hurting your spine means to send impact to the nervous system which could result in serious injuries such as slipped discs, temporal immobility or leaving the body permanently paralyzed.  
In other words, it's bad. Fckinggg bad. So please, protect it.

Perforated corrugated structure for ventilation

The shell has a flexible structure that follows the curves of my back nicely, providing maximum coverage. To combat Singapore's heat from 365 days of Summer, it's lightweight and thermal-insulated which makes it so breathable I barely even notice its there on my back.

 
Now this is one hardy armour that definitely has my back, more than a bro! ;)


Protect your back now, at only $108 from Ducati Singapore.


Ducati Singapore
Address: 9 Kaki Bukit Road 1 #01-01, Eunos Technolink, Singapore
Tel: 6631 8166
Opening Hours: 9:00am - 6:30pm

Model G1 - Women
Model G2 - Men

Introducing The Snow Beast - Ducati HyperICE

Ducati HyperIce, credits to Ducati Indianapolis

Ice Ice Baby!
If this HyperIce doesn't look any bit wicked to you, I don't know what does. But for me, this is one hella rockin' snow beast there!

After being kept up over cycles of winter seasons (that's long enough), with their dexterous mechanism skills and innovative intelligence, Ducati Indianapolis transformed the original Ducati Hypermotard into a raffish, slealth-looking HyperIce to counter.. snow.

The inspiration behind this stunning creation was wanting to extend the riding time for bikers so they could ride all year round, in any season, said Matt Carr, Co-Owner and Service Manager of Ducati Indianapolis. He enjoyed his dirt bikes fitted with ice tires during summer, and thought
"hey how about trying it on for winter?" 

Close-up view of the tires

With the ice screws at 1½ inches long, the tires require another tire inside them with the sidewalls cut off.  Without the liner, the tube would get punctured. The challenging part was to get the tire mounted without damaging the rim. This whole assembly forms an incredibly hardy combination.

HyperIce Engine

 Any performance modification?

The engine is stock, but the intake and exhaust systems have been modified: Termignoni full exhaust system and ECU shaved close to 7kg off the bike but boosting an additional 5 horsepower.
With he airbox removed and having individual pod filters added another 4 horsepower.

The handlebar

The CarrMoto team did some cosmetic adjustments to enhance the bike's overall looks.
Bodywork around the tank were removed, trim pieces were taken off and the passenger peg brackets put away to shave off some more weight. To retain the stock riding position, similar shaped Renthal bars were installed and they are much stronger in the event of a crash.

Now, if you'd like to view the HyperIce live, their shop is located at 4629 Northwestern Dr, Zionsville, Indiana 46077. I have not figured out how to get there yet hahaha. Otherwise, just do with the video below on this successful icy project!

Enjoy!

Singapore Armed Forces Day (SAF)

 

Celebrate Singapore Armed Forces Day (SAF) this 1st July 2014!

To our strong soldiers who have selflessly shed every drop of sweat, blood and tear for the our nation - we commemorate you not just this day, but every day that we live.

Thank you.

Credits to The Singapore Army

Special Featured Exercises

High Altitude Parachuting

Many may not be aware that behind these "gung ho" (overzealous) impressive images displayed, are actually exhibited over years of intense trainings, challenges and exigent tasks our servicemen have endured.

"When the going gets tough, the Tough gets going" 

The harsh times they go through isn't just physically exhausting, but sometimes results in emotional breakdowns we don't see. Time away from loved ones can be so painfully missed, yet for the ever-ready safety and protection of the nation, our servicemen are motivated for this sacrifice.

In Singapore, it is compulsory for all male Singaporean citizens above the age of 18 to enroll in National Service (NS) where they serve a 22 or 24 month term as Full Time National Servicemen (NSFs). This period is where boys turn into men, or at least molded into a solid one. Of course, there some who view it as a complete waste of time.

Well, let's try to remember this:

Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.


What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?


