Buying a motorbike in the Philippines
Having your own wheels gives you a lot of freedom to get around in the Philippines. There are plenty of motorbike taxis and tricycles about but it always involves waiting for a full load before the driver departs.
At night it is more difficult to find a rides as well because most of the drivers go back home around supper time.
This is more of an issue in the countryside or provinces as they are called. In Cebu City the jeepneys and taxis run all day and night.
In the town of Moalboal on the west side of Cebu island there are at least 3 good sized motorcycle dealerships.
The Honda dealer is just across the road from the fisheries school.
Du Ek Sam, handling several brands, is on the other side and there is a China bike dealer just down the street too.
Originally I had planned to get a HondaXR 200 which is an on-off road bike, 4 stroke, one cylinder, and s really sharp looking.
I had second thoughts for these 3 reasons:
1) With the suspension they have a very high profile which makes them harder to handle and more difficult for passengers to get on the back.
2) The seat is rather short so it is hard for more than 2 or 3 people to ride comfortably. It sounds petty, but here in the Philippines it is not unusual for 5 people to be on one bike.
I am not sure what the law says but anything goes in the country. In Cebu or Dumaguete city there might be tighter restrictions.
3) There is no kick starter – that means that all starts will require using the battery. I like to get out in the province and prefer to have that kick starter as a back up.
These bikes do not push start easily in muddy conditions or on sand. The tire will just slide instead of turn the engine over.
After some deliberation it seemed that the Honda 155 might fit the bill.
Moto drivers turn these bikes into habal-habal which are the modified cycles used in the mountains with a very long seat rarely carrying less than 5 people.
A guy in Dumaguete tells me that he has carried as many as 9 people on his.
I’ve never seen that many on a two wheeled bike but it does seem believable. They can seat 2 kids on the gas tank and the rest ride behind the driver sandwiched together like a bunch of pigs screwing which can be the literal translation of habal-habal.
The 200XR was around 108,000 pesos which is hard to beat even in the city.
Du Ek Sam had the Honda 155 for 69,500 pesos including 2 helmets, a shirt advertising Du Ek Sam, 200 pesos fuel, insurance and temporary registration.
The Honda Wave – a nice 100 cc runabout goes for around 57,000 peso.
The manager of the Honda dealership was out for the day so I went across the street to Du Ek Sam – a shop that sells appliances, karaoke machines and other misc merchandise in addition to motorcycles.
The staff was friendly but it was hard to get them to take a break from the karaoke singing.
I decided that rather than fight, join them so we sat around singing karaoke for an hour or so before we got down to business.
It doesn’t pay to get into a hurry here because it isn’t going to change anything except for your blood pressure.
The permanent license plate will take a half a year or so anyway. A temporary one is issued several weeks after purchase.
The permanent drivers license takes quite some time too so buying a bike might not be the best option if you are just planning on spending a couple of months.
Rentals are available in some places but the costs are much higher than in Bali or Thailand.
In Palawan 500 pesos is a standard daily fee for a Honda Wave in marginal condition.
On Siquijor Island the costs are 300 to 500 pesos a day. Once I got one there for 200 pesos a day if I took it for 5 days.
Rental in Dumaguete City on Negros is very reasonable averaging around 200 pesos daily. That is a beautiful island for touring.
XR’s in Angeles City rent for around 600 pesos per day. Be sure to wear a helmet, not only for protection but to avoid fines in that area. The police tend to feed of the foreigners and the rules are the rules so no excuses.
I put 500 k on the bike the past few days and haven’t run into any problems yet. It is really nice to be able to go where you want to when you want to.
Update August 2010 – I now have 60,000 plus k on this bike !
Buying a Motorbike in the Philippines
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Mikes's Resort
im just asking some price list of motorbike ( racing type ) my brands , to be chose, yamaha, suzuki, honda, maybe i need to see some images if you have …the latest model..cos im planning to buy
thanks
regards
bern
Hello Bern Cena,
It would be best to contact the bike shops directly.
I am not familiar with racing bikes, but a Honda 200 XR runs about 110,000 pesos and up.
A TMX 155 runs around 69,500 pesos.
good luck
dp
Hi DP,
My wife’s family lives in Ormoc and I visit there twice a year. Really been thinking about getting a bike to keep there, make it so much easier getting around town and to their place up in the mountains. You know a good place to get a bike in Ormoc?
