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Motorcyclists are familiar with that wanderlust, the urge to take the road less travelled and see what’s on the other side. In the case of Rusli Osman (37), and his wife Yong Suzi (43), along with their daughter Yong Sofea (13), this lead to a multi-country, 16-day, 6,011 km trip across Indo-china.
While families travelling long distances by motorcycle is nothing new, the difference is Rusli and his family did it on a kapchai and a scooter, specifically a SYM Sport Rider 125i and a SYM VTS200 scooter. Starting at the SYM headquarters in Penang on November 28, they crossed the border at Bukit Kayu Hitam, heading into Thailand and beyond.
Their travels encompassed the ASEAN countries of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with a total of six border crossings. Along the way, the family stopped at various places, including Hua Hin before heading up to Pattaya, Thailand and Koh Kong island and Phnom Penh in Cambodia, as well as the famous ruins of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.
A stop was also made at Myawaddy, Myanmar, before returning to Kanchanaburi, Thailand for the famous annual durian festival. The return journey also made a stop at the river Kwai, site of the infamous “Death Railway”, before arriving in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, on December 13.
Spending only RM3,000 for the 16-day journey, Rusli said this sum included accommodation, insurance, fees and travel documents. He also said the family faced no real issues with the machines during their travels, swapping machines with his wife depending on road surface.
“The most challenging part of the journey I have to say was Cambodia due to the fact they drive on the other side of the road, so be prepared for that one,” said Rusli. “Heavy traffic at certain stretches in Thailand also made the journey much longer … over 200 km on bumpy roads. But we got through, and were happy with the suspension of our Sport Rider 125i and VTS200,” he continued.
Recently launched, and reviewed by paultan.org, the SYM Sport Rider 125i retails for RM5,450. Meanwhile, the SYM VTS scooter carries a 171.2 cc single-cylinder engine, and is sold for RM11,660. All prices include GST.
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why do i get butt cramps after just about 70km of riding? even with aftermarket seat.. 88kg rider on 109kg similar kapchai also..hahah
The keyword is 88kg. Gotta lose them kilograms and you will feel the difference. Haha
many sportbikes and even kapchais have firm seats. unlike the days of RXZ. or the older kawasaki kips and krz.
almost all kawasaki superbikes are the same (be it ninja 250, z250, z800, zx636, z1000, superkips KR150K) firm seat. with exception of the previous gen eR6n and f. very comfy.
God bless this family survived Cambodia
I think the earlier Malaysian woman did it using a Fz150i across the world, ALONE… that was a greater feat.
I ride motorbike from Senawang to KL to work everyday. To and fro everyday, for 6 days/week, in the crazy malaysian traffic condition. Come rain or shine….
You all calculate the distance la…..whether I should make it to the news or not.
bro, me too from senawang to bkt jelutong. 180km in 1 day. honda future only. and every week must go to spa.. lucky seremban all cheap2.. rm30 only. going downhill 120kmh.. up hill 90kmh.
Syabas. I like your family’s adventure spirit.
This is a story where only riders undestand and feel.
Is’t possible to enter Vietnam bike Bike? Last time i read somewhere that we cant get in there.