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Last July, 2023, I got a Honda XRM 125 DSX. (Front and rear disc brakes.) Now passing 9,500 Kilometers on it with "0" mechanical issues. I strongly recommend that you have the rims converted to tubeless tires and use "Slime" to seal punctures. That way no flat tires. I am a large guy, 265 pounds. This little Honda hauls me around fine. Low to the ground and not too heavy.
Rode an FXTS Harley in the late 1980’s in Luzon, mostly in Subic and surrounding areas. A con you have to consider is the monsoon rainy season. One of the years I was stationed there, it started raining one day and stopped 3 months latter. Also, watch for rice patches on the road (drying rice on road is common) during harvesting season. Never speed in populated areas; locals might see you coming; but they will totally miscalculate how fast you are approaching them.
I bought my GF a Mio and she loves it. 2021 model w 2kKM and i paid $900US. Great bike. We’ve done a few oil changes and had new tires installed but other than that its been trouble free.
I had a Yamaha scooter (I can't remember the model) for a while. This was back when they fiirst started putting full-size though small motorcycle engines in them (about 18 to 20 years ago). My Yamaha had 450cc, shaft drive (so I didn't have to mess around with a chain or belt), automatic transmission, electric start, a lockable glove compartment, a sunglasses compartment, and a "trunk" under the seat with enough space for two large helmets (I'd sometimes go grocery shopping using my scooter; I was also able to carry my teacher bag - about the size of a briefcase - in there, too). It was electric blue with black trim, and my students, who already thought I was cool, racked up my coolness factor when I started riding the scooter to work. Another great thing about it: it got 55 to 60 mpg! That's a LOT better than the 18 mpg of my Jeep Grand Cherokee. I loved that thing.
As an auto mechanic, living here, I'd be highly suspicious of buying any kind of used vehicles here. Filipinos are famous for ignoring problems, and cutting corners on everything automotive. Bald Eagle Brand tires on Jeepneys, using river water for radiator coolant, while running without radiator caps, speedometer cables almost universally disconnected on EVERYTHING! But that also disconnects the odometer, witch provides information I NEED! And as Reekay has pointed out before, you cant drive over 45 MPH here. You just can't. Buy new if you can, if not, buyer beware!!!
Absolutely true about used bikes in Asia in general they have been beat to hell and then can be made to look brand new. In pnom Penh they were trying to sell me a KTM 400 telling me it was new, as soon as I looked at it and check the other am I got pissed off and told the guy off explaining what new actually meant. I would definitely stick with Honda Yamaha maybe Kawasaki just do two parts availability and long life. I did have a Bajaj, same as KTM Duke 400, slick little road bike that I rode all around Cambodia
Pretty much what you would see in Thailand, especially the Scoopy. One he didn't mention is the Yamaha N Max, more power than the Hondas, and it also has ABS. His big bike is a Bajaj Pulsar, made in India. The also make a 400cc version called the Dominar. As far as I know, neither is a Kawasaki.
As a life long gear head who doesn't mind sorting out electrical or mechanical issues as they pop up, I bought a new Skygo King 150. It was cheaper than a good used Honda TMX 155. I figured that while it may have issues of it's own at least I wasn't buying a collection of prior owner problems. As a "commercial" bike it's the closest thing you find here to a fleet vehicle. Parts are everywhere and and dirt cheap. If you don't have the knowledge or inclination to work on it yourself just about any mechanic in the country can give it a full rebuild using three wrenches and a rock. In over a year and 7,500km the only problem I had with it was the clutch. Not a machine defect. After half a century of using the US standard shift pattern it took longer than I expected to retrain my foot. Too many attempts to take off in the wrong gear smoked the clutch. $5 worth of OEM friction disks and I was back on the road.
Loved your video but I gotta admit, the thought of relying on a motorbike in the Philippines kinda freaks me out. I've heard tales from other expats about accidents and close calls on the roads, and that seems like a risk every time you hop on the bike. Plus, dealing with healthcare there if something goes wrong? Gives me the jitters! I know a lot of people manage fine and really enjoy the freedom of having a bike, but the risk factor seems high to me. Anybody else feel the same or am I worrying too much? Keep the great content coming!
