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Showing posts with label Indonesia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indonesia. Show all posts

Friday, October 4, 2019

Here's the Kongo, one of the world's most sought after scooters (Part-2)

Now we are know that the Vespa Kongo is a designation for a Vespa special models which assembled in Germany and was a state award for the Indonesian soldiers who have been served in Congo as the UN's Peacekeeping Forces in between 1960 to 1963. So clearly this Kongo type of scooter only exist in Indonesia.
Vespa Kongo has become a part of the history of the Indonesia's participation for world peace. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2pFy4YR)

Distinctive marks of the Vespa Kongo 
One of the features that makes the Vespa Kongo so unique, due to these scooter models were not assembled at the Vespa factory in Pontadera, Italy as other Vespa models in general that time, but at the Vespa GmbH Augsburg, one of the Vespa factories in Augsburg, Germany which was established in 1958 and there were 2 scooter models, ie.  Vespa 150 cc scooters (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 4-speed) VGLB, and Vespa 125 cc scooters (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 3-speed) VGLA.
Vespa Ausburg VGLA/B aka Vespa Kongo has a round front fender without joints and uses 10-inches sized rim on both its wheels. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oGthFZ)
Vespa Kongo is manufactured by using higher quality steel plate materials and has more complete equipment compared to other Vespa scooter models that were commonly circulating in Indonesia at that time such as the VBB1T or VBB2T models.

The Vespa Kongo scooter models physically have a special characteristic on the body which is not found in other Vespa models, namely:
  • It has a Garuda emblem made of brass plates on the left front body (but unfortunately, the logo is rarely found in the remaining Vespa Kongo now).
  • On the left handlebar (the clutch/gears section) precisely, there is an oval shaped bulge.
  • It has a round front fender without joints.
  • It uses 10-inches sized rim on both wheels.
  • It has a handlebar with a rather large box-shaped VDO speedometer that is different from the Vespa Type VNA/VNB.
  • At the top of the speedometer there is a small indicator lamp.
  • It has a machine number that starts with the codes of VGLA1M or VGLB1M.
  • And finally in the Indonesian Vehicle Ownership Book (Bukti Pemilik Kendaraan Bermotor/BPKB) there's an 'Ex-Brigade III information' about name and rank of the soldiers who got this scooter.
In addition to the characteristics mentioned above to complete the owner identity such as, the soldier identity numbers who got the Vespa scooter is also embedded in the handlebar (oval handlebar) made of brass and an accompanying awards. Here we provide some pictures that might give a little picture of the characteristics of the Vespa Kongo scooter as mentioned above:
Vespa Kongo distinctive marks as mentioned above, as follow it has an oval shaped bulge, a box-shaped VDO speedometer, at top of speedometer there's small indicator lamp, etc. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2n8KK9N). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o0ZOGR)
At present, the existence of thsee Vespa Kongo scooters are difficult to find in the original conditions. Even if there were, they would be very few in number and be in the hands of people who care to maintain their existence. 
The valid authentication marks of Vespa Kongo can be seen in the Indonesian Vehicle Ownership Book (Bukti Pemilik Kendaraan Bermotor/BPKB) there's an 'Ex-Brigade III information' about name and rank of the soldiers who got this scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2n8KK9N)
In addition, at the first place it's also affected by the very limited number of scooters in accordance with the number of soldiers who got it, plus at present the condition of some of its spare parts which have been damaged and cannot be repaired, meanwhile its replacement parts are no longer on the market.
Another Vespa Kongo distinctive marks as mentioned above, as follow it has a box-shaped VDO speedometer, at top of speedometer there's small indicator lamp, etc. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2n8KK9N)
Until now, we don't know yet how much price of the Vespa Kongo scooter in original condition. We're though that were not cheap certainly, or an exorbitant prices it could be. (Some said the price over Rp.50 million or around US $3,5k).

