For a recap of the first 6 money-saving tips:

1. Slow down off the blocks

2. Ease of the throttle

3. Tune down for better mileage

4. Stock up for major savings

5. Get correct tyre pressure

6. Perfect gear change

7. Plan Your Routes

Here’s a no-brainer: the less distance you cover, the less petrol you use! And yet, it’s amazing how little we think of planning travel routes to save on distance.

In Singapore’s context, planning routes are a little more complicated though. On top of mapping out the shortest available routes (absolute distance), other factors to keep in mind include time and money.

Often, the shortest route isn’t the quickest. For instance, the Lornie-Adam Road route might seem deliciously short, but experience (read: regularly being stuck in 2-hour long jams there) will tell you to avoid it like the plague.

And keep an eye out for every Singaporean’s worst nightmare: the ERP! Download the latest ERP charge schedules (it changes regularly and no one really knows the latest score), and plan your journey around this. Knowing where and how much about these money-suckers can make a big difference in your bank accoint balance!

8. Lose Weight

Say what? Yes, pudgy, hit the gym and lose some of those spare tyres! You might think it doesn’t make a difference, but the TRIFS* study shows that for a 80kg driver, a 10 kilogram weight loss improves mileage in bikes by 5% and 2% in cars.

Got spare baggage on your vehicle? Clear out your boot! Keeping the books, spare parts and the kitchen sink at home give you a better driving experience, and saves you money on gas too!

Oh, by the way. *TRIFS - the ThrottleZine Research Institute of Fake Statistics

Watch for the final installment!

“Bullocks!”, says Stanislaus Jude as he explores the article.

SINGAPORE: Only a quarter or 24 per cent of all drivers in Singapore incur daily Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Transport Minister Raymond Lim said this means the majority, who are not affected, are actually better off with the 15 per cent cut in road tax implemented in conjunction with the ERP changes.

Pointing out that the increase in ERP revenue is estimated at S$70 million against S$110 million from the road tax reduction, Mr Lim said this means a net revenue shortfall of S$40 million for the government.

Mr Lim was responding to questions brought up by Marine Parade GRC MP Lim Biow Chuan and Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Dr Lam Pin Min on the recent ERP hikes, coming at a time of rising living and fuel costs.

They had also asked whether the government would put a freeze on further increases in ERP charges.

The Land Transport Authority will continue to monitor the road traffic conditions closely. CNA

How much fault can you find with an article? Plenty, if you know where to look. And thankfully, this journalist/PR guy knows just where the dirt lies.

At first glance, the government, and the state media, seem to tell us a number of things:

1) the majority of Singaporeans gain from having the ERP, because “76% do not pay ERP daily”,

2) the government is not gaining from the situation, instead, the good people in power are actually losing some $40 million dollars in nett revenue because road tax has been reduced by 15 per cent, and

3) though not explicit in this article, the state’s argument has always been that land scarce Singapore has way too many cars on the road, hence the need for ERP and the other unpopular public enemy — COE.

Now, just what is wrong with these assertions?

First, only 24% of Singaporeans pay ERP daily. Notice the number takes precedence, and is pushed all the way up to the lead, even in the headline. We’re tricked into believing that ERP only affects a quarter of the population.

Ah! But the key point is not “24%”, but “daily”. If you don’t drive every Friday, for example, for whatever reason (you’re dedicating one day a week to Gaia, your mom needs the car, you gonna get drunk after work and wanna take a cab back) you’re one of the 76% that benefit from increased ERP and lowered road tax. I suspect the 24% only measures the people who drive to work in the CBD. everyone else is out. Now ask yourself: is this a realistic figure? Do you know anyone who goes to town most days, but not every day?

Now, ask yourself: is this a stupid figure to quote in the media?

Oh, by the way, if you don’t drive to work, you’re not one of the 24% who are affected. Even if you take a bloody cab to work every morning and have to pay the ERP charges anyway. Daily, check. Driver, no. You pay ERP daily, but you’re not the driver, you don’t count in the 24%. Wow. Does the ERP still affect you? Yes, of course!