No, you're not wrong. You've gotta listen to yourself on things like that. I decided to take the risk, but it's a personal choice for everyone. I'd suggest getting a used Honda Brio car for about $6,000. That's the car I'd get if I was going to buy one and I probably will at some point.
I would go with at least a 300cc bike/scooter if you doing long rides. Just to pass safely trucks etc. I own 3 bikes in the philippines ranging from 150cc-650cc. If you like to mingle with filipinos than i think the motorcycle community is a great place to find some buddies
Great information. I recently purchased a new Kawasaki 150 for my in-laws in Bulacan I am surprise quite a bit less than the states. It was about $2800 for the bike and the side car. In California it would be around 7000.. I do you like Kawasaki because I have a great respect for their JetSki's… I was wondering if it what you felt about reliability among all the motorcycles and mopeds there?
You know what I like to look at is used bikes with high miles. What is out there with crazy miles on it? That is why I bought the Honda XRM you see in the video. I really wasn't a honda guy per say, but I am now. Over here, I'd rate it this way: Honda, then Yamaha, then Suzuki and Kawasaki are a tie.
Very good. I'm surprised you didn't show a Honda Click 125. They are so popular down there, and a nice in-between of the Beats/Dios and the 160cc class bikes.
i love the honda Click. rented one for 3 days and if i do get another motorbike i'll go with that. but we didn't have one available that day for shooting the video.
I noticed most of the scooters had larger wheels than on old european type scooters. Bigger wheels are much better at dealing with potholes and ruts in the road. The small wheels can get caught in a pothole and dumped hard. Scooters tend to have a lot of storage under the seat that can be locked so keep your stuff more secure. You can also store stuff on the floor infront of the seat of a scooter. Locals the world over do it. Scooters with their centrifugal clutchs and CVTs are much easier to drive. Motorcycles may cost more and it is harder to carry stuff, you will have to add cases or other things. (the cloth ones are easy to cut and pilfer) But the larger wheels, and wheelbases, make them more stabile. But their higher weight, higher center of gravity and higher seat height make them harder to park and deal with at low speeds. If you have ridden motorcycles you will have an idea of what will work for you. It may depend on where you ride. Just around town or out in the provinces with longer trips? Are you planning to go visit places? Enough to make a bigger bike worth it? Are there any big animals in the road? (White Tailed Deer in the US are killers especially at night) How is the traffic and how comfortable are you with it? Have health insurance and close by medical facilities? Don't mind getting rained on, a lot? Maybe a small car would be better, but that has issues to there I expect. Renting is probably the best thing starting out to decide what works and what you want to use it for. And also something for which you can get mechanical support. Capitalism at work, the locals ride what works best for them at the price they can afford. That might be a starting point. PS: I live in the USA SE and have never been to the Philippines (something I hope to fix) but I have ridden motorcycles for a very long time.
Imported bikes usually cost PHP1,000/displacement, popular types are 115 -160cc scooters because of comfort these little scooters can reach upto speeds of 80 - 130kph. You will only need high displacement bikes in manila due to paid toll road restriction of minimum 400cc and above. But mostly you do not need to go beyond that due to many obstructions on the road most are not properly maintained and not well lit at night.
I'd go for brand new if I were you. the initial registration will be valid for 3 years. but before you buy one, you should ask if their bikes already have police clearance so you won't have to wait for 2-3 months for its OR/CR
One factor many people don´t mention is size of the bike. The standard scooter type that is popular in the PH is a small machine. For a slightly bigger dude (5.10 and up) they can feel cramped. The Honda ADV models (all three) is a bit bigger and feels more comfortable.
Not as much as you think. I have ridden a Honda Beat, Honda Click, and own that Honda XRM in the picture. I'm 6' 1" and not so skinny. I have plenty of room on all of these. The beat is the smallest and the XRM is the biggest. My Kawasaki Rouser in the video is also plenty big.
This is a very interesting video to me! If you're going to be there for an extended period of time, your going want something to get around on that can carry a sufficient load. Thats agile & can handle multiple surfaces and conditions.
One thing I didn't touch on in the video is the ability to get through traffic with a motorcycle. It's a big deal here. As far as carrying things, you can plan a taxi when you need that. The biggest down fall IMO to a bike is the rain. But I still manage that pretty well. Sometimes, you just get wet.
