Author: Mel Lapid

Mitsubishi Will Discontinue The Mirage In Japan

Post author By Mel Lapid
Post date January 5, 2023
1 Comment on Mitsubishi Will Discontinue The Mirage In Japan

Mitsu Mirage — Image: Mitsubishi North America

First of all, Happy New Year.

I just stumbled on the news, that the folks at Mitsubishi Japan will discontinue one of the most honest globally available mainstream vehicles in the World, the A-Segment Sub-Compact Mitsubishi Mirage.
Well, don’t panic everyone as this news only applies to the JDM (Japanese Domestic) Market. So far, there is no news announced at the time of this writing that the Mirage will be discontinued in specific markets like North America & Southeast Asia.

In the US, vehicles like these are on threat of extinction given to its huge popularity of Crossover Vehicles (ie. CUVs). While in S.E. Asia, although CUVs are a growing trend, sub-compact cars are still the majority as income levels and access within these countries are far more different. Regardless, the Mirage may be a key factor for the survival of the brand even if its awesome glory days are far past them.

But the problem, in my opinion especially in the US market is that Mitsubishi is a dead brand by now, as Lancia is to Europe.

But what does Mitsu has to offer in the US now!?
– A rebadge ICE (internal combustion engine) & PHEV-version (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) of the Nissan Rouge!? (Outlander)
– A zombie badged CUV Coupe? (Eclipse Cross)
– A uncompetitive compact CUV? (Outlander Sport/ASX/RVR)

What Mitsu needs to do is to be a niche of its own, and be a budget-friendly brand!
– Keep the Mirage, it is the last honest vehicle in the US when the Chevy Spark departs. Plus offer a model that will tickle the enthusiasts!
– Import the ugly Xpander MPV wagon and the wannabe CUV Xpander Cross, it would be a perfect budget wannabe wagon in the world of overpriced CUVs.
– The L200/Triton/Strada would be a perfect pickup truck to undercut the usual SUV-like pickups (Colorado/Frontier/Tacoma) and market it as “what pickups used to be.” Hell, offer a regular cab with an 8-foot (243.84cm) bed, since when has a compact/mid-sized pickup offered that in North America!?
– Then offer the Montero Sport, but priced it $5-15k less than the 4Runner! People from the Overlanding crowd will flock it like rabid dogs!
– And lastly, offer a TRUE FLAGSHIP!!! The Delica D:5, need I say more about this amazing 4WD minivan!?
– If Mitsu is truly ambitious, bring in some Kei vehicles!!! Even on a limited-order basis!

Other than that, Mitsubishi just needs to withdraw from US operations…

Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 Bristol Classic 250

Post author By Mel Lapid
Post date September 25, 2021
4 Comments on Bite Test: 2020 Bristol Classic 250

Before I rode this small-ish retro motorcycle, I was treated to ride its brother: The Bristol BR 250. It was a decent kit for the price it was aiming for, but it was not my cup of tea. Simply because it’s completely my fault, I’m not too keen on clip-on style motorcycles like sportbikes and cafe racers.

These types of bikes usually give me neck pain after riding them for more than 30 mins! Hence my strong personal preference towards Naked-Standard Bikes/Motorcycles whenever I desire any fast motorcycle compared to their sportbike cousins.

So when I saw that the Classic 250 was next to the BR 250, I was relieved that I was about to test its ‘more relaxed’ brother! Now my curiosity heightened and my desire to ‘Bite Test’ this motorcycle!

The Bristol Classic 250 carries the same price as the BR 250!!! It’s up to you which style do you prefer the most! But always remember to test fit or even better, test ride/drive both bikes to see which bikes suit YOU better!

This contemporary Classic 250 along with the slightly more aggressive BR 250 are the entry-level models from the Caloocan City Dealer-Distributor company Bristol Group. This Classic 250 is their ‘Triumph Bonneville-like’ model, on which it has a traditional handlebar plus other cosmetic parts that differentiate it from its cafe racer brother.

