Motorcycle Philippines

MotoItalia Philippines, the newest member of the Autohub Group, has just been appointed as the authorized distributor of Piaggio brands namely Piaggio, Vespa and Gilera, in the Philippines . Piaggio, the number one 2-wheel company in Europe , has finally made its way to Eastern shores.

Piaggio scooters offer freedom and joy in motion. Italian technology boasts of reliability, safety, and design, crafted elegantly so that your daily travel becomes a beautiful adventure, rather than routinely.

Vespa, on the other hand, has become a lifestyle brand that has redefined mobility. Its elegance has become a classic fashion statement, a personal expression passionately followed by a scooter cult. Vespa scooters in the Philippines will definitely hit a fresh score!

Gilera is a multi-gear sports scooter that’s best for racing and off-road maneuvering. This brand is known for breath-taking World and Grand Prix victories as Gilera engines brag avant-garde power, perfect for limitless velocity. Your need-for-speed will surely be quenched with even just a round of Gilera fun ride.

Piaggio scooters in the Philippines , through MotoItalia, will open new doors to style, safety, and a world waiting to be discovered. Flagship showroom is located at Ortigas Avenue , Greenhills.

MotoItalia aims to actively promote scooter riding in the Philippines as a stylish, environment-friendly and fun way to move around the city.

MANILA, Philippines – To curb robberies and killings perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects in Metro Manila, the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) wants motorcycles to sport larger registration plates with bigger letters and numbers.

The NCRPO said a large number of robberies – such as those targeting bank clients and workers ferrying payroll money – remain unsolved because either witnesses failed to clearly see the license plate of the motorcycle involved or the vehicle has no license plate at all.

“Looking at the present situation, we have found out that the current size of registration plates of motorcycles, which are barely readable from a distance, is grossly disadvantageous to our efforts in spotting and identifying stolen motorcycles and in addressing crime incidents involving male factors riding in tandem,” NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said in a letter to Land Transportation Office (LTO) chairman Arturo Lomibao dated May 19.

Rosales wants Lomibao, a former police chief, to play a key role in their effort to minimize crimes perpetrated by suspects riding in tandem on a motorcycle. He also thanked the LTO chief for his support, which “has helped us a lot in developing recommendations that will complement our holistic approach in addressing the notable increase in incidents of (car theft and carjacking) in Metro Manila, especially of motorcycles.”

Aside from enlarging the registration plates of motorcycles displayed at both ends of the vehicle, the NCRPO also wants stickers bearing the letters and numbers in the license attached to both sides of the motorcycle as well as the helmets of the motorcycle driver and passenger.

In his letter to Lomibao, Rosales enclosed the photos and suggested designs of the registration plates and stickers.

“We believe that if we adopt these measures, the PNP (Philippine National Police) could greatly enhance the efficiency of its intelligence operations against crime groups as well as the effectiveness of checkpoints, visibility patrols in crime prevention operations,” Rosales said.

According to Rosales, motorcycles not bearing with larger registration plates and the required stickers would be a ground for the NCRPO to flag down the vehicle for inspection.

Rosales admitted that the NCRPO’s suggestions mean additional work for the LTO, but appealed to his former superior for understanding, saying the scheme would benefit the public.

From Yahoo News.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. has signed on to be Suzuki’s brand and safety ambassador, through a partnership that will promote the dynamic motorcycle lifestyle and advocate safe motorcycle riding.

According to Suzuki Philippines President Satoshi Uchida, “As a young, dynamic legislator, Senator Bong is a hero to millions of Filipino youth. He is the perfect role model to lead Suzuki’s vision of an exciting way of life. Through his support, we can enhance riding safety among motorcycle riders.”

Revilla, an avid motorcycle enthusiast, will be riding the new 2009 Suzuki Intruder M1800R, a racing superbike powered by a four-stroke, twin-cam 1800cc engine. Revilla will also be promoting Suzuki’s S.A.F.E. advocacy through a nationwide publicity campaign. S.A.F.E. is an acronym for Safe, Active, Fashionable, and Easy to use — qualities that all Suzuki motorcycles embody. Senator Revilla will be the company’s endorser for the big bikes that Suzuki Philippines will be bringing in the country.

