Brakeless kapchais, JPJ crack down in Penang state

Brakeless <em>kapchais</em>, JPJ crack down in Penang state

Taking a dim view of non-safety compliant kapchais, as underbone motorcycles are commonly known in Malaysia, JPJ Penang is conducting “Ops Motosikal” in Seberang Perai district. Targeted are motorcycles that have only one functioning brake, either on the front or rear wheel.

In a social media post, JPJ Pulau Pinang put up some examples of riders flouting the law, including photos of transgressions including a lack of wing mirrors and non-compliant or “fancy” number plates. JPJ also issued summons to riders for not having a valid driving licence, using a modified exhaust and other such offences.

Kapchai riders who upgrade or modify components on their bikes, notably with wheels which are meant for disc brake equipped models, will find their own bikes lacking the brackets and components such as callipers and master cylinders to complete the installation. As such, many opt to just run a single brake, either on the front or rear wheel, in the hopes this will provide enough braking power as well as in a misguided attempt to save weight.

Since kapchais are intended for the budget end of the Malaysian motorcycle market, most models, disc brake equipped or not, tend to be under braked in the first instance. Such a modification, besides being against the law, is dangerous and foolhardy in the extreme.

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Mohan K Ramanujam

Coming with diverse and extensive experience in heavy engineering, Mohan enjoys making anything with wheels go fast, especially motorcycles. His weapon of choice is the Desmoquattro engine, and he has a penchant for anything with a dash of Italian design. Strangely enough, he insists he's a slow rider.

 

Comments

  • Beramin Mahavamsa on Nov 15, 2021 at 12:03 pm

    Non-safety compliant kapchais rider does not cherish own life, act of foolishness posing hazard to other road users

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • 4G63T DSM on Nov 15, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    So what happen to KV? all senyap sepi already. Hangat hangat tahi ayam.

    Now all the loud exhaust back everywhere. It was nice while it lasted.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • kapchai jangan sohai on Nov 15, 2021 at 12:52 pm

    Yes, removing 1 of the 2 brakes is a misguided attempt to save weight. If they want to save weight & also be safe at the same time, just remove the engine…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
  • Kapchai on Nov 15, 2021 at 1:26 pm

    Kapchai also got Tin Kosong

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Highlander on Nov 15, 2021 at 4:40 pm

    Foolhardy young boys and girls who will die or worse,loose a limb and be crippled for life. Crack down hard on them to save them.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • If you see kapcai riders on the road today, they hardly brake for anything, even redlights, so I guess their thinking if braking is optional then so are the brakes itself.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Bieight8 on Nov 15, 2021 at 5:06 pm

    Should just ban those damn things

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • BigBoyToy on Nov 15, 2021 at 5:22 pm

    We have a robotic club in school but, why no motorbike club in school to promote road safety? I used to be involved in a motorbike club in school but it is long-long time ago. It is a road safety club actually and promoted how to use the road safely when riding a bicycle and driving a car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Azhar Azain on Nov 15, 2021 at 8:07 pm

    Could Penang Police graciously extend their crackdown to Penang Island? So many illegally modified bikes especially in Bayan Baru, Sg Ara and Bayan Lepas area.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • dream125 on Nov 15, 2021 at 9:37 pm

    Removing the brakes? Sounds like in interesting approach to save weight…
    Why not remove the handle bar as well? Saves even more weight? ;)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • sir-ralf on Nov 18, 2021 at 3:09 pm

    motorist shud remove their brain also along with the brake…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Reality Sucks on Nov 20, 2021 at 12:52 pm

    All of these mess are due to lack of enforcement on the road. It need to do non stop. Bikers and driver’s nowadays lack discipline and drives dangerously without using indicators or lane hopping without signals. Bikes and cars have loud modified exhaust over bore one engine swapping and using drag swing arms and narrow rear tyres are now common.Many road users run the traffic lights and some don’t bother to use helmets even in front of police station. Never seen police patrol on foot unless it’s in the capital city, unlike the old days

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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