Motorcycle Journeys

[Joko]

Hi all!
My first post on Expat Indo. Ah... that new forum smell! Although I'm currently working and living in Yangon, Myanmar, I've been back to Indonesia twice in the last two years (I used to live in Yogya and Jakarta back in the late 80's, early 90's) as a tourist, and looking forward to a third visit in September.

My particular enthusiasm is for motorcycle touring. I don't think there's a better way to get to know a place than riding on two wheels, and I don't mind doing it on my own. Back in April, I did a loop in Kalimantan Barat which was a lot of fun. I invite you to check out some of the videos from that trip at the playlist, Tour d'Borneo.

Anyways, my upcoming trip is going take place over two weeks in Jawa. I won't be bringing a motorcycle with me, so my first task is to secure a motorcycle rental somewhere in Jakarta. My web searching has discovered half a dozen or so places listed on the web that offer motorcycle rental, but none seem to have a working e-mail or anyway to reserve online. So my first question is if anyone has a recommendation for a rental business in Jakarta.

Next, travel tips. I don't think my itinerary is overambitious, and it's open to change. Here's the idea: JKT-->Bogor-->Labuhan-->Sumur (two days, including Ujong Kulon)--> Pantai Sawarna-->Pantai Apra-->Pangandaran--> Cilacap--> Yogya (2 days)-->Dieng Plateau--> Purwokerto--> Bandung--> JKT

Second question: Any lesser known sites or attractions along this route that are 'must see' in your experience? Visiting Ujung Kulon seems to be somewhat difficult. Anyone been there?

 

[Bad_azz]

Shout out if you are heading through Bandung. I might be able to give you a sneaky secret place to visit. It is a cemetery... but I won't talk about it publicly because I doubt those with family & friends interred there would want it to become a tourist attraction.

 

[Joko]

Less than 3 weeks now untile my journey begins! I've been refining/revising my itinerary, and there's one leg of my trip that concerns me.

On day 5, I plan on riding from Ujung Genteng, which is on the south coast pretty much due south of Bogor, to Pangandaran traveling along the furtherst southern coastal road. That's 341 kilometers and 11 hours, per Google maps. That's quite a slog on a motorbike (yet to see how big a bike I'm going to rent).

Anyways, has anyone been down this southern coast road in Jawa Barat? What shape is it in?

 

[Bad_azz]

Less than 3 weeks now untile my journey begins! I've been refining/revising my itinerary, and there's one leg of my trip that concerns me.

On day 5, I plan on riding from Ujung Genteng, which is on the south coast pretty much due south of Bogor, to Pangandaran traveling along the furtherst southern coastal road. That's 341 kilometers and 11 hours, per Google maps. That's quite a slog on a motorbike (yet to see how big a bike I'm going to rent).

Anyways, has anyone been down this southern coast road in Jawa Barat? What shape is it in?

Don't forget your lube - or you could end up with more than a numb bum.

Can't help with info about the road condition- my rule of thumb tends to be double whatever google maps says - in Indonesia

 

[Balilongtime]

Don't forget your lube - or you could end up with more than a numb bum.

Can't help with info about the road condition- my rule of thumb tends to be double whatever google maps says - in Indonesia

My best loved accessory is my (real) black lambswool motorcycle seat covers
..., that I had posted here (from Australia) This gives that extra cushioning and covering over the HOT black vinyl bike seat is a godsend , especially on long rides.

 

[Bad_azz]

My best loved accessory is my (real) black lambswool motorcycle seat covers
..., that I had posted here (from Australia) This gives that extra cushioning and covering over the HOT black vinyl bike seat is a godsend , especially on long rides.

I'm currently suffering from that glamorous condition known as lumpy flaps.

Sweat glands have reacted badly to all the riding I have been doing recently- and being a bit older than many, my skin is thinner and not what it used to be- in short I am being punished for going out more.

Though in my research I did come across a product called Hoohaa glide & ride. Made me want to buy it - just so I can say I own a product with that name

 

[Balilongtime]

Hi all!
My first post on Expat Indo. Ah... that new forum smell! Although I'm currently working and living in Yangon, Myanmar, I've been back to Indonesia twice in the last two years (I used to live in Yogya and Jakarta back in the late 80's, early 90's) as a tourist, and looking forward to a third visit in September.

