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Bite Tests

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/

 

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 Bristol Classic 400i Omega

Things are heating up in the Philippines as the onslaught of ‘Highway-Legal’ motorcycles is becoming a hot ticket item in the country!

With the worsening traffic conditions on a scattered island like the Philippines, it makes logical sense of owning an affordable entry-level 400cc bike especially if you plan on exploring the beautiful island!

One of those contenders is the Classic-Naked 2020 Bristol Classic 400i Omega, along with the cafe-styled BR 400i Omega, these two were the flagship bikes from the Philippine-based Bristol until the Venturi 500 debuted.

Also known as the Herald Classic 400 in Europe, both Bristol and Herald are based on the Somoto 400 (Cafe/Classic/Scrambler) platform from China.

With now increased competition from Zongshen/Rusi, CFMoto, Motorstar-Voge, Bajaj, and the Japanese Big-4, will the Classic 400 a solid choice? 

 

What are ‘Highway-Legal Motorcycles’ you ask? Here’s an explainer: https://tinyurl.com/ehfkxwnu

 

Events:

– Makina Moto Tiangge 2019

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

– CHAMMP Riders’ Day Out

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

 

Host Dealer / Distributor:

– Bristol Motorcycle Group (Philippines)

http://www.bristol-motorcycles.com

http://www.facebook.com/bristolmotorcyclesphilippines

 

Related Manufacturers:

– Herald Motor Company (UK)

https://heraldmotorcompany.com/

– SOMOTO (CN)

http://www.somoto.cn/

 

Categories
Bite Tests

Taste Test: 2020 Vespa Primavera 150 (Base)

With so many Vespa models out there, there can be only one ‘goldilocks’ model on its lineup. It shows on their sales charts worldwide!

This is the Primavera 150, this is the Vespa that I see the most in both countries (US & PH)! It’s hard to argue why, it has that balance of wants and needs that potential Vespa owners are looking for.

One of the categories on what I call: “Heritage/Retro Scooters,” does face some very formidable competition worldwide!

But despite that, the venerable Prima holds its own as the de-facto cultural cruiser!

After riding the entry-level S125 and its chief rival the Kymco Like 150i, does the Prima 150 standout despite its pricey price tag?

 

Event:

– Ride PH Cafe 2020

https://www.facebook.com/RidePHCafe

 

Dealer / Distributor (PHI):

– Vespa Philippines [Autoitalia] (San Juan City, NCR, Philippines)

https://www.vespa.com/ph_EN/

https://www.facebook.com/AutohubRSY

 

Categories
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

With so many 150-250cc Naked Bike categories in developing countries. It can be tough to be a competitive player, especially if the motorcycle has been in the market for a while.

This is the case of the TVS Apache RTR 200, this bike has been on the market since 2016! Since then, the RTR 200 went through incremental updates like different color combinations, suspension refinement, and most of all, transitioning from carburetor to fuel injection.

TVS is by far one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in India and the current builder of the entry-level BMW G 310 series!

As the flagship naked bike in the TVS brand below the recently released Apache RR310 (I refer to it as the BMW G 310 RR, lol) budget-sport bike. This is one of TVS’ biggest guns!

But will it be enough? Is the bike long on its tooth? Is it in desperate need of an update? Let me ride this bike to find out.

[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.facebook.com/wheeltek/

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

 

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 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
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2019 Honda BeAT 110 (ISS/CBS)

The entry-level scooter game here in the Philippines can be a very crowded affair.

With all these scooters costs less than PHP70k (US$1,385), these 110cc budget scooter classes are one of the most popular forms of motorcycling in Southeast Asia! Along with Suzuki’s Skydrive Sport [UX110] from my previous ‘Bite Test,’ this Honda BeAT [ACH110] competes on this very competitive market!
The 2020 model of BeAT scooter comes with 3 distinct models now (Street, Fashion Sport, & Premium). But this 2019 model is called the ISS/CBS (Idle-Stop System & Combined-Braking System) on which is equivalent to the 2020 Premium model.
How will the BeAT compare to the Skydrive Sport scooter? Since it tough for me to get a hold to even test these scoots, this is all I can manage. I hope you guys will like today’s ‘Bite Test!’
(I will remain to call this scooter “Be-At,” not “Beat” like the old Honda’s Kei-class wonder roadster.)
[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]