Five bikes that caught our attention at 2018 Bangkok Motor Show

It was only a few days ago that Bangkok Auto Show was running in full swing, attracting motor enthusiast from the furthest of the corners. It was the 38th edition of the said motor show and like every year manufactures from around the globe displayed best of their creations. From potent motorcycles to retro-styled step-thru the range showcased was seizing.

High-end manufacturers like Kawasaki, BMW Motorrad, Honda, and Harley-Davidson steal the show via their latest offering. Among the fantastic, innovative, and striking two-wheelers, five stayed in our memory to date. Sharing with you the best of Bangkok International Motor Show, here are five bikes that according to us were the major highlight and attracted the maximum clicks and flashes.

1. Honda Monkey 125

Look at it guys, isn’t is amazing. For starters, the Monkey 125 gives a nostalgic feel that we think is because of its striking resemblance to the iconic Rajdoot GTS 175, famously known as ‘Bobby’.
We believe that it’s the massive Honda Grom success that motivated the company to work on an ‘out there’ concept like the Monkey 125. Its compact size makes it strictly a single seater, and rider will enjoy it to the fullest without missing any companionship. A mixture of retro and modern styling, the Monkey 125 is packed with new age tech like digital instrument cluster and LED headlamps. Tuned with a 125cc air-cooled mill, the Monkey 125 enjoys decent ride quality thanks to the front and rear disk brakes and upside down forks.

2. GPX Demon 150GR

The minute our eyes meet the GPX Demon 150GR, we fell in love with it. Its miniature modern styling, edgy cuts, shiny coat, and up to date amenities were enough to captivate the onlookers. What, however, is interesting is its small engine configuration that despite its performance limitation do not compromise on the ride thrill and fun.

This Thai motor company is a specialist when it comes to creating highly stylish low capacity motorcycles. On close observation, the Demon 150GR looks somewhat similar to the Ducati Panigale. Powered by a 150cc single cylinder engine, this mini-bike claims to deliver a top speed of 125 kmph. Coupled with a six-speed gearbox, the power travels to its 14-inch wheels. On the feature front, the Demon comes loaded with a digital instrument panel, full-LED headlamp, and full-LED tail lamp. Giving riders the needed road confidence are present rear monoshock, disc brakes, and upside down front forks.

3. Honda Super Cub 125

Way apart from the conventional scooter, the Honda Super Cub 125 sure is a bike that has the potential to turn heads on the road. Evoking the same retro feeling that we once saw in Vespa, the Super Cub seems to attract the buyers as the former. Though not as practical as the conventional offerings, this new Cub 125 will undoubtedly provide better fuel efficiency, comfort, and handling.

We aren’t sure if you remember or not but the Super Cub 125 has a long forgotten predecessor, the Cub C100 that was introduced in 1958. Honda’s says the C100 was the inspiration behind the modern day Super Cub 125. The company has powered the scooter with a 125cc air-cooled engine that’s mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Helping it deliver a unique ride experience is the motorcycle-esque suspension and 17-inch wheel setup. Apart from the retro bodywork it features utility features like digital-analogue instrument console, turn indicators, smart key, electric seat release, LED headlamps, tail lamps, and alloy wheels.

4. Honda Forza 300

Honda is working on all range of bikes and scooters. For the year 2018, the 300cc line-up received a significant revision in the form of the all-new Honda Forza 300. The highly stylish motorcycle is powered by a 279cc liquid-cool single-cylinder engine that hides underneath its glossy cover and produces an output of 25 PS and 27 Nm. All thanks to the new chassis adopted by the company, the next-generation Forza 300 is 12 kg lighter than the ongoing model, contributing to its performance, ride quality, and handling.

In case, the Forza 300 is too mighty for you; Honda also offers a 125 version. Near to zero difference in styling, the later one only cut shorts on the performance figures.

5. Suzuki Boulevard C50

Last up in the line of motorcycles that caught our eye was the Kawasaki Vulcan competitor, the Suzuki Boulevard. This cruiser looks close to Harley but is available at an affordable price. You dare not confuse it with a 50cc bike due to its name, which actually stands for 50 cubic inches, i.e. 805cc. The Boulevard C50 is a heavy bike weighing a massive 277 kg, all because of the extensive use of chrome and metal.

All in all, the Boulevard C50 looks closer to Harley Davidson than the Intruder in design aesthetics. And with its large 805cc V-twin motor it is hard to miss Japanese cruiser.

That's all for the key motorcycle highlights at the 2018 BIMS. Overall we loved what we saw and expect these beauties to land soon in the Philippines.