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!