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6 November 2011 THE NEW PAPER ON SUNDAY

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WHEELS

Retro with a modern twist

It may just be a 320cc motorbike, but the Spyder has huge style and presence
ZAIHAN MOHD YUSOF

BIKER BOY

zaihan@sph.com.sg

TNP PICTURES: BENJAMIN SEETOR

EASY RIDE: Forward controls like the gearshift lever adds a

touch a class to the Spyder's image.
It also makes that familiar mechanical sound where fuel is first forced into the parallel twin-cylinder Japanese engine before start-up. Tucked neatly behind the throttle body are a host of sockets and wires which allow mechanics to diagnose problems and even charge the battery. The four-stroker is also water-cooled and is equipped with a radiator fan. But unlike most cruisers with the same capacity, the Spyder smells of custom. Its as though the motorbike had been built by a small crew of petrol heads, not a big motorcycle plant.

In a world where matte black paint and carbon fibre are liberally used, its refreshing to see chrome on a motorbike.
The Regal Raptor Spyder has lots of it. From engine head covers to vented front sprocket covers, the Spyder is plastered in the stuff. So much so that on a sunny day, youll be squinting whenever you stand next to it. Visually, the 320cc cruiser is old school. The five-speeder is low-slung, lending it a bad-boy appeal. Its pseudo hardtail rear end, which gives the impression it has no rear suspension, and its analogue speedometer point to a simpler, nostalgic era. But being retro doesnt mean this Spyder has no fangs. It has most of the modern technology found on newer bikes. Its just that the Spyder and its sibling, the Bobber, are a little shy to flaunt their modern capabilities. Below the Spyders ghost flame fuel tank is a throttle body to feed the fuel-injected motorbike. When you turn the ignition on, an electronic fuel injection or EFI sign lights up on the centre console.

The longish front forks, raked-out chassis and billet-looking wheels give it that American Chopper touch.
Of course, it helps that its designer is American. The stretched fuel tank, where a central chrome console divides the pseudo twin fuel tank, is also a unique feature in its class. The same applies to the dual 300mm disc brakes and steel-braided brake hoses. Riding the Spyder is a comfortable experience. The posture is laid back as your feet rest on billet-type forward controls.

The long risers, which hold the drag handlebars, makes the stretch you will have to do a little more bearable. Another aspect which needs some adjusting to is the long front end. In slow moving traffic, the weight of the front wheels can sometimes upset your balance. While the Spyders suspension soaks up most bumps efficiently on open roads, dont expect the cruiser to turn at the drop of a hat. Quick directional changes arent in the Spyders books. When you turn aggressively, you can expect to hear the occasional screech from the side-stand, located on the left side, as it grazes tarmac. Inching forward in traffic jams require sturdy legs to balance the long motorbike. Attributes like slow and steady apply to the Regal Raptor its guaranteed to take you on long hauls cosily. From stand still to the middle of the rev range, the Spyder plays along enthusiastically before power and torque dip near 10,000rpm. This characteristic of the Spyder makes it suited to riding conditions on Singapore roads, where speeds are limited to 90kmh. And the 30hp Spyder is not a fuel guzzler. It can reach top speeds of about 140kmh under its present gearing and has a range of 220km on its 14-litre fuel tank. Perhaps what is music to the ears when riding the Spyder is the exhaust note from its dual exhaust. The sound is unlike the staccato of a V-twin engine or the constant thumping of a single cylinder. It just sounds rare and raw.

Next Week: We go the whole hog and show you

what our ideal Spyder looks like when put under the knife by TNP artist Fadzil Hamzah. In the meantime, start collecting TNP$ to bid. For more information, visit www.asiaone.com/TNPauction2011

The Regal Raptor Spyder is one of the top prizes up for grabs in The New Paper Auction.