Are you have these special-kind-of scooters? If yes. We can only say 'Congratulation, You are very lucky person due to have one of the most sought after scooters in the world.' 
Today, the Vespa Kongo like a myth among the Indonesian scooter fans even the world. If you have it. Keep the Vespa Kongo scooter as one of the Indonesian priceless treasures..!!  

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... (Back to Part-1).   

(This article was deliberately created in order to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Indonesian National Army (Tentara National Indonesia/TNI) on October 5, 2019.)

Remain as the Guardian of Our beloved Indonesian homeland with all the heart. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KOMPAS | OTOFREAK | MOTOPLUS | OTOMANIA | VESPA]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone.

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Here's the Kongo, one of the world's most sought after scooters (Part-1)

Did you ever heard about the Vespa Kongo classic scooters? For those of you the scooter fans from abroad may be feel strange due to have never been heard or known the existence of this classic Vespa scooter type before. But for the Indonesian scooter fans, of course, most of them are already knew and familiar to those Vespa Kongo (or 'Congo' for English spelling) scooters name.
Vespa Ausburg VGLA/B aka Vespa Kongo is a state award scooter to several groups of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces who served in Congo, Central Africa back in the end 1950s to early 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o5cywb)
Besides having a distinctive shape, it turns out that the antique scooter holds a priceless historical value for Indonesian, and also said has its own prides for those who are lucky able to own it. This Vespa scooter model emerged and gained popularity back in the early of 1960s.
Several member of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces proudly posed with their Vespa Kongo in the 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oED8wa)
History of the Vespa Kongo name 
Actually there are some nicknames that are circulating in Indonesian society about this Vespa scooter model besides the 'Kongo,' including the 'Vespa Telur' (mean 'an egg' in English) because it has oval-shaped side fender like an egg, then there's also called it as 'Vespa Ndog Kentus' which means the same as an egg.
Several member of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces proudly posed with the Vespa Kongo in the 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oGthFZ)
The designation of the Vespa Kongo itself comes from the name of the country where several groups of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia/TNI) known as the Indonesian Garuda Contingent (Kontingen Garuda/KONGA) were assigned in the late 1950s and early 1960s. At that time they got the task as the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces from Indonesia in Congo, Central Africa under the mission of the UNOC (United Nation Operations for Congo).
Vespa Kongo was assembled at the Vespa GmbH Augsburg one of the Vespa factories in Augsburg, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2nSPf8T)
Front view of the legendary   
Vespa Kongo of the 1960s.  

(Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o0ZOGR)
Well, this Vespa scooter models were then given to the members of the Peacekeeping Forces as a form of appreciation from the Indonesian government for their services in Congo. Another sources said that besides these Vespa scooters there're also other forms of appreciation like the money and also sewing machines. 

It was also reported that the Vespa Kongo scooters were distributed based on the military rank, namely for those who had higher rank to get the green colored Vespa 150 cc scooters (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 4-speed) VGLB, while the soldier with lower rank got the Vespa 125 cc (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 3-speed) VGLA in yellow or blue colored.

The Vespa Kongo starting known in the Indonesian scooter market back in the 1963, as a Vespa scooter model belonging to ex-Kontingen Garuda-2 (1960-1961) and Garuda-3 (1962-1963) members, but there is no certain source yet whom said whether the members of the Kontingen Garuda-1 also received the same scooter prizes (due to they assigned to Egypt back in the 1956).
Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 3-speed) VGLA aka Vespa Kongo only exist in Indonesia for the scooter models in between 1960 to 1963. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o0ZOGR)
Let's move to the next discussion about the Vespa Kongo destinctive marks. (Continued to Part-2).

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... 

(This article was deliberately created in order to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Indonesian National Army (Tentara National Indonesia/TNI) on October 5, 2019.)