We have a Yamaha Aerox 155 there which was 2k. but if you want to go on the tplex highway you gotta go at least 400cc so I'm looking at a Suzuki Burgman.
For Philippines best scooters are 150cc and up anything less and you will struggle going up to mountains, especially if you loaded or have passenger. Buy NMax, adv-v or Honda PCX
Get a Honda Click 125i… Also the bigger the tyres the better. That’s my opinion in Asia. I’ve slipped and nearly fell too many times on bikes with slim or balding tyres. You definitely don’t want to ‘save money’ when it comes to your Bike!
Honda Clicks are awesome. I rented one for a few days. That 125cc click took me and my girl up the side of a mountain and back down perfectly. I was very impressed.
i went over my handle bars on my Yamaha Mio when i was in Philippines in May at the Peron station in Bogo i hit the brakes fast but i dident hit both at once and it was the front i hit and over i went hurt my rib and cut on my leg you know next day i looked the cement there was very smooth that is why no grip so im ok now 2 months later but hurt my shoulder to still hurts reason i hit brake so hard a speeding bike came at me on the left side and i ended up the middle of the road lucky every one stopped and few guys help me get the bike up so people be careful don't hit the front brakes
I'm glad you're ok after that. Scary stuff. You have to hit the front brakes if you need to stop fast. But you have to use both brakes, and don't let your own weight shift. I had a friend who was afraid to use his front brake. He's dead now after going under a tractor in Michigan years ago. Also, that is what I like better about a full bike with a tank to wrap your legs around so that you're one with the bike.
Informative video, one of the major questions I had. Gets the mind thinking about the possibilities. I need to check the weight capacities/size for bigger people and the reviews about that. Good video as always thank you :) 😁
Basically to be honest, do what you want. You should see what they load these little bikes down with here. That green Honda XRM you saw in the video carries me and my girl, a combined over 320 pounds like nothing. I see whole families on these things...haha
Look at the google maps ratings. They can be great or awful. In my case in my location, I couldn't find a used bike I liked. I looked. But it's worth it to shop both.
Hi I’m going to the Philippines Nov for 5 months maybe 6. I’m thinking of buying the Honda pcx 160. I think it’s a good deal if I rent one I’d pay more than buying one. I do go to the Philippines twice a year friend said I can leave it at there house when I’m back in the states what’s your opinion thanks
since you have someone to leave it with, sounds good. check out on youtube what you might need to do during storage so that it works when you get back. (tires, oil, battery)
I am a touring bike rider in the USA, and rode a MIO scooter in the phil. I did not like it. The main reason is that they do not ride like a motorcycle, they are automatic, and small for a tall rider. I will be getting a bigger cc motor that has a manual transmission. Riding a scooter down a mountain road is not fun because with the automatic transmission the speed increases by gravity. You have to ride downhill holding both brakes or else you will be a rocket. A manual transmission you can put it in a low gear and have better control. I plan to ride a lot so would be more comfortable on a 500cc bike that has side bag and a trunk. My two cents. 😁
How do you buy motorcycle do you have to pay cash as I went to a dealer in Cebu over towards the airport and they don't Finance and he wouldn't take a credit card so is it a cash type situation when you buy one which involves me walking around with 160000 pesos in my pocket
I just bought that Honda XRM you see in the video using Gcash. Straight from my American bank account to Gcash, to the dealer. The Rouser I bought with cash before Reekay told me about Gcash.
Also the Philippines has improved alot over the last 25yrs, but conditions are different in different places there & you really don't know what you'll run into.
As a life time rider of big sports bikes, Ducati 1000s, R1, Triumph Daytona and even one of the original Hyabusa's in my younger days, I really can't see the need for anything bigger than 200cc in the Philippines. There's nowhere to ride them except on one of the expressways in Luzon and even then only on a quiet day. A lot of people (read Westerners) will steer you toward the PCX, ADV, Nmax etc with cries of "wider tyres!" and yes, it is a factor but if you're just scooting around town one of the step-throughs is good enough for me. Even Russi and and the Chinese Skygo are much better quality than they used to be and worth a look if you're on a budget, they're assembled in PH like many of the better known Japanese brands are. Even the Piaggio 3 wheelers you see about the place at around 200,000PHP new are a good option if you have a couple of passengers regularly and want some shelter from the weather and they have a top speed of about 70kph and are surprisingly quiet.
