Trail and Urban Rider – Telly Buhay: Shell Advance MotoIR Honda Racing 2015.

It was a great feat for Team Suzuki Pilipinas finishing off with impressive performances at the first round of the Suzuki Asian Challenge during the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) last April 17-19, 2015 at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

The team, made up of Enzo Rellosa, Mario Borbon and April King Mascardo were chosen by Suzuki Philippines after given 3 slots to the highly anticipated race based on their performances in 2014 and during a qualifying event last March. The delegation was headed by Suzuki Philippines Racing Specialist Noel Villapando assisted by the riders’ team managers and mechanics – Yoyong Buncio of the YRS Racing Team, Bobby Mencias of the BMR Racing Team and Rico Caraan of the VMAN Racing Team.

After showing improved times during the practice day, Team Suzuki Pilipinas did not settle for less and demonstrated improved lap records at the Raider R150 One Make Race ending the first day with 1:28, a remarkable leap from the team’s original average time of 1:30. Pushing to do better after his crash on the qualifying round which landed him on the last grid, Mascardo pushed harder finishing at the 10th spot. Rellosa and Borbon followed through at the 11th and 12th spots respectively.

The three boys continued to heat up the tracks on the 2nd day of the race as all of them landed on the top 10 with Mascardo crossing the finish line at the 5th spot (1:27.558). Bicol’s pride Rellosa finished at the 7th spot (1:27.941) and Cebu’s Borbon on the 9th spot (1.28.480).

Overall, Davao racer Mascardo placed 6th with Rellosa at 10th and Borbon at 12th. Indonesia’s Andreas Gunawan and Adhi Chandra took the 1st and 2nd overall spot with Thailand’s Patis Chooprathet on 3rd place.

It was not an easy race for the Suzuki riders as the three were all street-track trained and were not used to racing in a big circuit like the Sepang speedway. This accomplishment however showed that with hard work and discipline, they can race side by side other riders who are more accustomed to big race tracks. Team Suzuki Pilipinas will again race on Round 2 of the Suzuki Asian Challenge at the Asia Road Racing Championship in June at the Sentul International Circuit in Indonesia.

 Official Result:
1. Patis Chooprathet – Tai
2. Andreas Gunawan – Ina
3. Md Zulhilmi  Yazid – Mas
4. Adhi Chandra – INA
5. Mithum Kumar P.K. – IND
6. Nazirul Izzat Md Baharudd – – MAS
7. Dedi Kurniawan – INA
8. Kai Saito – JPN
9. Md Jazil Juraimi – SIN
10. April King H. Mascardo – PHI
11. Lorenzo D. Rellosa – PHI
12. Mario U. Borbon – PHI
13. Md Basith Bakir – SRI

DNF
14. Md Aiman Nabil – SIN
15. Nguyen  Hoang  Anh Dung – VIE
16. Takeru Murase – JPN
17. Jagan Kumar – IND

Introducing the new look of the original VS1 Protector.

Now it comes with a modern spray thru cap. Always ask for the “Original” to get value for your money.

Available in all leading motorcycle shops nationwide.

Finally, the motorcycle enthusiast’s clamor has been heard. The arrival of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been the talk both of the serious riders and newbies. This modern classic features the same retro style as the Classic 500, the Classic 350 is powered by a smaller displacement unit being the excellent choice for riders who are looking for a less aggressive engine which delivers better efficiency and is easier to be kept in leash.

Equipped with a 346 cc, single cylinder- 4 stroke, Twinspark unit generates a maximum output of 19.8 hp at 5250 rpm and 28 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. All this power is transferred to the rear wheel by means of a five speed transmission with wet, multi-plate clutch. It comes in 4 colors that brings the past in the forefront  Lagoon (Blue), Ash, Silver  and Black.

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 features the iconic “Tiger Eye Lamps”, a classic single saddle seat with springs, a stylish short silencer, a vintage tail lamp assembly and a retro-looking tool box.

This smaller twin brother of the Classic 500, the Classic 350 will hold its own against any other motorcycle and then pull some more. The Classic 350 boasts in its powerplant the capacity to conquer even the rigorous mountains, as the units has been tested and regularly riddento the treacherous roads of the Himalayas. The legendary torque Royal Enfield motorcycles are known for is built to flatten mountains. Add the fuel efficiency to cross entire ranges comes in the same understated yet charming styling.

Exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Hardcore Brothers Custom Motorcycles, Inc. and with dealers strategically located natiowide. Royal Enfield Pilipinas –Main Showroom in Makati City, Ropali Classics- Pasig City, Royal Enfield Cebu and Ambaji Marketing in Dipolog City.

This is a motorcycle that does not need to shout to be heard. Born of a very rich heritage and bred with royal elegance this 350cc thumper has all the qualities of a typical Royal Enfield. Priced competitively at Php 188,000 this introductory offer surely will be a welcome to riders with discerning taste in the classics.  Appreciated then, appreciated now…

“Made like a gun, goes like a bullet”.

SM City Baliwag, Baliuag City, Bulacan ; April 11-17, 2015– Honda Philippines Inc. launched the Honda Click 125i, the 1^st of its kind in the Philippines powered by the Honda Smart Technology.

Hundreds of Bulaceño graced the event that lasted for two days. Despite the summer sun’s scorching heat, riders and non-riders alike experienced a fulfilling ride as they get a chance to test ride not only the Honda Click 125i but also two of Honda’s automatic model, the Beat110 and Zoomer X. Honda is at best in generosity, thus providing its guests with the top of the notch entertainment, freebies foods and refreshments. The sun slowly bid its goodbye, nonetheless Honda still liven up the night with a program that has taken aback SM Baliwag.  A very lovely host again started throwing prizes and games with stand-up comedians that made the crowd gaga with laughter and entertainment. Amid the hilarity and amusement, HPI launched the most awaited Honda Click 125i thru Honda Motorcycle Sales Supervisor Mr. Leo Cachero, introducing its magnificence from design to safety to world renowned technology. Everyone thought the night is over, until Silent Sanctuary entered the scene and serenade the ground with a heartfelt performance that is truly for Bulacenos.

The entertainment and games ended, yet HPI still extended its stay at Bulacan via One week of Motorcycle Mall Display in SM City Baliwag for the customers’ familiarity and accessibility of the unit where queries can immediately be responded by  Honda Motorsports, Inc. – Baliuag, Bulacan Branch and Elite Motorbikes Sales Corp. – Baliuag Bulacan Branch.

Well loved by every Filipino customer, Honda Click 125i is the evolution of Scooters.  And that is Honda – The Power of Dreams.

Test Ride (Small)

Free Refreshment (Small)

IMG 2618 (Small)

IMG 8814 (Small)

IMG 8820 (Small)

IMG 8822 (Small)

IMG 8831 (Small)

IMG 8842 (Small)

IMG 8847 (Small)

IMG 8903 (Small)

IMG 8939 (Small)

IMG 8969 (Small)

IMG 8981 (Small)

Learn To Ride (Small)

Mall Display (Small)

On The Spot Sales (Small)

Registration (Small)

Riders In Baliuag (Small)

Silent Sanctuary (Small)

The first round of the country’s premier motorcycle racing just kicked off last Sunday, April 26, 2015 at the Batangas Racing Circuit.  The round 1 of the Ducati Cup, a race exclusive for Ducati bikes, was also held that weekend.  The race was sanctioned by the Unified Sports and Racing Association (USRA) and the Superbikes Racing Association (SBRA) under the umbrella of FETA, Federation of Two Wheels Association of the Philippines and sponsored by Pirelli, FDR, and Eneos.  Different categories were available for each motorcycle class from scooters to underbones and entry-level sportbikes to the powerful superbikes.

Jacq Buncio of YRC-Top 1 Racing was the winner of the MotoIR Youth Cup while Paul Mark Doblada and McKinley Kyle Paz were both champions of the MotoIR 1  and MotoIR 2 respectively. Ducati’s Raniel Resuello, BMW’s Marvin Mangulabnan and KTM’s Anthony Roman at 1st, 2nd and 3rd  dominated the Philippine Superbike Category. It was bad luck for Kawasaki’s Dashi Watanabe who was leading the race but he eventually crashed just a few laps before the checkered flag enabling Ducati’s Raniel Resuello to snatch the win.

The PSBK is now dominated by European bikes such as Ducati, BMW, KTM, and Aprilia and with more than 20 riders on the grid, it is going to be an exciting racing season.  See you on the next round!

A newly-signed ordinance in Quezon City now prohibits small children as “back riders” on motorcycles.

