Kuala Lumpur’s Mecinda Racing defies the online shopping boom as riders flock to Pertama Complex to test high-end helmets, jackets, and riding gear in person.
PETALING JAYA: As online shopping continues to reshape the retail landscape, one motorcycle accessories shop in Kuala Lumpur has proved that some purchases simply cannot be made with a click.
For more than four decades, Mecinda Racing at Pertama Complex in Chow Kit has attracted riders from across the country who prefer to try helmets, jackets and riding boots before buying them, a habit that has helped the family-run business withstand the rapid growth of ecommerce.
Mohd Bakri Che Din, better known as Pak Su, said while many products had shifted online, motorcycle safety gear remained a category in which customers valued the reassurance of seeing, touching and trying items before making a purchase.
“People need to try on a helmet, jacket and riding boots. They want to know whether the fit is right, whether the material is comfortable and whether it suits their riding style. You can’t tell all that from a picture,” he told theSun.
The 66-year-old has spent 44 years in the motorcycle accessories trade and believes online shopping has had little impact on the business as many riders still prefer to inspect products in person before committing to a purchase.
The family business began as a motorcycle workshop in Shah Alam in the late 1970s. However, after struggling to find skilled workers, Pak Su’s late brother decided to stop repairing motorcycles and focus entirely on selling accessories.
In 1982, the business relocated to Pertama Complex, where it has remained ever since.
What began as a single shoplot has since expanded into six units, including storage space. Pak Su explained that the name “Mecinda” was derived from the Malay words Melayu, Cina and India, reflecting the diverse communities that have supported the business over the years.
The company was formally incorporated as Mecinda Racing Sdn Bhd on Dec 31, 2013.
“When we started, most people rode kapcai motorcycles. There weren’t many accessories available.
“Today, motorcycles are much more sophisticated and riders are looking beyond helmets and gloves,” he said.
The shop now caters mainly to owners of touring motorcycles, superbikes and cafe racers. It offers a wide range of riding essentials, including helmets, jackets, gloves, riding boots, Bluetooth intercom systems, communication equipment, luggage, tank bags, waterproof pouches and performance accessories.
Among the brands stocked are Arai, Shoei, Schuberth, RS Taichi, Komine, BMW Motorrad and Daytona. Premium helmets retail for between RM6,000 and RM7,000, while performance exhaust systems can cost upwards of RM4,500.
Although imported products have become more expensive due to currency fluctuations and global economic pressures, Pak Su noted that owners of premium motorcycles were generally prepared to invest in quality riding gear and accessories.
“Japanese brands remain popular because they’re well suited to Malaysia’s climate.
“If someone buys a RM100,000 or RM200,000 motorcycle, they’re not going to match it with cheap accessories,” he said.
However, not all his customers are affluent. Many younger riders save up, purchase items through instalment plans or choose more affordable genuine products before upgrading when their budgets allow.
To keep abreast of industry trends, he regularly attends motorcycle exhibitions in Italy and Japan to source new products and brands suited to the Malaysian market.
After more than four decades in business, he believes specialist retailers continue to hold an advantage over online platforms, with personalised service, product knowledge and customer trust remaining their greatest strengths.
Today, Mecinda Racing serves riders of all ages and backgrounds, with customers travelling from across the country in search of quality riding gear and motorcycle accessories – proof that some things are still best bought in person.