Shopping For a New Ride

After my crash during the Manila-Matnog-Manila in November of 2011, I decided that I should get another motorcycle.  I travel more than 40kms one way on a daily basis during weekdays and it is too much of a hassle for me to use the public transportation.  Because of this aversion, I insisted on using my crash damaged Honda Bravo until the steering stem became a two piece part (luckily while parking the motorcycle.)  It could have been worse, I know.

The motorcycle market in the Philippines has changed for the better.  Several years ago, the choices are very limited if you're out on a lookout for a new ride especially if you're on a budget. It is either the underbones or the 'pantra' which are the business types that will eventually be attached to a sidecar for hauling more cargo and people.  Now aside from the Japanese Big 4 we've got Chinese and Indian brands even Malaysian offering a variety..... from scooters to tourers.  It therefore makes sense to formulate a criteria to aid in the selection process.  I have the outline below.

Cost
I am a poor guy with a limited budget and although I'd like to have a powerful motorcycle I don't have that much moolah to burn.  Based on my evaluation, I can only afford to throw away about Php 60k for a new bike.  My dream motorcycles by the way cost 100-150k.  But even before buying the bike, I have this idea of selling it after a year perhaps.  The cash will be then used to fund the purchase of my dream ride.

Power
I used to have a Honda Wave 125 and although it is more powerful than my Bravo I want my next bike to be something that is more powerful.  The Bravo cruises at about 80kph and could probably go up to 90kph but stability is a big concern.  I want something that can cruise happily at 100kph.  Top speed doesn't really matter but I'd be happy if it can go beyond 110kph.

Reliability
This is one of the characteristics that is a bit tough to estimate.  In this case you can't help but rely on the experiences of those who bought the bike and took to time write a review.  I spent a great deal of time lurking on internet forums digesting the feedback.  I've also asked and observed the actual users and my area.

Efficiency
I have a car and although it is quite frugal, my choice of transport is still the motorcycle because it is even more frugal.  My next ride should not get anything lower than 40km/L.

Looks
I am more a "function over form" guy and I don't really care if my bike looks ugly.  For as long as it is clean and does what I'd like it to do, I am happy.  But I wouldn't mind if my new bike will turn out to be an catcher.  Also, I don't want another underbone and I'm leaning towards a standard bike design (referred as backbone types in some literature.)

There you go.  I know that this may not be the most complete list but it should guide me and probably another in choosing his/her next bike.

Good luck and happy hunting to us.