Source: QC bans small children as backriders of motorcycles – CNN Philippines

KTM PROVES “READY TO RACE” SLOGAN IN THE PIRELLI CUP LIGHTWEIGHT CATEGORY!

APRIL 25-26, 2015. Batangas Racing Circuit. After the long wait and preparation by different teams it was surreal that the race season is finally here! Philippine Superbike championship & The Pirelli Cup has officially started. Many motorcycle race enthusiasts, team supporters, and club members attended the event as everyone is looking forward who will win on different competitions.

Team GRANSTAR-KTM-ZIC PH joined two of the most prestigious titles. The PHILIPPINE SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP and THE PIRELLI CUP.

1 week before the race, the RC8 R came to Philippine soil. It was fully modified by Austrian race engineering company – KTM Brumandl GmbH to be used by 4-year Expert division rider Anthony Roman.

Last minute Light weight Pirelli Cup entrants Orbe Brothers, Patrick and Jacob Orbe with a bone stock RC390 as they snatch 1^st and 2^nd place as first time riders in the road. The Orbe brothers are popular in the MX category as they were champions in different competitions as well.

The Slogan “Ready to Race” was proven by these riders as they battled against other brands even bigger engines with 600cc, and 1000cc. They snatched 2 podium spots in their debut Road Race.

Attendance came from all parts of the Philippines, carrying different flags as they supported their favorite teams.

As everyone grouped inside the race-track, teams line up to officially open the 2015 Philippine Motorsports Championship season. Special guests *Pirelli race consultant from sg*, John Defensor, and Al Camba. A special guest speech was done by none other than Mr. Jeremy McWilliams to start the day.

Riding the RC8 KTM race-bike for the PHILIPPINE SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP is Mr. Anthony Roman who qualified as 5^th place during qualifiers on April 25, 2015. This season he will be supervised and trained by the legendary Jeremy McWilliams former MOTO GP rider.

(L-R) Marvin Mangulabnan (BMW), Rainiel Resuello (Ducati), Anthony Roman (KTM).

Anthony slithered his way to the podium as 3^rd place to gain points as we prepare for the next race which will be held again in Batangas Racing Circuit (Long Track).

Riders of KTM-PH team for the Lightweight category of the Pirelli Cup are the “Orbe Brothers” Patrick and Jacob Orbe. Everyone was surprised when two brand-new RC390’s entered the Pirelli Cup: Lightweight category. As the 2 new entries are using Bare-Stock RC390’s, truly it was a similar story of David and Goliath, blood brothers Patrick and Jacob took 1^st and 2^nd place, everyone was surprised that they proved the “READY TO RACE” is not just a slogan, but a serious campaign of the KTM Brand.

Jeremy McWilliams giving his courtesy speech for the opening of the race season.

Jeremy McWilliams quoted “I am delighted with Anthony’s performance battling for a podium finish, in the first event here for the RC8 R, this is exactly what we were looking for. The teams performance was exceptional, everyone in Team GS-KTM-ZIC were also gunning for ex MOTO 3 rider Hafiq Azmi unfortunately he had an accident before the race weekend, however he already proved how fast he is going to be.  I am overwhelmed by  the support of the fans here in the Philippines. Asia is a rapidly inceasing in terms of economy and that reflects on the growth in motorcycle racing. Hopefully I can come back here again soon when my schedule frees up. Thanks to Benson So and everyone within the team for a great week of racing here in the Philippines.”

EVP-COO / Race Manager KTM PH Charles Benson So:

“KTM Philippines is READY TO RACE! With the results of the first leg of the Philippine Motorsports Championships, I am excited to say that there will be a lot in store for this season. We are doing our best to prove our supporters that KTM Philippines this 2015 is indeed READY TO RACE. Congratulations to our Superbike Rider Anthony Roman, and Orbe Brothers for getting podium finishes on the first leg of the season.”

For more information you can visit us @: www.ktmph.com , www.granstarbiker.com

            A Motorcycle Philippines couple’s ride to Pozo Robo Beach, Sta. Ana Cagayan

The much awaited summer ride/event this year finally happened on the shores of Pozo Robo Sta. Ana Cagayan as riders, media friends, and sponsors from all over Luzon gathered for the Partakan Ride & Rock Fest 2015 presented by Ropali Motorcycles and Ropali Classics. Partakan, was taken from the Ilocano word “partak” meaning speed.  Please let the pictures take you with us on our Partakan and unexpected North Loop expedition.