Now, ask yourself again: is this a stupid figure to quote in the media? Yes it is. But it is carefully calculated to trick the reader. I know, because I have done it myself a lot of the time as a PR spin doctor. You’re lying, but not exactly. “It’s the readers fault they didn’t read carefully!” they’ll argue. Yes, even though they meant for it to be ambiguous.

Next point. There is a lot of talk about the 40 million bucks they lose as a result of cutting road tax by 15%, which they use as a reason to legitamise upping ERP again and again, and erecting more and more gantries. Now, here’s what they don’t tell you. Read the damn line again, mister.

Pointing out that the increase in ERP revenue is estimated at S$70 million against S$110 million from the road tax reduction, Mr Lim said this means a net revenue shortfall of S$40 million for the government.

Do you see it? They are not saying they earn 70 million from ERP. No! The increase is 70 million. Now somebody please tell me, how much did they increase the ERP by? 20%? Now for the simple calculation (once you get past the deception): 20% = 70 million dollars. 100% = $350 million* bucks!!! From ERP!?!?! WTF! But they play up the fact that they lose $40 million so much that no one sees this? Clever.

* figure assuming ERP increased by 20%

Now, count how much they make from road tax. Ok, my maths is not very good, but you get the idea, the point is seeing past the deliberate PR blur. So correct me if i’m wrong, maths professors. 15% deduction equals to $110 million bucks. So the full figure for road tax collections is in excess of $733 million dollars! Add up the road tax and ERP charges, that’s a cool billion dollars a year!

Fuck.

All this makes me think the overpopulation of cars concept, which leads to COE, and now ERP, is all a giant conspiracy. Who counts? Who estimates? The same people who tell you the roads are overcrowded then tell you because it is overcrowded, they HAVE TO tax you for a BILLION bucks — literally. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

It looks like the whole ERP scheme is just a web of misdirections to send us motorists heading the wrong way.

It’s almost like they have to make you believe, “hey, it’s working.”

What absolute rubbish, I say. Pray tell how you derive at these ridiculous statistics about road usage and average speeds.

SINGAPORE : The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said there has been an overall improvement in the travel speeds and traffic conditions in the city centre since the implementation of new Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) criteria and the addition of five new gantries along the Singapore River Line.

In a statement on Monday, LTA said the five new gantries have been effective in cutting down through traffic between 6pm and 8pm. Traffic volume has dropped by up to 40 per cent and speeds improved by up to 25 kilometres per hour (kph), which is within the optimal speed range of 20 kph to 30 kph.

LTA said the volume of traffic entering the new Bugis-Marina cordon dropped by up to 27 per cent and speeds improved by up to 23 kph. Speeds had previously been below the threshold speed of 20 kph before the cordon’s implementation.

LTA’s Chief Executive Yam Ah Mee said: “The overall improvement in traffic speeds and traffic conditions during the first week implementation of the July ERP changes in the CBD (Central Business District) and the first Saturday implementation of the new Bugis-Marina Cordon is most encouraging. This is similar to our experience in implementing ERP in Orchard area where we have seen the effectiveness of the ERP scheme in managing congestion. This, in turn, will help to improve the attractiveness of this location as a destination for shoppers and visitors alike.”

Mr Yam added that given Singapore’s status as a premier business, commercial and tourist hub in the region, it is imperative for the country to keep its roads smooth-flowing and free from gridlock. - CNA

For a recap of the first 4 money-saving tips:

1. Slow down off the blocks

2. Ease of the throttle

3. Tune down for better mileage

4. Stock up for major savings

5. Get correct tyre pressure

If you think your tyres have nothing to do with it, I’ve got news for you: hey dummy, this is a double whammy! Choosing the right tyres — and tyre pressure — is one of the most important things for a motorcyclist. Just ask Rossi!

Not only does riding with the right tyre pressure give you better mileage, it lessens tyre wear – which means even more money is saved because you have to change your rubbers less often. Make it a habit to check your tyre pressure each time you stop for fuel. If you’re not sure how many PSI is ideal (which depends on your weight, the size and type of tyres you’ve fitted, etc) a quick call to your mechanic should do the trick.

It’s safer, makes riding more of a joy, and saves you money. What more reasons do you need?

