IT’S one thing to own a motorcycle in the Philippines – it’s practical and economical and it serves you less time out in the streets because of heavy traffic. However, to own a big bike in the Philippines is another thing. It’s not called “toys for big boys” for nothing. Even just looking at their exterior seems to call for one good, thrilling adventure with these heavy-duty motorcycles equipped with bigger engine displacements suitable for highway cruising and rough terrain adventures.
In Davao City, the first Honda Big Bike Showroom in Mindanao was launched last Saturday, February 3 at Km. 5, Buhangin Road. During the opening, Honda unveiled six big bike models under the Roadster, Sports/Racer, Traveler, and New Adventure categories.
Under the Roadster category is the Rebel 500 suitable for both road cruising and sports riding. Its 471 cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin cylinder, four-stroke engine is tucked in a low chassis with a minimalist design. Still under the Roadster category is the CB650F with its four-cylinder, 649cc, DOHC inline engine. This is designed suitable for a smoother street-style adventure. The CB1100EX, which is set to arrive in Mindanao from Thailand next month, has an 1140cc engine which is air-cooled, inline-four-cylinder, and 6-speed transmission.
The Sport/Racer category features the CBR500R is praised for its traditional bike image but with a more modern and sleek design. It has a next-level, inline-twin 471cc engine which is designed to be perfect for racing. CBR1000RR Fireblade SP is designed to resemble lightness, precision, and controllable handling patterned after the MotoGP racing DNA. It has yet to be displayed in the showroom and is expected to arrive in Mindanao from Japan next month.
The CB500X is under the Traveler category and is equipped with liquid-cooled 471cc parallel-twin engine which is ideal for both long and short distances, while at the same time, being efficient with fuel use. Sharing the spotlight under the Traveler category is the CRF1000L with a 998cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel-twin engine. Of all the big bike models, it is the only model that has the Honda Selective Torque Control which is created for “efficient power delivery on a wide range of road conditions.”
The X-ADV model is under the New Adventure category and is designed for dirt road adventures having been built with a strong, tubular-steel chassis and a 745cc twin-cylinder engine. Its Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is fit for firm handling on different road surfaces and conditions.
“[We chose Davao] because Davao is the biggest city all over Mindanao. First of all, we wanted to launch here to bring Honda series to improve motorcycle market. Then we are going to offer a flagship in Cagayan de Oro as well. The economy [of Davao] is growing. The demand [for big bikes] is still maybe minimal but we wanted to bring it right now to capture younger users. I think it’s the right timing for Honda Philippines to bring big bikes in Davao,” said Honda Philippines Inc. president Daiki Mihara.
The official opening of the big bike showroom was graced by a number of riders coming from different parts of the city. Jose Banaybanay, a law student in Davao City but originally from Digos City, said he started bike riding in 2011 and is now a part of a small biking group which does occasional long-distance travels together. He dreams of someday owning his own big bike especially the X-ADV that was a crowd’s favorite during the opening.
“I think this opening of a big bike showroom in Davao City showed how the economy of the city has changed and is different now because of course these big bikes are very expensive,” he said in vernacular.
Prices of the big bikes on display range from P459,000 to P799,000 with Banaybanay’s favorite X-ADV being the most expensive.
The new Honda Big Bike showroom is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.