At the forefront of the S.A.F.E. campaign is Suzuki’s mobile riding safety workshops which brings safety training down to the grassroots level. Suzuki’s riding instructors are deployed to communities where they conduct actual riding demonstrations to make motorcycle riders aware of safety guidelines.

With its commitment to bring mobility to Filipino consumers, Suzuki Philippines is the only integrated motoring company carrying both automobile and motorcycle products under one roof. It hopes to contribute to the country’s progress and industrialization by introducing more dynamic products and programs for the Filipino motoring public harnessing the power of Suzuki’s Way of Life.

Its manufacturing philosophy is grounded on providing value-packed, high-quality products offering both reliability and originality. Suzuki R&D efforts cover a wide range of the latest advances in energy, environment, electronics, communication, information and control applications — all devoted to creating products what will meet the challenges of the next generation.

PHOTO CAPTION: Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. (second from right) signs up as Suzuki’s brand and safety ambassador. Others in photo are Suzuki executives (L-R): Benedict “Lakay” Arreola, senior marketing manager for motorcycles; Satoshi Uchida, president; and Catalina Calderon, general manager for finance and administration.

Suzuki Philippines is proud to be the Manufacturer Sponsor for the September 7 InsideRACING Track Day at the Carmona Race Track, an event designed to give the ordinary riders a chance to ride on a race track.

Open to all motorcycles and scooters (4-stroke under 250cc and 2-stroke under 150cc), a rider will be given multiple track time with marshals support and medical crew with ambulance
on stand-by.

P100 ONLY for Suzuki Riders
Riders/owners of Suzuki motorcycles who will join the IR-Suzuki Track Day will get a 66% discount on the registration fee. For only P100 per rider, they will be able to experience the safety of riding on a racetrack. This is a good opportunity for Suzuki owners and Suzuki Club members to experience the Carmona Race Track. Registration starts at 7:00 am and riders’ briefing will be at 8:15 am. Only 25 riders per group will be admitted.

New Shogun R and Shogun PRO
The recently launched new Suzuki Shogun PRO 125 and Shogun R 125 will be on exhibit as well as available for test ride. The new models are equipped with higher performing engines with increased power featuring a redesigned combustion chamber, engine balancer, bigger valves and throttle position
switch. Be one of the first to experience this new sporty motorcycle.

Watch and Meet Suzuki Factory Racers
Participants will be able to watch in action and meet in person all of Suzuki’s star racers, namely Jolet Jao, Johnlery Enriquez, Dashi Watanabe, Iraq Bauzon and Paul Mark Doblada. See them push their Suzuki race bikes to the limit and learn a few tricks on how to ride fast.

Listening to the radio this morning gave me a chance to catch LTO Chief Alberto Suansing being interviewed on a local radio station. In the interview he stressed the need for the LTO to implement stricter guidelines for motorcycle riders as well as their backrides. The amended guidelines include”

1. Carrying of Restriction Code 1 (RC 1) on the riders’ license.
2. Keeping the headlights on at all times of the day.
3. Wearing of protective devices including helmets, protective clothing and footwear.

These are the clear cut items on the amended regulations. Though they added something that might become a flash point in the community.

For his part Donato said the LTO-MVIS is also discouraging the motorcycle owner to modify their motorcycle or scooter. from Journal Online

While this carries a bit of sense, since engine modifications and some body modifications may void a new motorcycle’s warranty and decrease the reliability of the engine, if it does transform into a binding law then the descriptions of what is considered “modified” has to be crystal clear.

Still I must commend the LTO for this action albeit a bit late. Riders need every help they can get while on the road. The recent series of accidents on the road only help to drive home the point that we are vulnerable on the streets. Drive with these guidelines and a little bit of common sense, remember the most important safety gear on a motorcycle is still your head….use it.

Additional items from the LTO Guidelines:

Drivers and back riders who fail to wear prescribed helmet will be fined P1,500 plus attending seminar for traffic safety to be conducted by LTO.

• For carrying more passenger other than the back rider or cargo, a penalty of P1,000.
• For defective accessories such as headlight, tail light, signal light, brake light, side mirror and horn a fine of P1,000 for the violators.
• For modifying any part of the original design of a motorcycle or scooter without approval of LTO and the DTI a fine of P2,000.
• Wearing flip flop, sandals, or slippers fine of P500 for the first offense, P700 for the 2nd offense and P1,000 for the 3rd offense and revocation of driver’s license.