6. Perfect gear change

Now, this is a bit trickier and takes some practice. But ensuring you’re riding on the right gear at all times – ok, at least most times – can be a most rewarding experience. We know it’s challenging, especially with the start-stop of city riding and on a top-end sportsbike, but just try it. You won’t be disappointed with the results!

Not only does it save a bucketful of petrol, finding the right gear every time makes it a joy to be on that 2-wheeler.

Try them out and let me know what you achieve. Meanwhile, stay on course for the next installment!

“Tell me,” the Editor mused. “Why do women like bikers?”

And I’m left scratching my head, wondering just what in the world he’s talking about. I have been riding for a good part of my life now, but it does seem that my bike is less of a chick magnet and more of a giant lodestone for traffic tickets.

Unless you’re Valentino Rossi or Sonny Barger, it is unlikely you have a queue of women stretching from here to the Sepang Circuit that are waiting to jump into the sack with you. Reality check: it is unlikely – even though we are the leading bike magazine this part of the world – that you are a 7-time MotoGP World Champion with millions of dollars in the bank and a disarming sense of humour. (Somehow, I figure Rossi has better things to do than read this frivolous article. Like fixing his problems with Yamaha and Bridgestone.)

It is even less likely that you are the awe-inspiring leader of an outlaw motorcycle club. If you had to ask, Sonny Barger is de facto President of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club – yes, the Hells Angels – and one of the most feared and respected characters on two wheels. Needless to say, there are more than a few women fighting (sometimes literally, I reckon) to sleep with this legend.

Unfortunately, it seems the rest of us mere mortals are considerably less desirable in Venus’s eyes.

There is a theory regarding the attraction of bikers that is so male chauvinistic that to publish it is to incur the wrath of any self-respecting woman. But to provide a comprehensive perspective on the subject, I will risk having my eyes gorged out by painted fingernails to broach the topic.

The Theory of Materialism offers to explain why bikers seem to be more popular with younger girls, but suffer from waning attraction in later stages of life. The significantly lower financial costs of owning a motorcycle, compared with a car, allows any 18-year-old in Singapore to possess your own vehicle, even before you’re permitted to vote or watch certain ‘artistic’ movies. And anyone who has had the privilege of taking public transport knows that it is far from an award winning experience at times.

Armed with his new two-wheeler, the young biker eagerly races to impress his female friends. And what an impression a spanking new crotch rocket makes, not least because of the startling jingle of the small 2-stroked engine and modified pipe! Aside from the distinction of sounding like a gas-powered grass-cutter on steroids, the bike represents real freedom from exorbitant midnight taxi fares, stray groping hands onboard crowded train carriages, and the incessant clatter of TV mobile.

But, alas, all good things come to an end, and the appeal of the biker comes crashing down shortly after. Somewhere between tertiary education and the start of her career, the increased spending power of potential suitors offers women another alternative to the hassle of public transport, and one which they can enjoy in air-conditioned comfort: private cars. Bikes – and bikers – are then seen as a poor substitute, and unceremoniously dumped from the premier league, not unlike Derby County.

An acquaintance noted that a group of guys were “eligible”, solely based on the fact that they drove cars. Another proudly boasts the perceived prowess of her boyfriend’s WRX. I regard both as sad by-products (read: waste material) of our capitalistic world, where the car is a highly desirable symbol of wealth, and the motorcycle a representation of poverty. Never mind that I count at least 10 motorcycles in the market that cost more than the average saloon car. Or that we have enough sense not to straddle a machine that sounds strangely like a common name for a dog. (Rex, geddit?)

Of course, a theory that depicts all women as selfish moneygrubbers must be taken with a hearty serving of salt. That there are a healthy percentage of bikers (myself not included, unfortunately) that do continue to enjoy the amorous attention of the ladies must mean there is little, if any, truth in the hypothesis. And it must also mean that there’s something I’m not doing right. But I digress.

The answer to the initial question lies, I think, not in the physical, demographic descriptions of motorcycle riders, but to their vastly intangible set of attitudes, values and beliefs. More than a means of transport, the motorcycle is a lifestyle; far from the pauper, the biker is the master of his own destiny.