My particular enthusiasm is for motorcycle touring. I don't think there's a better way to get to know a place than riding on two wheels, and I don't mind doing it on my own. Back in April, I did a loop in Kalimantan Barat which was a lot of fun. I invite you to check out some of the videos from that trip at the playlist, Tour d'Borneo.

Anyways, my upcoming trip is going take place over two weeks in Jawa. I won't be bringing a motorcycle with me, so my first task is to secure a motorcycle rental somewhere in Jakarta. My web searching has discovered half a dozen or so places listed on the web that offer motorcycle rental, but none seem to have a working e-mail or anyway to reserve online. So my first question is if anyone has a recommendation for a rental business in Jakarta.

Next, travel tips. I don't think my itinerary is overambitious, and it's open to change. Here's the idea: JKT-->Bogor-->Labuhan-->Sumur (two days, including Ujong Kulon)--> Pantai Sawarna-->Pantai Apra-->Pangandaran--> Cilacap--> Yogya (2 days)-->Dieng Plateau--> Purwokerto--> Bandung--> JKT

Second question: Any lesser known sites or attractions along this route that are 'must see' in your experience? Visiting Ujung Kulon seems to be somewhat difficult. Anyone been there?

My best advice is ALWAYS carry packets of cigarettes with you.

Maps and GPS devices are never perfect and roads are changed or detoured all the time . You will find you will need to ask directions many many many times over. When you do , (even though I dont smoke myself) I found that offering a cigarette gets the most helpful advice , and you will usually need to ask 5 different people each time to get the most correct answer (eg ; 3 said go left vs 2 said to go right)

NOTE ; I say this because even when Indonesians don't know the answer most will still give you one - to save face, (ie; any random answer given out to avoid any perceived embarrassment from admitting to not knowing, or being knowledgable of the question being asked)

In many rural areas , many people often spend their whole lives venturing no further than their village areas, or to the Market etc , so to pull out a big map only confuses ...., the cigarettes helps relax the situation for all and even opens up interesting chats with those involve which become a rewarding part of your trip .
Salamat Jalan , Hati Hati dan pelan-pelan

 

[Balilongtime]

I'm currently suffering from that glamorous condition known as lumpy flaps.

Sweat glands have reacted badly to all the riding I have been doing recently- and being a bit older than many, my skin is thinner and not what it used to be- in short I am being punished for going out more.

Though in my research I did come across a product called Hoohaa glide & ride. Made me want to buy it - just so I can say I own a product with that name

Australia has a good product call NEAT 3-B cream for that chaffing action .., http://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/39712/Neat-Effect-3B-Action-Cream-100g

.., but i know the feeling (except about the flaps LOL) of thinning skin etc ..,


I occasionally get a heat rash that itches like hell that sometimes even the 3-B creme wont stop ..., and when I get it , the only thing that ever eases the itch for me was a tablet in Australia used for hay fever and skin allergies etc is called Amcal fexo 180 , and was a godsend when I worked in the Mines of the Australian Desert where it got to 52 degrees celcius

LINK ; http://www.amcal.com.au/medicine-tr...y/amcal-fexo-180---30-tablets-p-9314567201451
Telfast 180 is the same thing 9different brand from amcal) http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/allergy-and-asthma/a7627/telfast-180mg-fexofenadine/

This is how those tablets work ;

How does fexofenadine work?

Fexofenadine is a type of medicine called a non-sedating antihistamine. It works by preventing the actions of histamine.
Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defence mechanisms. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen, eg flower pollen), the mast cells stimulated by the allergen release their stores of histamine.

The released histamine then binds to its receptors (H1 receptors), causing a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms. In skin allergies, histamine causes inflammation of the skin and results in an itchy rash, swelling and hives, called nettle rash or urticaria.
Fexofenadine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors. This stops the chain reaction that causes the symptoms of the allergy and provides relief from the symptoms of the nettle rash.

