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

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Here it is Komando, an extremely unique twin-engined scooter

At a glance, if you look at the vehicle figure, it will cross our minds that this is a tactical combat vehicle that is ready to be used by soldiers on the battlefield. Indeed, this is the impression wants to get by the vehicle maker when first make it.

The fact, the vehicle is the extreme and unique scooter modification results and given the name of 'Komando,' which was made by a man from Cilegon, Banten named Bagas Roffiyanto.
Komando, an extremely unique nine-wheeled scooter from Banten and still can be used as vehicles on the highway. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2siBWQV)
It all started when he wanted to modify the 1986 Vespa Strada scooter of his-owned then he chose the concept of a tactical combat vehicle due to he was very inspired by his father who worked as a soldier.

"Its basic was 1986 Vespa Strada, (and) inspired by (my) father who is worked as a soldier and also because I was not passed when registering the army. So I decided to make my scooter like an army vehicle," Bagas said as quoted by detikOto.

Unmitigated, he then completely overhauled his Vespa scooter appearance in his workshop and assisted by some friends. This extreme scooter modification process was carried out for 5 months and cost up to Rp.15 million, so be the figure of an extreme scooter that appears in gray, black and green military camouflage color.
Komando, an extremely unique scooter from Banten which is driven by two engines made by Bagas Roffiyanto. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2siBWQV)
Then he added a number of accessories to add the more military impression and the vehicle' fierce look such as on the front there was a machine gun replica, then the ex-ammo box was mounted on the left side and functioned to store mechanic's tools, then there were several other accessories such as ex bazooka tubes. Meanwhile, behind the rider seat, there's one seat is provided for passengers.

This extremely unique modified scooter has a length of about 3.5 m and a width of 1.2 m. As the drivetrain of this extremely unique nine-wheeled scooter is 2 units of engines installed at the rear where the first engine was taken from the 1975 Bajaj Chetak (front) and the second of the 1986 Vespa Strada (rear). Above the engines were also installed 2 units of fuel tubes.

To operate this extreme vehicle can be said to be a bit unique, where the rider must first start its two engines via its typical manually kick-starters. Then the driver sits in a lower position than the standard scooter seat. In addition, to control this extreme scooter, the rider hands should be stretched upwards like the high handlebar motorcycle riding position with the throttle position on the right-hand, clutch and gear-shifting on the left.

After the engine is turned on and by considering the condition of the vehicle which is fairly long, the rider must be able to adjust the speed when riding it on the road. Well, although it is driven by two engine units, not necessarily the rider could be maximized the power of its engines.
Komando was inspired by Bagas Roffiyanto's father who worked as a soldier. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2siBWQV)
"I did not dare to go fast when riding it, at most 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, and even then on the straight and empty road only. Because the Komando's length is 3.5 meters and 1.2 meters wide is not possible to run at high speed," said Bagas.

Nevertheless, this extremely unique modified vehicle has been used to drive around the streets of Banten together with his community members. This extreme vehicle was also ever participated in several motorcycle contests and also ever was ranked third for the 'Vespa Extreme' category in one event.

The scooter mentioned above can function like other two-wheeled vehicles so that it can be used as vehicles on the highway, but so far it is not known yet whether those vehicles have the roadworthy permit from the authorities.

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

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

An Indonesian-made classic Vespa scooter of wood waste

As understood by all of us, that in the process of automotive modification sometimes not familiar with the 'expensive' word. In addition, the unique shape and eccentric appearance sometimes also become the owner's choices. Especially for motorcycle enthusiasts, typically they use motorcycle design based on their expertise-owned. In a previous article, there was a carpenter from Portugal named Carlos Alberto who made a unique wooden Vespa scooter.
The wooden Vespa composed of 65 million pieces of pencil wood waste, made by Eri Ashari shown off at the 2018 Indonesian Scooter Festival held in the Jogja Expo Center. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2E3nEGn)
Much like that but now an Indonesian wood craftsman who made a classic-type Vespa into a very unique scooter and looked different than others.

Well, he is Eri Ashari who managed to make a replica of the Vespa MP6 prototype scooter whose entire body is made of wood waste (specifically wood waste from the pencil-making industry).

Through his skilled hands, he managed to arrange more than 65 million pieces of wood waste material into an antique Vespa scooter for more than 2 years.
Eri Ashari posed with his wooden Vespa scooter creation. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rmMGO9)
"This is all from pencil wood waste. There are about 65 million pieces to make this (scooter). Incidentally, indeed in my place, there are so many (wood waste), so I use them. The seats are also made of wood," Eri explained as quoted of the Tribun-Jogja.

A wooden Vespa scooter by Eri Ashari.  
(Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LFEqjb)
Eri also mentioned that before he ever had made several unique wooden scooters and this antique scooter was his fifth works. He further added that this scooter was the first scooter he made from the pencil wood waste material and possibly the first in the world.