Throughout history, the biker has stood as an icon of rebellion, freedom, and power. With its amazing versatility in manoeuvring across challenging terrain, its light weight which allowed it to be parachuted into strategic positions, as well as its unparalleled swiftness, the motorcycle proved to be the perfect military vehicle during World War II. But its popularity continued even after the war, especially among war veterans and outlaw motorcycle groups in America who found the adrenaline, camaraderie and inherent danger of motorbikes hard to resist.

Across the Atlantic, the growth of the Vespa in Europe as a practical and economical means of commute was met with waves of widespread popularity. But more than a transport tool, the allure of the scooter was in what it truly represented: individualism and independence, regardless of social class or gender.

By the time motorcycles started rolling off factory floors in the Land of the Rising Sun in the 1960’s, the motorbike had already taken its place as a high-powered toy for the carefree, and a machine for recreational sport and leisure.

As a throwback to my earlier assertion, bikers as a group are impossible to define demographically. After all, only a fool would try and claim that all bikers are poor, uneducated, and male. Not only would he be way off the mark, he would also be likely to get his teeth kicked in. Yet, it is evident that the stereotypes persist. On the other hand, not all stereotypes are necessarily damaging, especially with regard to the romantic magnetism of the biker.

Ironically, the biker is helped on by a persistent media bias that paints us in one broad stroke as a bunch of reckless good-for-nothings on whose shoulders the blame for increased traffic accident rates should squarely lie. How much good sense, if any, goes into these allegations, I can’t tell. But I reckon this stereotype has acted as an aphrodisiac on more on one occasion – to the delight of bikers. After all, a relationship with one who lives to the full, on the edge, and thrives on danger, is bound to be much more exciting and pleasurable than an evening with mommy’s boy who prefers the safety of a life in a cage, and likely to get to your knickers only because he bores the pants off of you.

Whether he rides a rebellious chopper, a metrosexual scooter, or a scroungy super-motard is beside the point. As the biker straps on his leathers, parks himself in the saddle of his motorcycle, and fires up the engine, the metal beast roars to life. In that instant, the biker becomes a modern-day gladiator – defying death, embracing freedom, and defending individualism. It is no coincidence that motorcycle manufacturers speak directly to bikers in this language. While Honda attests to “The Power of Dreams”, Triumph encourages you to “Go Your Own Way”. The biker is a passionate freedom fighter, constrained only by his own mind – and the occasional painful reminder of physics. What’s there not to love?

If there is any doubt left as to the legendary allure of the biker, one need only to a time long, long ago, in a land far, far away. In case you’ve forgotten your fairytales: Without fail, Prince Charming rides to the rescue of the damsel in distress on his glorious steed, and sweeps the fair maiden off her feet. Horse-drawn carriages are for the sick, the witches, or the evil step-mothers. Go figure. In this light, it is no wonder then that the contemporary Prince Charming on his iron horse is an irresistible character in an enchanting tale of romance.

Why do women love bikers? It doesn’t matter. The real question in this new era is: why do we find female bikers so darn irresistible? But that’s another story for another time.

Stay tuned!

This is Mac.

It will never fall on its side.

Nobody dies on a Mac.

You always have steady speed.

It does not let you customize, so you won’t ever ruin it.

Anyone can drive a Mac!

This is PC.

In fact, it’s an example of PC because there are unlimited choices.

It’s hard to drive, but if you learn how to do it, you’ll easily reach 150 mph in a few seconds.

Many people die on them because it’s hard to handle.

You can customize it in anyway you like, but only people capable of driving transmission at fast-ass speeds with nothing to protect you from falling manage to see it’s full potential.

The rest die out from natural selection. Or quit and buy Macs.

Motorcyclist >>> Robert Craig who? Pure Evel, that’s who. Sizing up motorbike stunt legend Robert Craig “Evel” Knievel.

Bikes in the Fast Lane >>> Meet a biker who takes comfort and boot space to the next level! Wow!

Here’s one biker who takes riding seriously — all the way to the grave. When I die, I want a tomb stone like this too!

Funny clip of motorcycle racer who dances past oncoming traffic. Move over, MJ.

Not only will we feature your bike, we’ll even throw in some prizes for the heck of it.

Email us now!