 

[fastpitch17]

Listen to Bad_azz and Balilongtime. It something says 20 minutes on a map, figure 30 with good traffic and roads to even 50 with traffic and road conditions. The bigger the bike really doesn't get you anywhere any faster. The roads will as well as the traffic. Thinking of open roads where you can open it up and save some time are few and far inbetween if you even find anywhere at all. Any night driving puts you in danger because of road conditions and in rain or just after the same. Those little puddles on the roads could infact be quite deep. It's true, most Indonesians have no concept of reading a map but no matter what, if you ask, they will give directions if they know or not the correct answer. They happily tell you that it is only 10 minutes when after 30 you still are not there or just go 1 kilometer when after you go 10 you are still not there. They have a hard time just giving instructions for someplace next door let alone someplace further down the road. That is if they even have you travelling in the right direction to begin with.

 

[Balilongtime]

The bigger the bike really doesn't get you anywhere any faster.

.., but It's not about the top speed, it is ALL about the torque ..,

With a 200 to 250cc bike (comparing it to a scooter)

- this bigger bike gets you there safer because the suspension far is better than a scooter,
- the brakes also are better,
- the carrying capacity is better,
- the overall handling is better,
- the big wheels and fatter tires are better going over the potholes etc,
- it's easier to see over and around other bikes and vehicles as your seated higher up (in comparison) than a scooter
- and its easier for other vehicles to see you too,
- compared to the other cars (and scooters) you will always take off 1st at the lights and be ahead of the pack rather than stuck in the middle of a pack and rubbing handlebars, and then stuck even behind more smoky trucks
- your overtaking maneuvers will be done much more swiftly and safely (there will be lots of that happening),
- having manual gears i also find is so much more safer in cornering also , plus your always in the power pocket ready to quickly get you out of or away from dangerous situations.
- If your on a bigger bike and a scooter next to you bumped into you as you were riding in an unavoidable pack , there is more chance you will remain upright due to the extra weight / mass of the bigger bike vs' the lightweight scooter.
- If I had to slam on the brakes in an emergency I know which bike id rather be riding.
- it's more easy to find your parked bike against the sea of parked scooters at the busy supermarket etc.

....., Basically , the bigger bike will be much more comfortable to ride over those crappy roads ..,

Taking the comfort into consideration ....,

A scooter (in comparison) is uncomfortable and less forgiving than a bigger bike ..., and this will add to making you MORE sore & tired during your ride.
You will also suck in a lot more black diesel smoke on the scooter compared to a bigger bike , from all the trucks your stuck behind (that you could have effortlessly overtaken quite swiftly on the bigger bike)
..., which all of this all combines to lapses in your concentration and your overall alertness to the MANY hazards encountered during your ride.

 

[Balilongtime]

It's true, most Indonesians have no concept of reading a map but no matter what, if you ask, they will give directions if they know or not the correct answer. They happily tell you that it is only 10 minutes when after 30 you still are not there or just go 1 kilometer when after you go 10 you are still not there. They have a hard time just giving instructions for someplace next door let alone someplace further down the road. That is if they even have you travelling in the right direction to begin with.

I also find when asking directions to only stick with asking the direction of the next closest large town (as shown on the map) ..., and even that can be too much . ie; Rather than delving too far further down the road.

More distant features they may know about though, could be a significantly important Mosque or Temple so it is always wise to clue yourself out the names and locations of those locations on a map, as sometimes I have had times when people had no idea of road names or town names but knew exactly which way it was to head for a certain big temple.

