Boxing Day: Wednesday, 26 December, 2012

A cool start to the day.

07:03am with mileage of 026,963 kilometers.

Decided to ride to Tagaytay / Silang, and perhaps stop for coffee en route. The traffic was reasonable but with the inevitable tricycles, jeepneys, etc., progress was only moderate. Stopped for Peso 300 worth of 95 Octane at a Petron station and continued climbing towards Lake Taal. The weather ahead was not looking good - it was getting decidedly cooler and the rain clouds were thickening. After another 5 minutes or so I decided a quick U turn was in order!I returned to the farm using the same route - this is never as satisfying as a circular route. However it was a good run for the R1150R and was I thankful for the heated grips (never thought I would be needing these in the Philippines)!

Felt significantly cooler towards Lake Taal

U turn and return by same route

Naïc, Cavite: Friday, 22 December, 2012

I set-off about 4:30pm and decided to ride to Naic, Cavite to visit the farm owned and being developed by a good friend. The ride was quite slow travelling towards Trece Martinez but once Governor's Drive was reached the road was wide and relatively traffic free. I spent a few minutes roaming the farm and then returned home. Dusk had fallen and I rode in the dark for the last few minutes. This was, I believe, the first time for me to ride the R1150R in the dark. To be frank, I was not overly impressed with the lights. This I am sure is due the age of the motorcycle as my Kawasaki has significantly stronger lights. 

Nevertheless, a hugely enjoyable ride in wonderful weather. Here's looking forward to the next opportunity. 

Lovely evening ride

Mileage at friend's farm 026,942 kilometers.

This had been the first ride for the R1150R for quite sometime. In the intervening period the motorcycle has been covered, left on the Optimate charger, and started periodically. Upon inspection, all was well with the exception that the oil level window was cloudy and opaque. I'm not sure why and will take to the dealer for a checkup after the holiday season. I posted a comment about this on r1150r.net discussion forum. The response was helpful and confirmed that seeing water in your oil comes from condensation. Occasionally running on the center stand is really not doing the motorcycle any favors. When you run it you need to take it out for a good 30 minute ride (at least) to burn the condensation out of the oil. I will change the oil and filter, and get the contaminated oil out of the motor, at the earliest opportunity.

Alfonzo: Sunday, 28 October 2012

26,845 Kilometers at start of day.

A 6:50am start and my first ride on my R1150R for nearly three months.

The BMW started easily and was left to tick-over for a few minutes for the engine to warm-up. It had been left on the Optimate charger with the driver starting it every month. Oil level and tire pressures checked.

My ride took me through Trece Martirez, Indang, Amadeo to Tagaytay and Alfonzo.

Old bridge now in poor state of repair

New bridge

Beautiful Indang Region

The mileage in bike upon return was 026,915 kilometers

Tagaytay: Friday 3 August 2013

Motorcycle had magically been cleaned overnight and was looking ready for another adventure. Departed at 6:55am in lovely sunshine. Rode through Trece Martirez and Indang but I had forgotten about rush hour in the provinces. There was much traffic with many people, jeeps and tricycles blocking the small provincial roads. However the traffic soon cleared and it was pleasant until the rains started. I stopped at a petrol station for gasoline and to shelter. The motorcycle had consumed 6.48 liters of gasoline over approximately 93 kilometers (mileage was 26,759 at gasoline station). At this time it seemed appropriate to wear my Rev-It rain jacket and trousers as it was sure to rain again at sometime during the day.

Sheltering in Gasoline Station

8:55am and feeling hungry so stopped at Santis deli-cafe in Silang. Scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, orange juice, toast and coffee.

Tasty Breakfast

Breakfast was very tasty with the sausage made by Santis at their main office in Yakal Street (as advised by the charming waitress). Explored the deli after eating and bought a bottle of wine along with bread and rack of lamb for barbecue later in the day.

The return to the farm was pleasant with no mishaps. Arrived at 10:45am with mileage of 26,845 kilometers, and started planting.