Day 1

Me and my wife planned to leave around 1:00 am on Thursday April 30 to beat the usual morning traffic from where we live. But as usual, we woke up late and galloped around 5:30 am and were on NLEX Dau by 7:00 am. As I jokingly told my wife, “we will run like what I did at the Cannonball” so there will be no stop overs, even pee breaks. And as it turned out, our next stop was Mrs. Gaddi’s Sta. Fe when our ride, the Husqvarna TR650 ran out of gas and it’s already time for brunch. Didn’t take much photos this day until we reached Tuguegarao at around 3:00 pm to our hosts place.  Spike together with his wife, Chen, and their family welcomed us with a refreshing cold beer and dinner to cap the day off.

Day 2

We bid our hosts goodbye and headed straight to Sta. Ana Cagayan with riding couple Spike and Chen Maguigad. On the way to Pozo Robo beach, we took the Magapit-Mission Road that would cut the travel time by half vs the usual Aparri route. The scenery was spectacular, with the northern Sierra Madre mountains on our right, rice and cornfields as far as the eye can see on our left made us realize that we are really a blessed nation. But please be careful when you guys want to take this route as most if not all of the communities along the way dry their rice and corn on the side of the road so please slow down. It was already lunch time when arrived at the shores of Pozo Robo. The heat of the sun was taking its toll on us and we had to retire under the shade of the trees to cool down. In the evening, our colleagues in the industry were invited to a short presscon for the next day’s activities and a sumptuous buffet dinner at the Cagayan Holiday & Leisure Resort.

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Day 3

This day was the main event. With riders mostly from regions 1, 2 and Manila continue to arrive, we could feel the party heat going. Demo bikes from Herald Motorcycles, Kymco, Yamaha and CPI were available for all those who want to get a first-hand experience on these bikes. Games were played head to head by the motorcycle clubs that were present plus the hunks from our Philippine Coast Guard where they grabbed a lot of prizes. To make it even hotter, the Ropali Babes were presented on stage and had a nice little presentation for their fanboys. As the sun sets, reggae bands started to serenade the party goers with acts from Peace Mielarma, Turncoats, Traitors, Spell Juan, Buzzerbeater and The Chongkeys. In between the band performances, raffle prizes were given away to the party goers from helmets and t-shirts to brand new motorcycles from Yamaha: XTZ 125, Kymco: K-Pipe, CPI Taiwan: Tyke (2 units) and Suzuki: Shooter 125 FI. Champion rider and motorcycle safety instructor Mel Aquino surprised us with his rapping talents with his rendition of “Banyo Queen”. We all had a great time, as we partied the night away with Tecktonik music by Ropali’s own Geoff Anderson.

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Day 4

We all waited 5 years for the May-Pac fight and what better way to watch it live on PPV and on the beach! Well, the fight didn’t turned out the way we hoped for but being back on the the saddle this time with our friends from Motorsiklo News Magazine headed by Joel Joya, MRO’s Jobert Bolanos, the Turban Rider Telly Buhay, Mel Aquino of Moto 360 and Ropali’s head honcho Aldous Alingog more than made up for it. Initially we were planning to just back-track our way home through Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya but hey, we’re already halfway the North Loop so why not? We sealed the day off at the beaches of Saud Pagudpud. White sand, crystal clear waters truly made Pagudpud one of the best destinations in the north together with its beautiful Bangui Wind Farm as the backdrop, likewise perfect for photo ops.

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Day 5

Going home, the boys will pass by some friends in Vigan and go up to Baguio for the night. But since me and my wife have work the next day, we bade them goodbye and sped away to Vigan for that Sinanglao lunch – at 4pm. A few more pasalubong from Calle Crisologo and ice cream from McDonald’s Vigan and we’re on the road again. I sometimes tell a shaggy-dog story that I was just sent to buy vinegar or “pinabili lang ng suka” whenever I embark on those impromptu rides and through this ride I was ultimately able to buy that “suka” from Ilocos. Authentic Sukang Iloco they call it (I wonder what’s my next alibi?). The last picture was taken from our coffee stop at the Caltex station NLEX. It was a truly blessed ride, we gained new friends along the way and partied for days! Can’t wait for the next Partakan Ride & Rock Fest!

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