President Rodrigo Roa Duterte seems excited to ride motorcycles again. Despite figuring in a minor accident the last time he hopped on two wheels, recent photos from Senator Bong Go suggest the President is still keen on riding.
In a social media post from Senator Bong Go, the President is shown browsing and sitting on a variety of motorcycles.
“Gusto na talagang Mag Motor ni Tatay Digong! Sobrang nami-miss nya ang pag sakay! Muntik ng di maawat ng PSG! (The President wants to ride! He missed riding a motorcycles. The PSG almost couldn’t stop him.)” the Senator said in his post.
The last time the President rode a motorcycle within Palace grounds, he figured in a minor motorcycle accident when coming to a stop. It was a minor injury he was quickly able to recover from.
Since his accident though, the President has been pondering safer kinds of motorcycles — three-wheeled models — due to their better stability and lower likelihood of falling to one side. This is evidenced by the rows of motorcycles seen in the recent set of photos of the President shared by Senator Go. In the past, the President was very fond of cruiser style motorcycles like Harley-Davidsons.
In the photo, there are an array of three-wheeler motorcycles. Among them is a Can-Am Ryker, Can-Am Spyder RT, Yamaha Niken, and Suzuki Burgman.
Of the four, the President is seen sitting on the Suzuki Burgman as Sentor Go explains its onboard instrument panel functions.
The Suzuki Burgman is a maxi scooter available in 200cc and 400cc displacements. It is a long distance scooter, larger and longer than conventional ones with a more relaxed riding position and an automatic transmission.
The Can-Am Ryker is a sporty three-wheeled motorcycle. It features a low seating position closer to the ground. Thanks to the two wheels in front, there’s no need to balance. It’s fitted with an automatic transmission and Vehicle Stability System to ensure the rider always stays in control.
The Can-Am Spyder RT is a more long-distance-oriented version of the Ryker. It adds power steering, speakers, a longer floorboard and storage compartments to make long rides more enjoyable.
The Yamaha Niken is also a three-wheeled motorcycle that is designed to lean like a conventional two-wheeled motorcycle. It combines the thrill of ordinary motorcycles with the stability of a three-wheeled motorcycle. Twin shocks on each front wheel absorb the bumps and make it easy to lean. Its three-channel ABS system also ensures the right braking force is sent to each tire without locking it up.
All the motorcycles there are powered by engines with at least 400cc in displacement. These make them "big bikes" under local classification, and as such may be ridden on tollways typically restricted to vehicles and large motorcycles.