Benelli Keeway TX200 1st Ride

Had time to test out the bike today. Took out my old riding gear. A jacket, glove and a full face helmet.

Took out the glove & jacket from the closet.

As I got no where to go, just make a trip to Kampung Jawa, Klang, to meet up with a friend, whom had got a superbike a few months back. Put on my gear and started off, full of enthusiasm. Maybe I was a little bit over excited. Was traveling about 110 Km/h, most outer lane at the MRR2 near the Bandar Tasik Selatan under pass, suddenly all the front vehicles made an emergency stop, I immediately slammed on the brake rear and pressed the front brake. The Keeway TX200 when into a rear end wobble and I don't think I can stop in time. I then realized the it went into a wobble as the rear is too light and I had apply too much braking pressure on the rear. Thank goodness that the wobble was controllable by releasing the rear brake and re-applying again at a lower pressure. I manage to slow down slightly but still can not stop in time. I then made a slip through the space between the front car and the side barricade. Thank goodness again that there was sufficient space. Quite a number of vehicles stopped completely. It was a near miss for me. I was so grateful that I no mishap happened.

I immediately went to the left most lane and lowered my speed. I rode at 80 Km/h after that. After the toll plaza at Shah Alam Highway, I turned into the motorcycle lane. It was narrow and twisty. Met a couple of bikes that I passed. I can see quite a number of motorcyclist using the highway, and not turning into the motorcycle lane. I then realized that there wasn't much road signs on the motorcycle lane. Some under pass tunnels were really narrow and low. A sudden change in lighting condition also made it dangerous. Lots of speed breaker bums. I then saw the speed limit is like 40 Km/h and when it approach twisty turns or tunnel, speed limit is suppose to be 20 Km/h. No wonder, I was doing 80 ~ 90 Km/h. Now I know why those motorist are not using the motorcyclist lane. There were a couple of detours on the lane too that was a bit bad.

Keeway TX200, R&R Shah Alam.

I find the TX200 is a light bike (on the move) and easy to handle. Riding height is good for front viewing. I'm 168 cm and just manage to plant my feet on the ground. It comes with disc brakes, front & back. It's shroud with Pirelli tires. Riding position is straight up, being a motard styled bike. All the control switches are in the normal position.

Basic specification
Keeway TX200G Dual Purpose (engineered by Benelli)
Engine: 200cc single cylinder, 4-stroke, 2-valve, carburetor, OHV oil-cooled
Bore and stroke: 63.5 x 63.2 mm
Compression ratio: 8.3:1
Max power: 9.5 kW @ 7,500 rpm
Max torque: 13.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed wet clutch
Tyres: Pirelli
Lubricant: Petronas Syntium Moto

Traveling at 110 ~ 120 Km/h the engine noise is high (for my liking). With the Leo Vince Cobra exhaust, it mask the engine sound which I feel is pretty nice. I find that cruising at 80 ~ 100 Km/h is more relax and can be done all day long with the oil cooler cooling the engine. Vibration is minimum at this speed both from the engine and handle bar. Stopping power is good, as per my miss. For the price range I feel this is value for money. This bike is adequate for suburb and city riding. It's not about speed, but the convenience of a two wheeler in avoiding traffic jams. Power wise is a bit sedated. Just drop a gear or so to bring up the power. Gear changing is smooth on the go. Once stopped, it take some time to locate the Neutral.

The mod done by Andy, the previous owner. Leo Vince Cobra, I love it. It add style to the already handsome bike. The exhaust sound is terrific. Not too loud, and solid. I love it best when I kick down a gear, going down slope, with the throttle closed. I shall try to make a sound recording when I find the time. Check out the horn, very solid bass, twin horn. Used it a couple of times. I even horn it a couple of times when the lane was empty, just for fun. The hand guard, well it's nice and solid but I saw some with L.E.D. lights which maybe nicer. Finally I had use for the rear luggage box. eep my glove and jacket while we had tea. I tried but it can't fit my full face helmet. Am still have trouble learning to lock / un-lock the box. The netted seat cover, keeps my pants from getting wet and cool.

Things that I find lacking are
1) Fuel gauge
2) Small fuel tank
3) Tachometer
4) Head lamp not bright enough for my liking.

My other wise list for this bike (which I don't think can be done being a budget bike)
1) ABS
2) Keyless
3) H.I.D. head lamp
4) Hydraulic clutch
5) Wider tires
6) Liquid cooled
Dreaming on...

Shall be having some fun time with this bike. Most probably go on a longer trip when time permits. I read that the Thai model has fuel gauge. Maybe I can ride over and have it mod there. In the mean time I shall have to brush up my rusty riding skill and have it suited to riding motard style. I shall write more as I use the bike because I find that there are far too few review for this particular bike in Malaysia.