Thanks
Dave
Hi Dave,
There are a few motorbike shops on the main drag in Ormoc.
I suggest sticking with Honda because you can get parts everywhere.
A bike really is a necessity for getting around.Where in the mountains is your wife from?
Hopefully the nephews won’t tear it up too bad when you are not there.
dp
Hi DP,
I like your site, good info, also I’m curious about your bike, what sort of fuel consumption do you get, with/without passengers, cruising speed, top speed etc? Have you lowered the gearing for extra loads?
I admire your adventurous spirit on some of the runs you’ve done, especially Cotabato area! Keep up the good work!
Regards
Paul
Hi DP,
Thanks for the info and I will be sure to check out the shops on the main drag. My wife is from Brgy Quezon Jr, up in the mountains and I thought a little road bike or scooter would be perfect for going there. Also looking a buying a house some where around Ormoc proper so having some transportation is a must. Thanks for your help.
Dave
Hi Paul,
I have what they call here the “low speed” model of a Honda TMX.
The bike has a 51 tooth rear sprocket which gives a top speed of 65 kph (70 kilometers going downhill with the wind at your back!)
My girl has a sari sari store about 16k up in the mountains and I use it to haul rice etc up there. On occasion I take 3 passengers and have taken 4 but am not comfortable with that many people on the bike.
I got a blow out on the rear tire when going around a turn on the Taft Highway in Samar once. I had three passengers with 3 backpacks.
We came to a safe stop, but it is not something I would like to do every day. The 3 stayed at a sari sari store with a karaoke machine while I drove back down the hill on a flat to a tire repair shop . (About 8 kilometers).
I lived in Samar for a year and at that time speed was not possible. Now the national highway has been surfaced and you can do some cruising! With a small sprocket you can cruise around 80 kph. For me that is too fast because of all the dogs and kids on the road.
Fuel consumption on the Honda Wave and the TMX is very economical. I suggest getting the 125 with automatic trans. It is so nice to drive. You can’t take huge loads – but I am the only foreigner that I have come across that does that.
Take care,
dp
Hi Dave,
I live in town (Ormoc City) but my girls family live in Nueva Vista.
She has a sari sari store there and I haul her goods up there in the morning and pick her up at night.
I suggest getting the Honda 125 with automatic transmission
One thing that I noticed in Ormoc City is that other motorcyclists will pass you on the left with out warning, many times a day. Don’t just use your mirrors – always look over your shoulder even if just shifting over in your lane.
I see one good wreck with motorbikes a month here. It will take 100 good trips up into the mountains to experience all the stuff that can happen, so don’t let your guard down!
dp
ps I think there are 3 Honda dealers here. (Ormoc City)
Hey DP,
Good advice and I will be sure to follow it. I’m a big guy for there(6′ 200 lbs) so leaning towards the Honda 155 just because I am use to a big bike and I like a little more weight under me without spending a fortune. If you see a white guy with a Filipina hanging on for dear life in December give me a honk. Keep up the good site.
Dave
Hi Dave,
You might want to step up to a Honda 200 XR. They are higher off the ground so a lot of local guys have problems reaching the ground with their feet.
They are so superior to the TMX but you simply can’t load them up. A TMX can hold 5 to 6 people but the 200 XR is rarely seen with more than one passenger and the driver.
The 200 XR really has a smooth ride and a softer suspension than the TMX 155 – especially if the TMX ais modified with overload springs like mine. It rides like a gravel truck when you have no load!
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/leyte/moving-from-samar-to-leyte.html
Contributors Bruce and Lindsay both use Yamahas , which are superior to the Hondas in my opinion – but for me I need Honda because of the parts issue.
I don’t look at the motorbike as a separate entity but rather a collection of parts (each with it’s own shelf life) that must be replaced periodically.
Hope to se you in December.
phone # smart 09205553686
dp
hi good day,
Ijust want to ask the price of raider 150..
thankssss..
Hello Louie,
Try stopping at several dealerships and try to get the best price.
They always list a “cash” price and a higher price if buying on credit with monthly payments.
dp
Hi DP,
You mentioned the motorbike rentals in Dumaguete.
I’ll be there next month and would be grateful if you have more specific directions to get to them.
