2018 Honda XRM Ride Review
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In the many years that the XRM has been in the market, there have been several models that are all still loved by the ordinary Filipino like the XRM 110, XRM 125, XRM Motard, XRM DSX, and the current fuel-injected model, this bike, no matter how it is styled, is still distinctly Honda. It is a perfect combination of functionality, reliability, and also the good image of Honda.
Among the four brand icons, we can consider the XRM to be the workhorse. It’s being sold all over the country, especially in the provinces – where dual-sport bikes are preferred – meaning you can use it at the highways and even on rough roads.
The bike that we used is the Fi version and this takes the legend of the XRM to a whole new different level. We usually include complete technical specs in the write-up but for this one, we guess that’s not where we will focus on because this bike performs much more than what the spec sheet would tell us. It became popular since it is easy to operate – automatic clutch plus you can use it for whatever purpose and this bike will not complain, not even one bit.
Then it’s popularity crossed over to the major cities, because of the bike’s performance and distinct look – not so much for the maporma racing look, but for the pormang Pinoy. Plus you could customize it too, with accessories and aftermarket parts scattered all throughout, even in the smallest shops in remote towns. When you get to ride in the provinces, observe enough and you will see a lot of Honda XRM plying the streets.
Not just the students, but even the farmers, or those living in mountainous areas would all be having a different variant of XRM. This is very popular because whatever you do, the bike seems always to follow you. It is very simple to operate, well at least for most of the previous versions since it is automatic clutch. You can choose your gears without pressing the clutch – making it perfect for beginners and for seasoned riders. It is very reliable. People from the province would even use mountain tires, attesting to the reliability of the engine. So whether you use this for city driving or for riding in far-flung places, you know that this bike will not fail you.
The XRM is a Brand Icon because of its uniqueness that was embraced by the Filipinos. It is an on road and an off-road bike in one and when you see a similarly styled motorcycle, the first one that comes to mind will still be the XRM.
For the longest time this is one of Honda’s models that others are consistently trying to catch up to. It has this unique style that only the XRM has – that on and off-road style that is quite original here in the Philippines. Some have tried to replicate this style, to no avail.
Nothing can beat the handling of the XRM. After the Honda Cub, the Honda XRM followed on its footsteps, even after so many versions and variants, it still looks basically the same. We’ve had the XRM 110, XRM 125, XRM Motard, XRM DSX, or even the newer fuel-injected model, whether there are slight changes in its appearance, that look is still distinctly Honda XRM and still the legend lives on.
*This article was published in InsideRACING’s Volume 16 Number 6 issue 2018.