Remain as the Guardian of Our beloved Indonesian homeland with all the heart. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KOMPAS | OTOFREAK | MOTOPLUS | OTOMANIA | VESPA]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

5 controversial mysteries of the Borobudur temple

Behind the splendor of the great temple built by Syailendra dynasty on the 8th century AD which is also known as one of the 7 wonders of the world. Till this day,  the Borobudur temple was still leaves some big question marks about its existence.

The construction itself is estimated to take approximately 100 years, and it is not known exactly how this gigantic-sized temple was built, but based on the observations of archeologists. Formerly this temple has 1 giant stupa around 5 balustrades, because it is feared to be collapsed because the pressure was too heavy, then this stupa was changed to 1 great stupa with 3 levels of stupas around it.
Aerial view of the Borobudur temple, one of UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kIISDh)
According to historical records, the Borobudur temple was first discovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, a British governor general who ruled in Java at that time. Not only about the construction remains a mystery, but there are several other discoveries that are still becoming a big question marks til today. Here are 5 of them:

1. The reliefs depicts the flying saucers sightings
From several of the world's ancient relics that have the reliefs depicts the sightings of the UFOs or flying saucers, it turns out that Borobudur temple is one of them. But it cannot be ascertained, why they're made such pattern. Whether it was indeed the intended UFO things or another symbol.
The reliefs was depicts the flying saucers sightings on the Borobudur temple. (Picture from: BeritaViralDunia)
Some experts have argued that the flying saucers-shaped like could be the symbol of the 7 royal jewels in the Buddhist cosmology but still there is no valid proof of this statement.

2. Kunto Bimo Myth
If we pay attention, in the Borobudur temple there are several hollow stupas in which there's a statue called Kunto Bimo in Dharmachakra position inside it. 
The statue of Kunto Bimo in Dharmachakra position inside a hollow stupa at the Borobudur temple. (Picture from: BeritaViralDunia)
According to legend, anyone who can touch the statue with his hands through the holes of the stupa all of his wishes will fullfill. For men, it is recommended to touch the statue's little finger. While for women, it is recommended to touch the toes. Out of nowhere the such belief began, but in some cases it has happened.

3. The hidden reliefs
There is one reliefs that is hidden at the foot of the temple and known as Karmawibhangga. This reliefs depicts the sensitive criminal scenes such as murder, rape, and another violence activities.
The hidden reliefs at the foot of the Borobudur temple, known as Karmawibhangga depicts the sensitive scenes of murder, rape, and another violence activities. (Picture from: BeritaViralDunia)
No one knows why there are such reliefs are hidden in the Borobudur temple. The reliefs itself was first discovered by J.W Yzerman in 1891.

4. Borobudur temple architecture
One interesting thing to note from the Borobudur temple was its architecture. The Borobudur temple has a very precise arrangement, where every stone that is part of the structure are perfectly and precisely placed. Usually to do something like this requires a good mathematical calculation ability.
Cross section and building ratio of the Borobudur temple. (Picture from: BeritaViralDunia)
The question was who can design those entire construction of this gigantic-sized temple? According to legend, the temple designer is Gunadharma, an intellectual figure of his time. But once again, there is not enough evidence to support this statement.

5. Built on an ancient lake 
A doctoral degree student from the Department of Geography, Gajah Mada University named Helmi Murwanti who mentioned about the existence of an ancient lake that was once in the area around Borobudur temple stood, long before the temple was built. 
An illustration of the existence ancient lake on the area where the Borobudur temple was stood, long before the temple was built. (Picture from: BeritaViralDunia)
The results of the analysis of the spread of black clay deposits show that they are derived from volcanic material and rocks, coupled with satellite images that show the flow of the river that empties into this lake. It is estimated that this ancient lake was formed in the Pleistocene era and was 10,000 years old which then shrunk because of human use in line with the development of civilization around the lake.

Great research in depth needs to be done again to reveal all the mysteries inherent in the Borobudur temple, as the original world cultural heritage of Indonesia. We should be a part of the next generation to know the ins and outs of this temple, lest important information that we should know is buried forever. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BERITA VIRAL DUNIA | WIKIPEDIA]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone.

