Tag: demo day

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Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2018 BMW S1000 RR [K46]

It was November 2017, on a sunny day in Long Beach, California. I’m about to ride one of the best Super-Sport bikes…ever!

This is the first-generation BMW S1000 RR, the much-loved crotch-rocket in the riding community!

With its critically-acclaimed dynamics, balance, power, and ferociousness; of course, I was intimidated!

After riding the S1000 XR ADV-Sport & S1000 R Hyper-Naked, I am really looking forward to facing the final boss!!! LoL

At the time of recording, I have only ridden the 2008 Honda CBR600RR & the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R1 (base). Being bike-less and lacking in experience, yes, I was a bit scared!!!

At this time in 2017, I was not that proficient at riding sportbikes as I am today. I regret that I was not able to edit nor upload this video any earlier, I was supposed to save this as one of my highlights in my riding experience.

But after watching the raw footage, it took me awhile on how will I approach this.

 

2018 BMW S1000 RR Price (when new):

United States = USD15,700 (+tax & license)

Philippines = PHP1,400,000 [100% import tax inc.] (+license & fees)

 

Event:

– Long Beach International Motorcycle Show (2017)

https://www.motorcycleshows.com/longbeach

 

Host Manufacturer:

– BMW Motorcycles North America

https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/home.html

https://www.facebook.com/BMWMotorradUSA/

@BMWMotorradUSA

 

-BMW Motorrad AG

https://www.bmw-motorrad.com/en/home.html

https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/brands-and-services/bmw-motorrad.html

 

Dealer/Distributor (PHI):

– BMW Motorrad Philippines [RSA motors] (Quezon City, NCR)

https://bmwmotorrad.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/pg/BMWMotorradPhilippines/

@BMWMotorradPhilippines

 

Categories
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2019 Kawasaki Z125 [JHF] (SAT)

Everyone knows about the Z125 PRO [BR125JHF]; the Micro-Naked fun bike that many people now enjoy most of the world! This Z125 is available in North America, Japan, and most of Southeast Asia! Also a mortal enemy to the Honda Grom/MSX125 & Benelli TNT135.

Then there is another Z125 [BR125KKF]; a bigger version of the same name, on which is a learner-bike and Budget-Naked version of the Ninja 125 [BX125AKF]. This version is available mostly from Europe and Middle-East. This is more of a Honda CB125R & Suzuki GSX-S125 competitor.

Not many people know about THIS specific Z125. Nope, it’s not a PRO version, just a plain Z125. This ‘Bite Test’ is about the kid in the basement, the non-manual transmission model.

Featuring a ‘rider-friendly’ 4-speed clutch-less Centrifugal Transmission, this feature is rather common with some Asian-mopeds and underbones motorcycles throughout South snd Southeast Asia.

Since I’ve ridden the Z125 PRO both in Las Vegas and in Long Beach in the USA. How will this semi-automatic version compare to the much-loved and much-recognized full-manual model? Find out here!

[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]

 

Categories
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 Kymco Like 150i Noodoe

Since when was Piaggio’s Vespa had a real competition on the upscale 125-150cc class scooter? Just like the Jeep Wrangler in the 4×4 world, many tried and failed, until now.

This is the 2nd generation Kymco Like 150i! New and improved from its predecessor, this 150cc scooter poses a very serious threat towards the Vespa’s 150cc line of scooters!

Adding to its value proposition, Kymco introduced the Noodoe a smartphone integration interface that lets you customize your gauge cluster, social media notifications, GPS sync, and many more! This is the Noodoe Model.

But that’s beside the point, the real issue is how does the Like 150i ride overall? Is it a real threat to Vespa as what owners and most scooter enthusiasts acclaimed it fo? This was my first ever short ride of this popular scoot!

Categories
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 Bristol BR 250

There are not many choices when it comes to hipster-ready small 250cc cafe racer type motorcycles out there.