Bristol is a Philippine-based brand on which sells custom-ordered motorcycles from the Taiwanese firm Herald Motorcycles on which is now known in countries like the UK and in Australia.

[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]

Event:
– CHAMMP Riders’ Day Out
https://www.facebook.com/Chammp-113695136675055/

Host Dealer/Distributor:
– Bristol Motorcycle Group (Philippines)
www.bristol-motorcycles.com
www.facebook.com/bristolmotorcyclesphilippines

Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2022 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

Post author By Mel Lapid
Post date September 18, 2021
No Comments on Taste Test: 2022 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

Almost every mainstream bike manufacturer wants to take on the bestselling benchmark: the BMW R12xx GS series. Heck, at one point (2017-2019) Honda had TWO ‘Premium Full-Size Adventure Touring’ bikes!!! One was CRF1000L Africa Twin [https://youtu.be/nVTOezii9QA], and the forgotten VFR1200X Crosstourer [https://youtu.be/xXcbOC0rnqo].

Now, at its R1250 GS form; BMW did not expect this…A HARLEY-DAVIDSON ADVENTURE BIKE!!! Almost everyone went speechless when it debuted in concept form back in 2018. Now here we are!

This time I get to ride the fully-loaded, top-spec model 1250 Special. This spec has an adaptive suspension the lowers itself on standstill, crash bars, skid plate, and a center stand all standard in this trim!

Since I’ve ridden the Standard model [https://youtu.be/nVTOezii9QA] as a baseline, will the higher cost and added toys make a bit of a difference between the two PanAms? Either way, I am very excited I get to ride the PanAm!

Event:
– Pan America Demo Tour – Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)
https://bit.ly/2VBYTxq

Host Manufacturer / Distributor:
– Harley-Davidson Motor Company (USA)
https://www.harley-davidson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/harley-davidson/
@harley-davidson

Host Dealer:
– Las Vegas Harley-Davidson (Las Vegas, NV, USA)
https://www.lasvegasharleydavidson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lasvegasharley
@lasvegasharley

Dealer / Distributor (PH):
– Harley-Davidson of Manila
https://harley-davidsonofmanila.com.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/HarleyDavidsonOfManila
@Harley-Davidson of Manila

Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2022 Kawasaki KLX300 SM

Post author By Mel Lapid
Post date August 14, 2021
No Comments on Taste Test: 2022 Kawasaki KLX300 SM

One of the latest crazes in motorcycles today are not just Adventure Bikes, but a sub-genre of the Dual-Sport category called ‘SuperMotos!’

Unfortunately, in its early days back in the early 2010s; most of these bikes are on the pricier side of the spectrum. Bikes like the iconic Aprilia SXV 550 and the KTM 690 SMC-R basically kickstarted the genre.

Lately, the Suzuki DRZ400SM and others opened the floodgates on the budget side of SuperMoto. And thanks to Suzuki (here in the US), in 2021 Kawasaki showcased the new KLX300 SM!!

Based on the venerable KLX300 dual-sport, this SM has a lower, stiffer suspension, spoked 17-inch wheels front & back, blue-ish light gauge, and sportbike-spec tires.

Since I rarely get a chance to ride any SuperMoto bikes, I am still not familiar with the genre. But it’s an exciting time to explore this new genre especially bikes like this, what a time to be alive!

[NOT YET AVAILABLE IN THE PHILIPPINES]

Event:

– Get On! Moto Fest (Texas Motor Speedway, Texas, USA)

https://www.revzilla.com/events

https://www.facebook.com/revzilla

@RevZilla

Host Manufacturer:

– Kawasaki Motors Inc. (North America)

https://www.kawasaki.com/

https://www.facebook.com/kawasaki/

@Kawasaki Motors

Dealer / Distributor (PHI):

– Kawasaki Motors Philippines

https://www.kawasaki.ph/

https://www.kawasakileisurebikes.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/KawasakiMotorsPH/

Opinions Random Blips

Two Wheels Are Two Wheels…

Post author By Mel Lapid
Post date August 12, 2021
No Comments on Two Wheels Are Two Wheels…

This post I stumbled on Facebook ticked me, it really shows the state of the country that I refuse to say at this time. This post is being clamored by the Philippine netizens at the moment, it basically shows that the bike lane is not being used to its full potential which is sad.