Friday, January 18, 2019

Weird eight-wheeled sedan

Sedans that we know usually only have 4 wheels. Well ... there's a unique Toyota Vios Limo sedan in Bandung using 8 wheels. This sedan in normal condition is usually used as a taxi. 

How come? It's just a modification, anything can be done. This unique car is a modification car of Gemah Ripah taxi boss, Roni Gunawan. The GridOto team have been tried these weird 8-wheeled Vios Limo some time ago.
Extreme display of eight-wheeled Toyota Vios Limo.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Cwv6Zi)
Judging from the outside appearance, imagine that how the construction of 6 wheels on the back that piled up, clearly giving more weight to the car. Of course it has big impact on these 3rd generation Toyota Limo which was originally driven by the front wheel (FWD).

But after it was tested, at first glance there is no significant difference when the car is carried in low speed. Even when passing through a bumpy road, the suspension still functions normally and car pounding due to those bumpy road feels soft. This is thanks to a custom chassis construction that has been modified in such a way that the arrangement of 4 additional wheels at the rear does not interfere the car's suspension performance.
Driving sensation of 8-wheeled Vios Limo. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Cwv6Zi)
But when tried to do cornering maneuvers, this sedan feels more unsteady. Even when driving at medium speed and trying to stop, the brake performance becomes less optimal. This is due to the weight of the car that is getting heavier.

Even when used in lightweight slalom maneuvers, the car becomes difficult to control because the handbrake performance is also not optimal. When confirmed to the owner it turned out that this was indeed quite disturbing.

"The plan later on the rear wheel that touches the road will also have a hand brake installed. So that the braking process be more maximal," said Roni. This mechanism, if can function optimally, certainly will make the car's safety factor more better.
By the way, this car was drove in the Gemah Ripah Bandung HQ only. This car cannot be brought to the highway because besides the modification process has not been completed, and the car's roadworthiness permit is not taken care yet as well.

Seeing these car modification, only one word can be spoken... Incredible. Yes, that's Bandung people, if not unique, it's not Bandung. Wanna see unique 2-headed Vios Limo, just click. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GRIDOTO]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Monday, October 8, 2018

A unique air suspension scooter from Yogyakarta

The idea of ​​making a vehicle modification work can come from anywhere. The following is a modified scooter that is very unique at the Indonesian Scooter Festival (ISF) 2018. At this event, a variety of modified scooters were displayed. One of the Vespa who draw attention at the event was a modified scooter made by Kupu-Kupu Malam Workshop, a famous automotive modification house from Yogyakarta.
Vescop (Vespa Choptop Airsus) built by Kupu-Kupu Malam Workshop taken of 1964 Vespa VBA. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y4CxWs)
If at first glance this Golden Greensand colored scooter looks mediocre, but if you are more observant, you will be surprised. Because the scooter nicknamed Vescop (Vespa Choptop Airsus) is not only changed the body part but also applies the air suspension system. 

Of course this is rare because an air suspension system is generally installed on a car. And the unique the air suspension used on this scooter is a pneumatic type. Yes, on the front and back legs of the scooter is installed IDONE's airsuspension. For the system itself it turns out that it is almost similar to the one in the car and meanwhile to operate it by using a remote control.
Vescop (Vespa Choptop Airsus) by Kupu-Kupu Malam Workshop shown at the Indonesian Scooter Festival (ISF) 2018. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y4CxWs)
To be able to apply this air suspension system to the scooter perfectly must be done several adjustments and changes to the body. Then the shock part was also overhauled but only on the upper seat. In this front shock mounted on the Vespa PX's fork.
The air suspension used on the Vescop (Vespa Choptop Airsus) is a pneumatic type. There're also seen Vespa PX forks combined with 8-inch rims with disc braking system. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y4CxWs)
This Vescop was deliberately retained its original form in the form of a 1964 Vespa VBA scooter. Changes to the body, which is only slightly cut the scooter body from the front about 8 cm.
The air suspension compressor used on the Vescop (Vespa Choptop Airsus) installed burst out of the body. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y4CxWs)
From the front there is a headlamp that now uses Daymaker, then there is a handgrip made in Gorilla, brake handle and clutch using Bikers and speedometer products from digital S.IP. Shifting behind was a stop lamp from Siem which was then given a slight black accent.

