Philippines Forum

GrayWulf
Joined 2023
Posts: 4

3 months ago

Motorcycle touring as an expat

3 months ago

Hi all,
I'm doing this post for advice from those who do motorcycle tour. Or at least travel between cities (3ookms or more)
I'm intending to visit this year, then if I like the Phil's come there to retire. That trip will be done using public/air conveyances with small bike hire to look round locally.
I'm looking into shipping one bike with me (if I retire) I know the import duty can be high, More than the 'blue book price' duty, it seems the secondary 'tax' (engine size) looks like it's up to what they feel like charging you. Reason is, the bike is quite new, I'll lose a lot on it selling here, and probably having to buy new again over there, IF I can get one. Bigger bikes seem limited on availability? It's an 800cc (C50T) Suzuki fully set up for touring. It's not 'fast' or over powerful 50bhp, or stupidly heavy, which 2 up with maybe a copilot in the future, will be comfortable at the speed limits there, or above if needed. So first question, is how do any of you get on with having a bigger bike there? I know there are some with HD or bigger Kwaka's. If I am keeping the C50T for touring duties/distances, are they practical?

Now the BIG question.
I am an avid rider, and would be wanting to explore/tour up to Baguio down Batangas to Mindanao. Iliolo, Visayas. Looking to use ferries between islands (this is talking about over the 'years').
How safe is travelling on a bike solo, or with a partner? Am I better advised to keep to riding with a group/club? Sometimes on the expat forums you get conflicting messages about expat safety in places, Yet I am talking about out on the road in the middle of, possibly.
Advice, thoughts, experiences would be highly appreciated.

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