top of page
Search

Problems Faced by Malaysian Motorcyclists & Food Delivery Riders

  • Writer: DashOil
    DashOil
  • Jul 3
  • 2 min read
Motorcycle engine oil

⚙️ 1. Over-Reliance on Budget Spare Parts & Oil (Due to Cost Constraints)

Many riders opt for the cheapest engine oil or spare parts because:

  • They ride every day and need frequent servicing.

  • They don’t get paid enough to afford premium oil/tyres.

  • They believe "cheap is good enough."

🚨 Long-Term Risk : Leads to engine wear, overheating, and poor fuel efficiency. We see premature engine failure in less than 1 year for riders clocking 200km/day.

🔧 2. No Time for Proper Maintenance

  • Riders work 10–12 hours daily to earn enough.

  • Most service their bikes “when something breaks,” not proactively.

📉 Impact : Poor chain condition, expired brake fluid, dirty filters, and neglected oil change intervals—resulting in breakdowns during peak delivery times.

💨 3. Overloading Bike Beyond Manufacturer’s Limit

  • Many delivery boxes or cargo bags exceed the bike's rear load rating.

  • Some even carry 2–3 stacked bags during peak dinner hours.

⚠️ Risk : Damaged swingarm, rear tyre blowouts, and compromised suspension stability — dangerous especially on rainy roads.

🌧️ 4. Daily Exposure to Rain & Heat Without Shelter

  • Riders have no garages, only open parking.

  • Bikes are exposed to weather 24/7 — rusting bolts, corroded battery terminals, foggy headlights.

🔩 Result : Faster deterioration of parts. Chain rusts faster. Electrical components short-circuit often.

💰 5. Low Financial Literacy on Motorcycle Ownership

  • Many riders don’t understand TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).

  • They focus only on fuel, not oil, chain, brakes, or tyres.

📊 Real Issue : They spend RM8/day on fuel, but delay a RM35 oil change for weeks—leading to engine strain or costly damage later.

🧑‍🔧 6. Lack of Trust in Mechanics / Service Shops

  • Some workshops overcharge or suggest unnecessary part replacements.

  • Riders get confused by too much technical jargon.

💬 Complaint : "Mekanik tu suruh tukar semua benda, padahal saya cuma datang nak servis minyak hitam je."

📱 7. Phone Overheating While Navigating / Charging

  • Riders rely on Waze or GrabMap daily.

  • Constant charging + heat + riding under sun = phone overheat, shutdown, or touch failure.

⚙️ Outcome : Missed orders, delays, or account suspensions by food delivery platforms.

😞 8. Mental Fatigue & Rider Burnout

  • Long hours + low income + harsh weather + no rest = mental stress.

  • Riders often ignore early signs of fatigue until accidents happen.

📉 Signs : Lack of focus, late reaction time, poor judgement at junctions — increasing accident risk.

🛑 9. Brake Fade & Failure in Emergency

  • High-speed riders (especially Lalamove or dispatch riders) brake often under load.

  • Brake fluid is rarely changed — many don’t even know it’s needed.

⚠️ Outcome : Brake lever feels “spongy,” poor stopping power in rain, near misses at traffic lights.

🛞 10. Using Wrong Tyres for Wet or Urban Conditions

  • Tyres used beyond 15,000km lifespan.

  • Riders delay change due to budget, unaware their grip is gone.

💡 Reality : Cheaper tyres often perform poorly in rain — increasing crash risk during emergency braking.

✅ Closing Thought:

Riders don't just ride motorbikes — they carry sustenance, hope, and life on two wheels. Their problems aren't just about engine oil — they're about life.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page