Pepper and Papaya seed planting

After all the handwork of taking pictures of people working, I retired for my lamb dinner:

Beetroot and spring onion from Farm Garden

Makati: Thursday, 2 August 2012

The R1150R had been left on the Optimate charger and, prior to my arrival, the driver had disconnected the charger, cleaned the motorcycle, and run it for 10-15 minutes. It looked good and ready to go.

Stored with Optimate charger

I packed my Kriega bag with papers for the Bank, my various cards and IDs, and my Rev-It rain jacket. It had rained heavily overnight and whilst not raining this morning, I decided to wear the Rev-It rain trousers as I felt sure there would be some flooding en route.

Departed at 09:55am with mileage 26,656 kilometers. Travelled through Tanza, filled up with 95 octane at Petron CEPX at a cost of Peso 495. Reached HSBC Makati at 10:57am. Parked in a motorcycle park and paid 20 peso for 1 hr parking - left HSBC at 11:30am to look for SMX near Mall of Asia.

Not able to find SMX so decided to return home for lunch. The rain had held-off all the morning and the weather was quite pleasant. However, while riding along the coastal road extension I could see storm clouds over Cavite City heading across the sea directly towards me. There was absolutely no shelter. The wind increased significantly and temperature dropped considerably. I felt a soaking was imminent.

Rain storm moving quickly towards me

I could see a wall of torrential rain about 100m from the toll booth. There was no option other than to ride into it. I reached the booth, paid the toll, and waited under the cover of the booth until the rain stopped.

The rain soon stopped and the return to the farm was uneventful and pleasant. Returned at 1:20pm with mileage of 26,739 kilometers. Hope the rain will stay away tomorrow and I can ride some more.

Tagaytay: Monday, 7 May 2012

I was able to spend a long weekend on the farm and took the opportunity to ride to Tagaytay. This is such a lovely ride I feel it will be come a regular. I decided it was prudent to allow the tricycle to cross the bridge before I ventured on! The bridge is along the road from Indang to Amadeo and is to be replaced by a newly constructed concrete bridge in the near future.

Had a excellent lunch of chicken salad and tuna wrap at the Gourmet Cafe. Their local coffee is also well worth trying. After this, returned via Silang for an afternoon siesta (the previous night was a full moon and didn't sleep too well):

Tagaytay: Sunday, 15 April 2012

6:00am depart for Taal Valcano via Indang. I was surprised how good the roads were, concrete covered in asphalt. As a result the ride was smooth, comfortable and fun. It was, however, very cool and the temperature reduced as I climbed the 600+ meters towards the volcano rim - was glad to have the Rev-It jacket but next time may also need the inner lining.

 Motorcycle was carefully garaged (work in progress and after pictures of bespoke motorcycle garage) for my next return to the Philippines and, hopefully, new and exciting bike rides.

Mileage on return 26,570

BMW Autohaus Libis: Saturday, 14 April 2012

Bike ready and collected Saturday morning. Everything done and now rides so smooth. Took C5 and the South Luzon Expressway to Ayala Alabang where had delightful lunch with very long standing and good friends. Later ride home via the Daan Hari Road and General Trias was a pleasure. The R1150R rides like a new motorcycle and was an absolute delight. Mileage on return to farm 26,492 kilometers.

BMW Autohaus Libis: Thursday, 12 April 2012

While riding the "twisties" the previous day the warning light illuminated indicating a fault or service is due. Departed therefore at around 6:45am to Libis and the BMW Autohaus service center.

The journey along the Coastal Road and C5 was pleasant with traffic flowing quite freely. I arrived spot on opening time at 8:00am with mileage at 26,409 kilometres.

A check by the mechanic revealed the illuminated warning light is due to the Stop Light bulb not working. A simple fix but, since at the service center, I asked for a complete check and service. Worksheet includes:

- check warning light and general electronics
- change engine oil and filter
- change gearbox oil and final drive oil
- check horn which is not working and left side mirror is loose
- renew oil filler cap
- adjust valve gaps.

