Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Standard

Five years ago, nobody would even think that Harley-Davidson would showcase a bike like this. Then 2018 arrived, the whole world was shocked when the PanAm debut in concept form.

The Motor Company confirmed its production intent a few weeks later and now here we are! The Pan America 1250 is here, large and in charge!

The newest player in the hugely popular ‘Premium Full-Size Adventure Touring’ segment, the PanAm is ready to take on against the juggernauts from BMW, KTM, Honda, Ducati, Honda, & Triumph.

What I have here in this episode is the base ‘Standard’ model, which may not be available outside North America. But to get the true basis of the PanAm 1250, I’d like to test this model first.

For its first-ever attempt in the ADV biz, does Harley-Davidson did its homework? Will, it leapfrog other rivals? I simply just can’t wait anymore!!! I just wish Harley success on the Pan America!

 

Host Manufacturer / Distributor:

– Harley-Davidson Motor Company (USA)

https://www.harley-davidson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/harley-davidson/

 

Host Dealer:

– Las Vegas Harley-Davidson (Las Vegas, NV, USA)

https://www.lasvegasharleydavidson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lasvegasharley

 

Dealer / Distributor (PH):

– Harley-Davidson of Manila

https://harley-davidsonofmanila.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/HarleyDavidsonOfManila

 

Categories
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 TVS Max 125 Semi Trail

While there are many smaller ‘underbone’ or mopeds and so-called smaller traditional motorcycles called ‘overbone’ bikes in developing countries in Asia like the Philippines. There are not many that offer some capabilities of going off-road.

Sure, there are 150cc Dual-Sports that are available for the hardcore stuff, but there are people who are looking for that somewhat of an ADV-style bike experience!

Good thing one Indian motorcycle company steps up to the plate! The 2020 TVS Max 125 Semi Trail is that option!

With a wallet-friendly price, plus a decent off-road capability my have a certain niche all to itself! What a superb job by TVS!

With new rivals from different manufacturers popping up from China, will the Max hold it off?

Also as I found out that both TVS Max 125 series (Semi Trail & Sport) are NOT even marketed in its home market in India!!!

 

[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]

 

Event:

– Makina Moto Tiangge 2019

https://www.facebook.com/makinamotoph/

 

Host Manufacturer / Distributor:

– TVS Motorcycle Philippines

https://www.facebook.com/TVSPhil

 

Dealer (PHI):

– Wheeltek (Philipines, Nationwide)

https://www.wheeltek.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/wheeltek/

 

Categories
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 Voge 500DS

In the middle-weight Adventure bike class, it can be split-up into 3 categories: 400cc-500cc | 550cc-700cc | 750cc-900cc.

This unit right here is a Philippine-market prototype. Motorstar Philippines is currently conducting a test market phase for its viability of the Voge brand in the country. America!

Of the ever-growing 500cc segment you can add this Voge 500DS! As of this upload, the 500DS has been in both Europe and China for a while now. And as the Loncin DS7 in South America!

This unit right here is a Philippine-market prototype. Motorstar Philippines is currently conducting a test market phase for its viability of the Voge brand in the country.

The 500DS is the middle child of the Voge/Loncin line along with the smaller 300DS/DS6 (LX300-6D) and the bigger 650DS/DS8 (LX650-2). How will this bike perform in my very short time?

[NOT YET AVAILABLE IN THE PHILIPPINES (at the time of recording)]

[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)

http://www.motorstar.com.ph/

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

 

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2020 Benelli TRK 502X

After talking about Benelli’s onslaught last week in three parts on YouTube, here I am reviewing A Benelli motorcycle!

Since I mentioned the upcoming next-generation TRK 502; I think this is the perfect time for me to present to you my latest episode of my ‘Test Test,” the 2020 Benelli TRK 502X!

The TRK 502X is currently Benelli’s flagship bike for the Global market (except in North America & China). There are two distinct models of the TRK, one is the base 502 (I call it the 502S), and this unit the 502X.

The base 502 (502S) is a more road-oriented bike with it’s lower seat height, sport-touring tires, & 17-inch cast-alloy front wheels (like the Versys, Tracer, & Crossrunner).

While this 502X has off-road trekking in mind: with its dirt-ready tires, cross-spoked wheels, higher-mounted exhaust pipe, increased ground clearance, 19-inch front wheels, & optional hard luggage round out the toys on the ‘X’ model.

As of this writing, there’s not much direct competition to the 502X, namely: the Voge (Loncin) 500DS, Bristol (Colove) Venturi 500, the upcoming Cyclone/CSC (Zongshen) RX500, & Honda’s venerable CB500X. How does the TRK 502X stand out in this bunch?

Also, did the North American market really missed out by not importing the TRK series?

 

Guest: Iñaki Jose of Ride N Tandem (https://www.facebook.com/rideandtandem) & Motourismo (https://www.motourismo.ph)

Categories
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 Voge 650DS / Loncin DS8

Another challenger from China trying to break the mold in the mainstage! Introducing Voge, the new motorcycle from the Chinese motorcycle conglomerate, Loncin.

Following the footsteps of Benelli Q.J. and CFMoto, Voge emphasizes premium feel and experience at very competitive prices! This Voge 650DS alongside with the rebadged Loncin DS8 (on certain markets) is their flagship motorcycle!

People will be familiar with its 650cc single-cylinder on this bike, remember the BMW G650, F650, and the lightweight Husqvarna TR650? Some of the Rotax-engineered 650 was built by Loncin under contract up until production halted. Now under Loncin (with license), that same engine is currently powering this Adventure-Touring motorcycle! I personally did not know that up until I edited this video!

I thought that this bike is like a spiritual successor to the now legendary Kawasaki KLR 650.

But will an ‘updated G650’ with modern toys be enough to be worthy of nostalgia? Or will this be a copy and paste affair? I have not ridden the G650, F650, nor the TR650. Maybe I will get a ‘taste’ of that, let’s see…

[NOT YET CONFIRMED FOR SALE IN THE PHILIPPINES]

[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]

 

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2018 BMW R1200 GS Adventure

If there is one motorcycle within the BMW hemisphere, what would it be? Track Junkie may say the S1000 RR, Hipsters may say the R nineT Pure, Retirees may say the K1600 Grand America, but to many Adventure Fans will point out one bike, and that the ‘Ultimate Riding Machine:’ the R1200 GS Adventure!

As one of BMW’s trifecta flagships: S1000-K1600-R1200 (now R1250), this fully-loaded GS Adventure is Globally known as the ‘de facto’ ADV bike! One year before the debut of the R1250, here I take a look at this cream of the crop of ADV motorcycles!

I have ridden many flagship ADV bikes (Multistrada 1200/1260, CRF1000L Africa Twin, XT1200 Super Tenere, Tiger 1200, & 1290 Super Adventure), also I’ve ridden other R1200 models (check out my videos on the Base & Rallye model). My question is what makes the R1200 GS Adventure so special even for a short (less than 1-hour) ride?

Sure it looks very intimidating, huge, and seems to be unrideable. But for my love of Adventure bikes and of course my curiosity; I always look forward to riding this icon. How will I react? Will it be a terrifying experience?