Here’s my suggestion on how to properly use the bike lane, which is more in tune with common sense rather than government idiocy.

If the traffic is in complete gridlock, the rider/biker has the option to use the bike line and ride at a similar speed/follow the flow as the cyclists. Basic common sense, not bureaucratic nonsense.

It is built to cater to anything on two wheels especially when the traffic is bumper-to-bumper. The motorcycle must leave the bike lane once the general traffic flows once again and/or the average flow of traffic exceeds the speed of the average cyclist.

Or the bike lane is just a wasted space if it’s not being utilized to its maximum purpose.

The UK does it, it’s normal in mainland Europe, and it’s been pretty safe and prudent so far.

If not, what’s the point of owning a motorcycle in PH in the first place!?

….oh the Philippine government (esp. Dick Gordon) wants to ban motorcycles.

Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2020 Benelli VZ 125i

Post author By Mel Lapid
Post date June 19, 2021
No Comments on Taste Test: 2020 Benelli VZ 125i

While Benelli has been churning out a plethora of middleweight 500cc motorcycles and more coming soon. Its parent company, Qianjiang Motor Group (which is owned by Geely now) has a huge brand library namely Qijiang, Generic, Keeway, and KSR.

This is the new VZ 125i, it’s Benelli’s take of its mid-tier ‘sporty’ 125cc small scooter! With its huge content of features at an affordable price point, this scoot can be a compelling buy to potential owners.

Ever since my “Taste Test” on the SYM CRUiSYM 150 (https://youtu.be/yXYel6WufPQ), this will be my second time riding a ‘small scooter’ in the Philippines! And I will show how I negotiate the terrible Metro Manila traffic on a ‘tiny’ scooter! This will a fun ride!

To our keen viewers out there, you might have already seen this bike before.

In fact, this is a rebadged version of the Keeway K-Blade 125 (which is already available in the Philippines for PHP6,000/USD124 less) and the Qijiang QJ125T-13B (which is only available in China).

[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]

Event:

– Benelli Test Drive Day (06-18-2021)

https://www.facebook.com/benelliortigas/photos/302263714512768

Host Manufacturer / Distributor:

– Benelli Q.J. Philippines

https://philippines.benelli.com/ https://www.facebook.com/benelliph

@benelliph

Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 Voge 500R / Loncin CR7

Post author By Mel Lapid
Post date June 12, 2021
No Comments on Bite Test: 2020 Voge 500R / Loncin CR7

As the last motorcycle on my “Voge Bite Test Trilogy,” I saved the sportiest model for last (hopefully not forever)! The Voge 500R, Loncin LX500, Loncin CR7, or in the South American Latino market, the Loncin Brivido; is the Honda CB500F-inspired middleweight naked bike that tries to break out in the segment.

Like the ADV-Sport bike the Honda CB500X-inspired Voge 500DS/Loncin DS7/Valico/LX500-2, shares many of its major engine and suspension components albeit with some equipment and styling tweaks to make the 500R a true naked bike.

So much CB500F’s inspiration, Loncin was under contract with Honda to assemble the CB500-series to certain markets a few years ago. Now, Loncin has re-purposed, re-styled, & re-engineer the bike to become Loncin/Voge’s own flagship naked motorcycle!

Since it’s Voge’s sportiest offering, how would this naked compete against the rising star Benelli Leoncino 500, and the motorcycle that is inspired by, the Honda CB500F? It may not be a “Teste Test,” but it’s a start!

