Honda PH big bike series impresses riders

MANILA: Last October, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) staged a free test ride for those want to ride or considering to buy a Honda big bike. Four participants of the test rides shared what they liked about Honda's offerings. 

Held at the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC) in Parañaque City, the free test ride featured the Honda big bike adventure series: the  CB500X,  X-ADV, and CRF1100L Africa Twin . Sportier motorcycles like the CB1000R, CBR500R, CB650R were also showcased. 

HPI said the public can now inquire at its Facebook page or register here for a chance to experience the sporty motorcycles. 

Seaman Jay Saguid was impressed by the power of the CRF1100L Africa Twin (P940,000), HPI said. The motorcycle is powered by a 1,084cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 100hp and 105Nm of torque. 

Saguid also liked the CRF1100L Africa Twin's handling. A front suspension of Showa 45mm cartridge-type inverted telescopic fork, and a rear suspension of Monoblock aluminum swingarm with Pro-Link, support the adventure bike. 

Physician Vincent Joseph Platon is confident that the CRF1100L can tackle off-road trails:  “With its powerful performance, I can see that I can take it anywhere... even on trails! Absolutely a big bike you should not miss out on!"

Meanwhile, software engineer Joshua Allen Sabio found the bike for his leisure rides in the CB500X (P380,000). Thanks to the motorcycle's 471cc liquid-cooled engine, it is highway-legal. The engine is also paired to a six-speed multi-plate wet clutch, which Sabio found to be smooth. 

“Since I’m looking for a starter adventure bike, the CB500X is the perfect fit for me," he said. 

BPO employee Jose Sebastian Arguelles is a tech-savvy rider who wants a motorcycle that can travel both on- and off-road. The X-ADV (P830,000) piqued his interest.   

“For this on- and off-road adventure bike, I think it’s amazing Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS) is the  X-ADV’s main selling point.

It allows riders to use smartphone features via voice command. It can even help link my smartphone via Bluetooth through the Honda Road Sync application and includes a Bluetooth-capable intercom,” Arquelles said. 

With a 745cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled and Euro 5 compliant engine, the X-ADV can reportedly net 28.3kpl. 

Test ride participants were required to possess a valid driver’s license and a complete COVID-19 vaccination card. HSDC instructors also helped the participants ride the Honda motorcycles. 

Photos from Honda Philippines Inc. 

Also read: Are you ready to climb aboard a Honda big bike?