While on the legs, this scooter uses an 8-inch rim from S.I.P which is then wrapped with Swallow tires. Then to be able to withstand the speed of this scooter, disc brakes were installed from Temaca.
Besides the IDONE air suspension compressor mounted out on the left, so does the Koso PWK 28 carburetor on the right. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OH06hq)
Continue to the middle, there are only a few parts that are changed, namely the use of seats and custom deck rugs. At the right and left deck we cut, the right side because the Koso PWK 28 carburetor was made out while the left one was for the air suspension compressor.

Are you interested in making your scooter to be an air suspension ones? If you want, then prepare your money roughly US. $5,300 (or approx Rp.80 millions) as your scooter modification fees, then bring the scooter to the Kupu-Kupu Malam Workshop in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. (Wanna see another automotive works of the Kupu-Kupu Malam Workshop!)
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUPU-KUPU MALAM | GRIDOTO]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Tosan Adji is ready to hit the world-class custom motorbike contest in Germany

The last series of Suryanation Motorland Battle 2018 held in Surabaya, in addition to being intended to search for the Indonesia's best custom motorbikes, was also used to launch the iconic bikes.

Yes, this cool custom motorcycle that is used as an iconic bike this time is 'Tosan Adji,' a custom motorcycle which is the result of collaboration between two well-known Indonesian builders, Lutfi Andika and Andhika Pratama.
Iconic Suryanation Motorland 2018 motorbike called 'Tosan Adji' is ready to hit the world-class custom motorbike contest in Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P7dcBx)
This boardtracker-style custom motorcycle uses the 737 cc V-Twin engine base of 1947 Harley-Davidson WL. For the changes, almost all parts are made or customized by those duo builders, with the main material of stainless steel.

In detail, the motorbike that will be taken to the world-class custom motorbike contest in Germany, looks very stunning in red color on the tank and also sparkling with the chrome color that sticks to almost all parts of the motorcycle.
The 'Tosan Adji' is a customized motorbike which is the result of collaboration between two well-known Indonesian builders, Lutfi Andika and Andhika Pratama. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ydwXA2)
The most interesting part attached on this customized motorcycle is the application of a unique shockbreaker system, which is the double springs placed above its fuel tank.
Right side view of 'Tosan Adji' built by two well-known Indonesian builders, Lutfi Andika and Andhika Pratama. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Ro4KQ7)
Besides that the uniqueness is also given by changing the driving system. The two builders move the gear shifter down to the foot, and vice versa the clutch now moves to the hand lever.
The 'Tosan Adji' looks very stunning in red color on the tank. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P7dcBx)
"For the concept, we take a road tracker, but not as usual. We want something unique, therefore we apply the front suspension, the suspension we just saw on a custom motorcycle," explained Andhika Pratama.
The most interesting part attached on this 'Tosan Adji' customized motorcycle is the application of a unique shockbreaker system, which is the double springs placed above its fuel tank. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P7dcBx)
Meanwhile, the performance of this motorbike is still using the original gearbox, the front and rear hubs also still use the original 70. Then, the tank is custom made, the front and rear rim uses 21 inches-sized, which is wrapped with Shinko E270 tires, and the single custom seat.
"This iconic bike motor represents the spirit of Suryanation Motorland, whose wants to share inspiration for all parties," explained Rizky Dwianto, a member of Suryanation Motorland Committee.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LIPUTAN 6]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone