Meet the latest machines from Triumph, BMW and the legendary BSA.
A Triumph motorcycle for under PhP300,000, the return of a legend, and new middleweight options from BMW Motorrad. More choices now for those looking for a new addition to their stables or those just getting started on their two-wheeled journey. Let’s take a look at the latest offerings from the British and German marques, as well as a new/old player in the industry.
A legend returns
Who remembers the BSA Goldstar, one of the fastest bikes in the 1950s before production stopped a decade later? It’s been about half a century since Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) built a motorcycle. But now, the well-loved, most iconic motorcycle brand in history is back. And the Philippines is the first country to carry the BSA brand outside Europe!
Brought in by Jimmy Barinaga and his band of Hardcore Brothers, the iconic marque was brought to life by India’s Mahindra Motors when it acquired the rights to the BSA Motorcycle brand in 2016, through its subsidiary Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd.
“BSA’s journey in the Philippines reflects our commitment to embracing vibrant motorcycle cultures worldwide,” said Ashish Joshi, CEO, Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd. “Together with Hardcore Brothers Custom, we aim to elevate the BSA experience for enthusiasts across the Philippines.”
The new BSA Goldstar is a true modern retro. Its single-cylinder, 652-cc engine cranks up 45 bhp @ 6,500 rpm and 40.5 lb-ft at 4,000rpm (on paper). From the sleek engine casing and exhaust system to the suspension and front forks, the bike’s overall aesthetics are a nod to the original DBD34. Modern (and much-welcomed!) trimmings include a radiator, Brembo front and rear disc brakes and ABS. It’s also Euro-5 compliant–even though it definitely doesn’t sound like it.
Hardcore Brothers Custom Motorcycles, Inc. is initially offering the Gold Star in five captivating colors: Highland Green (PhP512,000), Dawn Silver, Midnight Black and Insignia Red (PhP536,000 each) and the Legacy Edition in Silver Sheen, with an introductory price of PhP549,000.
Bang for your buck
Yes, you can own a Triumph motorcycle without breaking the bank. The new Speed400 and Scrambler 400X are available in all Triumph dealers nationwide, ready to take you to errands, the expressway or even across rough terrain. A bit of a fair warning though, they’re not quite friendly for those with shorter inseams–the Speed 400’s saddle height measures 31.1 inches, while the Scrambler 400X measures 32.87. (But, as Triumph Motorcycles Philippines General Manager Sammy Montecastro mentioned during the launch of these beauties, it’s best to make it a habit to ride a motorcycle shifting from one leg to the other.)
A collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles and Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto, both bikes feature single-cylinder, 398cc engines, a 15.45-liter fuel tank and classic retro styling (yes, these bikes are DGR-compliant!) Info from Triumph show that they also deliver 39.5hp at 8,000 rpm and 27.7 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.
Following the footsteps of its Speed 900 and 1200 older brothers, the Speed 400 borrows from the classic roadster aesthetic, with a 17-inch wheelbase for both front and rear. Made for light off-roading, the Scrambler, on the other hand, has 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, taller handlebars, and comes stock with headlight and radiator guards, handlebar protectors and a padded handlebar brace. Both feature ABS and traction control, but the Scrambler has an additional off-road mode and the ability to disable ABS.
The most exciting thing about these bikes are their pocket-friendly prices. The Speed 400 is only PhP299,000, and comes in Carnival Red/Phantom Black, Caspian Blue/Storm Grey, and Phantom Black/Storm Grey, while the Scrambler 400 X is only PhP339,000, and comes in Matt Khaki Green/Fusion White, Carnival Red/Phantom Black, and Phantom Black/Silver Ice. Head over to your nearest Triumph Motorcycles Philippines dealer to check ’em out.
BMW’s latest trailblazers
This new year brings three new bikes under BMW Motorrad’s adventure-touring middleweight line, perfect for those ready to level up their riding skills and start their journey in the adventure and off-road world. The 2024 F 900 GS, F900 GS Adventure and F 800 GS all feature an 895cc parallel-twin, inline engine, with the F 900 GS and F 900 GS Adventure churning 105hp and 91Nm of torque, while the F800 GS makes 87 hp and 91 Nm of torque. All three boast more output, faster acceleration and engine torque control than their predecessor (originally introduced in 2018).
An adjustable gearshift lever, and Rain and Road riding modes are standard, as are Anti-lock Pro Braking (for better cornering) and Dynamic Traction Control. Pro riding modes (Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro) are optional for all three, allowing you to further customize throttle response and ABS control characteristics, among other features. This year’s F 900 GS has a lighter plastic fuel tank (shaving 10 pounds of its former weight) and rear section, while the F 900 GS and GS Adventure boast new, fully adjustable forks.
To add icing to the cake, the new F Series GS models have large, 6.5-inch, full color LED TFT displays, with Bluetooth connectivity and is linked to the multi-controller on the left-hand handlebar panel.
Initial colorways include Racing Blue Metallic for the F 800 GS (PhP995,000), GS Trophy (white, blue and red) for the F 900 GS (PhP1,135,000) and a White and Aluminum Matte combo for the F 900 GS Adventure (PhP1,295,00).
