Underbone

Underbones or Underbone Motorcycles are a class of small motorcycles (also known as mopeds in Western countries) that are halfway between true scooters and motorcycles. This vehicle is very popular in East Asian and South East Asian countries for their low cost, handling performance, reliability and fuel efficiency. In Thailand and Malaysia this vehicle commonly known as Kapcai or Kapchai; while in Indonesia, it is called "motor bebek" (or "goose motorcycle" in English).

Design

Underbones are usually built around a singular tube frame (the "underbone") that supports the whole vehicle.

Most underbones are still using carburetors for the fuel system, with the exception of Honda Wave 125i and Yamaha Spark 135i which use fuel injection. While most motorcycles have their fuel tanks positioned at the top front part, the fuel tanks in underbones are located below the seats. All modern underbones use capacitor discharge ignition for the ignition system.

Underbones usually carry engines of about 50 cc to 125 cc with the largest displacement being 150 cc for bikes such as the Suzuki Raider 150.

Most modern underbone models are capable of reaching highway speeds (at least 110-120 km/h) and are allowed to be used on expressways in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, where riders are more disciplined and rules are strictly enforced by the authorities. However, underbones are not allowed to be used on Indonesian tollways and Philippine tollways.

History

Underbones developed from early moped models introduced in the early 1950s, many of which were simply bicycles with motors attached. One of the first underbone-like motorcycles was the Honda Super Cub, and it was arguably the success of the Cub that brought about the modern underbone. However, it was later plastic-bodied, tube-frame mopeds like the Honda Wave that set the modern standards from which most, if not all, underbones were drawn from today.

The origin of the word "kapchai"

The word "kapcai" or "kapchai" is originally a slang derived from Cantonese and Hokkien, being a combination of the word "Cub" from the word Honda Cub and "仔" in Chinese. In Cantonese and Hokkien "仔" (pronounced "jai", or in pinyin "zai") means "little" (or its derivatives, e.g. "small", "mini", etc.). Therefore,"Kapcai" literally means a "Little Cub".Honda is a popular brand in Malaysia and as a result of this, all underbone motorbikes were called "kapchai".

Underbone accessories

Most underbone motorcycles sold in Southeast Asia come with a standard steel basket, allowing riders to carry goods. For more storage capacity, riders can also purchase an optional removable storage compartment (also known as the top box), which comes with free installation of the bracket to the frame to attach the storage compartment.

Some underbone models such as the Honda Wave, Modenas X-cite and the Yamaha Nouvo come with additional storage compartment under the seat for more storage capacity.

Underbone manufacturers

Basically, the market for underbone motorcycles are mostly dominated by Japanese manufacturers. However, Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers also produce their underbone models, but most models are copied directly from the existing models by Japanese manufacturers, which some considered as copyright violation issue. Some of the mostly copied models include Honda Cub, Honda Wave series and Yamaha Lagenda series.

MZ Motorrad of Germany currently produces underbone models not in Germany but rather in Malaysia by their main share holder, Hong Leong Group which is also the sole distributor of Yamaha motorcycle in Malaysia and Singapore.

The major underbone manufacturers are as follows:-
* China: Zongshen, Lifan
* Malaysian: Modenas, Momos Motor (rebadge of Cagiva), Naza Bikers rebadge of Zongshen and other China brand.
* German: MZ Motorrad
* India: TVS Motors (underbone versions are only available in Indonesia)
* Italy: Cagiva, Piaggio
* Japanese: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki
* Taiwan Kymco, SYM Motors
* Thailand: Tiger Motorcycle

Underbone Culture

In South East Asia, underbones are very popular. There is a healthy demand for aftermarket and tuner parts. Many enthusiasts modify their underbones either for show (such as installing small sound systems, neon lights and custom paint jobs) or for racing (like increasing the engine power and fine tuning the suspension). Riding gear may not even extend to wearing shoes and long pants for safety. Illegal underbone drag racing has become popular in countries such as the Philippines, and poses safety issues for the commuting public as well as the riders themselves because underbones offer little protection in the event of crashes. The most popular underbone for these purposes is the Honda XRM and the Honda Wave, although similar models from Kawasaki and Yamaha are also frequently used.

ee also

* Honda XRM
* "Loh Boon Siew"
* Types of motorcycle

References