Top 4 Things to Consider Before Buying a Motorcycle in the Philippines

You think that the best and the most affordable way to commute whether in the city, town or probinsya is by motorcycle? Tired of the #TrapiksaEDSA problem?

Bago mo pakinggan ang tropa mo o kung sino mang vloggers at bilhin ang mga recommended motorcycle nila, it's essential to consider several factors before buying your first (or nth motorcycle).

Budget

• Initial Cost:

Motorcycles come in a wide range of prices. Determine your budget to narrow down your options. Maraming budget-friendly na motor na good deal na.

• Maintenance:

Factor in ongoing costs like fuel, maintenance, and insurance.Motorcycle ownership doesn’t end on having your motorcycle. Make sure may budget sa maintenance at para tumagal ang buhay.

Purpose

• Daily Commute:

Consider fuel efficiency, comfort, and reliability. Pasok na pasok to sa mga nagwowork sa Manila. Hassle magcommute sa MRT, LRT at bus ng rush hour.

• Long-Distance Travel:

Look for motorcycles with comfortable seating, adequate storage, and a good range. Kung member ka ng riders group, o solo traveler ang peg mo just to enjoy the nature, piliin mo yung motor na komportable ka dapat sa mahabang takbuhan. My first ever motorcycle was a Honda Airblade, which I found really comfortable and safe. ADV and PCX also offer ergonomic features, that’s why many riders prefer these for long rides.

• Off-Road Adventures:

When selecting a bike for off-road adventures, consider these key motorcycle features: sturdy suspension system, aggressive tires, and a powerful engine. Mas maeenhance ang riding experience kapag ergonomic ang napili mong motor. For beginners to intermediate riders, Kawasaki KLX 150 is lightweight and perfect for fun trail riding. It's easy to handle and offers a comfortable riding position. For experienced riders, Honda CRF300L is a great choice. It can handle tougher terrain so it’s perfect for experienced riders who want to push their limits.

License and Registration

Getting a license and processing the registration of the vehicle in the Philippines is cumbersome. Kailangan munang kumuha ng student license, take the LTO examination, and pay the necessary fees to get the driver’s license. Sa pagpaparehistro naman, this is a separate process in which once you have your motorcycle, you have to register by getting insurance, taking the emission test and paying the necessary fees.

Pro Tip: Be an early bird for faster processing. And of course, prepare all necessary documents!

Safety Equipment

• Helmet:

Pogi ka na pero syempre mas pogi ka kung naka-helmet ka while riding. Buying helmet will incur additional cost. It can range from 500php up to 20,000php. However, it’s not the cost that counts — it’s our safety that matters the most.

• Protective Gear:

Do you know ATGATT? This is a practical motorcycling lesson which reminds motorcyclists to wear All The Gear All The Time. Consider investing in riding gear like gloves, boots, and jackets for added protection. Medyo hassle lang sa simula yung preparation pero ang minimal kong suot everytime na umaalis ng bahay ay jacket, shoes, gloves, at helmet. Iniisip ko lang rin na nakakapogi kapag nakafull gear.

These are the Top Four things to consider before buying a motorcycle. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a safe and fulfilling motorcycle ownership experience in the Philippines.

What other factors do you think are important when buying a motorcycle? Feel free to share your thoughts with us!