Benelli Keeway TX200, Ride To Betong.

Took my Benelli Keeway TX 200 for a spin as it had been lying by the tree since my ride to Genting Highland. The drive chain had started to rust. Lubed the chain a night before. Even the bees had built a nest on my front wheel. Hope they won't sting me. Fueled up and started off at 10.30 am. Traffic in the city was rather heavy.

Kuala Lumpur to Betong is approximately 425 km. Having no fuel gauge, I reckon I shall do 3 fuel stop. The Benelli has a range of approximately 200 km per tank full. Shall refuel at Tapah, Kuala Kangsar and just before we cross the border. Being a small bike, I shall stop and rest (myself & the bike) more frequently.

The North South highway is a bit crowded that day due to the school holidays. I cruised mostly  at 80 to 100 km/h on the inner lane, with an occasional 110 km/h. I feel that the bike cruise best at this range, for fuel economy as well as least vibration. With the oil cooler, I'm confident that it can cruise all day. A couple of the R&R with petrol station were under renovation that day. Made  stop at Tangjung Malim as my buttock has started to feel un-comfy. Arrived at Simpang Pulai at about 1.00 pm. Was suppose to meet another biker at Ipoh for lunch, but then change of plan. Was asked to meet up at R&R Sungai Perak (S), before exiting to Kuala Kangsar.

The highway after Ipoh, Jelepang has an incline, traffic was rather heavy, with lots of buses & truck. There is a view point, but there wasn't anything to see. Must be due to the haze. Squeezing through buses & truck, I can feel the bike wobbling, due to the side stream (air). This was rather unsettling. This also happens when a bus overtakes me.

Arrived at R&R Sungai Perak (S) at about 3.15 pm. I felt the engine a bit hot. Waited for my friend and he finally showed up at about close to 4.00 pm. My friend was looking for RON 97 fuel, which was not available. Me I just use RON 95. 7 km later, we exited the highway. By passed Kuala Kangsar and headed for Gerik, via Lenggong. This is the smaller trunk road and traffic was light. I maintain my cruising speed of 80 ~ 100 km/h. The stretch from KK to Gerik is about 80 km. The stretch from Gerik to Pengkalan Hulu, watch out for Kampung Pahit. As most of the bends are light & smooth, there is a sudden bend to align to the bridge. It's not a tight bend, but it did surprised me, so much that I under-steered.

We arrived at the border at about 6.00 pm. Stopped for refueling as it's pricier in Thailand. Fuel so far were $3.60, $16.40, $17.60 & $6.70. There ar a couple of check points. Exiting Malaysia was a breeze. Entering Thailand, we need to go through immigration and declare our motorcycles. a convenient fee of $2 for filling up form, $3 immigration and $2 for bike declaration, quicken the process. As it's a Monday and 6.00 in the evening, there's only us.

After the immigration, to the town of Betong, the road & bends has lots of sand/ clay which is slippery for motorcycles. A caution ride is needed.

Betong is a small town and isn't many thing to do.
Buddahadhiwat Temple,

is located on a hill top over looking Betong. In the town there is a big letter box, clock tower and the Mongkolrit Tunnel. We stayed at the other side of town, hense we use the Mongkolrit Tunnel frequently.

Betong Hot spring.

I tried the water at the lake, it's not hot, just warm. We sat there and enjoy the scenery. There is only 2 swimmers around. Further down is the Winter Flower Garden.

It's up hill most of the way. Caution as these roads are no maintained. Again, sands and loose pebbles along the way. Sudden I can feel the cool breeze as we are high up in the mountain. We stop for a drink and a quick look see. We then proceed further to the Piyamit Tunnel. It's a loop, Hot Spring to Piyamit direct or via Winter Flower Garden.

The section from Winter Flower Garden to Piyamit Tunnel is mostly down hill (high gradient), narrow road with tight / twisty and high gradient bends. Caution as some parts of the road where covered with dropped rubber tree leafs. A couple of bends with slight loose gravel and sand. I took a relax ride, enjoying the scenery and cool weather.

I find that this is the best section on this ride. Betong, Winter Flower Garden to Piyamit Tunnel.

We spent 2 nights in Betong. Went for massage at $25 per hour. Had some nice food and hang around. I slept early on the second night as I'm rolling off first thing in the morning alone.

Started off at 7.30 am (Thai). Went through custom. $2 for stamping. Do remember to sign & return the motorcycle declaration for, otherwise you'll get blacklisted on future entry and fine Thai Bath 2,000. Fuel up after the border $6.70.

Arrived at R&R Sungai Perak (N) at about 11.00 am. Re fuel 17.60. Rest for a while as was feeling fatigue. Bike was also rather hot. Had a snack, sandwich as was too hot to take a meal.

Took a detour at Simpang Pulai as I want to to visit the Agro Mall that I saw on the highway. It's about 4 km from Simpang Pulai Exit. It wasn't what I though it to be. Took the old trunk road and re-enter the highway after Gopeng. Stopped for fuel at Tapah. Took another rest at Tanjung Malim as feeling fatigue again. Reached home at 3.30 pm. Eight hours' ride.

This ride, total about 950 km. Where should I ride next? Hat Yai? Golok?