New motorbike reviews

[PeteC]

Photos at both links. Pete

Middleweight fun
Honda's new CBR500R proves to be a great all-rounder

http://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/autopre ... weight-fun


Cruising control (Honda Integra)
Test-riding a big automatic scooter for a 1,300km trip sounds boring, right? Well, no, actually

http://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/autopre ... ng-control

[J.J.B.]

It's amazing to see a DCT on what's effectively a big scooter. I'd be keen to give the Integra a go as an alternative to a six-speed manual, especially for any city commuting. I think my sports bike and even sports tourer days are over now in any case, it's just too much hassle for too little reward.

[buksida]

Great to finally see more mid-range bikes that don't cost the earth in Thailand.

No mention of the CB500X which is what I have my eye on, I think that's due to be launched in the middle of the year though.

[Homer]

It was fun reading the comments on reviews of the Integra and Honda's other bike made from the same parts, the NC700X. Platform instead of foot pegs? Scooter! Storage for a helmet under the seat? Scooter! Some specifically stated that a scooter isn't a real motorcycle. Because everyone knows the highly stylized replica-racers and V-Twin cruisers are the only real motorcycles. Unless you're my age and remember when UJM (universal Japanese motorcycle) described a 500cc+ bike of the type that's almost disappeared, one with a upright riding posture. Sure, the reclined posture of a cruiser is more comfortable for long distance but hampers one attempting to flick the bike through the twisties while the sport rider's posture is perfect for high speed illegal use and little else. Honda had the stones to build an all-round bike. Should sell well in countries where bikes over 250cc are primarily transportation, not primarily fashion.

[buksida]

The 2013 Honda MSX125 - The New Monkey Bike

msx125.jpg (37.77 KiB) Viewed 1069 times

The Honda MSX125's design is quite simple and minimalistic and there isn't anything that looks out of proportion. The main elements that stand out in the overall design are the fat tires and the beefy front forks. The 12-inch wheels with wide rubber on them appear quite intimidating. However, the overall design is quite desirable.

The Honda MSX125 is currently available at the Honda dealers nationwide for around 66,000 THB and later on in other parts of the world.

http://www.motorcycle.in.th/article.php ... onkey-Bike

Had a look at one of these yesterday, smart little machine and one I'd much prefer to ride than a characterless Fino or Click.

[richard]

Photos at both links. Pete




Cruising control (Honda Integra)
Test-riding a big automatic scooter for a 1,300km trip sounds boring, right? Well, no, actually

http://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/autopre ... ng-control

Saw a portly HH traffic cop parked (badly) on one of these at the u-turn just south of Condo Chain with full police add-ons. Big grin on his face as he blocked the usual motorbike outside lane as if to say 'look how much tea money I've made this month'. Well being a creep, I smiled and gave a thumbs up whilst looking his bike over as my driver carefully tried to negotiate a way round him. MIB smiled back and gave me a gentle bow Certainly looked a nice motor and would of course be ideal for the larger than normal fat cop

[Takiap]

Buksi, the MSX125 looks virtually the same as the Kawasaki version. Then again, when Honda saw how popular the Fino became, they soon followed with Scoopy.

I must agree though, Fino, Click and etc are totally boring, and in fact crap as well. I gave our Fino a second chance a week or so ago, but I'm back to my trusty old samlor.


I see there's a new Honda Zoom (or something like that) out as well, but again, it's one of those silly automatic things. Well, I say silly simply because I prefer having some gears to play with.

[usual suspect]

Just seen the pic of the Honda 'Monkey bike'..just look at that ugly mess at the rear-end..we just know every owner is gonna hack it off & bolt the No plate inside the mudguard same as the Kawasakis..555!
What I AM seeing around town is retro-style 400/500 singles..with red plates on..?
Are these bikes being built new? (possibly with old Yam 400/500 lumps in them?) They're very tidy looking,
& DO seem to be made up of new components..??

[STEVE G]

What I AM seeing around town is retro-style 400/500 singles..with red plates on..?
Are these bikes being built new? (possibly with old Yam 400/500 lumps in them?) They're very tidy looking,
& DO seem to be made up of new components..??

I've seen a couple of motorbike shops up in Issan selling re-built second hand Yamaha SR400's which I was told were imported from Japan. The only problem was the cost of getting them registered legally on the road was apparently over 50,000 bt which made the whole deal a bit pricey for a second hand bike.

[buksida]

Aprilia 250cc Sportsbike inspired by the RSV4
Aprilia, the Italian motorcycle manufacturers, are all set to enter the Asian motorcycle market by the end of 2013 or early 2014 and it seems that the company is already working on an all-new 250cc motorcycle to compete with the likes of the Honda CBR250R and the Kawasaki Ninja 250.

No details about this new 250cc Aprilia motorcycle are available at the moment, but we can tell you that this motorcycle draws its inspiration from the company's flagship sportsbike, the RSV4. It will sport similar styling, but will be equipped with a 250cc engine.

Aprilia are currently keen to expand in markets like Southeast-Asia and Asia and a motorcycle with a 250cc engine seems to be the right product to start with. Piaggio Group, who owns the Aprilia brand has several factories in Vietnam, and Vietnam is member of ASEAN so export to other ASEAN countries should be no problem.

The trend of 250cc motorcycles is growing rapidly and today almost every manufacturer is offering a 250cc motorcycle. If Aprilia want to make an impression in these markets, then a 250cc motorcycle. Will certainly help the company to do so.

http://www.motorcycle.in.th/article.php ... pired-RSV4


Rode alongside a new CB500X today in Hua Hin - it is a very smart looking machine ...

[fach3003]

Certainly more choice since i moved here....the biggest bike was a CBR150 then

Its getting better....

Wish there was a cheap way to get my old bikes here from the UK....but there isnt

Aprilia 250 mmmm

Regards to All