Are you worried that there are now too many motorcycles on the road? Well, don’t be. In a country where a mobilization revolution is underway, buying a motorcycle has become an affordable and practical option for millions of people who need to get to work.
The Philippines is now the fifth largest motorcycle market in the world, with manufacturers seeing its growing economy and rising middle class as major drivers of this trend.
Picking Your First Motorcycle Is Easier Than You Think
1. Obtain the Necessary Permits and Licenses
If you are planning to buy a motorcycle in the Philippines as a first-timer, several processes and requirements need to be fulfilled beforehand. The most important of which is obtaining the right permits and licenses before you can successfully purchase your vehicle.
You will need an LTO (Land Transportation Office) Student Permit to legally get your motorcycle on the road. After a month of gaining experience, you can then apply for a non-professional Driver’s License with either restriction code 1 or 2. You’ll need to provide your birth certificate, NBI or Police Clearance, pass an exam, and ace the driving test to be granted one.
2. Find the Perfect Motorcycle for Your Lifestyle
It’s all about your purpose, hobby, and budget when it comes to picking a motorbike. Before making your decision, think about a few questions: do you want to use it daily, or only for occasional weekend trips? Do you want a small-volume backbone or a more versatile commuter with more volume? Or is it for your business?
Then there’s the question of cost. If you’re on a tighter budget, you will have fewer choices available – the least expensive you can get today is around 30k Php while sports bikes can go up to 2.5 million Php!
If you manage to get approval from any motorcycle loan Philippines services, quite often people opt for the 36-month amortization plan. And of course, the bigger the down payment, the smaller each month’s payment will be.
3. Budgeting for Motorcycle Necessities and Requirements
When budgeting for your motorcycle, you’ll need to consider more than just the cost of the bike itself. You’ll need to consider insurance, registration fees, accessories, and other necessary items. Here are a few things to keep in mind when budgeting:
Registration: The Land Transportation Office requires that all motorcycles in the Philippines be registered before they can be legally driven on public roads.
Insurance: Having insurance is a must when riding in the Philippines. Basic third-party liability coverage will protect you from any damages or injury caused by your bike to other people and their property.
Accessories: When it comes to riding safely, there are a few essential accessories. A helmet is a must-have item and should meet certain standards set by Philippine law. Other items such as protective gloves, jackets, and boots can help keep you safe, as well as eye protection like goggles or glasses.
4. Determine the Ideal Motorcycle Type for Your Needs
For an enjoyable and long-term relationship with your bike, comfort is paramount. Smaller bikes are generally easier to control, while larger ones give you a smoother ride for longer trips. Sitting on a bike that allows your feet to be firmly on the ground will set you off with confidence.
The range of available motorcycles in the Philippines differs in brands, models, types, and features you can choose from. Here are some types to consider:
- Scooters – Also known as “kick bikes,” scooters are small two-wheel vehicles powered by a motor and used for short-distance trips.
- Cruisers – Typically fitted with large V-twin engines, these bikes have long seat heights, which makes them ideal for riders who want comfort and stability when riding longer distances.
- Sports Bikes – It has an aerodynamic shape and is light in weight so riders can move quickly around curves without any difficulty.
- Sport Touring Bikes – It has powerful engine similar to sports bikes but has some soft touches like leg fairings for increased comfort during long journeys or extended rides at higher speeds.
Choosing a bike should depend on your preferred riding style and what kind of riding activity you plan to do most often— daily commuting or weekend joyrides—so take some time to consider your exact needs before buying your first motorcycle.
5. Choosing the Ideal Motorcycle for You
Do your research online and contact the seller before leaving home to answer questions about your ideal ride.
A few of the most important things to consider include:
- Price: You should determine your budget and look for a motorcycle within that range.
- Engine Capacity: The engine capacity of a motorcycle will determine its power and performance capabilities.
- Comfort: Another important factor to consider is comfort; the bike should be comfortable enough for you so you can ride it long distances without feeling too uncomfortable.
- Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is also an important factor to consider when choosing a bike because it can significantly affect running costs in the long run.
The key is to find a bike that best fits your needs in terms of price, features, and capabilities. Be sure to do your research and compare different models before making a final decision.
6. Prioritize Your Safety: Invest in Quality Motorcycle Gear
It’s not enough to just hop on your motorbike and ride off into the sunset. With traffic-laden city roads and fast open stretches in the countryside, you’ll need the right gear for your safety and protection while on the road.
So what does it take to be properly equipped for your motorcycle journey? Here’s a basic list of essential safety gear that you should have when riding your motorcycle:
- Helmet: Invest in a quality helmet that meets or exceeds Philippine Standard (PS), and has a legitimate Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark. This is mandatory for both riders and passengers. A full-face helmet with a shield is best for maximum protection.
- Jackets and Pants: Look for heavy-duty fabrics like leather or ballistic nylon fabric jackets and pants as these offer better protection than thin textiles.
- Gloves: Get good-fitting gloves made from impact-resistant fabric, such as leather or reinforced synthetics to provide added protection for your hands and also prevent slipping on the handlebar grips on wet roads.
- Protective Eyewear: Wear shatterproof eye protection while riding—glasses, goggles, or face shields—to protect your eyes from dust, flying particles, and wind blast, which can be dangerous if not appropriately protected.
Sean Martin D. Plantado, head of the customer service at Digido.ph, notes that safety should always be a top priority when it comes to riding motorcycles so make sure to invest in quality gear so you can enjoy a safe ride every time!
7. Completing the Deed of Sale Process
Buying a motorcycle in the Philippines means that, after you’ve found the perfect bike for your needs and budget, you still need to complete the deed of the sale process. This part of the process requires the seller to provide a Notarized Deed of Sale, along with all other relevant documents such as registration documents (OR and CR) that are complete and updated.
Once these documents have been procured and submitted to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), you’ll be issued a Certificate of Registration. Once that’s done, you can go on your merry way and start enjoying your new bike!
Picking Your First Motorcycle Is Easier Than You Think: Final Words
Purchasing a motorcycle in the Philippines can seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and resources, it can be done without much fuss. Knowing the basics of the process, such as applying for a loan, budgeting, and understanding the paperwork, is essential to ensuring your motorcycle purchase is safe.
Thanks to this comprehensive guide and the available resources, you can now go ahead and purchase your first motorcycle with confidence. Don’t forget to seek the assistance of an experienced sales representative who can help you make informed decisions to get your dream bike. Best of luck!