SAF Day PicBadge

As a gesture of appreciation to all who are serving or have served the nation, The Singapore Army have added the SAF Day 2014 picbadge to their Facebook profile pictures. Join them in showing some love and support to our servicemen and women by adding the picbadge like what I did above too! :) More than 10,000 people have collected their PicBadge! Have you?

Collect yours here. 


SAF Day Promotions 2014 

More than 120 retailers are participating in the celebration of SAF Day by giving out freebies and discounts exclusively to servicemen and women. Check out the full list of retailers here.

Celebrate with us today!

ThreeSixty Magazine - Would A Female Biker Date A Guy Who Doesn't Ride?

Three Sixty Magaine Issue 02

ThreeSixty is a newly launched premium bike magazine that not just covers bike-related activities but also includes interesting insights on people, travel and lifestyle worth reading about.

Special thanks to ThreeSixty for the kind invitation to have me write for their second issue. My very first article is out >:) Read to find out: 

If I, as a female biker, would consider dating a guy who doesn't ride ;p

I can't put in much details on the article here if not it defeats the purpose of asking you to get hold of the magazine, right? It's currently distributed island wide, at almost every bike shop in Singapore such as Profile Asia, Ducati Singapore, Unique Motors, Worx and the list goes on. 

Grab your copy now before it all runs out!

Road Safety #5 - Check Left & Right

Happy Monday peeps! 
Let's practice some little road safety that will help us go a long way.

Road safety #5 
Always check left and right to ensure traffic is clear before moving off. Never take it for granted even when we have the right of way :)



Pic for illustration only. Dress code not applicable :p

The All New Ducati Monster 1200/S Launch @ Zouk Singapore

Organized by Ducati Singapore, in partner with Monster Energy Drink, held at Singapore's prestigious club Zouk (rank #5 globally by DJ Mag Top 100 Clubs poll), the all new DUCATI MONSTER 1200/S is about to be launched.

Hours before the event started, the crew had their hands full preparing for the big show tonight, ensuring lights, sounds and all else were ready. Oh, and did I mention? Free flow of booze too.

Of course, not forgetting the Monsters that will take center stage, waiting to unveil themselves to Ducati fans and other motorbike enthusiasts.

The crowd outside anticipated with excitement as you could hear conversations revolving around subjects like:
 

"Do you think the new Monster 1200S would be of significant difference to the previous model? "

"Can't wait to see the new face lift of it!"

and the usual "should I get it or not?".

After much preparation and now that everything's in place, let the show begin!

Tada! With the new Monster 1200S!

Once doors were opened, with their cameras ready in one hand and drinks in the other, the crowd flowed in eagerly. With the sexily dressed Monster Energy Drink models standing by to spice things up, the Monster 1200 and 1200S machines were unveiled!

Everyone surrounded the Monsters immediately, posing, talking about it and snapping away as the Ducati crew attended to the audiences questions one by one.

With the Monster 1200

Review

After entering the Audi family, Ducati aims to be a technological leader by constantly working on the combination of mechanics and the electronic systems to make their bikes more versatile to cope with different situations.

The Ducati Monster 1200S has equipped itself with upgraded suspension, brakes, and electronic mapping that unleashes 10 additional horsepower. It's liquid-cooled engine with trellis frame produces up to 145hp, and has 3 different riding modes; Sports, Urban and Touring with each mode storing the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and ABS settings:

Sports mode quickens the entire bike's response.

Urban mode provides the softest throttle response and has a restriction peak power of 100hp for safety in the rain.

Touring mode offers medium throttle response yet its able to unleash the fully claimed 145hp

Another added feature is the adjustable seat height, while the S model is graced with tin-coated Öhlins fork and rear shocks. With such slew of new modifications, this naked bike is more menacing than ever.

Let's party!

Even as the event ended at 10:00pm, the party continued on till late at Zouk as the celebration for yet another extraordinary bike produced by Ducati.

Congratulations to Ducati Singapore for the Monsters 1200 launch success!

Check out the full video review of the 2014 Ducati Monster 1200/S in the link above, produced by Motorcycle USA.