I would not want a chinese brand here because I just don't know what I'm dealing with. Getting parts and someone to fix it is something I want to avoid as much as possible.
I also beleive it is a good idea to tread lightly. I would use local transportation to go to places that i have never been, so i knew partly what to expect when I return
That has it's risks too. Ever been around the same block 5 times with a taxi wanting to run the meter up while they act like they don't understand english anymore? haha. Just slow way down if it's a new area and you're good.
i've got a gigantic 1250cc BMW adventure bike with a 7 gallon gas tank, and panniers that can hold a week's groceries. It's a $28k bike. I know it's overkill, but I wonder if it makes financial sense to pay to have it shipped to the Philippines when I move out there, rather than buy a tiny little scooter that I would hate.
Experience from Philippines to Vietnam. Been on motorcycles for over 60 years and must point out the scooter is absolutely an inferior animal although plenty good enough to get around on but usually very terrible suspension and tires are worthless. The longer travel and 50/50 tires he shows is Step better but still compared to a Honda CRF 300 or any kind of on off-road which is what you need, scooters are just a cheap machine that will get you there. It will also be more likely to go down hard on the ground on a scooter due to cheap tiny tires and terrible suspension. For the locals this is all fine because they are not picky and have no money. But I have to say don't use the general term motorcycle because most of what you showed is not a motorcycle.. Not to sound snobbish but currently a ride to Classic BMWs and also this statement speed kills is totally ridiculous every time I get on my bike I do 90 or 100 miles an hour. And once I will admit in Bohol, you can judge me all you like, my neighbor and I were riding Harley and Yamaha doing 80 to 90 mph. You got to be on your game and yes dogs and other animals besides blind humans that don't pay attention. On the flip side I was innocently riding along it wouldn't matter what I was writing or where it was but a little boy on a big bicycle just rode his bike into side of my motorcycle, and of course he went down, and my girlfriend and I pulled over. That particular case it wouldn't have mattered what I did because I did everything right only going 25 km honking my horn swerving I saw him coming and his friends even warned him look out, little fools will run into trouble. I wouldn't really recommend a big bike in the Philippines unless you got to have a look at me machine in the big city. A real motorcycle that is practical with me a on off road or dirt bike, that has long travel suspension great breaks excellent ride and a seat big enough for 4. Never ever ride even after one beer and fools get a decent helmet on don't be like the idiots that do not bother using birth control, it'll be fine until it isn't! Signed the only dialysis patient riding to treatment🙏😎
As an American and living there and coming there seven times and I would not want to buy used one either and they will take your mirrors and the Chinese motorcycles everybody bad mouth them
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Last July, 2023, I got a Honda XRM 125 DSX. (Front and rear disc brakes.) Now passing 9,500 Kilometers on it with "0" mechanical issues. I strongly recommend that you have the rims converted to tubeless tires and use "Slime" to seal punctures. That way no flat tires. I am a large guy, 265 pounds. This little Honda hauls me around fine. Low to the ground and not too heavy.
Rode an FXTS Harley in the late 1980’s in Luzon, mostly in Subic and surrounding areas. A con you have to consider is the monsoon rainy season. One of the years I was stationed there, it started raining one day and stopped 3 months latter. Also, watch for rice patches on the road (drying rice on road is common) during harvesting season. Never speed in populated areas; locals might see you coming; but they will totally miscalculate how fast you are approaching them.
I bought my GF a Mio and she loves it. 2021 model w 2kKM and i paid $900US. Great bike. We’ve done a few oil changes and had new tires installed but other than that its been trouble free.
I had a Yamaha scooter (I can't remember the model) for a while. This was back when they fiirst started putting full-size though small motorcycle engines in them (about 18 to 20 years ago).
My Yamaha had 450cc, shaft drive (so I didn't have to mess around with a chain or belt), automatic transmission, electric start, a lockable glove compartment, a sunglasses compartment, and a "trunk" under the seat with enough space for two large helmets (I'd sometimes go grocery shopping using my scooter; I was also able to carry my teacher bag - about the size of a briefcase - in there, too).
It was electric blue with black trim, and my students, who already thought I was cool, racked up my coolness factor when I started riding the scooter to work.