Sure, you might opt for the real deal British-made Norton, but you lack the cash. While some shady Chinese-made bikes may scare you. And the Japanese big-4 aren’t ‘pure’ enough, then why not give this brand a try!?

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.

This BR 250 along with the Classic 250 are the entry-level models from the Caloocan City Dealer-Distributor company Bristol Group. This BR 250 is their ‘cafe racer’ model, on which it has a clip-on-style handlebar plus other mods that differentiate it from its standard-style brother.

I’m just curious about how does it ride, hows the features, the balance, and does the price justifies its overall quality?

[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2020 Ducati Multistrada 1260 (Base)

Besides the Multistrada 950, the entry-point to the big Multistrada 1200-league is this ‘Base’ model. With stiff competition with KTM, BMW, & Aprilia; this base model receives its latest Testastretta 1262 DVT engine.

Being Ducati, like its Scrambler line; the Multistrada 1200 line of adventure bikes has a plethora of choices that may confuse the casual bike fan. Good thing that Ducati’s website explains their differences clearly.

So how does this compare to its direct rivals like the S1000 XR, 1290 Super Adventure S, Caponord 1200, or even the mild Versys 1000? Will this base model feel like a bargain or a rip-off!?

Categories
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 Vespa S 125

Have you ever wanted an iconic scooter without breaking the bank? Piaggio’s Vespa has an answer for you! The new for 2020 S 125!

Basically a Southeast Asian exclusive (maybe), this scooter is the gateway to the Vespa lifestyle! With its huge following and street cred, you can’t fault its huge fanbase!

But this Vespa might not be for everyone, especially with its premium price tag and a slew of better-valued competitors and imitators. Is this budget meal Vespa worth the extra price? Let us see on this (very) short ride!

[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?

 

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2018 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone

You’ve heard of Moto Guzzi, the quirky classic Italian brand from the Piaggio Group that doesn’t get enough fanfare with moto-fans.

Did you know, that the Guzzi offers its most affordable model to compete with the Street Twin, Scrambler Icon, W800, & R nine-T Pure? This is the V7 III Stone, the brand’s most affordable model!

Hailed from its deep root all the way from 1968, this 3rd-generation iteration of the storied V7 line has become a mainstay by keep giving incremental improvements as years go by!

Despite ever fierce competition with its rivals, it’s the ever-iconic longitudinal V-Twin engine and the only mainstream manufacturer that offers shaft-driven motorcycles. Will there be enough to sway hipsters, trendsetters, and heritage naked fans for this V7? I am here to find out!

 

Categories
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2019 TVS Apache RTR 180

If you’re looking for a naked bike on the budget, yet you need battle-tested reliability; I think I might find an option for you.

The TVS Apache RTR 180 or 180 Xventure (in the Philippines) is one of the most affordable Budget Nakeds in the Philippine market as of late! Only a few Chinese-made naked bikes undercut this Indian-made motorcycle.

For only P70-74,000 (US$1,400-1,425) you can ride a normal-sized motorcycle without looking odd on a mini-moto.

For this ‘Bite Test,’ I took my little time I have to ride this Budget Naked bike! What do I think of it? Check it out!

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2020 Indian Challenger Dark Horse

While rival Harley-Davidson just updated their cruiser line-up as of late, Polaris brought a smackdown! Indian just recently introduced it’s smaller 108 cubic-inch line-up of cruisers!

The Challenger brings the goods against Harley’s 107 line head-on, one of Indian’s offerings is the Challenger Dark Horse! The Dark Horse is the Challenger’s mid-level model along with the affordable base trim and the top-spec Limited trim.

Competing squarely against other V-Twin bagger cruisers with the likes of Yamaha’s Star Eluder, Kawasaki’s Vaquero, and most specifically Harley-Davidson’s FLHX Street Glide 107. How will the new kid stack up against the competition?

And most importantly, it has been almost two years since the last ‘Dark Horse’ I’ve ridden the previous-generation Chieftain, will this Challenger rises up to the ‘challenge!?’ Find out here!