⌛ XR 230 Honda soon ??

Has anyone heard about the introduction to the Philippines of a Honda XR 230. My Honda mechanic here in San Carlos saw one in Manila. 6 gears and rear disc break, otherwise much the same as the 200 except for capacity increase.

Dave.

 

Crf 230

Thanks everyone for the underwhelming response.

In answer to my own question it seems the CRF 230 Honda will be released in Feb 2009. Remember you read it here 1st. Looks like the XR 200, but as mentioned earlier, better.

 

Hi David,

sorry but I can't believe this information. Nobody posts here because nobody knows anything about that.

I also have heard from my Honda Service Manager in Manila, that the Honda will manufacture a XR 230 with front and rear disc brakes independently from you posting it here. I then personally contacted the Sales and Marketing Department at Honda factory in Batangas and talked to several people. There was never a Honda XR 230 and they will also not produce one here in the country.

The bikes you see here in the country come either from the US (CRF 230L) or from Japan (XR 230). Honda Japan produces the XR 230 for almost 4 years now. Honda US sells the CRF 230L since 2008. But both bikes actually gets manufactured in Japan. There is, for example a Honda XR 230 in Brasil, which gets manufactured in Brasil, that one is based on the XR 200, it also has only drum brake in the back. Its only a better XR 200.

The CRF230L or the XR230 are exact the same bike both from Japan.

I am looking for one since weeks and I would prefer if they could manufacture them here in the country, but it doesn't look like this. On the other hand if the bike gets manufactured in Japan, then the quality is much better, thats then an advantage.

I got two different prices from two importers:

CRF230L from US, incl. complete tax paid, registration etc., asking price was 390k. After discussions and bargaining I offered 350k.

The bike costs in US around 4.600 US$ which is around 235k, plus transport, tax, reg. earnings etc. can come to 350k.

Then I found another importer who gets the XR 230 from Japan, asking price incl. customs paid, complete papers but no registration, 240k. The question is how is that possible as the new price in Japan is also around 235k, how the hell does that guy gets the bikes to the Philippines, incl. transportation, papers and then still earns something??? I am not sure, maybe he gets a huge discount, or the bikes are somehow stolen, I have no idea. Unfortunately the guy does not reply anymore and I do not know if that will work out. The only thing I know he already sold 2 XR230.

I am still hesitating, what to do.

If you are interested in importing, we could have a discount when doing it together. But I will do it with somebody or alone. I really want to have that bike.

 

Thanks for your reply. I have also contacted the Honda Company here in the Philippines, and despite a bit of confusion, in the emails it appears there is no plans to sell a XR 230 / CRF 230.
A Honda rep I met here several weeks ago, from Cebu said it was going to happen, and the Honda shop seemed very confident.

It if you went the import route you pay a lot of money per cc, not sure its worth it.

Have gone and ordered a XR200

 

yes thats true, but I guess it is worth it, if I can get it for 240k. I actually have a 2008 XR 200, but I usually sell it after a year and buy a new one. It's my third bike already.

The reason I am this time not so positive to buy a XR 200 is the following:

1. The new bike is not anymore 111.5k but 119.5k (what are you going to pay?)
2. The redish and white color is awful. All plastic gets dirty easily. Especially on the back with the muffler close by.
3. The frame is now silver not any more the darker anthrazite silver
4. All XR are rosting quickly, after only 6 month it starts already
5. Quality of the welding is not so good

I am still not sure what to do, the only thing I know I really want the Honda 230 if XR or CRF.

 

Yamaha

get a Big bike from Yamaha in Cebu. As for me I like the little bikes 110 , 120 but I really like the Suzuki raiders alot of fun to ride.

 

where in Cebu can I get a big bike from Yamaha, I was asking Norkis in Manila already they do not have big bikes at the moment and the Yamaha Serow is not available as well.

As for Yamaha, I would take the new 2009 Yamaha XT250, is that available, and where?

 

Big Bikes

Well I have seen so many Expats riding around Cebu with full size Motorcyles and they all seemed to be Yamaha's that they where riding. if you see one ask him. I had a Suzuki Raider loved it in traffic nothing better to ride on in between cars on sidewalks fastest way around town. With the way people drive just pull out from anywhere hard to stop on a dime with a big bike.

 

From my limited time here it appears that 95% of the big bikes are used imports although there are a few people riding new ones that are either imported personally or in very limited numbers. I met a fellow in Dmge that had imported 3 Kawasaki KLR 650's. A good option of a bike.

As for importing a 230 Honda, its a lot of money for additional 23 cc's. Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda all make excellent 250's, Honda a model that is used in other Asian countries call a Baja 250. Suzuki DR 250 has excellent bullet proof reputation.

Interestingly saw 4 Honda Goldwings about 1 month ago, riding from Bacalod to San Carlos. Must have cost a fortune if they payed 100% duty. Two looked new models.

As for the XR 200, its cheap, its here and there is nothing widely avaliable that is bigger.

 

Hey guys,

I'm a Ducati rider here in California. Are they readily available in the Philippines? How about Moto Guzzi?

Importing one of my bikes seems prohibitively expensive, even though they are already paid for.