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.

I know there are a lot of resources out there written by motoring journalists and experts about buying your first motorcycle, but hopefully, this guide can help those who have zero experience who just want the basics. These are some factors you might want to consider when buying your first motorcycle in the Philippines.

Types of Motorcycles

There are many ways to classify motorcycles depending on their form or function. In terms of form, there are scooters, underbones, and backbone bikes (this is the motorcycle that generally comes to mind when you think about motorcycles.)

In terms of function, there are commuter bikes and leisure bikes–but these distinctions are not set in stone. You could use a commuter scooter to do a leisurely trip to the countryside, and you can also use a big sportbike to go to the office, but maybe not to buy groceries.

The most widely recognized bike types worldwide are cruisers, sportbikes, touring bikes, standard bikes, dirt bikes and dual-sport bikes.

However, in the Philippine setting, the most commonly used are the smaller scooters, underbones, and standard bikes which are the most relevant to the needs and budget of ordinary Filipinos.

For beginners, motorcycles can also be classified into automatic, manual, and semi-automatic shifting. If you’ve ever driven a car, it’s practically the same thing, except there are no semi-automatic cars.

For beginners, bikes with automatic shifting are the easiest to learn. Twist the throttle and off you go. Most scooters are automatic. More experienced riders meanwhile can handle manual shifting which uses a hand clutch and toe shifting. Bigger bikes are generally manual-shift. Manual shifting bikes take some getting used to because you need to release the clutch at precisely the right time you are shifting gears, otherwise you will stall. Semi-automatic bikes don’t require a hand clutch and allow you to shift gears without stalling. But they also need some getting used to.

If you’re not partial to a particular brand, the first thing you should determine is what you plan to use the motorcycle for. Do you plan to use it as a daily commuter to work, errands, and mostly city driving? Do you need something sturdy to transport cargo for e-commerce or food delivery? Do you expect to travel a lot on highways or rough roads? Once you know that, you can narrow down what type of motorcycle will fit you the best. 

Scooters

For those with zero riding experience or don’t know how to drive a motorcycle at all, scooters are the best place to start. They’re fully automatic, easy to handle, lighter, and generally more affordable, so you won’t feel so bad if you crash while you’re still practicing to drive. They’re meant for city driving, but can also be used for weekend rides and touring.

• Small, lightweight bikes best for commuting in the city (not meant for toll-based expressways use)
• Automatic twist-and-go system (no clutch)
• Lower seat height
• Upright neutral riding position
• They feature step-through designs and bodywork that shield riders from messy engine parts.
• They have practical built-in under the seat storage
• Engine sizes range from 50cc to 500cc
• Great choice for new riders and all skill levels
• Sample models: Yamaha Mio Sporty, Honda Beat, Honda Genio, Suzuki Skydrive, Suzuki Address, Kymco Like, Kymco Super 8, Yamaha NMax, Honda PCX, Vespa S

READ MORE: 10 Beginner-Friendly Scooters in the Philippines

Underbones

Underbones are small-displacement motorcycles with a step-through frame, differentiated from scooters by larger wheels and use of footpegs instead of a floorboard. They usually have manual or semi-automatic transmission. For carrying stuff, they’re not as convenient as scooters because they lack floorboards where you can place your bag or box. But underbones are just as agile, maneuverable and fuel-efficient.

Underbones are usually preferred by riders who live in the provinces with mountainous areas and farmlands because these are ideal for getting through tough rocky and muddy terrain even when carrying extra passengers or additional cargo.

• Small, lightweight bikes designed for city driving and limited off-road use
• Semi-automatic (no clutch but with gears) or manual
• Lower seat height
• Upright neutral riding position
• Fuel tank position and tube framing, along with fitted bodywork and splash guards are similar to a scooter
• Wheel dimensions, engine layouts, and power transmission are similar to conventional motorcycles.
• Some underbones have storage compartments under the seat. They can also be fitted with detachable top boxes.
• Engine sizes range from 110cc to 150cc
• Sample: Honda XRM, Honda Wave, RS 150, Yamaha Sight, Yamaha Sniper, Suzuki Raider, Kawasaki Fury, Kymco Visa R 110

Standard

This is what we generally think of, when we talk about motorcycles. They are ideal for both city use as well as weekend rides out of town. These are generally manual-shift bikes. You squeeze the clutch lever on the handlebar and use the toe shifter on the left side of the motorcycle. While manual motorcycles are more engaging and give riders more control over the vehicle, finding the proper balance and speed while shifting gears takes a higher learning curve and can be tiring especially in high-traffic situations.

