Review: Retro El Dorado Motorcycle Helmets by SMK

More Filipinos, including women, are driving personal motorcycles these days. In the past, I’ve always found it hard to find stylish and safe motorcycle gear like helmets that fit properly. Thankfully, more brands are coming into the country and giving riders different options to match their riding style and personality. If you’re a motorcycle rider, OBR, or a commuter who regularly uses motorcycle taxis looking for a lid that combines style and safety for city riding, then feast your eyes on the retro-inspired Eldorado helmets by SMK Helmets.

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Gear News: GIVI launches “Antartica” Top Case

GIVI, the world’s premier motorcycle accessories manufacturer, recently launched a new top box boasting of revolutionary design and enhanced visibility on the road.

In terms of looks, the top case sports an attractive new design without compromising safety. The polygon exterior of the case is equipped with reflective prismatic elements on each front corner. These elements present a bold façade that aims to enhance the rider’s visibility on the road for added safety.

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How to Ride Safely amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

The government recently relaxed the community quarantine guidelines, which gradually reopens up the economy. Thousands of workers are finally allowed to go to their offices, provided they follow strict health and safety protocols. Although public transport will be operational, there are lots of limitations to ensure social distancing among passengers.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), the resumption of public transport systems will be done in two phases, says the Department of Transportation (DoTR).

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Gear Guide: Choosing a Motorcycle Helmet

If you’re planning to drive a motorcycle or regularly back ride as a passenger, the most basic piece of safety equipment you need is a proper helmet. Since motorcycles don’t provide the structural protection that a car does to keep drivers safe in the event of accidents, riders need to take extra precautions to protect their body, especially their head – and that’s where helmets come in.

A lot of shops in the Philippines sell motorcycle helmets designed for guys. As a female rider, I’ve personally had a hard time finding a helmet that fits me. While I’ve used a few different helmets over the years, the best-fitting ones for me so far have been the ones from LS2 Helmets Philippines.

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Are Folding Bikes for you?

If you’re short on space at home and want a form of transport for urban commuting and errands in the city, folding bikes are a practical choice. Folding bikes are bicycles designed to fold into a compact form and can be more easily carried into buildings. While originally designed for short distances and flat roads, many cycling enthusiasts also use folding bikes for epic rides up mountain roads and for bike touring over hundreds of kilometers.

Folding bikes are a great option for bimodal transport and can be carried easily while riding in buses, trains, cars, planes, and boats, making them a good choice for urban dwellers and leisure travelers.

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First-Timers Guide to Buying a Motorcycle in the Philippines

So you’re looking to buy your first motorcycle but don’t know where to start. There are just so many motorcycle models and brands out there that it can feel pretty intimidating just browsing online or going to a shop to inquire about a motorcycle when you’ve never owned one before. I know how overwhelming it can be to look at a spec sheet and have no idea what all the numbers mean.

While I’m not really into the technical side of motorcycling, I think I can speak from experience. Together, my husband and I have bought 5 motorcycles: a Kawasaki Eliminator, Yamaha Mio Fino, Royal Enfield Classic 350, Suzuki Thunder (custom), and Kymco Like 150. I also rent motorbikes and scooters a lot when I travel and have had the chance to do test rides on various units for ride reviews.

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10 Beginner-Friendly Scooters available in the Philippines

NOTE: This article was originally written in 2020 and motorcycle prices may have changed since then.

With social distancing considered the “new normal” everywhere in public transport, lines and queues are longer on the MRT, buses, and jeepneys. Because of this, many are probably thinking of buying a motorcycle to make their daily commute easier.

Many first-time riders, however, don’t know what kind of bike they need and are intimidated by the choices. For beginners, nothing beats the simplicity of scooters. With these bikes, you just turn the key, twist the throttle and go. No need to fumble with a clutch to switch speeds.

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Review: All-New Honda Genio

The All-New Honda Genio is a chic scooter designed for beginner riders and the fast-growing female rider market. With a strong focus on style, safety, and fuel economy, this innovative 110cc scooter aims to give Filipinas and the youth a chance to experience the joy and freedom of riding.

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Ride to Mauban and Cagbalete Island

Cagbalete Island is a quiet island getaway that has been rising in popularity among backpackers and budget travelers. Located just off the coast of Mauban town proper in Quezon just a few hours from Manila, this island offers beautiful beachfront campsites and a wide white-sand beach.

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Honda launches the All-New Airblade150 in the Philippines

With the traffic in the metro getting worse and worse these days, and transport options like motorcycle taxis in jeopardy, now is probably the best time to consider buying your own motorcycle and learning how to drive.

Honda Philippines, Inc. raises the bar in the scooter segment once again as they recently launched The All-New Airblade150, a cutting-edge sporty AT bike that promises to make urban riding fun, comfortable and stylish.

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