Another great thing about it: it got 55 to 60 mpg! That's a LOT better than the 18 mpg of my Jeep Grand Cherokee.
I loved that thing.
Thanks, very helpful!
You're welcome!
As an auto mechanic, living here, I'd be highly suspicious of buying any kind of used vehicles here. Filipinos are famous for ignoring problems, and cutting corners on everything automotive. Bald Eagle Brand tires on Jeepneys, using river water for radiator coolant, while running without radiator caps, speedometer cables almost universally disconnected on EVERYTHING! But that also disconnects the odometer, witch provides information I NEED! And as Reekay has pointed out before, you cant drive over 45 MPH here. You just can't. Buy new if you can, if not, buyer beware!!!
Not all. I have a friend who bought a 4 year old scooter from a Filipino and it was cared for. Though what you say is more common here than the U.S.
Absolutely true about used bikes in Asia in general they have been beat to hell and then can be made to look brand new. In pnom Penh they were trying to sell me a KTM 400 telling me it was new, as soon as I looked at it and check the other am I got pissed off and told the guy off explaining what new actually meant. I would definitely stick with Honda Yamaha maybe Kawasaki just do two parts availability and long life. I did have a Bajaj, same as KTM Duke 400, slick little road bike that I rode all around Cambodia
You can buy from a reputable dealer who also sells brand new ones they usually have those behind the shop.
I wonder if they're using river water in my Raman?
good video, im looking to buy one next year when i get into the phillippines
Decided on a Bajaj trike. The way driving is here, I wanted a little more between me and the Almighty.
As always, a great video from you.
i may do the same thing. having a car in this traffic really sucks.
Pretty much what you would see in Thailand, especially the Scoopy. One he didn't mention is the Yamaha N Max, more power than the Hondas, and it also has ABS. His big bike is a Bajaj Pulsar, made in India. The also make a 400cc version called the Dominar. As far as I know, neither is a Kawasaki.
As a life long gear head who doesn't mind sorting out electrical or mechanical issues as they pop up, I bought a new Skygo King 150. It was cheaper than a good used Honda TMX 155. I figured that while it may have issues of it's own at least I wasn't buying a collection of prior owner problems. As a "commercial" bike it's the closest thing you find here to a fleet vehicle. Parts are everywhere and and dirt cheap. If you don't have the knowledge or inclination to work on it yourself just about any mechanic in the country can give it a full rebuild using three wrenches and a rock. In over a year and 7,500km the only problem I had with it was the clutch. Not a machine defect. After half a century of using the US standard shift pattern it took longer than I expected to retrain my foot. Too many attempts to take off in the wrong gear smoked the clutch. $5 worth of OEM friction disks and I was back on the road.
I got a Rusi tc 125 commercial type bike. One of my main reasons was speed bump clearance.
Loved your video but I gotta admit, the thought of relying on a motorbike in the Philippines kinda freaks me out. I've heard tales from other expats about accidents and close calls on the roads, and that seems like a risk every time you hop on the bike. Plus, dealing with healthcare there if something goes wrong? Gives me the jitters!
I know a lot of people manage fine and really enjoy the freedom of having a bike, but the risk factor seems high to me. Anybody else feel the same or am I worrying too much? Keep the great content coming!
No, you're not wrong. You've gotta listen to yourself on things like that. I decided to take the risk, but it's a personal choice for everyone. I'd suggest getting a used Honda Brio car for about $6,000. That's the car I'd get if I was going to buy one and I probably will at some point.
Thanks guys get information. Looking forward to shopping for my bike when I get there
I would go with at least a 300cc bike/scooter if you doing long rides. Just to pass safely trucks etc. I own 3 bikes in the philippines ranging from 150cc-650cc. If you like to mingle with filipinos than i think the motorcycle community is a great place to find some buddies
Thanks for sharing!
Great information. I recently purchased a new Kawasaki 150 for my in-laws in Bulacan I am surprise quite a bit less than the states. It was about $2800 for the bike and the side car. In California it would be around 7000.. I do you like Kawasaki because I have a great respect for their JetSki's… I was wondering if it what you felt about reliability among all the motorcycles and mopeds there?
