MotoJaya

Subang to Bangkok on a Kapcai? Giler ah!

Imagine this: You, a Yamaha PG-1 (or as we Malaysians affectionately call it, a kapcai), and a crazy idea – riding all the way from Subang Jaya to Bangkok and back. Sounds like a scene from 'Mat Rempit' meets 'The Hangover,' right? Well, Sam Cheong actually did it!

Leaving the hustle of Subang behind, he aimed to cover over 3,300km on less than RM100 worth of petrol. That's cheaper than your average weekend mamak sessions!

The Kapcai That Could

The Yamaha PG-1, a humble 115cc machine, wasn't built for comfort or speed. It was built for *endurance*. Sam had already given it a test run in Southern Thailand, clocking nearly 2,000km. This time, Bangkok was the ultimate destination.

To prep for the journey, he turned the PG-1 into a proper touring machine:

• Auxiliary fuel bottles: Bolted on to increase range by 110km (just in case!).
• Waterproof panniers: Filled with tools, spares, and rain gear.
• Top box: For photography equipment and a drone (gotta get those scenic shots!).
• GPS, satellite communicator, and smartphone mounts: Navigation sorted!

Hitting the Highway (and Backroads)

The journey began on the Guthrie Corridor, merging onto the West Coast Expressway, and eventually the North-South Expressway. Route 4 in Thailand became his home for a while, passing rubber plantations and small towns.

Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Chumphon… The kilometers blurred as he battled storm clouds and the constant hum of the engine. Bangkok was getting closer.

Bangkok, Baby!

The final stretch through Phetchaburi and Samut Sakhon was brutal. Bangkok's traffic was a different beast altogether! But the PG-1, nimble as ever, weaved through the chaos.

A hotel in Bang Kapi became his base, offering the most important luxury: 24-hour bike surveillance!

Adventures in Ayutthaya

No trip to Thailand is complete without visiting Ayutthaya, the ancient capital. A quick tyre repair (thanks to a friendly Yamaha dealer!) and he was exploring the ruins.

"It was never about the destination. It was the joy of the ride."

Bad weather forced an early return. The journey back was long, but the kapcai held up like a champ.

Hat Yai was the last major stop before crossing the border back into Malaysia. Soon, Subang Jaya was in sight.

The Verdict

No breakdowns, no major dramas, just a solid ride. Thailand's roads were smooth, fuel was cheap, and the people were friendly. The Yamaha PG-1 proved that you don't need a big bike for a big adventure. And yeah, he did it on less than RM100 of petrol!

More than the fuel efficiency, the real takeaway was the experience: The open road, the friendly faces, and the reminder that the best journeys are about the ride, not just the destination. Now, who's up for a teh tarik?