 

[Scooterindo]

.., but It's not about the top speed, it is ALL about the torque ..,

With a 200 to 250cc bike (comparing it to a scooter)

- this bigger bike gets you there safer because the suspension far is better than a scooter,
- the brakes also are better,
- the carrying capacity is better,
- the overall handling is better,
- the big wheels and fatter tires are better going over the potholes etc,
- it's easier to see over and around other bikes and vehicles as your seated higher up (in comparison) than a scooter
- and its easier for other vehicles to see you too,
- compared to the other cars (and scooters) you will always take off 1st at the lights and be ahead of the pack rather than stuck in the middle of a pack and rubbing handlebars, and then stuck even behind more smoky trucks
- your overtaking maneuvers will be done much more swiftly and safely (there will be lots of that happening),
- having manual gears i also find is so much more safer in cornering also , plus your always in the power pocket ready to quickly get you out of or away from dangerous situations.
- If your on a bigger bike and a scooter next to you bumped into you as you were riding in an unavoidable pack , there is more chance you will remain upright due to the extra weight / mass of the bigger bike vs' the lightweight scooter.
- If I had to slam on the brakes in an emergency I know which bike id rather be riding.
- it's more easy to find your parked bike against the sea of parked scooters at the busy supermarket etc.

....., Basically , the bigger bike will be much more comfortable to ride over those crappy roads ..,

Taking the comfort into consideration ....,

A scooter (in comparison) is uncomfortable and less forgiving than a bigger bike ..., and this will add to making you MORE sore & tired during your ride.
You will also suck in a lot more black diesel smoke on the scooter compared to a bigger bike , from all the trucks your stuck behind (that you could have effortlessly overtaken quite swiftly on the bigger bike)
..., which all of this all combines to lapses in your concentration and your overall alertness to the MANY hazards encountered during your ride.

Completely wrong on so many levels - you do realise what you're up against, it sounds from your outline above that you're in for a shock. The condition of the B roads you'll be on (motorcycles aren't allowed on toll roads/motorways) will dictate that there is absolutely no advantage to riding a bigger machine (that's if you can get one) most bikes here are 150cc unless you want to rent a Harley for silly money. Try and navigate one of those through traffic for a few days and you'll wish you was on something more agile.

 

[kimdub]

I
Though in my research I did come across a product called Hoohaa glide & ride. Made me want to buy it - just so I can say I own a product with that name

Are you sure the product is for riding a bike?? Could just be for entry into tight places

 

[CaturMuka]

Completely wrong on so many levels

I totally agree with ScooterIndo. My experience was that an automatic scooter was superior in almost all situations. Riding is Indonesia is awkward, a bigger bike isn't really agile enough to pass a truck going up a hill via the crappily paved shoulder.

 

[Sanur]

Agreed matic is the way to go ,especially with traffic. Even open road is great

 

[fastpitch17]

Then I stick with my earlier post, a bigger bike will not get you anywhere faster.

 

[Expatwannabe]

Honda XLR200 or similar is far and away better for longer journeys.
In cities with lots of stop starting it is grinding and has few advantages.

 

[Bad_azz]

I do like my scooter & I did end up buying an automatic 125 - that does get me places a bit more quickly than the old one with the 110 engine.
Mainly because there are usually two people and a shed load of shopping packed on it & I live up a very steep hill- but as for having anything more elaborate than that - wouldn't bother.
If you have the bog standard scooter, if anything goes wrong with it you can pretty much guarantee that there is some geezer within spitting distance that can fix it.

 

[Joko]

.., but It's not about the top speed, it is ALL about the torque ..,

With a 200 to 250cc bike (comparing it to a scooter)

- this bigger bike gets you there safer because the suspension far is better than a scooter,

Okay, yes, but renting a bigger bike costs 3 to 4 times what a scooter would cost. A scooter is more nimble, and then there's the not getting yourself in trouble aspect. A scooter can't go fast enough that you couldn't handle an unexpected curve.

That said, considering the length of the journey I'm planning (2000 km in two weeks), a bigger bike would make more sense. I'll make my decision at the Jakarta motorcycle rental shop when I get there (only 11 days from now!).

I have a general question. How's the weather in Jawa Barat in September? I seem to remember from my time there, that it rains all year long, with November to January being heavier than other times.

 

[Bad_azz]

It is supposed to be dry season now here. We seem to be getting a few dry days then a heavy rain shower- but the showers have been very short lived and nothing much to worry about.
Stop, grab a coffee & then it has finished raining kinda weather.
Tonight down in the city (Bandung) it was showing as 24.5C about 8pm
A few degrees cooler up where I live.