From Shah Alam to Phuket and back, the young rider shares his first cross-border touring experience; the fatigue, the lessons learned, and why even a kapchai can conquer long-distance roads.
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Crossing borders on two wheels is every rider’s dream and while most would pick a big tourer or adventure bike, Nur Irfan Aqil decided to take on the challenge with his humble Yamaha LC135 V8. Covering more than 3,000km over five days, he rode from Shah Alam all the way to Phuket and back, experiencing everything from scenic coastal roads to heavy rain on the return journey.
In this exclusive piece with iMotorbike, the 23 year old boy from Setia Alam shares what inspired his first big touring adventure, the lessons he learned, and why sometimes it’s not the bike that matters, but the rider’s determination.
What inspired you to ride all the way to Thailand on a Yamaha LC135?
Irfan: “My partner has been riding to Thailand almost every month and has been inviting me since last year. This time, I finally said yes. Even though I only had my Kapchai Yamaha LC135 V8, I decided to join him on 30th July until 4th of August and experience what backpacker-style riding is all about.”
Walk us through your route. Where did you start, and which key places did you stop along the way?
“Our journey lasted 5 days and 4 nights. We left Shah Alam at 2.20PM and reached the Kayu Hitam border around 8.30PM. By 9PM, we were in Danok for dinner before continuing another few hundred kilometers.
The first night we stayed in Patalong, then on the second day rode to Krabi just for photos before pushing on to Phuket, where we spent two nights. From there, we went to Khao Sok for a jungle and river experience.
On the way back, we hit the famous Sinkhon Kanum Road near Koh Samui, and experienced the amazing corners! Then stayed a night in Hatyai before returning to Malaysia. In total, we covered about 3,000km, mostly using inside roads instead of expressways. It took longer, but it was way more fun and memorable.”
Any unexpected challenges or memorable moments during the trip?
“No major problems, thankfully, but the fatigue was real! Since this was my first time on such a long-distance ride outside Malaysia, it was tough physically. Still, the fun outweighed the tiredness, it was worth every kilometer.
We cruised mostly at 120–130km/h. Going there, I never felt like giving up, but on the way back, with rain almost 80% of the journey, it was tempting to stop. At one point in Kedah, I thought about crashing at my relative’s house! (laughs) But we pushed on and made it.”
How did the LC135 perform? Any modifications or prep done before the ride?
“I bought my LC V8 exactly a year ago, on 14 August 2024, and it’s been solid ever since. For this trip, I just did a basic major service.
The bike is very fuel-efficient thanks to its fuel injection, and I even upgraded the tank from 4 litres to 6 litres for longer range. For tyres, I’m running Maxxis Volans front and rear, and they performed great on all kinds of roads.”
What essentials did you pack, and what do you wish you had brought?
“I brought RM500 in cash from Malaysia but ended up spending close to RM1,000 in Thailand. We tried to find budget-friendly hotels, and overall, it was manageable. Next time, I’d definitely prepare more just for safety. Oh and I also packed chain lube, a tyre puncture kit, and some tools.”
How did your family react to you riding a Kapchai to Thailand?
“At first, my family was a bit shocked, especially with all the news about bombings in Thailand. But I assured them, prayed for safety, and since I was going with my experienced partner, they felt better about it. In the end, it turned out to be a great adventure.”
What did this journey teach you about riding, yourself, or the road?
“I realized that mental strength is just as important as physical endurance. There were times I felt like my body was present but my mind was drifting from exhaustion. Sleep is crucial too! I didn’t get enough rest before the trip, and it made the first day harder.
But one thing I learned is that once you reach your destination, all the fatigue disappears. The sense of achievement takes over.”
Then, in Thailand, bike culture is quite different, most locals don’t even wear helmets. I also noticed most accessory shops focused on scooters like Forza, NVX, and NMAX, so LC parts weren’t easy to find. But the people were super friendly, even at roadblocks.
Any advice for LC135 riders or Malaysians planning their first cross-border ride?
“My biggest advice is to always bring extra cash, you’ll never know what could come up along the way. Make sure you really know your bike too: its maintenance, its limits, and what it can handle. A raincoat is a must, and above all, get enough sleep before the ride. Rest is crucial for long distances.
Another important tip is to never go alone on your first trip. Ride with someone more experienced, because they’ll know how to handle things like border procedures and can help you avoid scams or unnecessary problems. Honestly, if it wasn’t for my partner guiding me, this ride wouldn’t have gone as smoothly as it did.”
Reviewing the LC135 for Long-Distance Riding
“As someone who has been riding an LC for years, I’ll be honest, for touring, it’s not ideal. For 100km rides, sure. But beyond that, it gets tiring.
The big advantage is fuel efficiency, the LC V8 really sips fuel. With my upgraded tank, I could go much further. But with my current sprocket setup (15 front–35 rear), the bike struggled a bit in Thailand’s hilly sections. Still, the LC took me all the way to Thailand and back. That’s something I’ll always remember.”
Conclusion
From Shah Alam to Phuket, Nur Irfan Aqil’s 3,000km journey on a Yamaha LC135 proves that adventure isn’t about the size of the bike, but the passion of the rider. For a first-timer tackling cross-border touring, Irfan showed that with preparation, grit, and the right mindset, even a kapchai can take you to places you never imagined.
As he puts it: “Once you reach there, all the fatigue disappears. The joy of riding makes it all worth it.”
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