Vehicles & Servicing Best Posts in Thread: RACAL 3 WHEELER

Marc, Rusi also has a three wheeler that looks more robust than the Racal version. I was looking at both and would purchase the Rusi over the Racal---175cc engine and a much more robust chassis. Personal preference, I guess!

 

A little off topic, but I always thought the setup below was a better idea than the typical tricycle used in the Philippines because it has a mount that can be removed so the motorcycle can be used without the passenger carrier. In addition, it carries 4 people much more comfortably. I saw this in Siem Reap. Don't know what they cost, but I always wondered if there was a market for this in places like Dumaguete. Might be a good business opportunity if the importation tax doesn't double the price.

 

For P100,000 you can buy a used multicab in good condition, a much better unit all around.

 

Interesting comments. I guess at the end of the day "you only get what you pay for". It'd be unrealistic to expect a cheap vehicle of any type to perform in a way we would expect a unit 5 times more expensive. I thank everyone for the discussion and input, I seem to have it all clear now. I will be much better served by getting a brand new motorcycle for around 60k and attach a sidecar to it. Not only this will be a cheaper option but I am sure I'l l be able to sell it if I decide to upgrade in the future.

 

Multicabs, being converted and assembled in the Philippines by Filipinos, are only as good as the person/company assembling them. Some are good, some are bad. If one is not smart enough to tell the difference, or have someone that is smart enough to tell the difference help them, then they should probably avoid all types of vehicles in the Philippines entirely.

 

I have heard that Lifan products can be good if not quite Honda or Yamaha quality. I saw a video where a guy was griping about a motorcycle he bought new for $800 shipped, simple agricultural model and he was trying to use it for super motocross. He complained that the fork seals blew, but they were never designed for how he was using it. He cracked it up and broke the kick start. He even complained about breaking the handlebars? Last I heard, the handlebars are not a "wear" item. But then he walked over to the abused motorcycle with the rewelded kick start and it started on the first kick and purred. How long a thing lasts often depends on who owns it and how they treat it.

 

If those are the ones with a drive shaft, I hear them go down the road as if they have no lubricant in the rear axle assembly. Very noisy, meaning metal is against metal type noise somewhere in the system. Filipinos do not seem to notice this warning noise. There is a sales center south of Robinson Mall that may have more information. Good luck...see how many stay on the road, they are relatively new here.