It will not be ready until Saturday so it's two days without my motorcycle - huff!

Wonderful Day: Wednesday, 11 April 2012

An absolutely wonderful day, filled with sunshine, new adventures, good friends, great food, and super biking.

Departed the farm at about 6:45am and rode to Sto Nino Chruch at Southwoods by way of the Governor's Drive, Trece Martirez, General Trias and GMA. I was met by my good friend who escorted me in his Toyota Fortuna to his beautiful home overlooking Laguna Lake.

We had an outstanding breakfast of langonisa, fried bangus, sardines, ham, cheese, rice and pandesal, followed by fresh fruits and coffee - quite an exceptional start to the day.

After breakfast and a good "chat" the other guest for breakfast, and my BMW biking friend, suggested we ride to Tagaytay and the Highlands Golf and Country Club. Phew, what a wonderful ride - great weather, good roads, little traffic and wonderful "twisty's" - it was a delight to follow my friend on his F800GS.

I could have quite happily just kept riding (and riding and riding!!) but we reached the beautiful Highlands where we relaxed, drank green mango shake, and eventually said 'good bye'. We made our separate ways home. I reached the farm mid afternoon after descending over 600 meters from the rim of the Taal Volcano to the farm.

Quite a special day!

Mileage upon return was  26,358 kilometres.

Rizal Avenue, Caloocan City: 10 April 2012

A pre-dawn and early start at 5:05am for the journey to change my Metzeler tires.  Mileage at departure was 26,086 kilometers.

I had previously printed a Google map route to Caloocan Sales, the Metzeler tire dealer at Rizal Avenue, Caloocan City. The route took me through Tanza, the new Coastal Road extension, Roxas Boulevard, and on to Rizal Avenue. Theoretically a simple route but I was unsure of the roads after Roxas Boulevard. Fortunately, and more by luck than judgment, I ended up on Rizal Avenue and was able to follow the LRT to Caloocan Sales.

I arrived at Caloocan Sales shortly after 6:30am and was hugely early given their 8:45am opening time. I spoke to a local worker who suggested I try "Tony's" in 8th Aenue for breakfast while waiting for opening. Tony's had likewise not yet opened, so breakfast of a tasty fried egg, garlic rice and 3 in 1 coffee for Php30 was taken next door at Chona's.

Mileage at Chona's 26,137 kilometers.

The tires were quickly replaced (Metzeler Z8 - Front Tire: 120 / 70-ZR 17, Rear Tire: 170 / 60-ZR 17) at a cost of Php 17,000 including a Php 600 fitting charge.

 The return to the farm was quick,  uneventful and enjoyable - especially the new coastal road extension which never ceases to delight.

Mileage at return to farm 26,183 kilometers.

Mall of Asia: 7 April 2012

Mileage on return to the Philippines was 26,002 kilometers. Bike had been well cared for, cleaned, started every week and left running for 10 minutes. The oil and tires had been checked, and the motorcycle stored in the new purpose built garage.

Couldn't wait to ride my R1150R so, as soon as possible, left for MotoWorld at the Mall of Asia to buy new riding gloves. The ride was super and the new Coastal Road Extension a delight. The picture shows the Coastal Road as it crosses the sea and is very beautiful as a result. 

Tagaytay: Sunday, 12 February 2012

First trip was an early start to Tagaytay and Taal Volcano. The weather was cool and I was traveling "into the mountains" so I soon regretted not bringing a warmer jacket from Thailand. Next time I will know better. The ride was gradually uphill through Trece Martires, General Trias and then the beautiful coffee region of Amadeo (nicknamed the Coffee Capital of the Philippines).

