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.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
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!
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.
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 return to farm 26,183 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.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
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).
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.
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!
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!
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