ADVENTURE motorcycles have a certain appeal–not as practical daily commutes but are instead weekend getaway transportation. And this appeal is real to enthusiasts who are on the lookout for long trips with multiple terrain changes and even weather challenges.
This may be the reason why, when Honda put on a call for test drive over its Facebook page, many test riders took the opportunity and signed up to test drive the all-new CB500X, the recently launched X-ADV, and mighty CRF1100L Africa Twin. These adventure bikes we made available for enthusiasts to test their ability to take on, control and ride with high displacement motorcycles designed for adventure, rather than commuting.
But their on-road siblings were also there. Also for test riding were the all-new CB1000R and CBR500R as well as the cruising specialist, CB650R .
It was an easy weekend for riders, including myself. After fulfilling the documentary requirements that include a valid driver’s license and a complete COVID-19 vaccination card, the free test ride was, indeed, a treat for big bike enthusiasts, I took advantage of having a one-on-one session with an HSDC professional instructor.
The riding experience was to kickstart those who want to step into the world of big bike and adventure riding or planning to switch to Honda Big Bikes. The free test ride introduced most of the riders to the world of motorcycle displacements above 300cc. There were a handful of riders who already own big bikes and a few who were planning to upgrade.
The event happened at the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC) in Parañaque City. A hard to get to place if one didn’t have a motorbike as traffic along the Sucat Service Road was always packed. Patience and perseverance, as well as an early drive freed me from most of that pain. Apparently the other riders though the same and many came in early, perhaps as excited as I was to get on board an adventure bike.
Jay Saguid, 44, is a seaman interested in the Africa Twin. The 1,084cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, 8-valve parallel-twin engine connects to a 6-speed transmission with a maximum power output of 75kW at 7,500rpm, 105Nm of torque at 6,250rpm, and fuel efficiency of 20.5 km/L, Saguid said the beast is best defined by what it is, “pure power.”
With a front suspension of Showa 45mm cartridge-type inverted telescopic fork and a rear suspension of Monoblock aluminum swingarm with Pro-Link, Saguid approved of this big bike’s handling for a thrilling all-terrain experience, matching his expectations. Priced at P940K, it is one of the pricier bikes, but seems to be excellent value, he said.
Vincent Joseph Platon is a doctor. At 43 years old, is also the perfect target market for the CRF1100L Africa Twin. After a few laps around the circuitous course, he remarked that it was a great big bike.
“With its powerful performance, I can see that I can take it anywhere. I would also enjoy riding it on heavy trails…I can definitely take it everywhere, even on trails! Absolutely a big bike you should not miss out on!’’ he said. The CRF1100L Africa Twin is available in three color variants.
Joshua Allen Sabio is a 25-year-old software engineer. In his sights was the CB500X as it was “priced right and rode right.” At P380K is the most affordable of the lineup and is equipped with a high-performing 471cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC parallel-twin engine with a maximum power output of 35kW at 8,500rpm, torque of 43.2Nm at 6,500rpm of street legal power. It is also very fuel efficiency delivering 27.8 km/L. But what stood out the most was its 6-speed multi-plate wet clutch because it’s “very soft and smooth.”
“Since I’m looking for a starter adventure bike, the CB500X is the perfect fit for me. I would choose Honda motorcycles versus other models of this class,” he said.
At P830K, the Honda X-ADV is a massive adventure scooter that rides easily and was the perfect ride for Jose Sebastian Arguelles, a 45-year-old BPO employee to test. The 745cc parallel-twin SOHC 8-valve liquid-cooled engine is Euro 5 compliant and provides a maximum power of 42.7 kW at 6,750rpm and a 68.7Nm torque at 4,750rpm with a fuel efficiency of 28.3km/L.
“For this on- and off-road adventure bike, I think it’s amazing Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (HSVCS) is The All-New 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,” he said.
Getting a test drive is easy and simple. Simply visit Honda Philippines, Inc (HPI) Facebook page and sign up.