You know what I like to look at is used bikes with high miles. What is out there with crazy miles on it? That is why I bought the Honda XRM you see in the video. I really wasn't a honda guy per say, but I am now. Over here, I'd rate it this way: Honda, then Yamaha, then Suzuki and Kawasaki are a tie.
the honda xrm 125 is the bike of the Philippines or the xr 150 l
I agree. They just run and run. I see so many of these with very high miles
Anything that drives is the bike of the philippines 😅
100k congrads ❤
Thank you 🙌
Very good. I'm surprised you didn't show a Honda Click 125. They are so popular down there, and a nice in-between of the Beats/Dios and the 160cc class bikes.
i love the honda Click. rented one for 3 days and if i do get another motorbike i'll go with that. but we didn't have one available that day for shooting the video.
I noticed most of the scooters had larger wheels than on old european type scooters. Bigger wheels are much better at dealing with potholes and ruts in the road. The small wheels can get caught in a pothole and dumped hard. Scooters tend to have a lot of storage under the seat that can be locked so keep your stuff more secure. You can also store stuff on the floor infront of the seat of a scooter. Locals the world over do it. Scooters with their centrifugal clutchs and CVTs are much easier to drive.
Motorcycles may cost more and it is harder to carry stuff, you will have to add cases or other things. (the cloth ones are easy to cut and pilfer) But the larger wheels, and wheelbases, make them more stabile. But their higher weight, higher center of gravity and higher seat height make them harder to park and deal with at low speeds.
If you have ridden motorcycles you will have an idea of what will work for you. It may depend on where you ride. Just around town or out in the provinces with longer trips? Are you planning to go visit places? Enough to make a bigger bike worth it? Are there any big animals in the road? (White Tailed Deer in the US are killers especially at night)
How is the traffic and how comfortable are you with it? Have health insurance and close by medical facilities? Don't mind getting rained on, a lot? Maybe a small car would be better, but that has issues to there I expect.
Renting is probably the best thing starting out to decide what works and what you want to use it for. And also something for which you can get mechanical support. Capitalism at work, the locals ride what works best for them at the price they can afford. That might be a starting point.
PS: I live in the USA SE and have never been to the Philippines (something I hope to fix) but I have ridden motorcycles for a very long time.
Imported bikes usually cost PHP1,000/displacement, popular types are 115 -160cc scooters because of comfort these little scooters can reach upto speeds of 80 - 130kph.
You will only need high displacement bikes in manila due to paid toll road restriction of minimum 400cc and above. But mostly you do not need to go beyond that due to many obstructions on the road most are not properly maintained and not well lit at night.
I'd go for brand new if I were you. the initial registration will be valid for 3 years. but before you buy one, you should ask if their bikes already have police clearance so you won't have to wait for 2-3 months for its OR/CR
Honda xrm the legend. Less maintenance easy to drive. Great handling, fuel efficient. Anywhere you can find a parts and accessories
One factor many people don´t mention is size of the bike. The standard scooter type that is popular in the PH is a small machine. For a slightly bigger dude (5.10 and up) they can feel cramped. The Honda ADV models (all three) is a bit bigger and feels more comfortable.
Not as much as you think. I have ridden a Honda Beat, Honda Click, and own that Honda XRM in the picture. I'm 6' 1" and not so skinny. I have plenty of room on all of these. The beat is the smallest and the XRM is the biggest. My Kawasaki Rouser in the video is also plenty big.
@@jeremysautomobile Can you steer full left or right without almost hitting your legs with the handlebar?
Thanks Ricky this was a very good video. Lotta good information.
What about ME? Just kidding...haha
oh yah... jeremy helped out a bit too.
@@jeremysautomobile I apologize you really did the video
This is a very interesting video to me!
If you're going to be there for an extended period of time, your going want something to get around on that can carry a sufficient load.
Thats agile & can handle multiple surfaces and conditions.
One thing I didn't touch on in the video is the ability to get through traffic with a motorcycle. It's a big deal here. As far as carrying things, you can plan a taxi when you need that. The biggest down fall IMO to a bike is the rain. But I still manage that pretty well. Sometimes, you just get wet.
You just described the Honda ADV, be it 150, 160 or even 350.
