Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2020 Ducati Scrambler Sixty2

Have you ever wanted a Ducati, but you refuse to buy used/pre-owned? Well, congratulations!! Here it is!!! This is the Ducati Scrambler Sixty2, your gateway bike into the ‘Ducatista Lifestyle!’

As the most affordable Ducati on its lineup, of course, you will get that ‘true’ Italian motorcycle as it is made in Northern Italy, unlike its mostly Asian-made competitors!

So, will the Sixty2 be competitive as the only 400cc Ducati compared to its rivals especially with a growing threat from the Chinese?

The good thing is the Sixty2 is so appealing, my Sister even bought one! That’s saying something, I think…

 

Event:

– Overland Expo West 2019

https://www.overlandexpo.com/

https://www.facebook.com/overlandexpo

@overlandexpo

 

Host Manufacturer:

– Ducati North America (USA)

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

https://scramblerducati.com/

https://scramblerducati.com/bike/sixty2/

https://www.facebook.com/Ducati

https://www.facebook.com/scramblerducati

@scramblerducati

@Ducati

 

Host Dealer:

– Go AZ Motorcycles (City, Co, Country)

https://www.goazmotorcycles.com/

https://www.facebook.com/goazmoto

@goazmoto

 

Dealer (PHI):

– Ducati Philippines (Quezon City, Metro Manila)

https://ducati.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/DucatiPhilippines

@DucatiPhilippines

 

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2019 Triumph Street Triple RS 765

Things can’t get any much better than this, Triumph has stepped up the game in the ‘Super Naked’ genre by introducing the 765 Triple engine on its Street Triple line back in 2017!

Back then, it was a masterclass of a motorcycle! Making the newly updated (at the time) Yamaha MT-09 back on its drawing board. And making other models took notice right away!

Having ridden the previous-generation 2016 Street Triple R 675 (no video) and the more ferocious 2019 Speed Triple RS 1050 (https://youtu.be/SnaT7mZv7Fs), I had high hopes for this model!

For this is the last model year of the 2017-version, I took the opportunity to ‘Taste Test’ this much-anticipated model before the updated 2020-version ‘squinty’ model comes out. My expectations for this 765 is very high, I couldn’t contain my excitement!

This will also showcase the 765s ability to handle one of the worst cities to drive/ride in the world according to Waze: Metro Manila, Philippines. This will be stupid fun!

 

Host Dealer/Distributor (PHI):

– Triumph Motorcycles Philippines (San Juan City, Metro Manila)

https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com.ph/

https://www.autohubgroup.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TriumphMotorcyclesPhilippines/

 

Manufacturer:

– Triumph Motorcycles Limited (Global/USA)

https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TriumphMotorcyclesGlobal/

 

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
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2020 Triumph Bonneville 1200 Street Scrambler

Of all of its Triumph Modern Classic (ie. Bonneville) line: if you want a small, functional, a bit of ruggedness on the side without sacrificing style; look no further than this 900cc Street Scrambler!

While the Scrambler 1200 might be too much in size and price for some and the Street Twin may not be capable enough for the tougher stuff, this Bonneville 900 flagship is somewhat the goldilocks of the bunch.

With increasing heat with rivals such as the Ducati Scramblers, BMW R nine-Ts, and Moto Guzzi V9s; Triumph has to hold on to its crown as the king of Heritage Classic motorcycle.

I actually like the package that Triumph brought here, it shows that it’s not afraid of measly potholes, yet compact enough to be treated like a normal standard motorcycle.

I was impressed with the Speedmaster 1200 almost two years ago, will this smaller Bonnie continue the trend?

 

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!

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2019 Royal Enfield Classic 500 (base)

Are you sick and tired of seeing all the modern bikes roaming the streets these days? Do you just want to ride an honest, simple, mecha-analog machine on two-wheels?

Well, here’s your bike! This is the Royal Enfield Classic 500, a British brand made in India. I think this might be the closest thing to an old-school as you can get in 2020!

This will be my first-ever time to ride a motorcycle as analog as this one! So I keep an open mind as I look around this classically-designed motorcycle!

I’m just excited to ride bikes like these, as what I always say: #AllBikesMatter, any bike I ride provides a unique experience. This bike is no different!

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2019 Harley Davidson Street Glide 107

When you mention ‘Harley-Davidson,’ what model comes to mind? Cruisers, sure it’s a synonymous trait within the motorcycling world!

The Street Glide is one of Harley’s best-selling models in its line-up! With its eye-catching colors, a plethora of electronic goodies, and with enough creature comforts for the long haul without the extra weight of a full-on Tourer like the Ultra Limited series!

This bike also shares with the Sport Glide with the ‘smallest’ Milwaukee Eight V-Twin engine, the 107 cubic inches (1.75L) spec.

Will the extra heft of the Street Glide hinder its capabilities? Will the 107 struggle? Guess you have to watch and see!

Take note, this is the ‘regular’ Street Glide model, H-D also offers a more brutish model called the CVO Street Glide!

Categories
Bite Tests Taste Tests

Bite Test: 2019 Suzuki Skydrive Sport

Unlike in the US and some parts of the world, most entry-level motorcycles or scooters in South and Southeast Asia typically start at a higher displacement engine.

Usually, these start between 100cc up to 115cc on their basement level spec, while developed nations usually start at 50 wheezing cc’s!

One of these entry-level offerings here in the Philippines (& maybe in SE Asia) is this Suzuki Skydrive Sport! Basically inspired by the larger Skydrive 125i, the Sport offers a cost-effective compared to rivals.

At the recording last October (on PART1), the small Skydrive was my first-ever ride on an entry-level Asian-spec scooter!

See how I cope with riding this matte blue machine!

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2020 Ducati Supersport S

Ducati’s are very well known for their many good motorcycles, but their forte is its super sports bikes.

But one of Ducati’s faired wonders that are often overlooked is the ‘Supersport’ series. This Supersport is at the moment, the smallest displacement faired, sporty Ducati on its line-up.

Just looking at Ducati’s current lineup globally, Ducati does not offer a mid-displacement sporty bike. I would think that the Supersport is the only bike that fills that niche!

As my first ever faired Ducati ’sporty bike.’ Some of its racing DNA has been trickled down to this model.

How will I react to this? Especially I haven’t ridden this class of bikes! 

 

Host Dealer:

– Del Amo Motorsport (Redondo Beach, CA, USA)

https://redondobeach.delamomotorsports.com/

https://www.facebook.com/delamomotorsportsRB/

(424) 304-1660

 

– Ducati Worldwide

https://www.ducati.com/ww/en/home

https://www.facebook.com/Ducati/

 

– Access Plus Group

https://ducati.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/AccessPlusGroup/

 

– Ducati Manila (Quezon City, NCR, Philippines)

https://www.facebook.com/Ducati-Manila-209206042835606/

(632) 8532-1624