Yamaha YBR 125G

Generally speaking, it’s always nice to have something big between the legs. So while my XRM serves me well, I keep having the compulsion to trade it in for a bigger bike.
Like most underbones, the Honda XRM is smaller than the standard motorcycle. It is a descendant of the Honda Super Cub, which was hailed by Discovery Channel as “the greatest motorbike of all time” because of its durability, efficiency, and total unit sales. With its unimposing size and design, the Honda Cub became the motorbike for non-bikers. The XRM, however, has a sporty design that is intended for both on-road and off-road use. It is truly an eye candy with its rugged but elegant design except when there’s a 5’11” 185 pound rider on top.
Contrary to what the magazines say, motorcycling is not about convenience or fuel efficiency but about vanity. No amount of expensive riding accessories can hide the fact that I am too big for my bike. Riding a tiny scoot looks cute while riding a little cub is plain awkward (I normally have to assume a kama sutra position to reach the shifter). Since no dealer in the country offers trade-ins for underbones, I only have two options: sell it at half-price or sell it on installments to get the full value. But when my brother expressed his “good intentions” for my XRM in replacement of his China-made “vibra bike” (maybe he’s getting tired of the tingling sensation with every twist of the throttle. I bet he can make a fortune if he tries to sell it in a convent), I couldn’t agree right away. I’ve always been a scooter guy for practical reasons but the XRM got me started into riding for pleasure. The bike also got me featured in a local motorbike magazine. I was bent on keeping it forever but Yamaha made things more complicated. I had to pull over when I first saw the YBR 125G in Antipolo. It has everything I wanted in a bike and it’s even in a motard set-up (I fancy myself as an adventurer). It is equipped with a tachometer to help novice riders like me to operate the manual-clutched, 5-speed 125cc engine. Because of its sporty styling, the muffler (and sparkplug) is slightly raised so you can ride confidently through flooded streets during rainy season. I simply must have it.
First, I have to secure the funding for the new bike. This time, I was the one to approach my brother. He’d be happy to buy the XRM on installments but he has to wait until the following month for the renewal of his contract as a part-time collector to be sure that he can afford the payments. Great! Patience is really not one of my virtues.
Second, get the approval of the commander in chief. I had to explain my plans to my wife very carefully. Otherwise, I will become a real traveler/adventurer because I’ll get kicked out of the house. I was already on shaky ground when i decided to keep the XRM after taking home a 150 cc scoot. When I took her to see the YBR personally she gave me a “what the hell are you waiting for?” (Or “in your dreams, pal”) look. She said yes as long as I sell the XRM first. So now, I have to wait and let destiny take its course. I just hope Yamaha wont take the YBR out of the market like what they did with the X-1.

Ride to Sierra Madre (Marilaque).....one for the road.

Just like having sex, you wouldn't be able to fully appreciate your first marilaque (Manila-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon) highway ride. It will be a feast for your senses and you will be awe-stricken while you process what you just experienced. And like having sex, it is not ideal to do it by yourself.
Since my first marilaque ride was unplanned, it was quick but uneasy (just like sex) because the exhaust system of my China scoot literally fell apart. The nuts (not related to sex) and bolts were shaken loose by the "not so perfect road" in Masinag area. I was so worried with my nuts (yep, sex) as well because the bike's suspension and seat cushion were not doing what they're suppose to (maybe i'll have a great career with the Bee Gees when i get back, if Mr. Pineda can do it....). I even missed the famous "Mang Vic Bulalohan" on my way up. On my ride downhill, i already lost two screws (not sex, quit it).
It only took a brochure from the Sierra Madre resort to convince my wife to ride with me on my second trip to marilaque. We both called in sick to our respective offices and then we suited up as soon as our boss at home took her nap. We used the XRM because i havent had a chance to have the scoot fixed. 10.4 N.M of torque would be enough to take us up to the hills. I deliberately took the Antipolo route (via Ortigas extention) so we can stop by the Yamaha store to let her have a look at the new Yamaha YBR 125G. Ive been infatuated with the bike ever since it came out and the only way i can have it without losing an arm is to sell my XRM first. I suddenly realized that the marilaque trip might be my last long ride on my beloved Ubone.
Our next stop was Mang Vic Bulaluhan. We thought that we were getting too adventurous in the risk of getting Hepa B but the smell of Bulalo was too hard to resist. After we shared a bowl cholesterol, my wife asked for the ladies room. I had to advise her against using the toilet because after i did, i felt like i need ten years of psychotherapy to get the images out of my head. We enjoyed the ride upill so much that we felt like young lovers again. I should have been worried for any bike problem because the place is almost uninhabited but the winged logo on my little ubone gave me confidence. The usual destination for a marilaque ride is the Sierra Madre resort. My wife attemted to inquire about their wedding reception packages for her sister but the Ogie Alcasid look-a-like attendant was not very accomodating. You can expect better service from a SOGO motel (based on what my friends told me, of course). Atleast, they let us roam around the place to take some pictures. The ride downhill was equally enjoyable, with the glimmering view of Laguna Bay on the left, and the Sierra Madre mountain range on the right. If you really think about it (or if you're as green minded as i am), the marilaque ride is really like having sex. The ups and downs, lots of twisting involved and it pays to have a video recorder. Dont forget to wear protection, i mean, protective gear.