Categories
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 Bristol Classic 250

Before I rode this small-ish retro motorcycle, I was treated to ride its brother: The Bristol BR 250. It was a decent kit for the price it was aiming for, but it was not my cup of tea. Simply because it’s completely my fault, I’m not too keen on clip-on style motorcycles like sportbikes and cafe racers.

These types of bikes usually give me neck pain after riding them for more than 30 mins! Hence my strong personal preference towards Naked-Standard Bikes/Motorcycles whenever I desire any fast motorcycle compared to their sportbike cousins.

So when I saw that the Classic 250 was next to the BR 250, I was relieved that I was about to test its ‘more relaxed’ brother! Now my curiosity heightened and my desire to ‘Bite Test’ this motorcycle!

The Bristol Classic 250 carries the same price as the BR 250!!! It’s up to you which style do you prefer the most! But always remember to test fit or even better, test ride/drive both bikes to see which bikes suit YOU better!

This contemporary Classic 250 along with the slightly more aggressive BR 250 are the entry-level models from the Caloocan City Dealer-Distributor company Bristol Group. This Classic 250 is their ‘Triumph Bonneville-like’ model, on which it has a traditional handlebar plus other cosmetic parts that differentiate it from its cafe racer brother.

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.

 

[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]

 

Event:
– CHAMMP Riders’ Day Out
https://www.facebook.com/Chammp-113695136675055/

Host Dealer/Distributor:
– Bristol Motorcycle Group (Philippines)
www.bristol-motorcycles.com
www.facebook.com/bristolmotorcyclesphilippines

 

Categories
Taste Tests

Taste Test: 2020 Benelli VZ 125i

While Benelli has been churning out a plethora of middleweight 500cc motorcycles and more coming soon. Its parent company, Qianjiang Motor Group (which is owned by Geely now) has a huge brand library namely Qijiang, Generic, Keeway, and KSR.

This is the new VZ 125i, it’s Benelli’s take of its mid-tier ‘sporty’ 125cc small scooter! With its huge content of features at an affordable price point, this scoot can be a compelling buy to potential owners.

Ever since my “Taste Test” on the SYM CRUiSYM 150 (https://youtu.be/yXYel6WufPQ), this will be my second time riding a ‘small scooter’ in the Philippines! And I will show how I negotiate the terrible Metro Manila traffic on a ‘tiny’ scooter! This will a fun ride!

To our keen viewers out there, you might have already seen this bike before.

In fact, this is a rebadged version of the Keeway K-Blade 125 (which is already available in the Philippines for PHP6,000/USD124 less) and the Qijiang QJ125T-13B (which is only available in China).

 

[NOT AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA]

 

Event:

– Benelli Test Drive Day (06-18-2021)

https://www.facebook.com/benelliortigas/photos/302263714512768

 

Host Manufacturer / Distributor:

– Benelli Q.J. Philippines

https://philippines.benelli.com/ https://www.facebook.com/benelliph

@benelliph

 

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

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: 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
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
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
Bite Tests

Bite Test: 2020 Voge 500DS

In the middle-weight Adventure bike class, it can be split-up into 3 categories: 400cc-500cc | 550cc-700cc | 750cc-900cc.

This unit right here is a Philippine-market prototype. Motorstar Philippines is currently conducting a test market phase for its viability of the Voge brand in the country. America!

Of the ever-growing 500cc segment you can add this Voge 500DS! As of this upload, the 500DS has been in both Europe and China for a while now. And as the Loncin DS7 in South America!

This unit right here is a Philippine-market prototype. Motorstar Philippines is currently conducting a test market phase for its viability of the Voge brand in the country.

The 500DS is the middle child of the Voge/Loncin line along with the smaller 300DS/DS6 (LX300-6D) and the bigger 650DS/DS8 (LX650-2). How will this bike perform in my very short time?

[NOT YET AVAILABLE IN THE PHILIPPINES (at the time of recording)]

[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)

http://www.motorstar.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/Motorstar-281557838883573/

 

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
BLOOPZ!

BLOOPZ! Bloopers, Out Takes, & Impressions Inside The Levdeo i3

Welcome to BLOOPZ! It’s a different kind of video I made outside the confines of my usual Bite, Tate, my upcoming Snack & Buffet tests!

This is full of out-takes, impressions, and some comedy takes from my usual videos! Have fun!

 

Host Dealer / Distributor:

– Auto Hub Group (San Juan City, NCR, Philippines)

https://www.autohubgroup.com/

https://www.facebook.com/autohubgroup

https://www.facebook.com/Philippines-Levdeo-Electric-Car

 

Guest:

Chine Reyes [Assist. Admin for Sales & Marketing, Triumph Motorcycles Philippines]

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

https://www.facebook.com/TriumphMotorcyclesPhilippines

https://www.facebook.com/chnrys10/