@@RiderOftheNorth1968 I don't see the 350's here though. The 160 IMO is the way to go.
wow reekay, since you came back you hit the ground running on your video content.
been staying busy. :)
We have a Yamaha Aerox 155 there which was 2k. but if you want to go on the tplex highway you gotta go at least 400cc so I'm looking at a Suzuki Burgman.
For Philippines best scooters are 150cc and up anything less and you will struggle going up to mountains, especially if you loaded or have passenger. Buy NMax, adv-v or Honda PCX
look for anti-lock brakes on newer models.
My Rouser in the video even has traction control and it actually works well. But I'm old school, so either is cool with me
Get a Honda Click 125i… Also the bigger the tyres the better. That’s my opinion in Asia. I’ve slipped and nearly fell too many times on bikes with slim or balding tyres. You definitely don’t want to ‘save money’ when it comes to your Bike!
Honda Clicks are awesome. I rented one for a few days. That 125cc click took me and my girl up the side of a mountain and back down perfectly. I was very impressed.
i went over my handle bars on my Yamaha Mio when i was in Philippines in May at the Peron station in Bogo i hit the brakes fast but i dident hit both at once and it was the front i hit and over i went hurt my rib and cut on my leg you know next day i looked the cement there was very smooth that is why no grip so im ok now 2 months later but hurt my shoulder to still hurts reason i hit brake so hard a speeding bike came at me on the left side and i ended up the middle of the road lucky every one stopped and few guys help me get the bike up so people be careful don't hit the front brakes
I'm glad you're ok after that. Scary stuff. You have to hit the front brakes if you need to stop fast. But you have to use both brakes, and don't let your own weight shift. I had a friend who was afraid to use his front brake. He's dead now after going under a tractor in Michigan years ago. Also, that is what I like better about a full bike with a tank to wrap your legs around so that you're one with the bike.
NEED MORE VIDEOS ABOUT THIS TOPIC AND THE PROCESS OF AQUIRING A SCOOTER.
Great Information. I enjoyed the video
I have a Yamaha Mio, 125 cc it's perfect for running around here in Moalboal
Informative video, one of the major questions I had. Gets the mind thinking about the possibilities.
I need to check the weight capacities/size for bigger people and the reviews about that.
Good video as always thank you :) 😁
Basically to be honest, do what you want. You should see what they load these little bikes down with here. That green Honda XRM you saw in the video carries me and my girl, a combined over 320 pounds like nothing. I see whole families on these things...haha
Good info, thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
I'd love to ride one of those. Are these for lease or sale?
there are plenty of bikes for rental at Alona Beach.
I See Alot Of Clicks Around Why He Did Not Mention It Or The Fancy Yamaha Or The One Gio Has ?
What do you think of the used dealers like Rusi or NJSC trading are their bikes worth the savings over a new bike
Look at the google maps ratings. They can be great or awful. In my case in my location, I couldn't find a used bike I liked. I looked. But it's worth it to shop both.
Hi I’m going to the Philippines Nov for 5 months maybe 6. I’m thinking of buying the Honda pcx 160. I think it’s a good deal if I rent one I’d pay more than buying one. I do go to the Philippines twice a year friend said I can leave it at there house when I’m back in the states what’s your opinion thanks
since you have someone to leave it with, sounds good. check out on youtube what you might need to do during storage so that it works when you get back. (tires, oil, battery)
I have enjoyed 1000cc motorcycles for decades. guess i'd stand out if i bought one there, eh?
I am a touring bike rider in the USA, and rode a MIO scooter in the phil. I did not like it. The main reason is that they do not ride like a motorcycle, they are automatic, and small for a tall rider. I will be getting a bigger cc motor that has a manual transmission. Riding a scooter down a mountain road is not fun because with the automatic transmission the speed increases by gravity. You have to ride downhill holding both brakes or else you will be a rocket. A manual transmission you can put it in a low gear and have better control. I plan to ride a lot so would be more comfortable on a 500cc bike that has side bag and a trunk. My two cents. 😁
Is the Honda ADV 350 available yet?
Not really. I have never seen one here.
Thanks buddy
How do you buy motorcycle do you have to pay cash as I went to a dealer in Cebu over towards the airport and they don't Finance and he wouldn't take a credit card so is it a cash type situation when you buy one which involves me walking around with 160000 pesos in my pocket
I just bought that Honda XRM you see in the video using Gcash. Straight from my American bank account to Gcash, to the dealer. The Rouser I bought with cash before Reekay told me about Gcash.
