A Happy New Year to all bikers as 2009 is now upon us. And recession or not, everyone’s still going to keep on riding our motorcycles!
Especially in light of these testing times, local bikers like us should all work harder in supporting our local motorcycle industry, events and culture. As world economies struggle to counter (and deny) their engagement in protectionism policies to salvage their weakening economies, perhaps we too should start to “buy and ride local”. Go for more fun rides around our city state, visit new biker haunts and look at bike stuff you’ve never paid any attention to before, patronize and support our local motorcycle and accessory shops so that they can in turn bring in more new and exciting bikes and stuff to fuel the unceasing passion that can only be felt when we’re roaring down the roads on our bikes. And yes, if there’s a dream bike out there you’ve been eyeing for some time, now’s the best time to get it as prices will definitely lower during these coming months.
The global economic crisis has already taken its first victim in motorcycling sport with Kawasaki pulling out of the MotoGP 2009 series. Another scare came from Honda early in the year for MotoGP, which they had already pulled out of Formula One in 2008 and their decision to withdraw from the current AMA Superbike championship. It was a sign of relief as they showcased their 2009 riders at the start of the MotoGP season. Will Rossi win again this year? We think so. On our local soil we hope motorcycle racing events continue to grow as more and more motorcycle shops and brands understand the valuable exposure and awareness that racing brings to their products. Will more and more riders take part in the Tuas Circuit races and the Malaysian Super Series? We definitely hope so.
Speaking of major motor events, BikeAsia 2009 is just around the corner and news of late is that a new milestone in motorcycling sports may be developing with the heralding of the MotoGP arriving on our little tiny island in 2011. In these trying times, opportunities are still abound, so let’s keep our spirits high, maintain the robustness of our local bike-related industries and yes, RIDE ON AND STAY ON!!!
Have a great 2009 motorcycling year ahead and enjoy your Motor Culture Asia.