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!!!
Time for a first double-header! After editing my ‘Bite Test’ on the 250NK, I realized that the video was too short for a weekly episode. Then I realized that I also have an equally short video, from the same brand too! And that would be the much bigger 650NK. Then it struck me, I might as well combine the two in one video! Yay!
Not many people outside Asia may know, but CFMoto is one of the biggest Chinese motorcycles in the world. Other than Zongshen (CSC), QianJiang (Benelli/SSR), Loncin (Voge), Zontes, Lifan, & Motrac; CFMoto is one of the front-runners in the industry.
CFMoto captivated me when I landed in the Philippines and piqued my interests greatly. As a US-based Filipino, my curiosity towards the 400NK gravitates me to their test ride booth during the ‘Tiangge.’ Unfortunately, the 400NK wasn’t available but the smaller 250NK and the much more Globally acceptable 650NK.
The 250NK is a mass-market Premium Budget Bike that competes in the 200-300cc class. Available in select markets around the world, I was surprised with it’s KTM-inspired TFT gauge especially for it’s budget-friendly price!
The 650NK on the other hand is in a very tough spot. The 600-700cc class is a very competitive area, let me give you an example: SV650, Z650, MT-07, TNT600i, & CB650R just to name a few, oh boy!
So it seems that CFMoto is primarily aiming for price-conscious audience. But will that be enough to lure customers in to their dealerships? Since its a Chinese-manufactured motorcycle, the negative stigma is still very strong.
But I’m all about the product itself, not where the country is based from, not the political gibberish, and definitely not from the social stigma. My question is: is-this-bike-good? And even for this very short ride, I will still ride these bikes. But what do I think of it?
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!?
The KTM RC 390 is well known for its very approachable demeanour to both beginners to expert riders around the world.
But in some countries where they have access to smaller displacement budget-sport motorcycles, they have two options: one is the bargain-basement RC 125, and this one the RC 200.
Designed to compete with various 175-250cc budget (‘over-bone’) sportbikes, the KTM is well known for its power-to-weight ratio, powerful high-strung engine, and chassis balance.
Despite its engineering pedigree from the larger 1290, 1190, & 1090 motorcycles; will this Austrian-engineered, Indian-developed single-cylinder ‘thumper’ motorcycle shine above its contemporary rivals?
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!
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!
