The exciting family motorbike road trip started at SYM headquarters, Alma in Bukit Mertajam, Penang on November 28 last year and ended on December 14 at the same venue.
"We rode to Bangkok city via highway from Malaysia, then from Cambodia to Vietnam via rocky and laterite roads, follow by a few climbs at Tub Berk, Mae Sot and Umphang in Thailand," recalled Rusli, 37, at a recent press conference.
Rusli said the journey cost RM3,380 and highlights included visiting the Angkor Wat monument in Siem Reap, Cambodia as well as the Death Railway Bridge on the River Kwai, Thailand.
During the trip, the family crossed the Thai border at Bukit Kayu Hitam, following which they travelled to Hua Hin by the Gulf of Siam, up to Pattaya, Koh Khong Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Moc Bai at the Vietnam border, Siem Reap through the Wats of Cambodia, Udonthani, Kho Kao, Myawaddy in Myanmar and Kanchanaburi where the famous Durian Festival is held annually.
When asked what was the strangest thing that happened throughout their whole journey, the family cited a gravity-defying place in Mae Sot Thailand called Magic Hill, where they say vehicles roll up by itself which is said to be due to electromagnetic fields at the top of the mountain.
“Heavy traffic at certain stretches in Thailand due to road upgrades made the journey much longer, and road conditions were also challenging. But we got through, and we were happy with the suspension of our Sport Rider 125i and VTS200 motorbikes and its fuel consumption of 48 to 52km per litre,” said Rusli.
The digital LCD speedometer on Sport Rider 125i is a handy instrument cluster indeed.
“It shows multiple duties such as time, gear read-out, odometer, fuel and battery gauge which are really helpful to plan our journey ahead,” said Rusli.
Both motorcycles were sent to SYM Service Centre at Alma for servicing a few days before the trip.
Subsequent services were done at Phnom Penh and Nakorn Sawan respectively, after every 2,000km.
"There were no mechanical or technical issues along the journey. We just suffered tyre punctures."
MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd is the distributor for SYM motorcycles in Malaysia, while Malaysia Formula Bikes Sdn Bhd is the importer and assembler.
Also present at the press conference was Malaysia Formula Bikes managing director Datuk Seri Arifuddin M. Shah.
SYM Sport Rider 125i
SYM Sport Rider 125i is the first moped launched by SYM equipped with EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) and its engine is Euro 3 compliant.
The 123cc bike has a few superbike design elements such as tubular framework of naked bike at sides, sporty-looking muffler and fender at the rear.
The SYM Sport Riders 125i comes with a two-valve SOHC engine that produces 9.5hp at 8,000rpm and 10.8Nm of torque at 5,500rpm.
There is a digital panel meter in LCD for easy data reading.
Weighing in at 107kg, the SYM Sport Rider 125i comes with a 4.2-litre fuel tank under the seat.
Braking is taken care of by hydraulic discs front and drum rear, attached to cast alloy wheels.
The bright daytime running front LED light and signal ensure the motorbike can be seen from far easily for rider-safety.
Tubeless tyres reduce the chances of immediate deflation in case of puncture.
Also, the seats for rider and pillion are designed to be apart.
This unique design feature is the first in Malaysia to enhance the comfort level and safety of both passengers.
The SYM Sport Rider 125i retails for RM5,450 (exclusive GST) and has a three-year or 30,000km (whichever is first) warranty including a one-year or 10,000km engine warranty.
SYM VTS200 LE
The SYM VTS200 LE (limited edition) scooter is priced at RM11,100 (excluding GST), with a two-year or 20,000km (whichever is first) warranty.
The 171cc 4-stroke scooter outputs 14.5ps at 8,000rpm and 13.7Nm at 6,500rpm and comes with a 14.7-litre fuel tank.
There is a huge storage space of 45 litres underneath the seat, which can hold two full face helmets.
Also, there is a Neo socket for charging electronic devices.
It is designed with comfortable and wide seating with good back support.
