Kawasaki Barako II

The Business models motorcycle segment is a lucrative but cutthroat segment in the Philippine motorcycle industry and all major players try to get a bigger market share. Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corporation (KMPC) has been enjoying a top spot in this segment because of their wide selection of business models in their line-up. Another factor which keeps them in a dominant position is that Kawasaki currently offers a business model with the biggest displacement in the segment, the Kawasaki Barako.

Variant and Price

Kawasaki recently updated this popular motorcycle and named it the Barako II, with a more powerful and economical engine to make the bike more dependable. It comes in two variants: the Kick-start Variant (Php 89,000) and the Electric Start Variant (Php 93,000).

Kawasaki Barako focuses more on its function instead of only making it seemed modern and stylish. That said, minor tweaks were done to overhaul the appearance and provide it with an improved sporty look. At the front, a rectangular headlight is placed on the handlebar inside a plastic mask and small turn indicators are placed just below it. Round rear view mirrors sit on the handlebar and the clutch and brake levers are painted in silver color. The fuel tank features the Barako II logo and right behind the fuel tank is the long dual seat. Covering the exhaust pipe is a silver color sportier muffler, while the rear features a tail lamp, conventional turn indicators and a metal grab rail with a small carrier. Offered in four colors- black, grey, blue and red, the Barako II looks good enough considering the fact that it is more of a utility vehicle.

Kawasaki has updated the engine of the Barako II which is now Euro III compliant, produces more power and is more fuel-efficient. It draws power from a 177 cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC engine that churns a max power of 12.74 hp at 7,500 rpm, which is 15 per cent more than its predecessor and a peak torque of 13.1 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Power is passed on to the wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox. Kickstarting is much easier on the Barako II now, owing to the Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release System (KARC). 

Built on a backbone frame, the Barako II comes fitted with a long dual straight seat which provides a comfortable riding experience. The extremely responsive engine along with nimble handling allows the Barako II to ride through traffic conditions, as well as smoothly scale uphill roads. Suspension setup comprises of telescopic front forks and unit swing at the rear to handle the bumps on the road. The seat is flat and provides ample support for a comfortable ride. Being essentially a utility vehicle, the suspension of the Barako II is on the firm side. The two pairs of shock absorbers in the rear could entail a bone-shaking ride for a solo rider but it enables the Barako II to carry heavy loads. 

As per Kawasaki’s claims, the new engine is 13 per cent more fuel-efficient and can return up to 57 kmpl of fuel economy. It also has a large fuel-tank of 12-liters. In combination with improved fuel-economy means a long run without the need of frequent refilling.

Braking duties are performed by drum brakes at both ends which are attached to 17-inch spoke wheels. Being equipped with a powerful engine, the Barako II is pretty swift, therefore inclusion of a disc brake at least at the front would have been a good idea. Moreover, even as instances of bike theft rise in the Philippines, Kawasaki has not yet decided to equip the Barako II with any additional safety features.

The Barako II is meant for heavy hauling, there is no doubt about that. Yet, its versatility doesn’t the Barako II’s potential uses. It’s lightweight, uncomplicated, easy to handle, and pleasurable to ride. Its conventional styling also allows owners to customize the Barako II to suit their personal preference. Whether you plan to use this as a business motorcycle or for day-to-day riding purposes, you will always be in a win-win situation in choosing the Barako II.

Being Euro III Compliant, the Barako II is quite an environment-friendly option too. For this reason, the Barako II is the preferred motorcycle for tricycle use in private communities like residential subdivisions. Tricycle drivers who ply mountainous roads also rely on the Barako II’s bigger engine to take on steep climbs while hauling cargo or passengers.