Thanks.
PS you’ve been quiet in the last week that i’ve been looking here. Miss seeing your updates. I hope all’s well and you’re enjoying yourself.
dave
Hi Dave,
…been busy with projects but I hope to go to Palawan for about a month to visit an old friend, and do some updates from there.
We have had a lot of rain and Bagyon Ondoy (typhoon) has just blown through the Philippines, keeping most of us close to home until things mellow out a bit.
There is a motorbike rental on the corner across from the Shell Gas station on the road leading from the park to Dauin. Its is just a block or two past the bell tower.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/negros/motorbike-rental.html
I used to rent a bike from them for 200 pesos a day (but when my friend, Gerry from Cebu, was with me he let us have them for 100 pesos a day. Maybe the standard rate is 250 – 300 a day).
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/negros/around-dumaguete.html
If that shop doesn’t work for you there will be no problems to find another.
Mike of Adventure Dive (on the seafront there next to Happy Fred’s) has a lot of local info if you run into any difficulties.
Keep in touch.
dp
Thanks DP,
I owe you a beer next time we meet up
Enjoy Palawan – I’m looking forward to your reports from there.
Dave
Dear DP,
do you have a rough estimation about the price of a big bike?
I’m thinking about BMW GS 1200 Adventure.
Thanks and greetings!
Peter
Hello Peter
Almost all big BMWs and Harley Davidson motorcycles in the Philippines have been imported by foreigners.
Therefore the cost would be what the vehicle cost where you buy it plus the shipping and transport fees.
Possibly the final costs – with shipping and import tax would double the cost of the bike.
In the province that type of big foreign bike is rare because the locals can not afford the luxury and the trails are too difficult for bikes of that size.
You will find a few motorbike clubs around Angeles City where expats get together and do runs on big imports like this. I have seen a few in Dumaguete on Negros Island too.
There are some in Cebu city and in Car Car as well (mostly Harley Davidsons)
It might be possible to pick up a used one if the expat was in a bind or selling out and moving on.
ps The odd traveler, going around the world or whatever, occasionally pass through the Philippines on a big BMW like you are talking about. The costs just are not practical for most of us.
cheers
dp
Thank you, DP!
Appreciate it.
Cheers!
to whom it my concern,
Moalboal my name is Beatriz Pippert im here in Germany,i buy a motor TMX 155 Honda,and i want to know the tel.number of ur company because is very important about my TMX Honda,because Mr.Rene Angana is not in Cebu and i want to finish my contract for paying my TMX Honda.And i want to know how about my rebate?
pls give me a responce
thank you
ps.
heres my roaming no.928-158-4110
Hello Beatrix Pippert,
You will have to contact DES Honda about this.
Try the office in Talisay, Cebu.
cheers
dutchpickle website
Dear Peter,
You can also find R1200GS bikes in Autohaus BMW dealership in Quezon City, Metro Manila. It is the nationwide authorized dealer in the Philippines.
Cheers
Dani
I been through your site trying to find a phone numbers on the store seems like isn’t posted.I’m just wondering about particular vehicle an ATV 4-wheelin bike any brand.And how much does it cost?
Hello Carmel,
I have not yet seen any 4 wheelers for sale at any Honda shop in the Philippines. Some resorts do have ATVs but maybe they are special order.
I don’t have the phone number of this shop in Moalboal, Cebu – but I am certain that they do not have 4 wheelers in stock.
The main DES Honda office is in Tabanuk, Cebu. You could ask there, but they definitely have no 4 wheelers there either.
dp
Good day sir:
Needed some help sourcing cdi for yamaha fzr 400 cc and oversize 25,000 yamaha 650 cc piston…will appreciate if you can help me. Thanks! 09064176227
buddy
Hello buddy,
Finding bikes over 225 cc is a tough one because most of the bigger bikes are imported.
dp
Good afternoon. Do you have Suzuki Thunder 125 and Yamaha Mio Sporty? May i know how much each and how much downpayment and payment for 3 years? Waiting. Thank you…
Hello Fritzie,
Honda dealerships usually only handle Hondas.
It would be best to go and check several dealerships for the best info. In Cebu there are Skygo, Honda, Kawasaki and other dealerships that you can check with.
