Tag: motorcycle

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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

Bite Test: 2019 Kawasaki Vulcan S

After my ‘Taste Test’ on the 2018 Vulcan S the past year, I got a chance of riding this bike in a parking lot!

The Vulcan S is a very good entry-level cruiser, it’s one of the first motorcycles that have the ERGO-fit custom fitting system for riders. And it’s a bargain among its peers.

So, how does it handle while dodging cones? Is the bike too big or awkward for gymkhana duties!?

I’m curious to find out how a forward-controlled motorcycle handles the tricky stuff like in the parking lot! It will be a very fun affair!

 

Vulcan S Base Prices:

USD 7,199 (+taxes & license)

PHP 415,000 (+license & fees)

 

Event:

– Kawasaki Test Ride + KSRR (Kawasaki Safety & Responsible Riding)

https://www.facebook.com/events/1115357368664006/

 

Host Manufacturer/Distributor:

– Kawasaki Motors (Philippines, Distributor)

https://www.kawasaki.ph/

https://www.kawasakileisurebikes.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/KawasakiLeisureBikes/

@KawasakiLeisureBikes

 

– Kawasaki United States

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

https://www.facebook.com/kawasaki

@kawasaki

 

Dealer (PHI):

– Kawasaki Krib Libis (Quezon City, NCR)

https://www.facebook.com/KawasakiKribLibis/

@KawasakiKribLibis

 

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2021 Indian FTR Rally

When you need a somewhat of an American Dual-Sport machine with a V-Twin you only have two choices: one is from Harley-Davidson with its Pan America and one is from Indian with its FTR Rally.

While the upcoming Pan America is like an Iowa-Class battleship. The new Indian FTR Rally is the closest V-Twin to a dedicated to going (somewhat) off-road.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, it’s no true Dual-Sport with the likes of 690 Enduro-R, DR650, nor even a Desert Sled! But having an American V-Twin that can go light off-road is a bonus at any price!

Based on the excellent FTR 1200 series, this Rally version has serious shoes equipped with its Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, cross-spoked wheels, and marginally increased ride height.

Since I’ve already ridden the flagship 1200 S Race Replica last year, I’m curious about how does the Rally ride and feel. It does not have the fancy TFT gauge, nor the ZF suspensions will it be the same old thing or a different beast?

[NOT YET AVAILABLE IN THE PHILIPPINES]

 

Host Manufacturer:

– Indian Motorcycle International

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

https://www.facebook.com/indianmotorcycle

@indianmotorcycle

 

Host Dealer:

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

https://www.sincityindianmotorcycle.com/

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

@SinCityIndianMotorcycle

 

Dealer / Distributor (PHI):

– Indian Motorcycle Philippines (Quezon City, NCR)

https://www.facebook.com/IndianMotorcyclePH/

@IndianMotorcyclePH

 

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2020 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

What happens if you’re stuck in the middle? If a 400-500cc felt a bit too small, while an 800-900cc seems like a death wish. Many riders agree that the 650cc is the goldilocks in the bike class. But you also dislike new tech?

One humble Indian motorcycle manufacturer with British roots went in a bang with an updated 650 Twins from Royal Enfield! This is Continental GT, the sportier of the two (the other is the standard Interceptor).

While the 650cc class is a highly competitive segment, this Conti sets apart from its peers by offering simple and organic motoring. With an air-cooled twin-cylinder engine, the lack of modern touches like traction control, ride modes, and even a gear indicator! Tailored to people who want a pure analog experience without the headache.

Will this Conti woo me into this type of motorcycle? It sure does look nice in its Snow Queen color!

 

Host Manufacturer/Distributor:

– Royal Enfield Philippines

https://royalenfieldph.weebly.com/

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

 

Manufacturer/Distributor (USA):

– Royal Enfield USA

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

 

Host Dealer/Shop (PHI):

– RideTech Moto (Pasig City, NCR)

https://www.facebook.com/RideTech-Moto-348750032478314/

 

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: 2019 Suzuki GSX-S150

Not many people outside Asia might know, but the traditional ‘backbone’ motorcycles are a step-up from the usual scooters and ‘under-bone’ bikes.

One of the bikes that mix up in this 150cc Budget-Naked category is the Suzuki GSX-S150! The entry-point to the world-renowned ‘GSX-S’ line, also mechanically similar to the racy GSX-R150 Budget Sportbike, and shares the same fiery 19hp 150cc engine as the ‘Under-bone King’ or the ‘Kamote King’ the Raider R150!

With an already crowded segment, how will this bike feel compared to its rivals despite a (very) limited ground space! Will I crave more to ride this bike!?

2019 Suzuki GSX-S150 Prices:

PHP 112,800 (+title & fees)

USD 2,231 (+tax, title, & fees)

[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]

 

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2018 Harley-Davidson FLHTK Ultra Limited 107

You can’t get anymore grander than this! The FLHTK Ultra Limited is one of the trifectas of big, luxurious, monster tourers from Harley-Davidson!

With almost all the toys standard on this de-facto couples retreat cruiser, the Ultra makes it one of the icons of American motorcycle culture.

With an innovative yet torquey Milwaukee Eight 107 engine at the helm, it’s a calmer version compared to the ruckus and thirsty 114 version. With so many rivals on this ‘ultra’ luxurious Tourer category with the like like of its neighbor the Indian Roadmaster, the Japanese Honda Gold Wing, and the German BMW K1600 GTL.

Since I’ve already ridden its sibling, the Street Glide 107 on my previous video, how does this living American icon compare?

[NOTE: Of course, I’ve ridden the 2018 model when it was new. By now there were several updates of the Ultra Limited 107 since then.]

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?

 

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!