"It starts to be produced in 2016, (and) this is actually the fifth Vespa. So from the small pieces of wood waste, it's (then) arranged (in such a way). What makes it difficult because (the material) is stiff, so it's hard to shape. It should be arranged vertically if arrange in horizontal was easy to break. This is the only (scooter) made from pencil wood waste. After this, there will be no more," he explained.

Besides being made of wood waste material, the antique Vespa created by Eri Ashari also has a remotely-controlled digital audio system. Then there is a fairly large white ivory-colored precious stone embedded in the seat that functions as a cooler, so that even though you sit for a long time but the seat does not feel hot. To ease its maintenance, the whole body of this antique scooter is given a nano-coating layer.

Eri also said that this shiny brown lines patterned wooden scooter had succeeded in carrying out a test drive through a long journey over more 1,000 km with the route of Lembang to Pangandaran round trip. He also said that this antique wooden Vespa had got a roadworthy permit from the authorities.

When asked about the price, it is not surprising that the antique Vespa by Eri has a pretty fantastic price. According to him, so far his wooden Vespa has received an offer from a scooter enthusiast with a price of €139,000 or equivalent to Rp. 1.9 billion. Although the scooter has been offered at a fantastic price until now he has not been willing to let it go.
"This year (2018 ago), I want (the scooter) to be auctioned off, but the price is not known yet. There are many offers coming in, from Italy, Indonesia too. But I'm not pursuing the high prices, but I want my wooden Vespa works to fall to someone who can appreciate it as an artwork," he said.

Reportedly now, Eri Ashari is finding out about the possibility to keep his antique Vespa in a museum, possibly in Yogyakarta or Bandung. Besides this Eri' wooden scooter,  do you want to see other unique wooden scooters made by two Jepara craftsmen? Let's take a look them!

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

Monday, October 7, 2019

A unique three-wheeled vehicle built of the car named Krakatoa

Various unique customized motorcycles and cars on display at the Kustomfest 2019, one of the largest annual automotive events in Indonesia, held on October 5-6, at the Jogja Expo Center, Jogjakarta. And seen many visitors who came to see the event which was held just for two days, ie on Saturday to Sunday.
A three-wheeled vehicle named Krakatoa by a Bandar Lampung-based workshop, Satan Soul Custom on display at the Kustomfest 2019. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2AN07Yq)
The strict selection system created by the organizers is intended there're no old works ever come back on display at the following year event. This seems to make the public always curious, what kind of custom vehicles will be presented by the Automotive builders who come from various regions in Indonesia.

Of the many cars and motorbikes appeared at the event, one that made the visitor astonished was the work of a Bandar Lampung-based automotive custom workshop, named Satan Soul Custom. On this year event, Wuriyanto thus the name of the workshop owner brought a three-wheeled vehicle named 'Krakatoa' in a hot rod styled fierce looks. Those vehicle creator said that the vehicle was built from a 1982 Toyota Mark II with 2,000 cc engined.
This unique three-wheeled vehicle 'Krakatoa' built of the 1982 Toyota Mark II. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LRClAX)
As quoted from Tempo, the builder also claimed that the three-wheeled vehicle was made in a relatively short time, which is four months and was specifically built to appear at this annual automotive event. Although it was done in a short time, the results were practically good and neat.

The Satan Soul owner whose its works have passed several times during the 2014 and 2017 events, also explained not only once they were built a motorcycle based of a car. Yes, at the Kustomfest 2017 event, the Soul Satan ever displayed a motorcycle based of the Mazda B600 and managed to sold on Rp.60 million after the event end. 
The Krakatoa three-wheeled vehicle intended to sell at a price of more than Rp.100millions. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33b5yNb)
And now what about for the Krakatoa three-wheeled vehicle. According to Yanto, thus the owner of Satan Soul is usually called, he intended to sell the Krakatoa at a price of more than Rp.100 million due to the complicated level of workmanship.

The Krakatoa three-wheeled vehicle was built from the front to the rear. Although the gas lever remains in the hand while the clutch and gear are placed on the foot. For the front, this vehicle applies an independent drive taken from the Datsun 3S.

Meanwhile, the connecting handlebar and rear wheels are also given an intermediary. Furthermore, the front shock absorbers use components taken from the Harley Davidson Softtail while for the back of the Daihatsu Hijet 1000.

Then the radiator of the three-wheeled vehicle is placed at the rear while the whole body is remade by using the 1.2 millimeter thick iron plates. Furthermore, the Satan Soul owner said that the three-wheeled vehicle 'Krakatoa' able to run more than 100 km per hour. Do you want to try it?
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 | SATAN SOUL CUSTOM | TEMPO]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

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.