As of this recording, I had little to no knowledge about the brand nor the bike itself! So basically I had a crash course on researching what lies behind this product itself! I’ve learned all the info on the Voge brand since I was editing the 650DS.

[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]

Event:

– CHAMMP Riders’ Day Out

https://www.facebook.com/Chammp-113695136675055/

Manufacturer:

– Voge Motorcycles [Loncin Motorcycles]

http://www.chinavoge.com/

https://www.facebook.com/vogemotor/

https://www.loncinindustries.com/en/motocycle/Index.aspx

https://www.facebook.com/Loncinofficial/

Host Dealer / Distributor:

– Voge Motorcycle Philippines

https://www.facebook.com/Voge-Motorcycle-Philippines-102736525049302

– Motorstar Philippines (Nationwide)

https://www.motorstar.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/Motorstar-281557838883573/

Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Fireball

Post author By Mel Lapid
Post date June 5, 2021
No Comments on Taste Test: 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Fireball

After building their legacy models such as their Classic & Bullet 350/500s, RE is in need of moving on and modernize its entry-level line! This time RE has come up with their own take of its ‘American-style’ cruiser-ish motorcycle!

This is the all-new Meteor 350! RE’s new entry-level bike replacing the Classic/Bullet 350 in certain markets. But by no means of being archaic nor primitive like its predecessors, this might change its overall outlook to the brand!

With all the classic styling and traditional features, the Meteor also has modern tech up its sleeve! This is the only model (I think) in the market that has turn-by-turn navigation called the ‘Tripper Navigation’ system and gauge pod, on which it connects thru your phone, and by the power of Google (Maps & Places) you can tailor-made your trip without operating your phone nor have your phone on display! (Unfortunately, I never got the chance to test it during the event.)

The Meteor holds much promise especially in Asia on which is devoid of small & affordable cruiser-style motorcycles in the region! Except in countries with minimum displacement restrictions on toll expressways (like in PH).

I am excited to get on with this bike after so much fanfare and excitement! In fact, I may be the first Pinoy ‘journalist’ who will get to test ride this bike! Happy-happy me!!!

Event:

– Get On! Moto Fest (Texas Motor Speedway,

https://www.revzilla.com/events

https://www.facebook.com/revzilla

@RevZilla

Host Manufacturer/Distributor:

– Royal Enfield North America (USA)

https://www.royalenfield.com/us/en/home/

https://www.facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica/

@RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica

Manufacturer/Distributor (PH):

– Royal Enfield Philippines

https://royalenfieldph.weebly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldPhilippines/

@RoyalEnfieldPhilippines

Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2021 Indian FTR S [17in Front Wheel]

Post author By Mel Lapid
Post date May 22, 2021
No Comments on Taste Test: 2021 Indian FTR S [17in Front Wheel]

My, my! Indian Motorcycles are really getting serious now! While the FTR 1200 Series is already an impressive bike as it is!

The American bike company is upping the ante by revamping FTR’s whole 2021 lineup by offering mostly 17-inch wheelsets!!! This applies to the whole FTR lineup save the Rally variant I ‘Taste Tested’ before.

Essentially, rather than competing with the Triumph Scrambler 1200 series & Ducati Scrambler 1100 series, Indian diverted themselves to compete in a highly competitive ‘Super Naked’ category with the likes of MT-09, Z900, and the like!!!

While the excitement is high, how well the FTR S fare against the traditional Super Nakeds? Will these revisions make or break the bike’s potential invasion of the segment? I am very excited to see and feel how this FTR fare compared to its 19-inch predecessor, can’t wait!!!

Host Manufacturer:

– Indian Motorcycle International

https://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/

https://www.facebook.com/indianmotorcycle

Host Dealer:

– Sin City IndianMotorcycle (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA)

https://www.sincityindianmotorcycle.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SinCityIndianMotorcycle/