Also the Philippines has improved alot over the last 25yrs, but conditions are different in different places there & you really don't know what you'll run into.
Truth
Good video
As a life time rider of big sports bikes, Ducati 1000s, R1, Triumph Daytona and even one of the original Hyabusa's in my younger days, I really can't see the need for anything bigger than 200cc in the Philippines. There's nowhere to ride them except on one of the expressways in Luzon and even then only on a quiet day. A lot of people (read Westerners) will steer you toward the PCX, ADV, Nmax etc with cries of "wider tyres!" and yes, it is a factor but if you're just scooting around town one of the step-throughs is good enough for me. Even Russi and and the Chinese Skygo are much better quality than they used to be and worth a look if you're on a budget, they're assembled in PH like many of the better known Japanese brands are. Even the Piaggio 3 wheelers you see about the place at around 200,000PHP new are a good option if you have a couple of passengers regularly and want some shelter from the weather and they have a top speed of about 70kph and are surprisingly quiet.
I would not want a chinese brand here because I just don't know what I'm dealing with. Getting parts and someone to fix it is something I want to avoid as much as possible.
I also beleive it is a good idea to tread lightly. I would use local transportation to go to places that i have never been, so i knew partly what to expect when I return
That has it's risks too. Ever been around the same block 5 times with a taxi wanting to run the meter up while they act like they don't understand english anymore? haha. Just slow way down if it's a new area and you're good.
If you're too risk averse you'll never get anywhere in life.
He owns all these bikes? or rents them ?
i've got a gigantic 1250cc BMW adventure bike with a 7 gallon gas tank, and panniers that can hold a week's groceries. It's a $28k bike. I know it's overkill, but I wonder if it makes financial sense to pay to have it shipped to the Philippines when I move out there, rather than buy a tiny little scooter that I would hate.
I was just smiling thinking about when you first got a scooter and a guy asked what size engine and your answer was about the size of a watermelon 😂😂🤣
i still don't know much about motorcycles. keep forgetting if my bike is a suzuki or a yamaha.
Experience from Philippines to Vietnam. Been on motorcycles for over 60 years and must point out the scooter is absolutely an inferior animal although plenty good enough to get around on but usually very terrible suspension and tires are worthless. The longer travel and 50/50 tires he shows is Step better but still compared to a Honda CRF 300 or any kind of on off-road which is what you need, scooters are just a cheap machine that will get you there. It will also be more likely to go down hard on the ground on a scooter due to cheap tiny tires and terrible suspension. For the locals this is all fine because they are not picky and have no money. But I have to say don't use the general term motorcycle because most of what you showed is not a motorcycle.. Not to sound snobbish but currently a ride to Classic BMWs and also this statement speed kills is totally ridiculous every time I get on my bike I do 90 or 100 miles an hour. And once I will admit in Bohol, you can judge me all you like, my neighbor and I were riding Harley and Yamaha doing 80 to 90 mph. You got to be on your game and yes dogs and other animals besides blind humans that don't pay attention. On the flip side I was innocently riding along it wouldn't matter what I was writing or where it was but a little boy on a big bicycle just rode his bike into side of my motorcycle, and of course he went down, and my girlfriend and I pulled over. That particular case it wouldn't have mattered what I did because I did everything right only going 25 km honking my horn swerving I saw him coming and his friends even warned him look out, little fools will run into trouble. I wouldn't really recommend a big bike in the Philippines unless you got to have a look at me machine in the big city. A real motorcycle that is practical with me a on off road or dirt bike, that has long travel suspension great breaks excellent ride and a seat big enough for 4. Never ever ride even after one beer and fools get a decent helmet on don't be like the idiots that do not bother using birth control, it'll be fine until it isn't! Signed the only dialysis patient riding to treatment🙏😎
XR150 HONDA
Honda XR or CR only lol
My motorcycle wears shoes.
As an American and living there and coming there seven times and I would not want to buy used one either and they will take your mirrors and the Chinese motorcycles everybody bad mouth them
Do they sell Harleys over there?
yes. (also in vietnam)
www.google.com/search?q=harley+davidson+dealer+in+philippines