The motorcycle market in the Philippines is really growing with more people using bikes for leisure and commuting. To serve the growing demand, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) has introduced their newest lineup of Honda Big Bikes, under three main categories: Street, Sport, and Adventure. The eight new Honda Big Bikes are the CB500X, CRF1000L Africa Twin, X-ADV, CBR500R, Rebel 500, CB650F, CB1100EX and CBR1000RR FIREBLADE SP.

These Big Bikes are meant to entice thrill-seekers to go on adventures that would require tougher bikes with higher engine capacities. They’ve all been designed to deliver the appropriate speed and performance meant for highways and rough terrain.

The Big Bikes were officially launched last at Shangri-La at The Fort, Manila last December 2017 and relaunched in February 2018 at Honda’s Manila Flagship Shop at Edsa corner Harvard Street, Brgy. Pinagkaisahan. It was great seeing these machines up close!

For those interested in buying or upgrading to a new motorcycle this year, here’s a quick look at the bikes, their main specs, and how much they’re going to cost you. For detailed specs of each bike, visit https://hondaph.com/hondabigbike/

STREET

REBEL 500

The Honda Rebel 500 functions for both laid-back cruising and more active sport riding with its rider’s triangle, its 471cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin cylinder, four-stroke engine that is tucked in a low chassis, and minimalist design. It comes in one color variant – Matt Armored Silver Metallic. PRICE: Php 369,000

The Rebel is all about real freedom. With low-slung seats, blacked-out style with matte touches, it’s sexy and tough. This cruiser has got the looks, style, and attitude that expresses authenticity and individuality. This motorcycle will probably appeal mostly to artist-type guys, but am glad to see a female rider make an appearance in the video below even if it’s just a few seconds. The seat height is low and I can actually flat-foot it, so you don’t have to be too tall to ride this bike 🙂

CB1110EX

The CB1110EX has a classic design integrating modern features with its seamless fuel tank, deep chrome exhausts, 17-inch cast aluminum wheels and hand-built look. It was built with an air-cooled, inline four-cylinder, 6-speed transmission, 1140cc, engine,  a two-piece front fork, remote reservoir rear shocks, four piston caliper brakes, floating discs, and a sharper chassis. PRICE: Php 810,000

CB650F 

The CB650F is a middleweight naked street style motorcycle with notable exhaust pipes that wrap around its four-cylinder, 649cc, DOHC inline engine with a new 6-speed ratio gearbox. It also has a two-channel ABS, a 41mm SDBV telescopic fork and a fully adjustable Showa suspension for smoother riding. PRICE: Php 459,000

SPORT

CBR1000RR FIREBLADE SP

The FIREBLADE, which will come along with the CB1110EX this 2018, is designed with MotoGP racing DNA. It was engineered to have lightness, precision, and totally controllable handling as evidenced by its Selectable Torque Control, Selectable Engine Break, New ABS Brakes, Quickshifter, Riding Mode Select System, Power Selector, and an ӦHLINS Smart EC Suspension. PRICE: 1,350,000

CBR500R

The CBR500R is infused with a next-level, inline-twin 471cc engine with power suitable for racing. Designers of the bike fused aggressive style with its comfortable framework for riding; as well as traditional bike image and modern styling. The middleweight sports bike has aerodynamic fairing and specially designed air ducts all the way to the two-channel ABS and 41mm SDBV telescopic fork. PRICE: 379,000

ADVENTURE 

CRF1000L AFRICA TWIN

The Africa Twin has a 998cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel-twin engine and Honda Selective Torque Control for effective power delivery in a wide range of road conditions. With adventure riding requiring natural and athletic movements, the Africa Twin was built with Biaxial Counterbalance for strength and handling that delivers a smooth and vibration-free ride. PRICE: Php 854,000

CB500X

This mid-displacement bike was designed for all-around use and for handling of all-terrain rides; from city commutes or ride on unpaved and open roads. The liquid-cooled, 471cc, parallel-twin engine is suited for both short and long-distance rides, while also being fuel efficient. PRICE: Php 379,000

X-ADV

Designed to have the stability of a scooter and the power and toughness of an off-road motorcycle, the X-ADV has a unique crossover platform. It is built around a strong, tubular-steel chassis and has a 745cc twin-cylinder engine and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) for firm handling on different road surfaces and conditions.

To handle the dirt and rocks off-road, it is built with a 41mm upside-down fork, a preload-adjustable Pro-Link rear shock, and a ground clearance of 162mm. It is also equipped with a 5-way adjustable screen, tapered aluminum handlebar, Africa Twin hand guards, Rally-style instrument display and center stand. PRICE: Php 799,000

HONDA BIG BIKES FLAGSHIP SHOP

Honda recently upgraded its newest flagship shop in Manila, the Honda Prestige Traders, Inc., which houses its complete lineup of products. The shop is located along EDSA corner Harvard Street, Barangay Pinagkaisahan, Makati City, the shop is made to be an accessible hub for Honda’s growing riding community.

The shop, which covers a total land area of 640 square meters features an extensive, multi-rack display of Honda products, a well-appointed riders’ lounge, and a test ride area. The Flagship Shop is open from 8:30AM to 6:00PM, Mondays to Sunday.

These facilities are intended to showcase Honda’s cutting-edge motorcycles, with a sports segment complete with models that have MotoGP DNA engines designed and built with the power for racing. The shop also features innovative power products and genuine spare parts.

It boasts of enhanced features, such as the service and spare parts center, to accommodate all riders’ needs. HPI will also be hosting the Happy Honda Days activities at the Manila, Cebu and Davao Flagship Shops to invite more riders to visit and experience the shops’ offerings and give back. The activity will start on March 2 and will include free learn-to-ride and test ride sessions of Honda’s motorcycle models, as well as refreshments, games and giveaways.

Of Honda’s Big Bikes lineup, I’m most attracted to the Honda Rebel. I mean, just look at at it! The seat height is actually low enough for me to reach and it’s expressway legal! 🙂 Now if only I had spare cash lying around…

LOCATION & CONTACT INFO:

Honda’s Flagship Shop is located at EDSA Corner, Harvard Street, Barangay Pinagkaisahan, Makati City, and is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.. Landline: 881-9356, 881-9468. Mobile: 0922-8770150

Additional product photos provided by Honda Philippines. Like their Facebook page: Facebook.com/HondaPH. or visit their website: https://hondaph.com/hondabigbike/