• All-purpose functionality, from touring to commuting
• Average seat height
• Manual (with clutch)
• Upright neutral riding position with low to mid-range handlebars
• Usually contains small front fairing or none
• Engine size ranges from 100cc to more than 1000 cc
• Models 400cc up can be used in toll-based expressways
• Good choice for new riders and all skill levels
• Can be fitted with panniers for additional storage
• Sample models: Honda TMX, Kawasaki Bajaj, Yamaha RS 110, Royal Enfield Classic, Bristol Classic 400, Suzuki Gixxer, BMW G310R

Cruiser

Think Harley Davidson. A cruiser is a type of motorcycle designed for “easy riding.” While they’re the most popular style of bike sold in the US, these stylish bad-ass bikes are not as common in the Philippines.

• Ideal for cruising around town and on toll-based expressways for weekend riding
• Low seat height
• Manual (with clutch)
• Leaned back riding position with mid-range handlebars
• Usually contains small front fairing or none
• Engine sizes can range from 125cc to more than 1,000cc
• Models 400cc up can be used in toll-based expressways
• Good for all skill levels
• Sample models: Honda Rebel, Kawasaki Vulcan, Yamaha V Star, Indian Scout Sixty, Yamaha SR400, Triumph Sweet Twin

Sport

Sport motorcycles are fast and powerful machines that are most at home on a racetrack. Riding one involves an aggressive forward-leaning driving position instead of upright, which is ideal for racing, but can be tiring for extended periods of time. If you’re a newbie, a sportbike is not recommended for you because these things require a lot more finesse to control. If you want a city commuter, a sportbike isn’t practical either because they are not designed for stop and go traffic, especially the kind of gridlock we see in Metro Manila, Cebu, and other major metropolitan areas.

• Best for track riding, fast riding, or weekend riding
• Taller seat height
• Manual
• Forward leaning riding position with low range handlebars
• Equipped with complete fairing with a shorter windscreen to maximize aerodynamics
• Engine sizes range from 150cc to more than 1000cc
• Ideal for intermediate/advanced riders due to speed of bike
• Sample models: Honda CBR 150, Kawasaki Ninja, Suzuki GSXR series, Yamaha YZF R series

Adventure Bikes / Dual Sports

Adventure bikes are street-legal motorcycles that can handle both city streets and rough roads. Their size and speed are good for daily commuting, but they’re sturdy and versatile enough to tackle and these rough terrain. They’re also known as dual-sports motorcycles because of their double capabilities. A lot of the models available in the Philippines feel hefty and are designed for taller people, making it harder to drive if you’re vertically-challenged.

• Can be used both in city streets and rough roads
• Lightweight, durable and agile off-road
• Ideal for adventure use especially in provinces passing rough/mountain roads
• Really tall seat height
• Upright neutral riding position with mid-range handlebars
• Usually contains small front fairing
• Engine size can range from 125 to more than 1000cc
• Sample: Honda CRF, Kawasaki Versys X-300, Royal Enfield Himalayan, BMW GS series 

READ MORE: Best Adventure Motorcycles for Beginners under 500 cc

Dirt bikes

With their knobby tires, high ground clearance, and tall, narrow seats, dirt bikes are ideal for off-road riding and charging through dirt paths and river crossings. The seat height usually looks tall and intimidating, but the suspension is great, so the bike will sag once you’re on it.

• Lightweight, durable and agile off-road
• Ideal for provinces and areas with rough / mountain roads
• Taller seat height
• Upright neutral riding position with mid-range handlebars
• Usually contains small front fairing
• Engine size can range from 125 to 800cc
• Good for all skill levels (as long as you can sit comfortably with your feet on the ground)
• Sample models: Yamaha XTZ 125, Honda CRF 150L, Kawasaki KLX

Brand

The mainstream motorcycle market in the Philippines is dominated by four Japanese brands: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. Taiwanese brand Kymco is also becoming more popular, while Indian brands like Royal Enfield have made their presence felt in the past few years. Each brand usually offers motorcycle models in each of the major types, and even within those categories, they have multiple offerings that cover the different engine displacements, sizes, designs, and color variants.

European brands like Vespa, KTM, BMW, American brand Harley-Davidson, British Triumph, and Italian Ducati, MV Augusta and TM Racing are also present in the Philippines but are usually patronized by motorsports and big bike enthusiasts. Because of their higher price tag, expensive maintenance, and accessories, these brands usually cater to the upper-end segment of the motorcycling market.

The older and most established brands are usually reliable in the long-run when it comes to finding spare parts and getting aftersales service. Picking a reliable brand can save you a lot of headaches in your first few years of riding. You also get the benefit of a larger community of riders when you encounter problems.

While there are niche groups and riding communities that bond because of similar brands and models, in general, I’ve found the motorcycling community to be very friendly and welcoming regardless of what you ride.