Even though I left early (6:00am) the roads were surprisingly busy for a Sunday morning. I had forgotten how, in the Philippines, it is necessary to dodge the jeeps, tricycles, pedestrians, dogs, chickens, etc., etc., especially in the more provincial areas where people are less fussy and concerned about traffic. However, the ride was super and I quickly reached Tagaytay City where I had planned to stop for coffee.

 

Unfortunately it was too early for most cafe to be open and, since I was enjoying the ride so much, I didn't really want to stop. I took the road back towards Silang and Manila and tried Santis and the Gourmet Cafe but, again, both were closed. So I looped back and returned home for breakfast. Upon reaching home and the farm gate the mileage was just over 26,000 km and the petrol warning light illuminated. Time for a top-up.

The motorcycle was cleaned, locked and covered. The driver has been left with the instructions received from my friend. Namely; air 32psi front 34psi rear. Oil 20W-50 - check glass sight after 10 minutes idle on center stand, turn off engine then wait 5 minutes for oil to settle. He also has imported German cleaning materials so I am looking forward to a sparkling motorcycle on my next return to the Philippines.

In addition, I also agree with my friend's suggestion that I have the tires replaced in next 30-60 days, metzeler tire supplier motorcycle dealer along JP Rizal Makati.

Bike Pick-up: Saturday, 11 February 2012

Finally! The motorcycle had been serviced, deed of sale prepared, money paid and now it was time to collect. The flight from Bangkok was a little late but, nevertheless, I managed to reach my friend's home in Pasig by early afternoon. The motorcycle had been washed and waxed (huge thanks to my friend and his driver), and it was waiting out front. After a few brief words, I was impatient to be on my way (mileage was about 25,850 km).
The ride home (Tanza, Cavite) was via C5, Nicols Airbase, NAIA terminal 3, and the Coastal Road. Traffic was heavy from Pasig until the Coastal Road but, once I joined the Coastal Road and its new extension, the journey was lovely. Unfortunately I was not able to take any pictures (too busy concentrating on riding my new motorcycle) but the route along the causeway and the Coastal Road extension was superb. The causeway is reclaimed land with sea along both sides. It was cool, slight breeze, bright and sunny, and with little traffic. Motorcycles above 400cc are allowed on the tollways in the Philippines (unlike Thailand) so it was a great treat to enjoy the  highway.
Home was reached comfortably in about an hour and a half of pleasant riding. My first impression of the BMW R1150R is that it is easy to ride, smooth, soft and comfortable with plenty of power when needed, albeit quite heavy in traffic. It can only get better!

 Arriving at it's new home and, hopefully, the start of some new and exciting adventures!

Pasig, Metro Manila: 29 January 2012

Motorcycle Purchase: Day 0

Arrived early at my friend's home and, after meeting the seller and having a delightful and much needed breakfast, viewed the R1150R.

The seller explained that he had bought it from the owner of AUTOHAUS (main Philippines BMW dealer) when it was about a year old with 1,200 kilometers on the clock. It now has approximately 25,800 kilometers which were said to have been acquired on long trips rather than short around town riding. The seller also confirmed he has had the bike regularly serviced at BMW (records available), and that it has never fallen over or been dropped.

Upon inspection, it showed it's age (2004) in that the plastic switches and alloy was dull and a little tarnished. There was slight rust on one weld on the frame and the tires, whilst not particularly worn, looked as though the rubber had hardened. The date stamped on the rear tire was 2005 but the seller could not remember when the tire was replaced. The paintwork was, as far a could be assessed, without blemish and overall the bike looked quite lovely. It has aged (now 8 years old) gracefully and, to me, it has "matured" beautifully. The test ride was fine other than the gear shift seemed noisy. No fluid leaks were evident and the clutch, ABS all seemed sound.

We quickly agreed a price, the bike was left at my friend's house pending a check-up at the BMW dealer, formal Land Transportation ownership transfer, and me transferring funds to the seller.

I can't wait to return to Manila to pick-up and ride my new motorcycle - I am so excited and have had a smile on my face every since!