I suggest going with a local shop where you will be able to get repairs and parts easily.
I go with Honda because there are dealerships spread through out the country. I have had a new clutch put in in Naga,Bicol, valve job done in Ormoc, Leyte, oil seals replaced in Kolonadal, Mindanao, oil changed in Zamboanga etc – all at Honda dealerships (where the workers are all factory trained).
good luck
dp
Hi DP,
Read your information on buying a motorbike. I am in the USA and I’m trying to purchase a scooter for a family in bilran and was wondering if you have any suggestions. I have been reserching online purchase but so many plcaes will not ship to that area. So i thought about ording from the philippines but am haveing a hard time finding any dealers website.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks
Hi Brenda,
Biliran is an island in north western Leyte, connected to the mainland by bridge. There is probably a small Honda dealer in Naval,the main town in Biliran
I recommend getting a Honda because parts are so easy to get everywhere in the Philippines.
It would be a mistake to buy a motorbike in the US and then ship it to the Philippines because it would not be cost effective. You can buy a nice Honda Wave – (a great small bike for family use) – for around 1,100 USD, any where in the Philippines.
If you know the people that you are buying this bike for, you could just send them the money via Western Union and hope that they use it to buy the bike.
Doing the registration will be much easier if they deal with a local distributor. There are at least 10 motorcycle dealerships in nearby Tacloban and Ormoc City.
dp
how much is honda tmx 155 brand new now.new model.
txt me im in rush sir/ma’am
09082951046
ask ko lng magkano b ung xr200 nyo ngaun?
I would like to thank you for sharing your words and putting the time into the stuff you publicise! Good work!
Hi dp!
i find it so funny that people ask you questions as if you’re a dealer of motorcycles!
But I’m amazed that despite of their silly questions, you still exert effort to post some replies..
dude this is an amazing site you have! keep up the good work!
-mc
so sory to hear about your accident but am very happy to hear that you are making a good recovery so far. i am good about wearing a helmet but after reading about your wreck, i bet i never leave the house without it again. not even on the shortest of rides. i know this has been a terrible thing for you and beth to have to go through but you are both young and strong and you will make through just fine. i must come up to ormoc to take care of some business next week. if there is anything i can get or do for you let me know. i will be checking back on a regular basis. like my grandfather usta say “its hard to knock a good man down but its almost impossible to keep him down”. hang in there partner. your friend .william of maslug.
Hello William of Maslog!
Thanks but I am in Manila right now. I very much appreciate the offer!
A lot of good people helped me out the past two months and it means a lot to me :)
Have a good weekend !
dp
Dear DP,
Thank you so much for your very funny anecdotes. You had me in stitches so many many times (as in major major (by Venus Raj). I’ve never laughed so hard in a long time. Thank you! Keep posting please!
Hi DP,
I stumbled up on your post, reading about experiences of several TMX155 users.
I just bought one to handle the roads in Palawan. The XR200 comes too expensive and I just somehow don’t like the bike taking it for testdrives.
With the TMX155 I love the feeling of the power and the possibility of customization.
Since you seem an experienced TMX user, I would like to ask you some advice.
I’m close to my first 1000km and ready for my first service & tweaks. Often going through dirtroads, I need a softer suspension. Those bumps come really hard now. Are there recommendable tweaks for better suspension (mind I drive a lot alone or with some luggage or a second person). Also the bike is listed as giving topspeeds of 120km/h but I feel when I drive it to 70km/h i’m going already very high in tours/min. Since the bike feels like I should switch to 4th gear already at 40km/h…
Are there tweaks that you can shift the gearchange speed a bit up, and make the bike go a bit faster without going in high tours/min? Somehow it feels now like I miss a 5th gear.
Thanks in advance for you opinion
Tom
Hello Tom – many TMXs are set up with 2 springs on each side. That makes for a stiff ride. If yours is set up that way you can take one set off each side and the ride will be much more smooth.
cheers and happy trails
dp
ma’am / sir
may brach ba kayo dito sa Surigao del sur oh malapit dito..
tanung ko lang kung magkanu downpayment nyo sa XRM125 at ang monthly..
if may second hand. also give me some info..
thanks you!!!!
to sibulan branch,sana mkasali aq sa promo nyo ngayun khit tomorw pa ang payment namin,tnx