Displacement

This is the “cc” we’ve been referring to all this time. Generally speaking, the bigger the displacement, the more powerful the engine.

Because of Philippine road rules, anything below 400cc is considered a small-displacement motorcycle and is not allowed on toll-based expressways. Only “big bikes” (400cc and up) are highway-legal.

For first-timers who just need a practical motorbike to get from Point A to B in the city and for errands, small-displacement bikes are perfectly fine and are much more fuel-efficient. However, this can be very limiting to those who want to or need to travel on expressways. Unfortunately, smaller bikes can only pass through service roads in some areas, which is generally a major hassle (but cheaper since you don’t have to pay toll fees). Riding a bigger motorcycle also tends to command higher respect on the road because of hefty size and price tag.

Price

Just like cars, you can buy motorcycles brand new or second-hand. While brand new units are more expensive, you’re assured that parts are new and the unit is usually covered by a warranty for the first year or so. Secondhand units can be really cheap, but investing in one may only leave you with more headaches and costs in the long run because of the frequent repairs, replacement of parts and maintenance.

Brand new motorcycles can vary a lot in terms of the price range. One of the cheapest I’ve come across in the Philippines is the TVS XL100, a multi-utility automatic 100 cc from Indian brand TVS that costs only P30,000. For small business owners, this bike can be customized with racks to carry various loads and deliveries. It looks like an e-bike and can run at a max speed of 80 kph.

Meanwhile, some big bikes can cost more than a million. The CBR 1000RR superbike has a starting price of P1.35 million.

You can expect to spend anywhere between Php 50,000 to Php 150,000 for a decent brand-new motorcycle. Lots of motorcycles shops offer financing schemes where you can pay by installments.

Some shops like Motortrade offer financing plans where you can take home the unit for a small downpayment and just pay the rest in staggered installments for a couple of years. For example, a Honda Wave Alpha 110 which has an SRP of P44,900 can be taken home for a downpayment of P2,900 and monthly payments of P2,348 for 36 months or 3 years (or P106.72 per working day). If you compare this to transportation expenses using Grab or Angkas and the daily stress of public commuting, this cost doesn’t seem so bad.

Style

Visually, motorcycles can look either classic or modern, or fall somewhere in between. Riders often consider motorcycles to be an extension of their personality, and often, one style of bike will speak more to you visually. You need to rely on your gut feel when choosing the look of your motorcycle. Is it something you will be comfortable and be happy riding for years to come or will it just end up gathering dust in the garage because it’s just too impractical for your needs?

Classic / Vintage

Personally, I am partial to motorcycles that look vintage, retro and old-school. Classic motorcycles refer to the simplicity of construction. Motorcycles are usually designed with simple lines, a single headlight, double supports on the rear wheel, usually modeled after post-World War II motorcycles. For example, Vespa, the most well-known scooter brand, has retained its iconic look through the years.

Modern / Futuristic

Others prefer edgier and more technologically-advanced bikes with lots of features. Modern motorcycles have fuel injection, anti-lock brakes, traction control. Their dashboards look and feel edgy and futuristic.

Custom

Then there are custom bikes, motorcycles with stylistic and/or structural changes to the ‘standard’ mass-produced vehicles offered by major manufacturers. Custom motorcycles are extremely unique and often built in limited quantities or as one-of-a-kind pieces. In the past few years, there’s been a boom in the custom bike culture in the Philippines. While this can be a great avenue for self-expression and creativity, I wouldn’t recommend getting a custom bike for first-timers if you all you need is just a practical means of transport. This is a whole different story, which you can read about here.

Safety

Aside from the motorcycle itself, first-timers riders will also need to invest in the proper safety and protective riding gear. 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. Plus, there’s also special protective riding equipment like riding jackets, gloves, and other essential tools you will need for travel, etc.

Please check out my other articles on the topics:

• Gear Guide: Choosing a Motorcycle Helmet
• Travel Tips for Motorcycle Road Trips
• How to Ride Safely amid the Covid-19 Pandemic

Steps in choosing a motorcycle

1. List down your main purpose and intent for buying a motorcycle
2. Determine what type of motorcycle best fits your needs
3. Look at the specific models available in the market offered by different brands
4. Determine how much you’re willing to spend
5. Narrow down your choices to what fits your personal style and budget

I know this is all a lot of information to take in, but in the end, choosing a motorcycle to buy really boils down to your needs, personal preference, style, and budget.

Lastly, I just want to say that learning how to drive a motorcycle has changed my life for the better. Not only has it been a practical tool for mobility, but it’s also been a way for me to travel and explore the country.

If you have additional questions, leave them in the comments section or message me on my Facebook page: Travel Up and I’ll try to help out as best as I can