Solo Rider's pre-Ride Check

So what needs to be checked before hitting the road for that once in a lifetime ride?

This is my personal (ideal) list but if you think something needs to be added, feel free to drop me a message.

I usually start with the goal. If I wanted to go to a particular place, I would first do a research about it. Google is my friend. I would dig the web for ride reports, travel destinations, etc. I would list down the towns that I will be passing along the way, places of interest, road and traffic conditions as well as gas stations and of course places where I can eat and rest. Afterwards, I would plan on the itinerary. A map is a must!

The next thing I would prepare is the motorcycle. Normally, I start with the tire. Most often than not and especially for long rides, buying a new rubber is the best option. When you're hundreds or thousands of miles away from home, having a flat tire should be the least of you're worries. New tires would give you added peace of mind but that doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare for the worst. I also check the chain looseness and lubrication, brake adjustment and all lights should be functional. I always carry spares with me such as inner tube, plug, bulbs and even spare chain on long rides. Aside from this, I also bring tools inside bike's compartment. Although probably not really a must, I would normally change the engine oil as well.

After the bike is ready, I would then prepare the stuffs I need such as things for personal hygiene, first aid kit, rain gears, etc. Don't forget to bring cellphone/s. More ways for contact, the better. Cash is also better than cards and of course, you should have enough. Bring something to identify you, something that cannot be taken so easily in case something really bad happens.

And last but not in any way the least, if you're like me...pray before you leave.

Ride safe!

Solo Rider on Venus Raj

You're a refreshing face amidst the gloom of what happened right in the center of our motherland. I hope you continue to stay humble.

I wasn't able to watch the competition as it unfold thus I didn't jump like crazy as those guys on Youtube. But that doesn't make me lesser fan of yours. I'm a big, big fan actually.

I wish you continued success in all your endeavors.

Note: The picture is not mine. If you're the owner, drop me a message so I can give you the proper credit.

I plan on putting English captions for these videos. Thanks GMA7 and hastdudick for uploading.

The Quirino Grandstand Hostage Crisis

As a Filipino, I am very much ashamed with what happened. I am terribly sorry for the lives lost. It is traumatic for me and for sure for most Filipinos. We feel the pain of those who lost their loved ones. I know it is only a fraction of what you feel but please believe me when we say we feel the pain.

To the authorities, how many more lives to be taken before you shape-up? You should remove the "FINEST" word in those decals. It definitely doesn't fit. I am tempted to recommend that you put "WORST" instead but I won't because everybody deserves another chance. Sadly, those who died won't get any...

A sad day for Filipinos and for those who care around the world.

My Honda Bravo After A Year

Honda Bravo 100cc Review

This is some sort of a review after a year of using my  Honda Bravo.  So far, this 100cc motorcycle has traveled about 25,000 kilometers. Based on this figure, it will take me another 3 years before the counter resets to zero. The odometer only has 6 digits with the last one for the decimal. I plan on doing a review of this motorcycle every year.
For the previous year, below is the list of what happened....

Suspension
I've dropped the bike several times and there's one major accident I had with a jeepney. Due to this, I needed to change the steering stem assebly and paid a machine shop to straighten the fork tubes. I don't know where to buy the original fork oil used on Showa forks and I experimented with 2T oil, ATF and finally settled with Repsol fork oil.

Rims and Tires
Bravo came with 1.2x17 rim and 2.25x17 tires in front. Stock setting for the rear is 1.4x17 rim 2.5x17 tires. Both are Inoue brand.
I prefer wider tires and to have this, I transferred the rear rim and rubber to the front. Rear now have 1.6x17 rim and 2.75x17 tire. At the moment I am using Leo Laser tires for both. This tire is low cost but it somehow exceeded my expectations on dry and wet surface.

Electricals
Last month, the headlight was busted and I bought a yellow halogen bulb as replacement. It cost 10x times more compared to ordinary H6 bulb available in motorcycle parts store but I am happy with the performance. The only drawback is that the high and low beams are reversed. I've read before that headlight bulbs made in China for motorcycles are like this because the Chinese are using a different standard.
Earlier, the left turn signal in the front was also busted. It cost me a few pesos.
For the ignition, I am using a side-gapped plug. The Bravo seems to be quite happy with it. I usually carry a spare plug for emergency purposes and this is an unmodified plug. One day, I installed this one instead and the motorcycle felt sluggish. So it seems sidegapping really works.

Overall, I believe it is a good decision for me to choose this bike. There are better looking models and cheaper Chinabikes as alternatives but my Honda hasn't given me a single headache so far. Inspite if the daily wide-open-throttle moments, deep ruts in the Philippine road networks, rough roads of Bicol, Batangas and Mindoro as well as one Bagiuo climb, this little bike has proven its worth.

I am a proud owner of this ugly, puny 100cc Honda Bravo motorcycle!

Related Topics:

Honda Bravo Topspeed

Modified Honda Bravo

Honda Bravo Motorcycle

Mangyan Rider's Blog Resurrected!

Starting today, this blog will be once again alive. In the first place and with last year's four posts, I wonder if we can really call this a living blog. Probably 'barely' would be appropriate, but anyway...

Yeah, past is past and it is all gone so why dwell on it? I always remember the saying, yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift that is why it is called present. If you happen to see the movie Kung Fu Panda, this was spoken by the master.

Now, as if everyone in the world hear me, I declare this blog.... RESURRECTED!!!